Under the Stars

or even two minutes. She prepared herself for the jump, did a bit of collection and then she let the
donkey fly. And Asthor did.


Justin was pretty amazed over just one jump. A jumping donkey! And not just one jumping the fence to
chase the neighbor’s dog back down the road! He looked damn impressed! As she came back around to
him, he smiled, watching her go around him, “Wow, that was...tag?” Tag? Tag! Nobody told him they
were going to be playing tag! He would have been more prepared to get running!

And just as soon as he got Trixie spun back around, he saw the little keyhole jump she shot through. He
pulled Trixie back out of a gallop, down to a trot, weighing his options. He could jump through that...but
that would require his horse leaving the ground… “Sorry, babe, but uh...hell no,” he consoled with Trixie.
Bucking bulls and broncs was totally different, in his mind. He was pretty sure if he jumped a horse, he’d
bust a nut. He didn’t know how other fellers kept their pieces in tact. He’d have to ask Sydney…

Not being stupid enough to try the keyhole, he took the side door around the jump, ducking between
the trees and then letting Trixie move out to catch up with her longeared friend. She was quick on her
feet on the straight stretch as most stock horses were good for. Short, heavy, fast sprints.

He made good time to nearly catch up but then the creek crossing with the feature of Jaws rearing its
head out of the water. Well, that caught both Justin and Trixie off caught. Again, he had to slow her
down. Mostly so he could assess what they should do. She seemed a little on edge but a part of her was
still going forward because she dare not break stride unless she was told to. Another lasting impression
a certain blond cowboy had instilled in her brain. But it was a hurried pass through the water! She did
not hang around that thing for long, using the very farthest edge away from it. She gave a little whinny
to Asthor who was starting to get some distance between them. She was letting him know that there
was a monster in the water just in case he hadn’t noticed.
Another jump. Another nope. But he did catch the sight of her going over it. Damn. When donkeys fly…
Much to Trixie’s relief, Justin steered her away from that jump. No way in hell was he going over that!
He did get a chuckle out of how badly this game was in his favor. Sometimes, laughter was the only thing
he had to offer. He was having fun, navigating the course. More like, avoiding the course. Doing
everything he could to stay away from those jumps. He gave Trixie a pat on the neck, letting her run
hard where she could to try and keep up and maybe even catch up to Georgie and Asthor.

“I guess I’m the one out of my element now, huh?” he called ahead to her. “I thought we had a truce!?”
No way could a stock horse keep up on a jumping course when they kept having to weave around jumps
and find alternate paths around obstacles. He lost this game before it even started. But it was fun to see
her having a good time.

Georgie felt Asthor slow, just ever so slightly as she heard the neigh behind them. Depending on what
was ‘said’ she guessed the donkey reacted differently, but since he had been ‘put in charge’ of the
young mare she guessed that he reacted to her calls differently. And so, she let him slow down. When
Justin called out to her she had already come to a halt and turned the donkey around so they were
facing the cowboy and his mount as they came up on a very faint incline.

Her cheeks felt warm but thankfully, not for the normal reasons, but for the excitement of the
combination of chase and what she had done. It was a bit problematic to jump with a westernsaddle but
she had at least proved it worked - on these lower level jumps anyway. She patted the donkey and
praised him, to which the donkey nodded his head like he was well aware of what good donkey he was.
She smiled at him. “Oh come on, Justin...I'm sure you can do it just fine...there is a tiny, tiny one just a
little ways from here... If I dare to try to ride a mechanical bull you will dare to jump an obstacle...Asthor
will take care of you, I promise. It will just be a little skip and a hop.”

She gave him a hopeful look and a big smile “Pretty please, Justin...for me? Then you can tell ‘yer boys’
that you jumped with an ass in Kentucky...” she hid her giggle behind her hand then she became a little
more serious “...I can, I can do something for you in return...” Silently to herself she just hoped it would
be something she could do, just like a genie there were things she couldn't do “The only thing you need
to do is to keep his galop and show the way straight in the middle and follow with his movements.. Like
this..” she made the donkey move his hindquarters so the man could see the donkey from the side and
how she stood up in the saddle, leaning slightly forward. “Keep standing like this til he has landed on the
other side of the jump. You need to shorten the reins though til you have a soft but firm contact with his
mouth. But you just need to hold on really...he knows what to do... He is very surefooted.” She tilted her
head and looked at him expectantly. The jump was hardly over the height of Asthor’s knee perhaps a
little taller. A very good beginners jump.



Justin's smile tightened up, looking pretty skeptic. He had expected as much to be asked of him.
Happened a lot as a western-only boy. Egging him on to try some fancy English stuff. He had been
chided at before in the past and not just by ladies; men too that thought they could fan his flames. He
wasn't like Sydney with a boss to tell him what to do. He could remain true to his roots. And proud of it.

He looked over at the "little" jump and back at her, looking no more convinced. "Now see here, you
crawled on that bull to get the full western experience, chica. The difference here bein' I ain't lookin' to
change into no tight pants and helmets. No way, no how. Cuz' I know how this all goes down, mhm," He
let Trixie's reins hang, folding his arms across his chest, still smiling. "I'm gonna make a fool outta myself,
jump yer ass over that lil thing and then some time down the road yer gonna tell me I can do more. And
b'fore I know it, you'll be tryin' to dress me in tight pants and those suit jackets," he chuckled, shaking
his head. "There ain't no way yer gettin' me to do no jumpin'." He shuffled his butt around in Trixie's
saddle, settling deeper in the seat.

"Ms. Stubborn meet Mr. Stubborn," he gave her a wink, pointing a thumb at himself. Justin McBride
didn't do stick jumping. Not even for a cute girl.


Her smile faded. Did he really think that she would...force him? Just waiting for the chance to dress him
up like he would have been a doll? She sat down in the saddle again. Only thing she had wanted to do
was to show a part of her life that made her truly happy, a moment in time when she felt what she
guessed was what he felt most of the time as he did his cowboy thing, up on the bulls back, or chasing
after some calf to throw a rope around its neck or leg. When she didn't have to act like a person she
wasn't. When she was just one thing. A rider. And not just any rider - a showjumper. A moment of
control. This wasn't quite it, but if he wouldn't even do a little jump out here...that was hardly to be
considered a jump...then he wouldn't even look at a ‘real’ one. She looked down at her hands and didn't
see what the man did. Slowly she shook her head.

“I would never force anyone to do anything they wouldn't want to do or wear, Justin... I would not do
that...I'm not that kind of person...I'm not like...” Her eyes were slightly shaded with something that
might have been sorrow when she looked at him, even if it was just for a few seconds. “...My life is filled
with all kind of obligations and so many silly rules I have to follow...just because...and it goes down to
the small silly details, like clothes, you think I enjoy wearing dresses and shoes like the ones I had on
when we met today? I don't. And I can't...just walk away from it either...but you wouldn't...” She
couldn't help herself that it all came out. A deep breath. It wasn't his fault. “I'm sorry... I didn't want to
make you feel uncomfortable, Justin... I just wanted to offer a glimpse of what makes me as excited as
what for example bullriding makes you. That’s all... I just wanted to share that feeling...with my friend. I
would never try and change you as a person, because then you wouldn't be you anymore...you wouldn't
be the man who became my first friend...you wouldn't be el caballero travieso...the famous texan
bandit...” A faint smile and then she turned Asthor in the direction of home, but going slow so he didn't
feel left behind. She wasn't mad or upset about his rejection to simply try. There would be many of
those in life. She wasn't sure what she felt if she had to be honest with herself. Perhaps she kept a small
slither of hope that he would at least humor her, because they were friends. Perhaps they were not that
type of friends. As she was trained, she brushed off any traces of feelings about the matter on the
outside. For an outsider it would look as it was water on a duck's back, her face looking like she had
moved on from the subject but the thoughts about it remained in her head. Circling around like crows
above a newly ploughed field.

It seemed that cowboys - the ones she had met so far at least - was stuck within their own borders like
an electric fence and didn't dare to stick their noses into other things to see what it was about. Of
course she didn't know that for sure, but her observations so far said as much anyway. She might not be
super interested in the western side of things in the same way she was in showjumping - but she still
saw the point in looking into it to see if she could pick the raisins out of that cake - to use for her own
sport. With a little bit of tweaking. She wasn't beyond trying even if it meant failure. Failure meant that
you had all the chance to learn from your mistakes and try again...and again. One day she would be able
to do what she loved all the time. Just like Justin did. One day.

Justin's demeanor stayed much the same as she moped off. Putting on a sad show wasn't going to
change his mind either. Well, not on this matter. When it did matter, maybe so. He patted Trixie's neck,
relieved he was free from the challenge. If it had been one of his buddies, he'd never hear the end of it.
They'd call him every name in the book. What they didn't know wasn't ammo in their guns.

He jogged Trixie back up to Georgie's side, letting her walk alongside. He was quiet for a moment,
deciding whether he should stick his foot in her business or not. Sounded like she was some trapped
damsel in some old-fashioned dungeon. He just didn't get it, she was right in that aspect. Well, one thing
he could do was crack open the ol' Justin speech book. The boys definitely mocked him to death when
he got on one of his heart-to-hearts but he wasn't the kind of guy that let things sit if they didn't feel
right. And he needed to set this right before he went and hurt her feelings again. "Hey, you ain't got
nothin' to apologize to me for," he said gently. "You got what you like to do and I got what I like to do.
We're two different people from completely different backgrounds. We ain't gotta like the same things
to like being 'round each other. Sittin' on a bull ain't never gonna make you feel the same things when I
do. Jus' like if I did any of that jumpin', I ain't never gonna understand it the way you do. That's what
makes us so...special," His soft grin lit up a little, his eyes warm and inviting as he leaned over his horn to
look at her.

"We all have our stories. We all have our own pages to fill with our own pens. Hell, sometimes we screw
up and try to scratch out what we wrote or try to erase it, but it all leaves a mark. I've done plenty I wish
I could tear out of my book and throw in a fire. But that wouldn't do nothin' but take away from my
story. You like books. Wouldn't you be upset if you were readin' along and pages were missin'? And I bet
some of 'em you sure wished you could change the endin'. But...it ain't yer book, it ain't yer story."

He reached over and brushed her damp hair over her shoulder, rubbing his hand on her cheek softly,
"But yer life is yours to write. Yer the only one that can fill your pages and, goddamn, yer the one that
decides what you write." He chuckled a little, maybe a little color in his cheeks, but he felt right to say it,
"And that's probably one book I wouldn't mind readin'."



A soft sigh, perhaps just a smidge surprise of how insightful he was. She had to resist the want to lean
against his touch. “...I know,” she said finally “...I...I just never had anyone to share anything with
before...” She nibbled her lip. One could think someone like her would have everything. “And I
guess...well, no need to go over that again...you don't have to worry about me asking you in the
future...but if you would want to try because you want to - or need to get pointers to win a bet...I'm
here for you...” Georgie took a deep breath. She was new to having a friend. She shouldn't be so
surprised that it wasn't like in the movies.

“You know...you almost sound like Aristoteles...” she began before she caught the look on his face,
oh...right... “He was a greek philosopher...in the 5th and 4th centuries BC - as in VERY long ago...usually
when someone says something that sounds smart you can bring him up... He has influenced a lot of
different areas - that are still a thing today...Psychology and ethics are two of them...”

There was a moment of silence. Really just the sound of the nature around them...the sound of the
leather of the saddles. Trusting the donkey not to do any shenanigans she allowed her to close her eyes
and just let the sun's rays warm her face. The wind gently caressing her cheeks. If she had been riding
bareback she would have leaned back all together. A smile came to her lips as she thought of what he
had said again. “Like you would actually read my book, Justin...” She opened one eye and gave him a
glance, and the smile on her lips grew bigger.


He got a good grin over the offer for pointers in case of a bet. It was probably more likely than she knew.
And he dreaded the day when he'd have no choice but to cave to peer pressure. Followed closely behind
Will, he was probably the next worse in line when it came to giving in to the chides of his buddies. But
on this topic, that meant they'd all have to do it as well and besides Sydney, none of them had the balls
to do it.

He smiled over at her, that playful kind of smile. "Sure, I'd read yer book. I'm readin' it right now as we
speak." He cleared his throat and put on a narrator's voice, pretending that he didn't have a southern
drawl on his voice, "Georgie set out in order to better the cowboy. A task only a good woman like
herself could do. If anyone could fix him, it was her and her alone. Well, and her ass. But what she
wasn't prepared for was, that's right-" He crossed Trixie's reins over her neck and let them hang. He
leaned over to her saddle, a hand on her horn and the back of her saddle, an arm in front and behind
her. He gave her the cheesiest smile on purpose, milking it, "His dashin' good looks." He flexed his
shoulders and pecs to tease her, wiggling his eyebrows just to emphasize how goofy he was trying to be.

"Furthermore, she'd also have to learn to adapt to the monkey lifestyle if she wanted to be one with the
monkeys. Starting with..." Into his arms, she went again. He pulled her up and over his saddle. "She'd
have to learn to hang like a monkey!" He flipped her back, a tight grip on her thighs, letting her upper
body hang off the side of his saddle like she was a trick rider or a toddler hanging from his arm. He
giggled, checking the reins as Trixie sidestepped in protest to people suddenly hanging off her side.
What in the world?? He quickly pulled Georgie back up, not wanting to get anyone hurt over a little fun.
He got her set back over on Asthor again while Trixie was still trying to figure out whether she should be
worried or not about what was going on back there.
Justin was just as bright as he could be. "I can't wait to get to the part where you start swingin' from
vines," he winked.


She shook her head at his narrative of herself. A stifled giggle. Only because she trusted him did she let
him pull her over to his saddle. He would not do anything that would hurt her. She knew that. His firm

grip on her legs made her feel like she was one of those daring circus artists. It made her relax. Even if it
was just in a walk she couldn't help but to - in her head at least - humor herself and pretend. After all it
had been her dream as a kid. However it only lasted a few moments before he hoisted her back up and
over to Asthor’s saddle again.

Georgie corrected her hair as she got herself correctly seated, the thick mess was always a bit of a hassle
but William thought it was more proper for her to have long hair. So far she had obliged. Under the
surface however, after each time she came back she felt herself wondering why she didn't...do
something. She was an adult soon and he was just her brother, even if he was now in charge of
Pemberley. Their father had only told her to behave herself and not get into trouble. She glanced at the
handsome man beside her. She hadn't gotten into trouble - yet.

“You know...when I was little I actually didn't dream of being a ‘stick jumper’...I wanted to...join the
circus...I loved anything circus themed, I had all my plush toys as the animals and my dolls was the
audience, some days I was the ringmaster, others the prima ballerina...or the acrobat...the best day was
when my nanny, Mary, took me to a real circus that came by these parts...but, she wasn't supposed to
take me out on outings without asking...” her face became serious for a moment. “I still have the tiny
plush lion she got for me at the show...but she was fired for taking me there, I found that out later, or it
was at least one of the excuses I think... That was also the last day I saw her...the next morning when I
woke up there was someone new to watch me...Rachel...or if it was Ruth, I can't really remember their
names, there was a lot of them...they never really stayed for long. And then eventually I was sent to that
school, Longbourne, when I got old enough.” She took a deep breath, letting her fingers run along the
reins. “And I, of course, wasn't allowed to join any circus as you might have realised. That wouldn't be
proper, you see...” Her voice changed as she said the last, as to mimic someone in her household but
Justin wouldn't know who of course “...but that didn't stop my interest completely, I still collect circus
things, just old things like tickets from the 50-ies, commercial pamphlets, posters and signs...the older,
the better...then I can sit and watch those, imagining all the acts... Your tattoo look just like one of them
by the way, well - the font...does..” a blush appeared as on que “I mean...would be a very odd circus
if...if it would be things like...um...that...” She felt a little hot, even if she just for a moment had drifted in
that direction.

Perhaps it was better if she talked about something else, yes, good idea. She folded a string of hair
behind her ear. “Sooo... When it comes to show jumping, well...it's almost the same thrill as...I don't
know...walking on the high wire I guess... I did some gymnastics in school but... I never dared to
compete...the same with the theatre, i got such bad stage fright...but when I'm on that horse...” she
added a smile as she looked down at her mount “...or donkey...it's different...then I'm not alone when
people look at me...” She petted Asthors neck before she leaned down and kissed it before sitting up
again. “Out there...I'm with a friend...and we do something together...we fly...”

A deep exhale. Aside from her psychiatrist she had never talked with anyone...about whatever popped
up in her head, but while on the couch she always had to analyze everything, how it made her feel.
Some things...was just there, and she didn't feel anything. At times she wondered if that made her

weird. “You are already good, Justin...there is nothing with you that needs to be ‘fixed’.” To herself she
added as she gave him a warm, tender look; Maybe you just need someone to look out for you Justin, to
watch your back... Not that he needed protection, she reminded herself. A subtle glance at his upper
body. No. That he could probably manage on his own... She remembered the mish mash of stuff in the
back of his car. Some whole, some broken, some just junk. The dents in his car that each had a meaning.
She would not do too much, not so it hurt his pride, just...enough to help him with the basics. The stuff
on the ground. To help with the everyday stuff. To make it more comfortable for him wherever he went.
She could only hope he would accept the trailer.


"The circus, huh?" Justin looked charmed, listening to her dreams and how she used to play. Gone were
those days, to be young and free of burdens like bills and debts. He was honestly kind of surprised and in
a refreshing sense. She wasn't one of those girls that wanted to be a princess when they grew up. And
that's why he kind of preferred the horse women over the city girls. Equestrians understood what hard
work was. No horse was going to be more behaved because a "princess" was on their back. Honest
creatures that didn't care what your background was. Made honest riders real quick too.
He glanced away from her for a moment, looking over the nature in front of him. They were starting to
get closer to being back on the main grounds. He wasn't really smiling, just a neutral expression, "Aaahh,
we all got somethin' on our plates we wanna fix or change 'bout ourselves. It's what makes us human.
For instance," he looked back to her, regaining his grin, "I ain't never been to a circus b'fore. Ain't that a
treason of life? Never been! Couldn't ever afford it growin' up and I guess I just never thought to go!
What's it like? They really stick their heads in lions' mouths? I heard there was dogs that danced and
stuff? That really true?" There was a childish interest in Justin's tone and mannerisms. Going to the
circus just wasn't a part of his childhood. But she talked about it like everyone else did: like it really was
one of the most magical things to go to. Granted, if he went to a circus like the print on his abs, Georgie
was right, that would be a wholly different experience. That would be a lot closer to an orgy. He had
been to one of those and there wasn't a lot of magic to be had there. Just a bunch of dudes beating their
meat around a few girls. He'd much rather see someone ride elephants round while he stuffed his face
full of popcorn.



“I was just like four or five when I went, Justin... I've seen circus shows on tv though but it's not the
same. I do remember the excitement when they brought out the horses...or the acrobats... No lions.
They don't show animals like that anymore. Don't even think they have elephants anymore. But I have
photos of old circus acts with the lion in my room...I could show them to you if you like, I could show you
the print I think your text is from...I mean...the original...poster...in...my room...” She glanced at him, felt
her heart beat hard in her chest. Her hands began to fiddle nervously with the reins, enough to make
the donkey turn his head ever so slightly to glance back at her. ‘What are you doing?’ he seemed to say.

“M...Maybe...maybe one day we...could...go together...I mean...go to a real circus together...” His oh so
blue eyes drew her in and she felt herself lost in them. Falling, in a swirling vortex, a maelstrom and she

couldn't do much about it. He was a friend. Even if he had never been to a circus, why would he go with
you? He had better friends than her, closer friends...that Will for example...if it wasn't Sydney. You are
just a little silly girl. Other thoughts popped into her head, acting like pessimistic barrier, so it wouldn't
matter what he said...the rejection wouldn't feel as bad. Besides, he was a busy man, he had to earn his
keep. “I...totally understand if you can't...I just..figured that...” She took a deep breath. “Never mind...it
was a dumb idea...”

She pushed Asthor forward with her legs til he rolled over in a canter. She heard Trixie snort and Georgie
knew she wasn't far behind. She glanced to the side and caught his eye. Did he think she was running
from him? She wasn't used to voice the ideas she got in her head, and if she did try and speak up most
of the time she was silly, there was only a few times William hadn't argued against her. Not often he had
praised her, Charles did it more often. But many times she had been told to leave the room to let them,
the men, sort things out. “I'm not...” she began then realising he could hardly know what she was
thinking “I'm not running away...just...just so you know...I just...” What was she doing? Why did he make
her feel so..weird when he looked at her the way he did? “I forgot my watch...I might be...needed...”
Lame excuse if anything. She knew that. The feeling had come so suddenly, hitting her so abruptly and
she didn't know how to react.

How could he possibly say no to being invited into her room? It was then he remembered just what kind
of home she lived in. Probably the most fancy house he'd ever step foot in! Could be fun! If she had a
nanny, he did have to wonder if she had one of those butlers like in the Batman movies. The thought
was amusing, nonetheless.

Even more exciting was the possibility of going to a circus together. Like a real date! One that actually
sounded interesting to him and not some chick-flick movie he had to try not falling asleep through. He
had been excited to respond positively when there she went again, running off before he had any
chance to say. He closed his mouth, sighing a little, his shoulders slouching. Was it something about him
that just put her off? He knew she was just nervous and shy but he had tried really hard to be open and
relaxed, hoping she would be the same. Seemed she didn't quite trust him. Which...he couldn't really
blame her. It wasn't like he had proved himself to be of anything super special, just a friendly guy.

"Welp...we may as well keep up before she disappears on me again," he muttered to Trixie with a little
grin. He loped her after the pair of them, just hanging back a ways. "Well, one of these days when yer
not so Ms. Busybody, you let me know when you wanna go to that circus. Sounds like fun!" There.
Extend the offer himself and maybe she'd realize she was perfectly fine to make the suggestion in the
first place.

Back on the grounds, Justin pulled his t-shirt back over his head, not ashamed to be topless in public but
the fact that Georgie had to sneak around in her "civilian clothes" gave him the impression she'd be
mortified if someone caught her around some topless man on her horse. He was trying to be on his best
behavior since this was her stomping grounds. Expensive stomping grounds, he noted, seeing the suped
up red sports car coming onto the grounds.

“You ...really would like to go? With me? Are...you sure?” Duh otherwise he wouldn't say so stupid. For
a moment she just looked at him. Her insecurities struggled in tandem with her shyness. But then the
idea seemed to settle. It wasn't so bad asking a guy something risky, or well almost risky anyway. Or
perhaps it wasn't risky at all...just normal stuff between friends?

As they came back onto the grounds of the park she saw Justin getting his shirt back on. Goodness she
looked like a mess! She probably had dirt on her face too! She slid off Asthor and walked up to the man
still on her horse. “Justin..can...can I ask a small favor..that you take them back to the shed, there should
be a bucket and a cloth there....there are water lines pulled to each little pen there so if you could just
take the worst of the saddles and wash off the bits?” She flushed a little again, and looked down at her
feet as she would know how superficial she sounded “I need to make sure I...I don't look too hideous...”
She had to dare herself to look up at him. “You don't have to do anything fancy, just perhaps check so
they have water...Selma usually stacks up their hay when needed...” Even if her hand hesitated for a
moment she gave his knee an awkward pat. It probably wasn't proper to pat him on the leg, but at the
moment she thought that it was to stop her movement without it looking even more weird. She gave
him a smile and turned “I’ll come and find you I promise! I'm not running from you again...I promise...”
Then she raised her chin just slightly “I don't lie to you Justin... I always keep my word...”
It hadn't been long as she parted from her friend and made her way towards the staff room. She heard
some quick steps behind her and then someone took her by her arm - hard. She couldn't help the
startled squeak that came out. An angry hiss in her ear and she knew exactly who had grabbed her arm
and was know striding so quickly in the same direction she had been heading so she had to almost do a
skipping half run just to keep up with him. William.

She just had to take a quick look to know he was angry at something. She could almost touch it too she
was sure. “Wi-” she began but the grip on her arm got even harder as he pushed her through the staff
room door. Santos sat on the sofa and he grinned as he saw her, but it faded as he saw who came in
behind her. Moments after he had slinked out of the room like a guilty dog. She turned towards him.
Here she noted that she was perhaps more muddy than she had realised. It had started to dry and her
entire clothing was more or less stained.

“...it's just a bit mud, William, it was over at the cross country pond, my hair got a little wet too, Asthor
slipped - but don't worry - he is fine...it's...it's nothing big...and people don-”

The look in Williams eyes silenced her. “You know how many people there are out there, Georgiana?
People with cameras, cell phones. You might think it's no big deal, and sure...it could be worse, heaven
forbid. They will twist the truth...” Her brother pulled his fingers through his hair, like all this frustrated
him to no end. She hung her head. She hadn't meant to do that...honestly, that's why she had gone so
far away from everybody...but she hadn't known that Justin would... “So - you slipped...that thing

slipped - none the less - I thought you were a better rider than to fall off? You did ride that damn donkey
again despite what I think of it? Why do you even bother with that thing!?”

She lifted her chin, knowing well what William thought of her longeared companion. “Asthor is not a
thing, William...he is my frie-” Her voice came out rather meek, especially as William got close and she
backed up a step, feeling the back of the sofa at her backside. “An animal is not a friend, Georgiana” he
growled “...it's a tool that have a purpose to serve, if they don't have one, it should be taken off the
property...and in this case he is a ‘beast of burden’ - you shouldn’t be riding him in the first place - and
we don't use pack animals here. We are more sophisticated! I don't even understand from where he
came. People might start to ....” William huffed, looking even more annoyed and frustrated. “Perhaps
you are getting too many ideas when you are on your own like this...thinking you can do all these things.
You can't! It's foolish of you to think you actually can do anything. You should be happy to keep it as a
hobby and focus on more important things. Perhaps sending you to Crosby was a bad idea...”

A chill filled her and her eyes grew wide. No! He...he couldn't... “How do I know that you aren't making a
fool out of the family and Pemberley over there, acting like you are a pheasant or something...
Socializing too close with those below you - do you even know who they are? And boys? You aren't
doing anything you will regret now are you?” She shook her head. No! No, no, no! She would never do
anything bad! William only huffed at her “Perhaps I should send Christopher to check in on you from
time to time. Perhaps you aren't ready to leave Pemberley just yet...”

“No! No, I'm behaving I promise!...I don't even leave the fa-” Her voice almost broke as she tried to keep
herself under control but as William held up his hand and silencing her just like that. “I have no more
time for you, Georgiana or your silly, childish behavior... I will give this a good thought and we will see
tonight what I decide...”

She watched him exit the room. The tears burned in her eyes but she fought them with all her might.
What had she done? Why did he get so angry to hang such a threat over her head. But she knew it was a
tactic he used in his business. Know what your opponent love most of all - and turn it against them so it
would hurt the most if one would lose them. It almost sounded like he didn't want her to have any
friends.. Leaning against the arch of one of the windows she fought to pull herself together. She couldn't
stay here. She had promised Justin she would be right with him. What if he thought...she had ditched
him again?


He had responded with a, "Yea, no problem. You go get all dolled up" and watched her leave. He didn't
have any problems settling in the two. Trixie had the worst of the mud when she served as a wall
between the mud war. He scraped off what he could, giving it a wipe down while the two munched on
their hay. He hummed a little tune to keep himself company in the lonely little shed.
He got done with the saddles pretty quick, throwing them onto a rack to dry. He glanced around, seeing
no sign of her yet. Well, girls liked to take their time with that kind of stuff... he had plenty of time. He
did wonder how the others were shaping up. He could go pop in on them and see how they were faring

at the show. He shrugged. Or he could wash her horses off for her. So he pulled them out one by one
and hosed the mud off of them, maybe not making them squeaky clean but certainly free of the filth
they had been put through. Smelling less like a pond. He had a satisfied grin. She washed his socks, he
washed her horses. Yea! That was almost a fair trade!

But she still wasn't back. And Justin's attention span was meeting its end. He never was good with
staying put and waiting. Almost a flaw. Nope, he couldn't take it anymore. He gave Trixie a pat on the
back and Asthor a pat between the ears and said his goodbyes.
Out the door he went to go search for her, maybe meet her half way. The place was pretty big. They
could miss each other by a mile and never know any better but he'd take his chances. He glanced over
and saw a few people milling about. One of the staff, he was sure. The guy that gave the briefing.
Santos, he thought his name was. And then some dame in a- holy shit, that was Tequila. He couldn't help
himself but hit the brakes hard to stare. He hadn't even seen her in something so...upscale? What in the
world had gotten ahold of her!?

"Hey, Justin! Do I get to meet yer friend yet? Maybe Santos and I could come along?"
Justin had to swallow to wet his mouth again, pulling himself out of her cleavage, "My friend?" He
glanced at Santos, trying to figure out what she was putting together. Knowing Tequila, more than a
little friendly get together. Aw hell, now that wasn't fair. Maybe minus the other dude... "Uh, hey have
you seen her come by here? Lil' thang, brown hair? Always runnin' around busy with somethin'?"
"Georgie?" Santos asked.
"Yea! She was headed off to get all freshened up. Haven't seen her in awhile," Justin explained.
Tequila huffed her cheeks. Why was he ignoring her offer.
Justin saw Santos glance in the direction of the staff room and that was all he needed. He gave a little
wave and started off in that direction. He did stop and turn back just long enough, "QuiQui, that dress,
dang girl," he gave an okay sign with his hand and a wink. Then he was off again. He passed up some guy
in a suit on his way out. Looked like he had something stuffed up his butt by the way he walked. Wasn't
Justin's problem. He slipped in the door just as it was closing behind the guy. He looked about the place,
not that he had a clue where he was or where to even look for her. Well...if someone stopped him, he'd
just explain he was a lost show competitor and was looking for some help from his wonderful guide,
Georgie. He took a few steps, keeping his eyes peeled, "Georgie? You in here? I know you said you'd
come back for me but see, I ain't too good at waitin' 'round. Hope yer decent..." He heard the faintest
sniffle and instinctively followed the sound, poking his head in the room, "Miss Georgie?"



To the staff room there was a small bathroom. Now she sat by the toilet, on the floor, and despite what
she had done, it didn't feel any better. Two times she had forced her finger down her throat. It hadn't
been much to expel. Two times but she had just as little control as she always had. Due to old fashioned
rules she had to bend to her father and her brother, at least it wasn't as bad as it had been at one point.
Now even a Darcy woman, as rare as it was, could get her share of her inheritance at the age of twenty.
But that was a year from now. If she couldn't stay at Crosby someone would take that place in a

heartbeat. They would hardly hold it just for her just out of kindness. That was not how the world
worked. That thing was certain. She sniffled.

How many could really have seen her in this condition? Not many. She had made sure to go in at the far
back, close to shed three, and she had kept to the side, not the main pathways. Still...of course William
had seen her. Why had he been where he had been? Usually he didn't hang around for long and if he
left the park for the day he didn't come back until the next day if even that. With her fingers she flicked
away a dried piece of mud. The memory of the moment she had spent with Justin at the pond was still a
happy one. At least it hadn't gotten tainted.

Suddenly she heard a voice. The next moment the door that she had just pushed to half closed opened
and he stood there looking down at her. Nobody had caught her red handed before with her fingers in
the cookie jar. Or well, throat... And it wasn't really at that fingers-down-her-throat point he had come
upon her. Or she hoped. She didn't know what to say. What sort of excuse was there to give? Who sat
on a bathroom floor for the fun of it, and at that just by the toilet. She was probably a little pale too. She
always got a bit of a cold sweat afterwards. Small mini-vomits that came up to say hello. The sharp, sour
taste at the back of her throat.

She got to her feet, wobbling just once, as her head spun just a little. As dignified as she could she rinsed
her mouth in the sink. Just pretend that he didn't see what he may have seen, what he may have heard.
She turned to the side and closed the lid before flushing. “I'm sorry, Justin...William came...and...” she
swallowed. This was probably a silly thing to be upset over...if she could just look at life like Justin
did...but she was too serious, too boring. Somehow it felt like the thing she had at the Crosby stables
was the only way, even if it probably...it wasn't the only way. She turned, lifted her gaze and looked at
him, her eyes quite blank and wet. Hazel ones seeking a safe shelter in the heavenly blues. Her hero.
“I'm in so much trouble...”


Wasn't quite the scene he was used to walking in on. Well, not sober girls anyway. Ones that had way
too many drinks, oh sure. He wasn't one to be weak at the sight or sounds. But genuinely a bit
confused? Like he missed something. One second she was going to change, the next moment she was
ill? William? Trouble? He couldn't hide that confusion even if he tried. He even looked around the room
like he might find more answers or even a clue?

He stepped in, closing the door behind him, kind of getting the idea she wanted some privacy. He let her
have her space, staying closer to the door, leaning on the wall. He was cautious to intrude on personal
matters but since she looked like she wanted some help, he asked carefully, "Are you alright?" First
thing was first.

And then a little more, "Is there...anything I can help with? What kind of trouble are you in? With yer
brother, right?" He thought he remembered her telling him that much. He didn’t know much about the
guy other than he leant her a horse but wasn’t too happy about her going to New York. Sounded like

one of those over protective brothers. Not that Justin would really understand that, being an only child
himself and the Brannons had never really adopted him as kin either. More like their bitch boy to do
funny, obnoxious things, which Justin was much obliged to follow suit because it was kind of fun and
that meant he had friends to hang with.



She shifted and wrapped her arms around her. “I...I'm fine...” carefully she rubbed the spot here William
had grabbed her so hard. It was still a little tender. She lifted the fabric. Perhaps a little but it wasn't
really that obvious. Perhaps just a tiny bit. As he mentioned William she looked up again. He
remembered what she had talked about? Or could at least...remember something? That would
mean...he cared about what she said.

“He...he doesn't like me being sloppy...especially not when there might be people here who...love
gossip. William is very keen on keeping the Darcy name clean if you know what I mean? He says they
make a bird out of a feather for even the slightest sign of weakness. No sign of drama, no matter what...
” His expression wasn't that clear so she continued “Everything must be proper, better than other
families, high class, spotless and successful...I can't walk around like...like I'm like one of the others...I
can't look like this...in public...and I forgot that...” she looked down at herself and noted a small leaf in
her hair and picked it off, dropping it in the little bin next to the sink. His carefree, happy ways had made
her relax...perhaps forget herself for a moment, and now it came rushing over her. She still had to
change her clothes. She just had to think of a way to have as few people as possible see her return to
the house.

“...and Asthor...he thinks it is a waste of my time, that he is just...an animal...and he thinks I'm being...”
her cheeks blushed “not proper...at the Crosbys...but I never ever leave the place...after my chores are
done, I spend time with Asthor and Allan...practicing...I might talk to those working there and of course
the Crosbys but...I'm not...misbehaving... I don't understand why he doesn't trust me... What could I
have done to make him not trust me?” There was nothing she could think of that would lead her to
think of anything. If William knew she told Justin about her problem however...that would probably also
be put on her naughty list, big time. Nobody could ever know such things. Eyes slightly wide she looked
at him “Please Justin, don't tell him I told you this!” she swallowed “...then he...then he for sure won't
let me go back, he will make me quit...and what if he sell Asthor? I will be all alone then...I won't have
anything left.”

As she said the words outloud it sounded pathetic. But William could be like that if he felt like it...picking
on her on details that she doubted others cared about... Was that why people looked at her in a weird
way? That her quest to please her brother made her act strange? Stuck in the bathroom she couldn't do
more than just look away from him. Do not cry! If there was anything both the books and movies said
was that men, because Justin was a man, didn't like women crying, that it made them uncomfortable.
She didn't want her friend to feel like that. Get yourself together, Georgie!

Uncomfortable was one way to put it. He really didn't understand the situation. Didn't know what was
and wasn't important or who or if he should be defending. Maybe disbelief that she really couldn't see
how backwards it all sounded. No grin on his face for once. More furrowed brows like a hint of concern
at what she was living in and why she stayed. Family, sure. But when family was shit? Where did he even
start? Should he? He really wasn't the kind of guy to go solving the world's problems. Nor would he ever
claim to be someone that even knew how to solve them. All he could do was offer his humble opinion.

He sighed a little, lilting his head to the side a little, glancing at her, "Look, I don't know 'bout all you and
yer brother's life. I ain't some high-dollar name or whatever. So maybe I ain't the best opinion to take to
heart. But...the way I see it, and this is just from an outsider with no idea...it sounds to me like he's jus'
makin' a bigger scene by draggin' you 'round here and stuffin' you in little dresses and hidin' your things
in the corner. Ya know? What causes more questions? Havin' the truth out in the open or hidin'
somethin' from people? Way I see it. People ain't interested in honesty. People, those gossip whatevers,
they're only interested in what they can't see. Like yer donkey kept in the shadows or you sneakin'
'round and locking yerself up in the bathroom. People like that only go pokin' their nose 'round where it
don't belong when you put up walls. But..." he lowered his eyes to the floor, leaning on the wall,
crossing his ankles and arms across his chest, "like I said, I probably ain't an educated opinion to bank
yer livelihood on." What did he know about fancy families or whatever worth they thought they were?
Sounded like a whole lot of stress created out of nothing. So she had mud on her. She's in a horse park.
Where there's mud. It's not like she was running through the streets naked. He shook his head.

"But, Georgie," he looked over to her again, the same serious look but maybe a tad softer, "as yer
friend...I think you should really reconsider what the hell yer doin' here. All you've ever told me is how
strict and suffocatin' this place is. Yer brother on yer ass 'bout silly things like some pond water and got
you callin' the rest of us 'the others'? Then threatenin' you like yer a piece of property? Ain't that jus' a
bit unfair? Don't sound like any happiness I ever heard of. I told ya b'fore...if you ain't happy 'bout
somethin'...and you don't know why you want to be here...yer gonna have to be a hell of a lot more
stubborn than you are now to look me in the eye and tell me without a shadow of doubt yer completely
happy with how yer livin' right now." And he was looking her dead in the eyes, more serious that he had
ever looked before. But that was Justin's way of life. He didn't slog through bullshit and lies if he didn't
have to. The kind of riding he did in rodeos and the kind of injuries he acquired along the way made one
thing clear to him and molded him from a young age; life is not guaranteed. Waking up to see another
day was not guaranteed. And that drove himself to try a little harder while he could to get the things he
wanted out of life and not settle for anything less even if it meant he'd just have to keep struggling for a
little while longer.

He lightened up a bit, scratching his head, shuffling his hat around and taking a deep breath. "I didn't
mean to belittle yer worries, ma'am. I really ain't the smartest. Never even finished school. Ain't gonna
at this point. But, I ain't dumb enough to go spreadin' any of yer worries. Ain't nobody's business."

"I know he...William overreacts...and I...don't want to defend him when he does it over small things, not
when he says those things...but...as much..." she halted her words as she continued to listen to his. She
waited until he was done."Next year...on my birthday...I will be...free...or at least I will get control over
my life..." she said softly, looking up at him "...I will reach the age when...a Darcy that’s not an heir will
receive their due...as in a place, money...something from the family fortune to make up for...well, your
lack of position in the running so to speak. You get to be you... until then, I’m under his and Charles’s
guardianship - or well my father’s really, but he has moved abroad with my mother, leaving Pemberley
early for the sake of his sons."

They had officially gone out and said it was due to a heart condition, to remove stress and that it had
been the doctors advice to delegate, but she knew it wasn’t the truth. Like most Darcys, her father was
as healthy as could be...there were only a few things that had brought a Darcy man down in the past if
you looked through the history books. A bad heart had never been one of them. Women were the more
likely cause, and perhaps the reason for all these rules from the start. “I just need to keep him happy til
next year...then Asthor can be mine on paper and he can't do anything about it...” After the accident,
Charles was out of the running heir-wise...and it was William on the top. Strangely, Charles didn’t look
that sad over the fact - and neither did Jane. Of course, they had been generously compensated.

Georgie hesitated, sort of the hesitation you had when you stretch out your hand to feel if the fence had
electricity or not, as she stretched towards his arm. She knew that he was a normal man but...he was
different. Or he was just...kryptonite for her. Or...something with him made her feel like she could let
out all of these little monsters that she normally withheld inside. She put her hand on his arm, forced
her to keep it there. Felt his warmth, his strength. “You shouldn’t belittle yourself, Justin... You are the
kind of smart that really counts, streetsmart, someone that people need when things go down in
flames... Unless you are in some gameshow and need to know who did what in what battle with this or
that country, you don't need someone like me... I wish I could be more like you...” Then she tried to
smile “Although I think...William would be really cross with me if I got your tattoos...”


Still didn't make a lot of sense to Justin. By American standards, at sixteen she could be emancipated
from her family. At eighteen, she was legally her own adult by law. Unless she was a lot younger than
she was letting on, which oh god, Justin hoped not. Still never got a straight answer out of that...
Women and their secrets. He just really hoped that wouldn't come bite him in the ass later. 'she never
told me her age, officer, I swear. She said she was old enough!' wasn't an excuse that kept him out of
prison and on the 'special list' of pedophiles. And, oh, a family with an enormous amount of wealth that
had a control-freak nature about anything 'bad'. Yea, no worries there at all. He swallowed, shaking off
that horrible train of thought until it got any worse.

He glanced at her hand on his arm and then back to her with a little smile, trying to let the mood lighten,
"I think if you got my tattoos, I'd have to have a word with you too," he chuckled. "One, in particular. But
I wouldn't call myself streetsmart, neither. Maybe dirt-road-smart. I ain't no city boy," he gave her a

wink. "I could tell ya when a cow's 'bout to drop a calf, the weather forecast for balin' hay, or how to
repair a broken piece of leather that's already been repaired a few times before." He uncrossed his
ankles and straightened back up, standing on his feet, rather than leaning on the wall.

He turned to her, letting his arms relax to he didn't look so intimidating. "Ey, I don't know anything 'bout
yer family laws and such, but I guess if I knew there was a big ol' pile of cash waitin' for me at the end of
the day, I guess I'd try to tough it out too. I mean, I've had to draw some bulls I knew were gonna kick
my ass but ya can't win if ya don't play. Stick it out and hold yer chin up when ya gotta. Although," he
patted her shoulder, "I wouldn't mind ya one bit if you came rockin' up lookin' like you just wrestled a
crocodile in the bayou. Hell, I'd be proud and demand stories," he chuckled. "Man, does this mean you
gotta get all dolled up again and go runnin' back to bein' Ms. Georgiana?" He did have a bull ride he
should kind of get ready for but what about before then? He could go watch Jarin make a fool of
himself. That was always entertaining and somehow it kind of made him feel bad. He could go pester
Sydney but with Jarin around...



Perhaps he wasn't kryptonite. Perhaps it was rather the opposite. It felt like he made her
better...stronger. She pulled back her hand, nibbling her lip. “Streetsmart...or dirt road smart...it's still
much smarter than I am, Justin...in a way I know I can never be...” At his words about ‘family laws’ she
had to smile...despite everything, just a little bit... “It's not a ‘law’ per say...more like very old guidelines
to make the family members in check and together I guess, maybe even to keep some track of the
fortunes...some of these ‘guidelines’ have been more modernized... Hundred years ago or so, around
the time women got the right to vote, I would have been even more of a pawn...and before that even
more so, just handed off from my father to a man I perhaps hadn't met before, and probably twice my
age...” She nibbled her bottom lip. That still existed, sort of...it wasn't the same ‘force’ as it was before
but...

She decided to try and move away from the subject...again. It hadn't been the intention for Justin to see
all this, but she knew she could trust him. A sigh as he spoke her real name only...it sounded nice when
he said it. How would it be to listen to him as he read a book...to her? It was silly to think of, especially
since he said he didn't read so why would he read outloud. She cleared her throat. “Well...I probably do
need to go and change clothes at least. If...if you like you can join me?” Then she blinked, feeling her
cheeks getting warm as she realised how it sounded or might sound like...maybe... “I mean...not to
change clothes...with me...but...company...for me...when I change-...while I cha-” Oh gosh. “You can
look at my circus collection while I change clothes...if you want to that is...just so you get a feel of how
it's like?”


Justin, for a moment, looked wholly unimpressed with these "guidelines". To him, it just sounded like a
bunch of third-world, backwards bullshit. There was hardly any room for that kind of crap in the twenty-
first century in America. It was not something he was ever going to wrap his head around, primarily

because it conflicted with his core values that were the foundation of everything he believed in. He got
the strong sense of 'let it go' before he got heated up over things that really weren't his business. If she
had decided she was going to stick it out, despite how miserable it sounded, then it was her choice. And
that was one of the very things his morals celebrated: choice.

He was sure glad for the change of subject before he went off spouting more of his preachery onto her.
Let it be, Justin. He looked over to her, grinning until she could get herself under control. "Why, I'd sure
like that, Ms. Georgie. Show me somethin' a lil' interestin'." He'd just let her imagination choose what he
meant. He cracked the door open for her, holding a hand as a gesture if she'd like to leave.


It was not hard for her to pick up his feelings regarding her lifestyle. Or rather the rules she had to live
under. She could feel how he objected towards them. She did too, she really did...deep down she knew
how wrong they were...but at the same time she complained it was the rules she had been brought up
under. They were rules that was stamped into her mind in a way in such a way it was like object to the
fact that birds could fly but humans couldn't - at least not on their own. She did note the small, almost
twitches in his face like he fought a little with himself not to say anything that perhaps would regret
later. How she wished that she could hug him for that...his what she assumed wish to stand up to what
was so...so unjust. So backwards and ancient. If she just had the power to change things...oh she would
do that...but she was the third child. While William had taken the top position, she was still last...there
was no claim to anything for her. She would always have a home at Pemberley if she wished, nobody
would be able to deny her...but it would never be hers. Charles had forfeited Pemberley even before the
accident claiming both he and Jane liked the city life more.

As she passed him through the door her cheeks still flushed from both what she had said, and how he
had replied. One part of her mind still wondered...fantasized about things, like they happened on the
books and the movies. The other did it's best to be a dry pessimistic realist. Why would someone like
Justin McBride even look in the direction towards someone like her. Aside from what she would bring in
the form of money in a year from now...what was she? She was a little sapling...nothing impressive at
all. There was nothing with her that stood out, that would make people look at her differently. Of
course...she was happy if they didn't look at her... It made her so anxious...it was different when she was
on horseback however. Then the world around her vanished, all her insecurities and anxiety. It was just
her and the horse...or her donkey.

Williams words seemed to haunt her just a little as she peeked her head out from the staffroom. She
noted the golf cart staff used. This particular one was one that Santos usually drove, but he was
supposed to be here and available given he was this events supervisor. He wouldn't need it now. She
smiled to herself. Perhaps it would even help him focus and not try and sneak away to do other things.
Santos was really talented but easily distracted. She motioned Justin to follow her and then get into the
cart. It was white with the parks logo on the back of it. She took a deep breath. The park was one thing
for Justin to see...but now...she was to show Justin her home. Her room. As descreetly as she could she
did take a look around to see if she saw William...but his car was gone from where she had seen it

last...perhaps he had gone for a drive again. He had done that a lot lately. Perhaps her brother had his
own demons to fight with...but she wouldn't know. He never spoke to her about things like that. Like
everyone in her family.

She smiled some more at Justin as she invited him into the cart. How she had wished when she was little
that her mother hadn't been as busy as she was. The mothers in her stories had often been so loving
and caring but her own mother...no... She could only assume that her mother loved her. “We have a
bunch of these...I remember before I got my license I used to practice with these the times I was
home...but of course...I had to make it exciting so I took them out to where we were at, pretending it
was Jurassic Park... Can't remember what I pretended was the T-rex but I know squirrels was the
raptor...”

The golf cart took silently out of the park area and when they came to the crossing Georgie turned on to
the right. She would have asked if he wanted to see the stud but...she didn't want to risk bumping into
William - he might as well have gone there to oversee things. That seemed to be one of the things he
liked, to see people almost get scared because he was there. The one person he didn't seem to scare
was Christopher. She glanced towards Justin as she turned. There was an alley way of cut trees and then
the actual path up towards the house. Just in front of it was a fountain. Just like the fake ruin in the
garden with it's columns this was inspired by the same time period. The three women on top was
supposed to be either muses or water spirits. The columns on the front part of the house itself had more
of a modern feel despite the house being quite old.

Georgie parked the cart a bit to the side. After she had made the turn towards the house she hadn't said
a word and neither had he. What was he thinking? She looked at the house and did her best to try and
look at it like she had never seen it before. It was certainly built to impress...or scare people - it could
probably do both. Even all of the planted flower beds was kept pristine and the grass was so lush and
green it almost looked fake.

“So...this...is Pemberley Manor...” That was really all she said since she knew Justin probably wasn't
interested in the age of the house and some of it's history. She wondered what he would say about the
room where the ghost was... She did not like the room herself...and the pictures of the old Darcys...
nope... she didn't even like the gallery. All the people in the paintings seemed to look at her funny,
following her as she walked past, and made her feel like she was at the wrong place.


Justin got a good childish giggle out of the Jurassic Park reference. That was a popular enough movie,
even he had seen it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Granted, the version he got to see was bootlegged and in
Spanish but it had tickled his boyish side. He had thrown in that if the squirrels were the raptors, then
Sydney would be the perfect candidate for a T-rex, stomping around everywhere, eating everything in
sight. Which just made Justin giggle more.

He had leaned back in the seat of the cart, interlacing his fingers over his abs and kicking his feet up over
the front, real comfy-like. He glanced around the place, looking up mostly. That's where most of the
splendor seemed to be. He wasn't sure what to make of the place. It was more like a movie set than a
real house in his eyes. Kind of neat, really! Wasn't often, if ever, he got to see these kinds of places.
Kudos to whoever chose the water fountain. Three chicks splashing around in water? Nice.

Grinning, he looked up at the manor. He had to lean out of the cart to even see the top. He gave a little
whistle, "I'd hate to be the guy that has to clean the gutters on this roof." He chuckled, unfolding himself
from the seat of the cart and stepping out. He put his hands on his hips, still looking left and right at the
place, "I might be able to fit my whole extended family in a place this big! Except for my Granna
Escuesla. She don't stay under anything that isn't made of mud and sweat. Talk about traditions…" He
snorted and smiled at Georgie. Perhaps his family had some...old ways of thinking too.

And with ceilings as high above his head as they were, making his mouth gape open as he looked up at
them, was immediately followed by the curious question, "Dang, how do you clean the cobwebs out of
those crevices? Climbing gear?" He knew that wasn't it but it felt it was needed to be said just out of
sheer fascination.



She looked at him as he looked at the house, tried to ‘translate’ the look in his eyes, his face. Maybe he
would understand her conflicted feelings better now? Or she hoped at least...a little bit. William and her
family was just a part of it all. Pemberley....was another. Justin was smiling so she had to take it that he
didn't dislike it too much. Then he turned that smile towards her and she was happy she hadn't gotten
out the cart just yet. Once more it made her feel all funny. She smiled back, her previous worries gone
as they would have been magically wiped away. Then she realised he had said something, she had
listened but... “Um...I don't know...” she blushed in the next moment. Perhaps she should know who did
both the gutters and taking away the cobwebs, although most of the time cleaning was done daily so
she doubted there would be any cobwebs. There was quite a lot of maids, four at least that kept most of
the indoor manor clean - she knew that...they took care of making the beds, changing sheets, vacuuming
and other things. Then of course the washing of clothes. It wasn't as much of that anymore since it was
just her and William here now...then of course it was if they had guests and...the events...and the staff.
Perhaps there was more than four...there was at least those when nothing was going on here.

Finally she got out and went to stand beside him, looking up at the house too. Perhaps just an excuse to
stand beside him. “It's an old house,” she began “...it was around at the time of the civil war at least...” It
was best to keep it short. “...after I've changed my clothes I can give you a quick look around...that is...if
you are not busy? And...if you want to?” She really should get going on her own little thing but...just a
little bit longer.

The stairs up to the big door was as always free from any dirt, each step designed to let a woman with a
long dress ‘glide’ down them - or at least make the impression that she did. Flowers everywhere. Before

she got the chance to open the door herself it opened and Williams butler stood there looking at them.
Georgie knew it was training and that the older man was in reality very kind but as he saw Justin he
went on autopilot towards the proper butler mode. It made her smile, how they both looked at
eachother. The man holding the door was dressed in the stereotypical outfit of his title.

“Winston, this is Justin McBride, he is my friend... Justin, this is Winston...” To be honest, she wasn't
sure if that was the man's first name or if it was his last name. He had never informed her on that. The
older man raised a brow and just the tiniest quirk to one of the corners of his mouth as she said the
cowboy was her friend. But years of servitude was hard to dismiss. He was to be there but pretend not
to be nor react to what was said around him. Winston then made a formal bow before Justin. “It's my
pleasure, sir... May I take your hat, sir?” the man asked in a very much ‘Queen's english’ as he returned
to his normal upright position. Georgie giggled, just a little but covered her mouth so it wouldn't be
seen.

“Don't worry, Justin...you get it back when we leave, I promise. Winston isn't a bandit like you and I...”
At that the butler gave her a look that then turned towards the younger man with a slightly inquisitive
look in his pale flint grey eyes. While one couldn't see it on his face, to those who knew him could see
the smile in his eyes. Winston was one of those that had been at Pemberley all her life. It was hard to
picture Pemberley without Winston. He had chosen to stay when her father left, saying he served
Pemberley more than the people. Georgie guessed that one of the other factors was that Winston didn't
want to move abroad. He liked it where he was.

A man of order but with a heart of gold. He was true to his cause, to the old traditions of his livelihood,
but also a man who truly cared for those he worked for. Afterall he knew all and everything that went
on within the Pemberley walls - and he would never betray them. Winston's wife had worked in the
kitchen before William took over, but she had retired from her post when her brother became the head
of the manor. Now she had her main task at the Park instead, running the foodstation there when it was
needed. While many of the kitchen staff came from the manor, the chef and sous chef stayed behind.



Yea, Justin was a bit stunned, or maybe astonished, at an actual butler greeting the door. He shouldn't
be surprised. He tried not to look surprised. But the man did get an up and down glance. He kind of felt
bad the man had to wear a suit all day. Couldn't be very comfy. Blue jeans and boots. That was Justin's
code of clothing. Comfy and practical.

He tipped his hat in greeting Winston, "Howdy, sir." He still got a polite, friendly smile. No different than
how he greeted anyone else. Okay, maybe he had a still macho stance at being Georgie's not-so-fancy
friend. He sure stood out and Justin didn't mind it at all. Proud of the fact, maybe. Made him special, in a
way.

He did smile at the offer to take his hat, holding up his hands in defense, "Well, thank ya, fella but, see, I
can't do that. Jus' think of it as my lil' friend. Where I go, it goes." He danced right around that, keeping a
hand on his hat. He was adamant about protecting his hat.
It had become quite the symbol to him. He had gone through many hats; there wasn't one in particular
more special than another. But he always had one around. He bordered on being a tad superstitious that
he needed it. Just didn't feel right without it.

And what if they tried to wash it? Or flatten out the wrinkles? Or even out the folds? Now that just gave
him goosebumps.



She hadn't expected him to actually hand over his hat, and it seemed it hadn't really surprised Winston
either. He had probably seen all kinds of...special people...come here to Pemberley. “Very well Mr
McBride, but do let me know if you need my assistance in any way, sir... It's just to ring the bell, sir...”
Without really changing his expression the older man then gave a ‘regal’ nod of his head towards Justin
and a bow, like Justin was just as important to him as Georgie was, before he turned towards his young
mistress. “Will it be anything else, miss Darcy?” Georgie shook her head no but still added a ‘No thank
you, Winston’. She too got a nod and a small bow before the butler left them. At least Winston didn't
treat anyone different just because they were not...well, not like William Darcy...perhaps that was why
he was a good butler, he made most people feel welcomed.

Beckoning Justin to follow her they stepped through the doors, getting further into the house instead of
just standing at the threshold and came into the great entry hall. There were two sets of stairs on either
side of the front door that went in a soft curve to the upper floor. Two almost exotic looking sculptures
of lightly dressed women that held an electric chandelier looking light each. As one came to the top
landing there was two large pots filled with creamy white flowers. In the arch by the stairs, on either
side, there were two huge palm trees looking plants, almost framing in the entry to a sort of big
reception room that opened out towards the big garden. In the archway was two double doors that led
to the bottom floor of each wing of the mansion. One of them had been the location of the previous
guestrooms for the Park guests.

There was still guestrooms there but William had become tired and - true to her brother - probably also
frustrated to have people running around his house like they owned the place - despite notifications
about respecting privacy. Marble and plaster made to look the part from floor to ceiling made
everything look quite impressive. Everything was spotless. At the center of the entrance was a small
wooden table, and on it was a small bowl and two picture frames on either side. It was to be like the
Darcy family was there to greet whomever that stepped through the doors. Even when they were not
actually there in person. One held a portrait of her parents, on the other was one with her seated and
with William and Charles standing behind her. It was the photo that had been in the folder as well as the
reference for an oil painting. Georgie wasnt overly happy with how she looked in either, and while the
oil painting was nice...it didn’t feel like her.

For a few minutes she let Justin have some time to look at everything. Then she gave him a small nudge.
“My room is upstairs...if you still want to see my circus collection...” In the long hallway by the stairs on
the second level was what they called the gallery. It was there the old paintings of all the Darcy’s hung.
After turning left, and going past the doors that opened up to the left wing she walked almost all the
way to the end. William had the suite on her left as she turned to open her door. She couldn't help that
she held her breath as she took a step into the room.

Her room was clearly decorated to fit a more feminine taste, much softer to it's aesthetics than her
brothers room. Everything went in pale soft colors, leaning a lot towards the pale pink hues. While it
wasn't her choice fully, it didn't bother her enough to have it changed. Someone who didn't know her
had still done their best to please the Darcy family. Behind the two chairs was part of her circus
collection, next to her bookshelf - the actual signs weren't here. The posters stuck out enough from the
rest of the room.

Closest to the window was her small desk, the big window letting in plenty of light. There was also a
slightly smaller window almost in the corner opposite where you came into the room. On this side she
also had her reading area. At the bottom of her bed she had a little stuffed bench, usually the place
where she left her clothes to be cleaned. Both her bathroom and walk in closet was in similar color as
her bedroom. She gave a nod towards the posters, like an invitation for him to look at them. "I promise I
be quick..." With those words she turned and walked into her bathroom by taking a 'shortcut' across the
corner of her closet. Knowing Justin was a gentleman she simply closed the bathroom door after picking
out some new neutral clothes to wear. They had slept in the same bed already so she trusted him not
to...do anything inappropriate.

When she came out from the bathroom after changing and freshening up some, her arms full of her
dirty clothes, she almost walked into him. It startled her just a little bit. “Is there something wrong,
Justin?”


Men definitely designed this place, Justin concluded. Yea, the floors were all shiny and the chandeliers
impressive and all that. But what really caught a man’s eye was the attention to detail on all those
ladies. First the fountain, now the exotic dancer statues. Justin gave a little nod of approval, though it
merely looked like he was just admiring the decor.

He honestly wasn’t surprised to step into a world of pink and girly. He’d probably be more concerned if
it weren’t, like a dungeon or something. Wasn’t the worst room he had been in, that was for sure. At
least her room was clean and didn’t smell like an old lady’s purse.
While she changed, he took a glance around the place, peeking out of the window, first. Yep, he was still
on the same planet. Same Earth out there. Then he twirled back to the collection. His eyes scanned over
the bright colors and little figures on the posters. He went for all the pictures first, leaning in closer. He
figured he had some time, he might as well read some of the words too. Not that much of it meant

anything to him. He had never been and didn’t know the first thing about them other than there were
peanuts, right?

Aw hell, why was he here? His mind started tugging at him. Not because he didn’t want to be there.
More because, what was the point of him being there? Looking at posters he didn’t even understand?
Pretending he was some guy that was way better behaved than he really was? He glanced in the
direction of the window. Yeah, normally he’d be out there amongst the throngs of people, finding some
chick that wanted a one-night stand. That’s what he was good at. That’s what fit his style. Or that’s what
he had come to settle for. So why was he in Georgie’s room?

He glanced through into the closet. It wasn’t like he was actively trying to get into her pants. He couldn’t
bring himself to do that to a girl like her. She wasn’t a one-night stand kind of girl. So why was he still
here? He was her friend? Since when was Justin McBride ‘just friends’ with any girl?
He stared back at the posters, the space in front of them, anyway. Such colorful things when in life,
Justin was a pretty black and white kind of guy. He usually knew exactly which side of the fence he stood
on with certain topics and discussions. But why he felt the want to hang around Georgie so much was
definitely in the grey zone; muddled and hard to comprehend.

Justin swore he heard a girly giggle from the bathroom. He grinned and glanced in its direction, gladly
breaking out of his weird mood and back to his smiling self. What was she giggling about? She wasn't
much of a giggler unless he was being a doofus. Something had her spirits up which Justin preferred any
time of the day.

He stepped closer, scheming some sort of silly prank or joke he could pull to make her laugh more.
About the same time she opened the door on him. The same time he heard a very familiar sound of
satisfaction. His ears perked up, staring right over the top of Georgie and at the back wall of her
bathroom. He knew that voice. He had to think...oh my god… His eyebrows raised, as did his grin. He
snorted and chuckled, “Well, I’ll be...sounds like you’ve got more than one of us cowturds under yer roof
by the sounds of it.”

Yep, he recognized those sounds alright. Almost gave him goosebumps, recalling the one time that he
had felt her hot breath on his neck after one of those moans. That was none other than Tequila. That
explained her dress he saw her in. He did even feel a tinge of jealousy whoever had her on the other
side of that wall. Sounded like they were getting the full package. Justin steadied himself, pulling his
brains back into his skull before they slipped down his pants instead. Easy, boy. There was a lady in the
room.

The pink room, he had expected. Hearing the resonating sounds of Sydney’s sister getting laid and laid
well by the sounds of it...nope. That one blind-sided him.

She blinked, at first clueless at his comment, but then she heard it. Too loud and definitely too clear. The
sound. The moans. Subtle at first but then there was some ‘high notes’ mixed with some darker ones
and she felt herself getting redder than she ever had been in Justin's company. Ever so slowly she still
dared herself to look at her friend. Justin just...did...he chuckle? Cowturd? What did he mean by that?
He had used the phrase before, she knew that...oh, did he mean..one of...the western people? How did
he know who was on the other side of the wall?

A thump on the wall made her jump and drop the clothes in her arms. She dove to the floor as she saw a
part of her discarded pale blue bra sticking out of the pile. How was that possible? She had baked it into
the pile of clothes like a ‘pig in a blanket’. With some force she shoved it back into the pile before she
got to her feet and then the pile went into her laundry basket in the corner.

Another glance at Justin. It had been something with his voice...or it was just in her head. If he knew the
one on the other side...was...it someone...he liked? She knew quite well the other party on the other
side of the wall. But she didn't say anything. Despite having her room next to her William she couldn't
remember that she had ever...heard anything like this. It felt like her face was on fire.

Why were they just standing here? She ...they had to go! Now!

“Eh...um...Do you want to...have....a look at the library?” She knew he didn't like books - but it was the
room that was at the other end of the hallway. “Or the haunted room! Or if you rather want to look at
the garden? There is a very nice labyrinth there!” It was hard to act like she didn't hear any of the noises.
Another thump on the wall and she skittered out backwards into her bedroom instead.


It took him a moment to register what she has asked him. He had heard her but it got to his brain a little
slower than usual. Before he snapped out of his trance. It was a little awkward to be listening to the
beautiful sounds of sex when he wasn't even a part of it and there was a perfectly polite woman in his
company. He whipped his attention back to Georgie, doing his best to ignore the sounds of bottles
toppling. Damn, they were getting rough. Justin...

"Haunted room?" he asked, picking out the first thing that sounded like a good distraction. Another
moan from the other side of the wall. Jesus...
Justin staggered after Georgie, pulling himself together in the few steps he managed back into her
bedroom. Seemed they were both on the same page to vacate the area. For different reasons, surely.
Justin needed to get his mind cleared before it was too late for him. Georgie, well, he didn't meet very
many girls that were into that kind of thing. Not normally around a guy, anyway. "Uh, yea, lead the-"

He didn't even have to finish the statement and she was out of there! Justin lengthened his stride to
keep up with her hurried pace. A final loud moan echoed in the hallway. Justin hesitated just slightly,
long enough to muttered under his breath, "You get em', girl. Goddamn..." And then he was quick to
catch up with Georgie.

He was still shaking the sound of blood rushing in his ears, walking beside her. He chuckled, "So, is that a
Pemberley perk too?" Bad timing on that joke. Or rather, wrong audience. Justin cleared his throat and
quickly changed the subject, "So, a haunted room? For real? Like ghosts or like possessed dolls?"


Georgie was sure even her ears was red hot. It wasn't like she denied William to find someone but it
didn't quite feel it was proper. What sort of woman was he with? To be so loud? Was that what it was
like? She glanced back Justin, then as he came up on her side she tore her eyes away from him. The
thoughts made her blush even more and at the same time she felt ashamed.

She babbled on about some stuff they walked past on their way to the haunted room. In her head she
couldn't help her thoughts...and how they drifted. She was sure that Justin had sort of...toned out,
did...he liked sounds like that? If a woman he was with made them? She nibbled her bottom lip. Would
she make sounds like that? What would cause you to...moan like you had a bad tummy ache? Justin's
question made her jump, almost feeling guilty for having her thoughts drift. She almost walked into a
small side table in the process. Luckily nothing fell.

He had chuckled, what he said had been a joke. She felt stupid for not getting it. Perhaps she blushed for
that too but given how red she already was - or she would assumed she was - one couldn't tell that she
got even more red faced. Thankfully, he changed the topic. “Uh yeah, or no... there are no possessed
dolls - but some say the people on the paintings, or their eyes anyway, that they follow you. But the one
doing the haunting is um...I think...his name was...James or Rupert Darcy...as far as I remember, he was
in his late twenties or early thirties when he died. Someone stabbed him just in front of the window and
he died there, bleeding out. The stain grows stronger and more vibrant in color on the day he passed.
There are unsure and unverified sources on why it happened and what led to this but some say that he
stand there to keep watch...just so it won't happen again.”

A deep breath. “Altho the stories actually differ a little...that was the good side of it I guess, others say
he was a bad man...who did many bad things, especially towards those that already was laying
down...and what happened to him was just done by someone who had enough.” She hesitated. After all
it was family - even if it was very long ago. “I would guess on the later...actually...fits everything else
about him...the first version is probably the family trying to cover up his bad doings. If you have money,
and tell the cover up enough times, and loud enough....sadly, people will begin to see it as the truth.”

Now they had arrived to a double door and Georgie opened it up. Before it had been the gathering room
and dining hall for the guests. In the house it was known as the small dining hall but it could easily feed
twenty people by the table.

"Damn, gutted in his own house..." Justin mumbled, listening to the tale. He rubbed his side where he
had taken the end of a nasty bull's horn before. Didn't quite spill his blood and kill him but he felt a little
pang of empathy for the guy.

Although, if he were doing things to drive someone that far...maybe he felt a little less bad about it. "An
eye for an eye, I guess. Makes us all blind, right?" He read that on a fortune cookie slip once from a take
out order. It kind of stuck with him ever since. Made him sound a lot more wise than he ever could have
come up with.

He gave a sharp whistle, stepping into the dining hall, "Ay mami, where can I get one of these bad
boys?" He asked, patting the big table. It was a rhetorical question but it sure was impressive. Though,
he already got the memo, everything in the house was supposed to be. He sent his condolences to the
cleaning crew. "Y'all ever dare each other to spend the night with ol' Rupe or James? I spent the night on
top of an ol' Indian burial ground once. Got dared by my buddies. We were probably oh...fourteen,
fifteen at the time. When my mama found out, she made me sleep outside for three days," he chuckled.
"She made me carry a cross around for years, wouldn't let me even come in the house unless I showed it
to her," he shook his head smiling. "Finally got it tattoo'd on myself so I didn't have to get ID checked to
walk in my own house." He patted his chest where the cross was on it. And like he had said before,
helped to counter the offense of the first tattoo. Or maybe it just made it all worse. Hard to say.


A short shake of her head. She wondered about his mother. To let her child sleep outside just because of
that, shouldn’t his friends be punished too if so? Who had those friends been?

There was obviously many stories about the Darcy ghost, some told by family to ‘keep things interesting’
or at least not scandalous, others by guests who perhaps had their nerves on the outside, or wanting
something to bring back from their visit when it came in the form of gossip. “No, not that I know of...I
haven't at least, but they say He would never harm a Darcy family member...it's actually mostly others
that have talked about feeling something following them after they have been in here, like being
watched over. Like an icy breath down their necks. If you come here...” she led the way into the room.

The walls were tightly covered in large paintings. Some of them, the largest ones, had always been in
here, others had been put up here at a later date. She took Justin to a spot by the window and looked at
the floor. A long carpet laid there, she bent down and pulled some of it away. There was a dark stain
there in the decorated parquet flooring, looking almost like it was a large spill of dried red wine. She
touched the edge of it but all she felt was the wood under her fingertips. It was over a hundred years
old. She semi turned still crouched down and pointed towards a painting.

“It's said that it become stronger in color on the day that he passed away...” The painting showed a man
with light hair that almost looked grey in front but the back of the head as well as the sideburns that
stretched out onto his cheeks was brown. His chin showed the faint hue of a slight stubble. His
aristocratic nose straight and his eyes seemed almost fixed at the person looking at the painting. While

the background looked like a rather simple outdoor scenery one could detect something that could be
Pemberley Manor. The most detail was however put on the person. The clothing was a dark coat and
under it a shirt with a very high and starched collar. The high class was shown in the fabric used. On the
man's chest was something that looked like medallions and the coat had big shiny buttons. The man's
smile looked a bit smug, a tiny pull at the corners of his mouth, as he looked down at the observer. Even
if most of his jaw was hidden one could tell it was a square manly jaw, belonging to a man who was just
as firm as his collar.

“Apparently he had a nose for good business...”


Justin was surprised there was actually a stain to be seen. He looked impressed and intrigued. He was a
curious lad at heart. And a tad on the superstitious side from his mother. Not to the point of being
afraid, but certainly willing to believe in the "weird". So he didn't look skeptic at any point.
Instead, he followed along with Gerogie's gestures. He looked up at the painting and grinned a little,
"Oh, do you think the better the business, the higher his collar gets? Most have got a killer deal on that
portrait," he chuckled. He glanced back up at the painting and caught just a glimmer in his eyes that he
didn't think Justin's joke was very funny. "Just a joke, fella, take it easy…" he muttered apologetically.

He stepped over to the stain and squatted down next to it. He did the same thing Georgie had and
couldn't resist giving it a little poke. "Aight, now that's kinda cool." He withdrew his hand, feeling his hair
raise just thinking about it. He scratched his chest where his cross tattoo was just out of instinct. He
wasn't the strongest religious man, but the few times he had gone to church paid off in these situations,
right?

He stood back up, giving her a nudge with his elbow, "Ey, you've got family connections. Do me a favor
and tell 'em I'm an okay guy, don't haunt my dreams tonight, aight? I only got the one pair of sheets," He
chuckled, this time not looking to see whether the man with the fancy collar approved of his humor or
not.



“It was rather a way to show off how much white linen you could afford I guess. To wear that much
white starched fabric close to your skin and not having it turn yellow was a sign you didn't have to do
physical labour, that you were sweating. However the history of it is actually a bit equestrian. If
something happened on hunts for example, the tie may have been used as a temporary bandage for a
horse's leg or as a sling for a rider's arm.”

There was a little smile on her lips. She caught Justin looking at the portrait and then mutter something
she didn't quite hear, but the tone almost sounded like the one of an apology. She stood and watched
him ‘feel’ the stain just like she had done before standing up too. For some weird reason his nudge
made her shiver. She had never feared the ghost or the stories. But she couldn't help but wonder about

what type of man he had really been. She nibbled her lip and walked up to the portrait. It felt like the
man looked at her. Carefully she stretched towards the picture and placed a finger tip on the frame.
There was actually a small nametag on it, something she had not really noticed before...the man had
actually been Rupert James Darcy, the second son of James Darcy. A good man...or a bad one, or a
mixture of both. Someone who had helped making her family to where they were today.

A short glance over her shoulder. Looking at the man, the cowboy, her friend. Felt the little twirl in her
midsection she always seemed to feel as she looked into those blue eyes. Then she faced the portrait
again, and when she spoke her words were soft, sophisticated and proper. A short moment of silence
and she closed her eyes, tried to feel the presence of the man long gone. Family. A kin. She wasn't sure
why she said what she said, or where the words came from but it felt right, they were silent, almost a
whisper. Meant for just her...and the man depicted in the painting. “Be kind to him, and watch over him.
He is more than a ‘okay guy’. He is a fine gentleman just like you, sir, just brought up differently. If you
knew him you would know that too, sir. He is worthy of having the patronage of the Darcy’s as a back
up. Even in your lifetime there was the matter on betting on the right horse and I know Justin is the one
to bet on. A winner. I can feel it in my heart.” It was probably just her vivid imagination but suddenly it
felt like someone stood beside her. The feeling only lasted for a breath and then there was like a small
draft, like someone had left the window open, passing her by. This time the feeling made her shudder. It
had to be her imagination. She turned towards her friend, and gave a shy smile.

“There...I told him to be nice...”


Justin nodded and tipped his hat, "I appreciate it, Miss. Best I stay in good cahoots with yer family, I
s'pose. 'Specially with the ones that gotta stay all shut up in the spooky room all day," he chuckled.
"Can't blame a fella for wantin' a little attention every now and again. Bet he'd be real happy if he had a
lady in here with him to keep him company. Wouldn't have the time of day to go creepin' on folks." He
nodded like his was a psychiatrist cracking the case of a patient. He giggled, "We could leave him a
picture of-"

He cut his sentence off, feeling a buzz in his pocket. He had picked up his phone from the barn after they
had gotten back from the tour. He pulled it out and saw 'Dick for Days' pop up on the screen: Sydney. He
smiled a little and swiped to answer, "Syd, sup? …. with Georgie….. 'course not. …..oh yeah? And yer
lettin' the little harpy 'round that shit? Jesus, Syd…" he laughed, "You know he'll try to kill me! I got
scars, Syd! Scars!" He glanced to Georgie as Sydney continued talking in his ear. He shook his head,
"Alright, alright, I'll see what I can do. But if yer lil' pooch So much as looks at me, I'll muzzle him myself,"
he laughed a little harder for a while. "We'll see, we'll see...yup, see ya 'round, bud."

Justin stuffed the phone back in his pocket and pulled his shirt back over it. "Ey… you wouldn't happen
to be needin' somethin' fun to do this evenin', would ya? 'Less you gotta get all fancied up fer somethin'.
Sounds like folks are puttin' together a lil' celebration fer gettin' through the show so far. Get a lil'
friendly, meet some new ridin' buddies, heckle some competition...everyone's invited! Ain't gotta have

no hat and blue jeans. Maybe some of yer stick jumpers will show up too. Could be fun. Whaddya say?
Maybe we could show off our team bull ridin' act as the star performance," he gave her a wink. He
wasn't so sure she'd want a second round after the first rodeo. She had survived the night but dressing a
full grown man, being hit on by some creeps, and dragging Justin's tipsy ass to her room might not be
what she had planned for this evening. But equally, he didn't want to just leave her out either. If she
wanted to just lay low, he'd totally understand, remembering her getting in trouble for being "dirty ".
Oh, the horror.



As Justin talked in his phone she turned politely away to give him ‘privacy’ even though she heard every
word that he said to...Sydney. What she didn't know was what Sydney’s questions were. What could
Sydney have asked that would give the ‘course not’ reply. There was obviously the chance that was the
reply to something else. Georgie drew an invisible figure on the table, that was so well polished you
could almost see your own reflection. Harpy, it could hardly be a real mythological creature. Perhaps
Justin knew a thing or two without even realising it? And pooch? She wasn't sure William would allow a
dangerous dog at Pemberley. It was odd actually they hadn't met Bingley yet. He was the only dog that
William allowed off leash on his property. She couldn't help but smile as she heard Justin’s laughter.

The call ended and she turned back around to face him. Her smile lingered as she looked into his eyes.
He must know for sure that he had a face...and a body that women were drawn to. His eyes especially.
Today she had seen so much of him, his upper body all bare. It almost made her blush just the thought
of it. But that was just the things on the outside. He really seemed to care about her, Georgie... not just
trying to be friends with Georgiana Darcy just to get benefits for one or the other reason, no. She was
quite certain he truly was her friend because he cared about her. Her gaze sank to the toes of his boots,
like that was a safer place to look.

She looked up with an unsure look in her eyes. At first it sounded like he...asked her out...sorta...
But...her insecurity struck, why would he ask her? She wasn't quite sure until she heard the ‘we’. The
lonely little butterfly in her stomach suddenly duplicated into many, many more. Her eyes drifted
upwards again from having looked at his lips like she could see the words come out until she was caught
in his pools of blue. This...thing wouldn't count as him asking her on ..like a date right? She wouldn't
know.... It was better not to assume anything. Just...a friends thing. A guy did not get a call from another
guy and then asked a girl, she was sure of that. Unless...no, Sydney was not interested in her and had
Justin ask her in Sydney's place, no... Heck, a few times he had given her a look she was sure was going
to kill her if he had stared at her any longer and the only thing that had saved her was...Justin. No, it
wasn't like that.

Quickly was she learning what worked and what didn't around the blonde man. Do not try to joke. Do
not make more than one bet and if so only if there was a shot that Sydney would win. And he liked
alcohol...a lot of it. Georgie licked her lips as she looked down at what she was wearing. She had just
grabbed whatever she thought could look ‘normal’. A white t-shirt with a donkey and above it some text

saying ‘I’ and then a heart next to it. To this she had very pale and slim blue jeans on. But if they had a
celebration, perhaps she needed to change? A little bit of hesitation. Justin...would he change? Probably
not.

William wouldn't know what she did. He had an important thing to attend tomorrow. She thought she
had heard him mention that. Usually he went a day before on such occasions. She remembered the
noise that had been heard so clearly. ‘That’ probably just delayed him a little. He would hardly stick
around. Her heart started to beat a little faster. Hadn't Justin told her before it was her life? That she
should do what made her happy? She swallowed. Hard. He made her feel happy. Free. Like she could do
anything. Just as long as he was around. That she was braver with him. Like he was her lucky charm.
“Sure...sounds...like fun...I'll go...” she then remembered what she had planned to give him and how
limited the time was to get it done “...I just need to tend to something real quick...it...shouldn’t take me
that long...can you wait for me, please? Either here or you can have a look see out in the garden if you
like?”



Justin smiled, happy she accepted the invite. He was glad she didn't go crawl back under a rock and was
feeling a little more adventurous. He doubted the rest of her family would wander into the little party of
theirs. Just a bunch of hooligans cracking open beers and having a good time by the sounds of it. A good
time! Unless Jarin got a hold of any alcohol. Then it may be Justin's last night on Earth!

"Tell ya what, I'll head down, check it out, see if it'll be worth our time. Might jus' be Syd sittin' in the
back of his truck if he went and scared everyone off," Justin chuckled. "Then you ain't gotta worry 'bout
bein' seen with some dirty ol' cowboy gettin' outta this place. Meet me out by my stalls." She never said
it to him, but Justin was pretty intuitive. If her family raised her to think there were a class of people
called 'the others' then they definitely saw Justin as such. He wasn't offended. They weren't necessarily
wrong. He certainly didn't have their life and they certainly didn't have his. Nonetheless, if it saved her
some grief, his pride wasn't so bloated he couldn't adjust.

She did have to show him back around to the main entrance, the place was way too big for him to
remember. He tipped his hat at the butler, giving him a smile on his way out. It was a bit of a hike over
but he caught a ride with Santos on his way back over. Apparently, he was the mastermind behind a lot
of it. He and Justin got along, laughing along the way, teasing about women and booze. Boy talk.

Justin hopped out and gave him a wave as he went off to gather more supplies. Seemed the commotion
was warming up in the indoor arena. He sauntered in, taking a gander with a smile. Cowboy hats mixed
with tight pants. It warmed his heart to see everyone gathering to shoot shit, have a good time and
probably make some really bad dares. Sydney, the giant beacon, was leaned against the railing, chatting
with some cowgirls and a couple of boys. Justin smiled and made his way over, "Syd, s- er Jar-bear, too!
Eeey you coulda wore yer tight pants you like so much-"

Jarin took a step closer to Sydney only to be shoved three feet sideways by Sydney. Sydney gave Jarin a
sideways glance and then saw Justin. He grinned, "Where's yer lil' lady, Jus?"

"Oh, was it bring a date, Syd? I was gonna ask yer sister but it sounded like she already had a fella to
keep her company." Justin chuckled. "We can jus' share yers," he teased, looking over to Jarin.
Jarin's cheeks lit up bright red! He looked over to Sydney in a panic and then back to Justin, "I'm not a
girl!"

Sydney had turned a little rigid, glaring at Justin, but chuckled as soon as Jarin squaked. He punched
Jarin in the shoulder, "Prove it." The real show was watching Jarin's expressions change while he tried to
figure out how one proved he was a boy. He ended up hunkering down and shaking his head as his face
was so red, nearly turning purple!

Justin joined in the meet and greet with the others, getting a drink for himself and settling in. He tasted
the alcohol right away. He was trained to sniff it out only because it was like life water to him some
days. His eyes darted in the direction of Jarin, making damn sure the kid didn't have a cup in his hand. To
his relief, his hands were empty. Phew.

He glanced up at the clock and jumped to his feet, "Shoot, I'll be back. Gotta go fetch Ms. Georgie!"
"Thought you said she wasn't comin'," Sydney asked, downing yet another cup.
"I never said no such thing, Syd," Justin gave him a wink and scurried toward the stall barns they had
been staying in. It was tame enough so far. She shouldn't feel too nervous. Just a bunch of people that
rode horses hanging out in the same place. Good laughs and plenty to meet! Justin already spotted the
cowboy he wanted to shake hands with later that rode bulls and rode them well. But first, his lady was
waiting for her chaperone!


She tried not to let it show in her face, the way he seemed to have a hurry to get out of the house.
Didn't he like it...or did it scare him? She didn't say much as she followed him to the front door. And the
thing he had said. Did he really think she was ashamed of being seen with him or Sydney? She had
simply nodded at his request of meeting up with him in the stables later. After Justin left, she made her
way to the spare office, since she did not want to go back to her own bedroom and risk having to
hear...things...again. Once was quite enough...

As suspected, the team hadn't been too happy but the promise of some extra ‘green’ got them to
reconsider and finally accept. She mailed them her thoughts on the interior design, fabrics, colors,
everything she had been able to figure out with the little time she had spent with Justin - as well as
doing some quick searches online. Luck was with her as they had everything in stock. Georgie also made
sure to get in contact with their graphical artist that would be able to work with the pictures she had
purchased from the photographer into making one of the pictures of Justin into a ‘bandit’ one. Being
interested in the area herself she had made a quick sketch of how she wished it to look like. Much of it

she left to them to design but it was at least enough to give them an idea. It would be to cut it VERY
close to have it done in time.

They however promised it would be done and delivered as she had requested. At least they knew the
name Darcy enough to know that no sloppy work would be tolerated. Luckily there was some templates
and such they could work with and that would make the work go faster, but still, there was still work
that might take them the whole night to finish. They had agreed however so it didn't bother her as much
after she had ended the call. What would Justin think however? Would he...hate it or like it? Perhaps
he...would refuse it? What if he thought she was trying to buy his...affection? This wasn't it
however...she just wanted to help where she could, to help him a step or two on the way to the kind of
greatness she felt he was so close to reaching. He just needed a little boost.

When she finally got to the barn it was empty, sans the horses. Five minutes went by that then grew to
ten. Had she missed him? Had he waited for her and then...figured she wouldn't come? She nibbled on
her nail. Or could it be that he just...forgot? Maybe he had met someone...else, more interesting. She
had walked back and forth so many times in the aisle now the horses no longer paid her no mind as she
walked passed them this time. She stopped and petted the horse that Justin had removed the
transportation gear from when she had first met him. The horse nosed her politely but then went back
to it's hay.

Perhaps she should just go back to the house again. Pretend this hadn't happened. She walked to the
doorway and now she heard quite loud music and lots of laughter. It sounded...close, very close even.
She had heard it before too, but hadn't really reflected on the fact. There was a bit of flashing lights
coming from the indoor arena. She squinted her eyes. What in the world? They had a party here? How
on earth had they been able to get her brother to allow that?

At that moment she noted a dark figure coming towards her. Almost looking like he was in a hurry
somewhere. Was it Justin? She stepped out from the barn just as he came up to the doors.
In the indoor arena Santos looked over his shoulder before he poured the content of two bottles into
the big bowl. Mixed with all the fruit juice it was hard to tell it was alcohol in here. It was for those that
didn't like the kiddy pool filled to the brim with beer cans and ice - or the 3 semi large beer kegs that
stood on the same table as the big punch bowl. This had been a splendid idea. Wasn't the whole thing
about getting the equestrian world to have fun together? And just look what he had done - western
people and showjumpers, and he even spotted some archery people. He earned himself a gold medal at
least.

Turning around he took one of the beer cans from the pool, and quickly brought it to his mouth before
the foam dripped all over him. Now...to find that sweet girl from the barrel racing event. He had really
done this for her and he had even told her he would. Mr Darcy was to be away until the last day of the
event or even longer...and who would tell on him if the people liked the party? Nobody! You didn't tell
on someone who had thrown a good party. That was just not a cool thing to do. It was a good thing he

had a cousin that worked in the kitchen as well. It wasn't like Mr Darcy would be able to tell on the extra
order of beer when it was so many other things ordered for the event.



"Howdy, miss. Got caught up in boy talk. You know how we like to gossip 'bout so and so's beard and
whose lawn mower broke down last week, the juicy stuff," Justin chuckled, walking into the barn and
seeing Georgie. "If yer here, that means you got all yer chores done for the night, right? Time to relax
and have some fun." He took to her side, putting an arm around her shoulders, resting his hand on her;
a gentle pull closer to him. "I checked it out, there's some good people, looks like a lot of fun so far!" He
nodded in the direction of the arena and ushered her to follow him by her side.

The music was even louder inside, people romping about, jumping over jumps both western and English
riders. Others, lounging in the kiddie pool in their underwear if they already had one too many beers or
just in their clothes. Everyone seemed to be giggling or engaged in some sort of lighthearted argument
over a placing or opinion of sorts. It was all in good spirits.

Justin patted her arm, leading her over to the punch bowl, snagging a couple drinks. He leaned on the
table, closer than usual so she could hear him over the music, "Now, I know you said you didn't want
any the last time I saw ya, but you ain't gotta drive any of us anywhere tonight. Didn't taste too strong,
think ya can handle relaxin' a little?" He held out the cup for her, taking a drink of his own to show her it
wasn't that strong. At least, not in his opinion.

He about spit his entire drink out or inhaled it at the same time as he got smashed into a chest and the
life squeezed out of him. He felt the bushy beard tickle his ear and his feet leave the floor. It was like
Sydney could sniff him out the moment he was trying to have a good time with a girl.
Sydney smiled over Justin's shoulder, "Howdy, miss Georgie. You ain't in yer fancy dress no more. Ya
don't look like ya got a stick up yer butt like this. Or wherever you like it stuck. Ladies got options…"
"Syd-"
"Sydney!" Justin had started to scold him gently but a soft voice rose over his own. Jarin batted Sydney's
elbow, giving him a disappointed look in how he talked to a nice looking girl. Or just how crude he was,
in general. Gross!
"Sydney!" Sydney mocked the scolding, squawking dramatically and rolling his eyes. "Y'all worse than
women with yer feelin's."
Jarin looked sorry for his behavior and bowed to Georgie, "S-sorry! I...I think you look pretty either
way!"
Sydney chuckled, "Aw, Jus, watch out, he's hittin' on yer girlfriend. Lady killer." He cackled at the very
thought. Jarin...with a girl...as if ever! He laughed harder, setting Justin down so he could lean on the
table for support.

Jarin's cheeks lit up, shooting a look at Justin and then back at Georgie, "You're his girlfriend!? I-ah-I
didn't mean- I wasn't- I mean, not that you aren't- ah, i- I like- er well-" Jarin's eyes darted madly, once

shooting up to Sydney. He was too drunk to notice or be any help! So it was up to Jarin to defend their
secrets!
Justin saw the kid was having a meltdown as he usually did around him...awkward. He cleared his throat,
"Syd, ain't you supposed to drinkin' and not talkin'?"

Sydney paused to think on that and smiled, "Yea." He reached over Justin's shoulder and swiped the cup
right out of Georgie's hand while she was still stunned from the girlfriend comment. "This is for big kids,
lil' lady. 'Nless you want hair growin' on yer chest," he teased.
"Bro, you can't be stealin' a lady's drink," Justin scolded him with a chuckle, trying to grab the drink back
but Sydney was playing the keep-away game, raising it high into the air, laughing at his attempts. "She
ain't gonna drink it," Sydney complained, taking a sip and sloshing some on Justin's head, raising it back
up out of their reach.

While they bickered like schoolboys on the playground, it was Jarin that glanced down at his cup. While,
he didn't particularly like Justin, that didn't mean he held anything against the girl, Georgie, he had
heard. He felt bad that Sydney had picked on her too. He stepped forward bashfully, "Uhm… you can
have mine, if you like. I don't...I can't have any of this stuff. Makes me sick. So if you want it, I-I promise I
haven't drank any of it." He smiled gently and offered his cup to her.



She found herself at his side once more, very close to his side actually, and she couldn’t help herself
taking a sniff as she inhaled. She didn’t care the slightest if it was part sweat, mixed with everything else,
it was like inhaling manliness. The real kind. Perhaps she was weird. According to what she had read
some women liked the scent of special collonges, and similar things but... it was something with the
mixture of horse, leather and... She shook her head to get her ‘bad’ thoughts out of her head and
instead she gave him a smile at his comment about beards and lawnmowers. That was a joke she was
sure because she couldn’t quite picture Justin mowing the lawn. It was not because she didn’t think he
could, but it didn’t go together with what he had told her regarding his lifestyle.

The inside arena was a place she had been to many times. But...it had never looked like this. She halted
her steps and looked around just as she came inside, her eyes wide. There wasn't really any decorations
that surprised her, it was...more...that it was a party... No, her brother could hardly approved of any of
this. It looked too much like chaos, or...somewhat organized chaos, but chaos nonetheless. However -
there was a smile on everyone's face. Perhaps this was a good thing? Her eyes accidentally landed on a
man sprawled out in a kiddy pool, his large frame just barely fitting inside the small ring of rubber, but
most of his long pale legs was hanging out over the edge and there was not much water. The darkness in
the sand around the pool gave her the inkling that once there had been more water in there. In between
his legs two or three cans of beer bobbed around in the water that remained.

As she looked at the beer cans she became aware of his underwear - and the only other thing he had on
was a cowboy hat on his head. She was to move on when did a double take - what was...the print on the

underwear made her curious. She thought she had looked at it without staring in an obvious way but as
she lifted her eyes there was a cheeky smile on the man's lips and he tipped his hat towards her. She
had just tried to read what the text said. She turned her face away as quickly as she could. He must have
thought she had...had looked at his...his...thing. Oh god!

Justin's pat on her arm gave enough distraction, even if it felt like her cheeks was burning. Still no luck in
controlling that part of her body. She looked at the punch bowl in front of her and then down at the cup
he held out to her. Behind him she saw the kegs and then the kiddy pool that served as...a giant
container for beer cans it seemed. There was still some filled cups on the table as well as a stack of
empty ones. At least the content in the red cup wasn't beer. It was kind of him to remember that.
Or...did he assume? She looked down at the cup after accepting it. The content, that was about halfway
filled, and was as red as the cups outside. She could still see the white bottom, it just looked a bit pink.
Taking a small sniff, she thought it smelled like tropical fruits. She liked that. However, she wasn't sure
what he meant with strong, the drink he had gotten her last time hadn't been that strong.

Her evaluation on how the drink looked got abruptly put on hold as she heard Justin, seemingly spit out
the drink that had been in his cup. Was it something wrong with it? Oh. She looked up at the blonde
giant that seemed to have magically appeared. It was weird how someone with such a big bulk could be
so silent...or the music was simply too loud. Georgie was just about to say 'hi' when... His comment
made her eyes widen just a little and she was sure the hue on her cheeks got a bit more crimson. Her
mind had for unknown reasons darted to what she and Justin had overheard just outside her bathroom.
Her brother together with someone it seemed like Justin knew...

A new voice spoke, and her eyes darted to the source. A more slender man stood there, about the
height of Justin, beside Sydney. She blinked as he made a bow. What on earth was this? He didn’t seem
to be one of those that attended balls and doing the whole bowing thing. But he seemed kind, polite
even. She was to smile at his comment and thank him for it, but then she heard Sydney's comment.
Wait, what?! Justin’s...girlfriend?!! Her?! Her heart stopped beating, or it felt like it. Her eyes darted to
Justin for...help?

But Justin was too wrapped into Sydney arms to do anything it seemed. In search for help somewhere
else, her hazel eyes went back to the new person who...wait was he blushing too? Why? Was her
blushing contagious? Before she had the chance to do anything the big man had swiped the cup Justin
had given her from her hand. Her mouth opened in a silent protest. It was like a fly trying to complain to
the buffalo to stop flicking its tail at it. Or perhaps how you felt when a gull stole your ice cream cone. It
wasn't like she would be able to get it back now. If she tried, he could probably break her arm between
his fingers - if he felt like it.

However another part of her got angry for the ‘crime’. Therefore it was a bit of mixed emotions showing
in her face as the new person spoke to her. His kind offer to take his cup made her smile and she
accepted. Mostly perhaps due to what Sydney had said. She was not someone with some ‘stick up her
backside’! She was just like them! Well, almost anyway. She also thanked the man for the offer, not

really thinking much about if it was good to accept a drink from someone she didn't know who it was or
not. Perhaps she knew it would be alright just because he hung around Sydney and Justin. It was much
more in this new cup than it had been in her own. Perhaps it was Sydney that had filled the other guys
cup up. Given what he said about not being able to have 'this stuff' and that he hung around Sydney...
To her it made sense that Sydney would have almost overfilled the cup. To her it seemed that Sydney
did what he wanted, almost like William did things, perhaps not even caring what others thought. The
new person had friendly eyes and a kind and gentle smile, and she returned the same with her own, the
smile was even bigger than the previous one.

She reached her hand forward in greeting, the smile soft on her lips and a hope that her cheeks had
cooled down at least a little. However it didn't feel like it. Ok, focus Georgie, focus. "Hi...Im Georgie..."
There was no point to introduce herself as one of the Darcys and certainly not with her full name. A few
times there was such a weird reaction to that, from a person being open and friendly to almost closed
and reserved. It was better to play 'invisible' a little bit more. She took a sip of the drink, before licking
her lips. She had been right, was a bit of tropical fruit taste but it wasn’t as sweet as she had imagined
the content to be. It was something else in it, not just a tropical flavor...something more...tart...but it
wasn’t bad taste wise, it was a bit more bite to the back of it. No, this was actually not bad at all. There
was a little bit of a frown as she watched Justin and Sydney goofing around. She wasn’t sure she liked
that Sydney had assumed things about her...

Even if he was probably right on many things...but it wasn’t right just to go with the stereotypes. It
wasn’t her fault that she had been born into the family that she had. Or that she had the to them
perhaps an odd upbringing with all these rules on how to behave...the things she had to do even if she
didn't like it. Or that she didn't know that much about the actual world they lived in and how some
other things worked. Of course, if she was honest - she was probably not so innocent with the
stereotypes either ...sometimes. She looked down at the cup. Like she assumed it was Sydney who had
poured this cup so full. But it made more sense that he would have done that, because why would
someone telling her that this liquid made him sick, even take a cup full of it in the first place? Someone
must have given it to them. Perhaps they were a bit skittish around Sydney just as she was and didn't
dare to say no? Georgie shook her head. Sydney was a nice man but sometimes she had to admit he was
a little bit scary. It felt like it was best to tread carefully around him. She turned her attention to the new
person. Even if they didn't know she was one of those responsible for the event, by name at least, she
still greeted and spoke to him as she was one. Nobody would come and say they didn't get a warm
welcome at Pemberley.

"So, have you been competing here today? What horse did you compete with? How did it go?" she
asked kindly, trying to ignore the other two men close by and what they were up to, also while not
trying to think too much about what Sydney had said. She was a girl that was Justin’s friend but
...girlfriend. Hadn’t Justin said they had 'boy talk' and that was why he was late... what if they had talked
about her? Him and Sydney. About her... Perhaps this WAS a date after all? Suddenly feeling a little but
nervous, one of her hands, the one free from holding the cup, came up to her ponytail that rested on
her shoulder and began to curl a strand around her finger. Everynow and then she took a new sip from

the cup as she listened to the other. She felt sorry for the one she talked to have an allergy because that
must be why they had used the word 'sick'. By the looks of it, there wasn't any water supplied on the
table. That wasn't good. Perhaps she should see to that it got put out.

She was lucky she wasn’t allergic to anything...well except perhaps simply getting the food in her and
having it stay put. Fluids had never been a problem thankfully. In fact it had helped her feel like she was
full of food, and even numbed the hunger. Given that she hadn’t eaten much today, and that much of
that small amount in turn had found its way up again made her drink up the contents of the cup much
faster than perhaps was 'appropriate' if this had been one of the social get togethers she was more used
to attending. It surprised her a little bit, perhaps she just had been that thirsty. All of a sudden the red
cup in her hand was just about empty. Just like that. She licked her lips. Perhaps she could get a refill of
this? It was quite tasty. Yes, just...one more.

Before she had the chance to step forward to take a refill she felt something making it's way up, and
then a big loud *BURP* escaped her before she could stop it or cover her mouth. It wasn't like
everybody in the arena had heard her, not with the loud music coming from the speakers normally used
by the announcer, but it might have been loud enough for those close to her to hear. Sure that the drink
had a little bit of bubbles to it but...usually she didn't react like this to sodas.


"I'm Jarin!" He introduced himself happily. At least someone would get use out of the drink so it
wouldn't go to waste! "I actually brought along my m-"
"Princess," Sydney thundered over his words. He had Justin in a headlock, dragging him over as he
shifted his weight onto Jarin instead. "This is Princess," he said again just in case they and the
surrounding people didn't hear the first time.

Jarin grunted and huffed, trying to support how heavy he was. He gave Justin a hateful look since he was
forced so close to him. Justin shook his head and held his hands up in defense, a shred of terror in his
eyes like a stud horse getting around the wrong mare who wasn't going to have any of his games. He
didn't have a choice! And that just made Jarin pout, looking at Sydney instead. He knew they didn't get
along!

"Ey, show her yer long ears," Sydney batted his hand on top of his head, making him flinch each time
from his heavy hand. "Georgie likes them long ears."
Justin grunted and heaved the man's arm up and over his head, ducking down and freeing himself. He
felt a little bad, hearing Jarin wheeze as he had to take the brunt of the man, but eh, he had to be used
to it by now. He quickly stepped back around to Georgie, resting an arm around the small of her back,
his hip bumped into hers. This way he was close enough to save her from the wrath of Sydney's drunken
"affection". He chuckled, "Hey, that's right. Jar-bear, you brought yer mule didn't ya?"

It seemed the more Jarin tried to hold Sydney up, the more Sydney leaned on him. Even his legs were
starting to tremble and he was a stout boy in the lower half. "Uh, yea, I did!"

"Heh, Jus, who do you think has longer ears?"
Justin snorted, grabbing another cup and taking a drink, "Are you startin' a pissin' competition?"
Sydney grinned, squashing Jarin underneath his chest, "Y'aint a pussy, are ya?"
"Syd-"
"Georgie, Princess here thinks he's got the bigger ears here than yer donk. Pretty big dick words, eh?"
Sydney egged it on.

"Wh-wha, I-I didn't-" Jarin was starting to buckle at his knees, using the table to try and brace himself,
huffing with exertion. Pissing match? No! No, he didn't want that at all!! He didn't have to go that bad
and he wasn't going to go around a girl either!
They all paused, momentarily taken back by her loud belch. Justin laughed and patted her on the back,
"Atta girl!"
"Them's fightin' words," Sydney burped loudly back at her, catching at the end as it almost wasn't just a
burp, much to Jarin's brief heart attack. Wouldn't be the first time Sydney decorated him after one too
many. "Princess, ya shit, get yer fatass in gear and fetch yer half ass!" He swatted Jarin's thigh, probably
meaning to aim for his butt, but missed since he was nearly on his knees now.

"Hate to break it to ya, buddy, but my girl, here, got the biggest ass ears here!" Justin defended her, a
few drinks in, himself. He and Sydney always found something to butt heads against. And now Jarin and
Georgie were both caught in the middle of it.
"Prove it," Sydney challenged. "Ey," he glanced down at Jarin who finally dropped to the ground,
bringing Sydney with him. He chuckled at his struggles, thinking way worse thoughts than what others
might have thought he was laughing about. He wrapped an arm around Jarin's waist and tugged him
back up, bashing his head into the drinks table as he got back up. He snorted and patted Jarin's head,
staggering to catch his balance. Jarin squealed and like a terrified, feral cat, clawed at the table, knocking
over a few drinks as Sydney yanked him away, "You jus' wait! We're bringin' back ass ears too,
assholes!" He cackled, carrying Jarin away like a hostage.

Justin laughed at Sydney getting all riled up over something like donkey ears. Or well, and mule ears. He
finished off another cup, sighing happily and looking down at Georgie with that playful look in his eyes,
"We all know who the winner is, don't we? He'll probably get lost jus' tryin' to get back to the stalls." At
least he saved her from having to pull his pants up again. That was Jarin's problem tonight. He had
Georgie for company now. Unless she actually fed into the ear battle.



It was so weird. Things had begun to feel a little different. It had gone slow at first but...it was like she
was in a bubble. Justin’s arm at the small of her back. Happy, giggly bubble. Control. Nope. She laughed
because Justin laughed. Or so she assumed. She wasn't sure what was funny. Everything suddenly felt
less...something, something. It was like she didn't really cared or worried so much. Why was that?
Sydney’s burp didn't smell nice. Almost sour. It made her fan the air just a little. Her eyes widened just a

smidge as Justin commented on...no, not her ass...ears? Oh...Asthor? Oh, half ass. And Asthor was
a...donkey.

She had grabbed a new cup just before Sydney yanked, what was it now... Princess? No, it was
Jarin...Jar-in-Sydney... a small giggle. No, that wasn't funny...or was it? She took another big sip from the
cup. This was so yummy. Another big sip. She didn't even feel the tart taste in the back of it any
more...just the fruity tropical flavor. Perhaps it was this new feeling that made her lay her arm around
the man's waist, hooking her thumb in the belt loop on the other side. She watched as Sydney hoisted
Jarin up like it was nothing, holding him by the waist. A part of her felt sorry for Jarin...but Justin didn't
do anything to help the guy, and now she was a bit wiser than she had been the first time. Do not touch
Sydney's toys...even though a person hardly could be considered a toy. And Sydney was neither a dog or
a cat. More of a bull...and bulls didn't have toys. A moment too late her brain registered what Sydney
had said. She had to think about the words for a moment.

Ass ears. Bringing back ass ears. Ass. Donkey. Ears. Did it mean they would try and get Asthor too? A
smile on her lips. She doubted they would succeed - unless Sydney tried to carry him too. Another small
giggle. Sydney was a strong man no doubt about that, but she doubted he would be able to actually
carry Asthor. While friendly, Asthor had his quirks, and if he set his mind to something, he was rather
firm about it. Like a true donkey. If he didn't want to go, he wouldn't go. There would be little use trying
to tug him or push him along. True to his old wild nature, the drabardi was suspicious of new things even
if he seemed calm and ok with it all. And to have two unknown people coming to his pen at this time of
the evening. Without her. Then trying to get him out of his pen. No. Or well, not totally unknown. She
remembered that Asthor had tried to greet Sydney at the clinic, but got rejected. Georgie wasn't sure of
course, but the donkey might remember that, even if Sydney hadn't been mean about it. Besides, they
didn't know where Asthor’s pen was.

At that moment when Justin spoke, she looked up at his face. His blue eyes snatched her up like she was
a fly in the spider's web. It was always his eyes. Like at the pond earlier she looked intently at him, like
she tried to memorize everything about his face. From how that new little bruise under his eye was
shaped...almost looking like some misshapen type of dolphin...to how when he smiled he got a special
set of lines, around his mouth..and by his eyes. Oh, his eyes that was blue...but seemed a little darker
just by his pupils. “Mmm...” Her gaze went from those eyes to the lips before going back to his eyes.
“...you...I mean, me...us, right?” Suddenly the shy part of her got enough momentum to get her to do
something but to stare, but the attention was simply turned to the cup in her hand instead and she
gulped down the last of the contents of it rather quickly.

This time it was only a smaller burp after she finished it. “I mean we are a team right, and we are the
mechanical bull champion riders aren't we?” She licked her lips. Her cheeks felt a bit warm but...did it
matter? She tried to put the empty cup back on the table but missed it...and didn't care. Someone else's
problem.

Now she felt this weird tingly feeling, and it was like it was spreading all over her body. From her tummy
and out all over. Then it was like the rhythm from the music created vibrations in her body too.
Especially along the side that was closest to his. “And besides, Sydney is never gonna get a hand on my
ass, he had his chance...my ass likes...you...” She leaned her head against him, just ever so slightly,
swaying a little to the music as she looked at the other people around them. Every now and then her hip
bumped into his. It was warm in here, wasn't it? Perhaps another cup of that yummy fruity drink...just to
cool her down a little bit. There was some people even dancing. Some better than others. It looked like
they were having fun. Why was she saying ass so much? It was funny? No, not that funny... Did Justin
like to dance? Like butterflies her thoughts seemed to be more fluttery than normal...and the thing that
seemed to be able to hold them in some sort of control...was a bit glitchy it seemed.

Why was she feeling so...not her? Weird. But it felt good. Very good. A small group of people came up to
the drink table. One of them looked familiar. A grin came to her lips.

“Santos!!”

She took a step towards him. Even her legs felt a little tingly now. The man turned, a smile on his lips
that soon turned into an unsure surprised look. “Heeyy....you...Ms Darcy...” Then he noted Justin. And
his smile became more relaxed again and he stepped away from his boss’s little sister, giving his new
friend a double pat on the shoulder as he greeted him. “Hello brah! Good to see ya!” He moved so he
stood beside Justin, carefully nudging Georgie closer to the table. Santos grin grew as he looked over the
crowd of people. “Didn't I tell you there would be a lot of mama’s here? Those tight pants make it easier
to check out what sort of junk in the trunk they carry, am I right, eh eh?” Santos nudged his new friend
gently with his elbow.

Her smile had faded a little, her shoulders sloping. She had given up...almost...to have them call her by
name. They were all friendly so...perhaps she should be satisfied with that. A nudge and she ended up
by the table. A cup stood just where she was. Almost filled to the brim. Just one more…



He smiled, patting her shoulder. So she was a lightweight. That much was clear the moment she started
talking. No wonder she didn't want any when they were out before at the bar. One shot of the strong
stuff and he bet she'd be on the floor. "Hell yea, we're the champions. Think we're about to win another
title at this rate."

Justin also chuckled at her missing the cup or giggling at the word 'ass' so much. He wasn't her mother;
he wasn't going to stop her from having a good time. It was about time she loosened up. Besides, what
safer place to be than her very own home. It wasn't like his room was far either. He picked up the last
cup, taking a drink for himself before handing it over to Georgie. His arm around her gave a little pull to
him, making sure she was corralled safely near him. Okay...maybe a little part of him was a bit protective

like a den mother. The cubs could play but he still wanted the best for them. He came by it honestly and
it would probably never change.

Justin laughed with Santos, "Dude, I'm tellin' ya. Ain't no way they can be comfy. Lemme tell you what,
sometimes the junk ain't somethin' to look at," he laughed. He bumped Georgie with his hip, "Could you
imagine me tryin' to squeeze in those things? First time I'd go to squat, I'd rip 'em right down the
middle! Hey man," Justin bumped Santos's shoulder with his hand, "I saw you and Syd's sis chattin' it up
earlier. Tequila. She say she was comin' to this thing?"

Of course, Justin still knew exactly where she had been. But he knew very well Tequila had a habit of
getting around. The girl liked her men. Made it hard to want her, but her succubus ways made her
equally hard to resist too. "Georgie hasn't had the formal introduction yet, I don't think she'd ever
believe her and Syd are even related!"



She smiled a little to herself as she was handed the cup. It felt nice to feel his support, a shelter, tucked
by his side like a...little baby bird was the image that came in her mind. A big cool sip. Why was it
so...addictive? Justin and Santos was talking but she couldn't quite follow properly. Justin's warmth by
her side almost made her a little sleepy. She turned so she could look at them. Small giggles escaped her
as she heard Justin imagining putting breechers on. Those were nothing. Not really. Some of the female
clothes over all was like torture devises at times...the guys should try that and then see what it was like,
but imagining the two wearing female clothes made her giggle a little more.

Santos grinned at the mention of the blonde rodeo bombshell. A soft chuckle “Yeah...she told me that
she would give me something I wouldn't forget if I did set up a good party...Usually there aren't any
parties like this around this place.” The man made a dramatic deep sigh “There might have been
something for the riders only up at the mansion before but...you know, that place...it's more like for the
‘typical A-Class guestlist people’ I guess, not like us that are more standing more secure on the ground,
in the real world. ” Santos had made a head nod towards the youngest Darcy. He would never have
guessed that Ms Darcy would come to a get together like this one and now... Had Justin told her about
the party? The cowboy must have. It was odd. He had never seen her act like she was acting now either.
He noted the cup in her hand. Perhaps he shouldn’t have put so much of the good stuff in the punch.
Well, at least the boss wasn't home. Ms Darcy was as good as grown up, legal...ish anyway. “But mixing
shit up seemed to worked just fine...people are having fun as far as I can see...” He was just about
interrupted by some happy hollering from the corner of ‘ride a cowboy’ was set up.

Georgie looked up at the men on the mention of her name. She had been watching the people that
were dancing as she continued to sip on the drink, a bit more slowly this time, doing her own little sway
version of ‘dancing’. “Who's’ related to Sydney?” She got the name again from Santos, who seemed to
have a silly little smile on his lips as he said it... At first she nodded but then she stopped. Like it took a
moment for it to register. “Tequila? Wait, is Sydney...related to alcohol?” Another little giggle. Currently

it made sense in her brain given how much Sydney had consumed at the bar. She shook her head, trying
to get her thoughts aligned. Why was it so hard all of a sudden. However shaking her head, even just a
little seemed to make the world a bit unstable, just a little. Justin had said something about Sydney
having siblings, hadn't he? They had never been mentioned by names though. Not that she could
remember, and never before had she heard anyone with that name. It sounded more cool than her
own. There was even a song.



"You give her booze, and she shall come...in more than one way," Justin gave him a wink. He also agreed
with Santos, it was all turning out to be a hell of a turn out. He couldn't believe he had spread the word
so quickly! And even though he knew nothing of the English riding community, he was still happy to see
people just being people. Didn't matter who rode what here. Well, except for the 'ride a cowboy' (and
one cowgirl) event. It mattered to them. He got a good smile out of that.

He looked back to Georgie who had caught up on their talks. He snorted and laughed, "Well in a way,
yea. You'd sure think so! Ya know, I asked his pa once why the hell he'd name his daughter Tequila. He
told me it's what got their mama's clothes to fall off that night!" He laughed, hunching over. It would
have been even funnier to the rest of them if they knew Sydney and Tequila's mom. She was a straight
and strict as a Catholic nun. Swear under her roof and there were harsh consequences. So it was funny
to imagine her drunk on tequila with daddy Brannon.

"Where's the big dick donkey now!? He a half ass now?" Sydney called out, barging past Tequila.
Jarin had to jog to keep up with him, looking frazzled and disheveled, but his mule, Mack being led
beside him. The mule snorted and his eyes darted all around the place. He was a good boy, but even this
was a lot for him to handle. Being deaf might be a good thing in this situation...

Justin perked up, seeing the tall ears over the crowd. Well, damn...Sydney was hell bent on a little joke.
He'd humor him, fine. But his smile faded. He had heard a familiar voice before Sydney's. He glanced at
Santos who had unmistakably heard his name too. He glanced over and saw that glittering dress of
Tequila's and saw her give Sydney her pouty mad face. Oh, so she made it down from the mansion after
all. He almost settled but the look on Santos's face was worrying. He looked back again and saw the tall
man behind Tequila. He squinted his eyes at him. How close he was to Tequila, a sign he was more than
friends with her and the fact that she let him so close told the same story.

Justin's brain started to churn. There wasn't near enough alcohol to put his thoughts to rest. Santos's
look. A rather well-off looking man just how he carried himself. Tequila coming from the mansion.
William. William was her brother's name. He didn't like her out of place amongst 'the others', not even
dirty. He glanced down at Georgie who was like a giggly limp noodle. He could feel the itch on the back
of his neck. Was it that guy from the haunted room? Was he about to die? Something didn't feel right.
Like smelling gasoline at a fireworks exhibit.

"Hey, Georgie, we better go check on yer longears, ya know, he might get his feelin's hurt-" he didn't
finish his sentence. He just stuck an arm around her and under her armpit, hoisting her up enough
where she didn't really have to be able to walk, he'd just scoot her along. He made great pace to clear
the vicinity and was sure he heard Santos do the same.

"Ey, if you run, you lose!" Sydney called after them, laughing and stumbling to the ground.
Jarin stumbled over him and yelped, tugging Mack's lead with him. Mack reared up, squealing as a mule
could, a mix of a goose being strangled and high-pitched hiccups. He back pedaled and bumped into
people left and right. He didn't mean to! "Mack!" Jarin hopped up, waving his hands at him. He had
taught the mule some basic hand sign commands but if he couldn't see him, he'd just be lost in the
crowd!

Justin heard Jarin's yelp and cry, feeling bad but he had his own problems on his hands. He ducked
down, pretty sure he heard a splash into the kiddie pool. That kid was a walking disaster... But Justin was
sure he was avoiding one, escorting Georgie out of the arena, into the night. "Hey, your brother...how
tall is he? Dark hair?" Now he could ask her if she was about to get her ass chewed by her brother or
not.


Suddenly feeling very brave, Georgie had begun to do her own little dance, something that had evolved
from her previous shuffle. She knew how do dance, even if she wasn't used to this type of ‘single’ dance
with others. All of a sudden she felt Justin arm come around her. What was he...was he doing....before
she even had the time to actually form the thought properly he scooted her along. What had Asthor to
do with anything? Hurt feelings? For what? The fresh air made her come to a little bit. Why were they
outside? The thunder that previously just had been distant was now closer. “Why do you wanna go
*hick* and get Asthor? I do it if you wanna... I do anything to help you win, Justin...” What exactly her
mind thought he would win in this case she wasn't sure... but she at least knew it somehow had to do
with Sy... “What? Who? William?” She blinked at him, the light flashes from inside hit his face every now
and then in a rainbow of colors.

Georgie tilted her head. The music was still heard from inside. He was even more...pretty...in all those
colors. She then shook her head, “He’s tall... everybody is taller than me... they always say I'm a little girl
that don't know any better...but I know things...many things, but... yeah, he has dark hair...and
chocolate brown eyes... Why do *hick* you ask?”

There was a sound, like a door opening and another person came towards them. Georgie smiled when
she saw who it was. “Hi Santos!” Moments after the door opened again and Santos, in lack of things to
hide behind ducked behind them. The worst spot if he wanted to play hide and seek. Especially since he
tried to hide behind Georgie.

The footsteps came closer and all of a sudden Georgie looked up with some surprise. At first she thought
it was just some cowboy given the glint of the belt buckle, and the bolo tie. Then she saw it was William.
The man seemed as surprised as her, but only for a millisecond.

“Camacho...” just the sound of his last name got the man to hunch down a little, but the gig was up. He
stood, his head bent down. “Yes sir...” The man with power waited a little. Sometimes the silence was
more intimidating than actual words. It was not just the pending thunder that seemed to make the air
tickle with electricity. “This is the second time, Camacho... Your second chance... I need the names of
those you tricked into this...and the cost will be deducted from your paycheck. You should really be fired
but...I'm feeling generous...what do you say?”

“But sir, I can't afford...” Santos eyes widened. Some of his paycheck went to get gas to his car. He was
hopeless with having some sort of budget. But the thing that scared him the most was the fact that he
helped his grandmother to afford her medicine and pay off the hospital bills. Every month was a thin
balance. He looked at the pair he had bumped into. They could not help him.

“Something you should perhaps have thought of before you had this...party put together...I have a very
reliable source that you are the...” William chuckled “...so called ‘mastermind’ behind this...and since I
did not give my permission to use the arena as well as the fact...” The well dressed man just took one
step closer and Santos try to protest got mostly quiet. “My grandmother...she really need that medicine,
sir...”

“So you mean that justify stealing, Camacho? I told you last time doing what you do have consequences
in the end... I'm being kind to you...I could have...done many things...” He left it unsaid exactly
what...just as with silence the unknown was also more scary. What happened next surprised him.
Georgiana stepped up to the man and took his arm for some reason.

“I-I asked him, William...I pay for everything, I promise. I've never had a party here, and Santos have told
me all about the ones he have been at...and I wanted something like this...you know I don't ask for that
much... I do what you and Charles tell me to do now when mother and father moved to the islands...
You...you have told me to get connections, that they are a good source of many things. So, that's what
I...I d-did...You said once a party is a good time to get connections, especially if you keep everybody
happy...then they are more prone to do you a favor in the future...”

Williams eyes narrowed as he looked at her. Something was off but he couldn't quite say what it was.
She didn't back off like she had done earlier. He looked at Santos but the man had his eyes to the
ground. Only now did he note that there was someone else there. A cowboy. William turned to face
him. He was in a similar stance as the dear ol Cap had been in. For a moment the two seemed to just
stare at eachother. Then William laughed. Gave a nod. Of approval or something else, that wasn't clear.
He didn't really care that much...but he had to flick Camacho on the nose, keep that ounce of fear alive.

He turned his attention back to the one who had taken the fall. William knew it wasn't true. But perhaps
it was due to the amount of whiskey he had consumed with the woman. “Fine then, play hostess if you
like...but you need to do it properly...” He got interrupted by a loud roar of laughter. Ugh. “One party is
always a failure...let this be it...you know nothing but perfection is good enough, Georgiana...what you
do...reflects where you come from...” He gave the other two a glance before leaving and heading into
the arena again. There was a certain lady to find and spend some hours before he had to tend to his
business. He turned and spoke to his employee “I guess you owe Ms Darcy your second chance now,
Camacho...do not waste it...again... Next time you are mine...”

As soon as the owner of Pemberley was out of sight, Georgie felt her legs give in just slightly. Thankfully
Santos was quick on the support. It felt like she couldn't breathe, or she could but she still felt woozy.
“Ms Darcy...I...I can't... thank you... Noona (grandmother) will include you in her prayers I swear... I
really need this job...” She just nodded. She was still fighting her emotions. She wasn't sure what had
made her do it. But the way Santos had looked at her. Sure he apparently didn't think things through...
but...if his grandmother needed medicine... He repeated his gratitude until she waved her hand to make
him stop. A small mini vomit seemed to bob up and down her throat. Wouldn't that be just a perfect
ending and through up in front of them? “It's...fine...Santos...but...can you please call me Georgie
now?”

“Yes...of course ms Da- I mean Georgie....thank you....” Santos wasn't sure what else to do so he did
what first came to mind. He bowed, not just once but twice, before he went in the same way mr Darcy
had gone. His country angel was inside...and he just have to try to woo her...or at least talk with her a
little.

She was still feeling a little wobbly so she leaned against the wall. Closing her eyes she rested her head
too. What had she done? Would William speak this...kindly to her tomorrow? Would she still be able to
go back to New York? She took a deep breath, then she opened her eyes. Her hands still resting against
the wall, just in case. The giggliness was mostly gone. Probably spooked away. She remembered his
request. “Soo... getting Asthor...by the time we have fetched him...I think William have gone...so it
should be ok...”

So, he had guessed right. That was her brother. He wasn't particularly impressed with how he
threatened his employees, better yet a guy that meant no harm in what he did. He looked off into the
distance where some of the party-goers were in smaller groups around the barn, out of the loud music
and hollering cheers. He didn't have a place to step in here. It wasn't his business. But Justin wasn't the
same kind of businessman. He didn't have employees to look after. He didn't put on shows or have to
worry about legal ramifications. Still...the guy sounded more uptight than a stripper's thong.

He glanced back when Georgie stepped in the middle of it. Part of him wished she hadn't. She was just
going to get her ass chewed again. This wasn't exactly ‘riding it out for another year’ like she had said.
More like taking a tumble out of the saddle. But another part of him was happy to see her take a stance.
She was a quick thinker. Or at least knew how to work around her brother. Hell, he knew he wouldn’t

have stayed quiet either had he been in the same shoes. Granted, it was hard to even imagine being in
her position from a guy like Justin’s perspective.

But it seemed to be handled. Better than he expected. He had been ready for things to get ugly. And he
had been ready to act on it if need be. And that was probably the alcohol talking. Speaking of…
He looked at Georgie, hardly holding her own anymore. He cracked a grin, “I think you’ve fought enough
battles for one night, lil’ White Knight.” He stepped over to her, helping to steady her, letting her lean on
him. “‘Sides, we all know who woulda won anyway.” He patted her side. “I have an idea. How ‘bout I
show you somethin’ better than some ear measurin’ competition, hm? C’mon Bambi,” he chuckled,
leading her away from the barn.

She was done for. He could tell. Keeping her in the fresh air would do her some good, the poor thing.
Besides, he really didn’t want to hang around her brother anymore than he had to. Nothing personal
against the guy just yet, but he had a feeling they wouldn’t particularly enjoy each other’s company. The
whole point of going to the party was for her to relax for once. So he thought he had just the fix.
He led her back around to the guest parking where his truck was (untouched as far as he knew). He
dropped the tailgate and picked her up like she was a child, sitting her on the back. He hopped up and
sat beside her. “Aaahhh, that’s better.” He leaned way back onto his back, crossing his arms behind his
head. “Now that’s a helluva sight.” He gestured to the stars overhead. “Yer books ever talk to ya ‘bout
how perty those lil’ night diamonds twinkle?” He smiled warmly at her, giving her a nudge with his knee.

It wasn't hard to persuade her to lean on him. Her head, no her entire body felt a bit funny...good,
relaxed but...weird. “I can't fight...” she mumbled against him “...I wanted to do some self-defence stuff,
but...Charles said that it wouldn't be needed...because I shouldn’t go to those places...” A deep sigh as
she nuzzled closer without really being aware. He was warm. There was another rumble from above.
Still there were a few gaps that showed the skies above but they were quickly being covered. But the
weather report had spoken of thunder. A soft smile came to her lips as he mentioned Bambi. Could it be
that while he didn't read books, he watched cartoons? “If I'm Bambi...who are you...the Great Prince
*hick*...of the Forest?”

She was vaguely aware that they came to a place with cars. Then they stopped and she swayed just a
little bit as his support went away. All of a sudden she felt his hands at her hips and like she had been a
little duffle bag he lifted her up. Her hands came to grab hold of his arms and she felt his biceps. A little
extra flutter somewhere in the middle in the mass of flutters. He sat her down carefully and then she
felt the car shift as he hopped up as well, and then she felt him rather close to her again. Only for a
moment...then he laid down...

His voice was so nice to listen to, but if asked she wasn't sure what was so nice with it. A smile, at what
he asked. She tried to look up but it felt a little more wibbly-wobbly when she did that. Instead she
looked at her knees. “If anything they mention the sky...the moon and the sun as often as they can...and
it goes way back...” She pinched the bridge of her nose as she tried to think, remember something. She

took a deep breath and tried to keep her voice sturdy, and her words clear. She wasn't sure why her
mouth had trouble forming the words.

“When he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine
that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun.” A deep intake of air,
and she carefully, and slowly let herself follow his example. “It was said by William Shakespeare, from
his play ‘Romeo and Juliet’.” Carefully she shifted towards him. The back of the truck felt cold - and he
was warm. There was a small star that seemed to twinkle at her before the dark cloud hid it from her
view. A muted growl came from her belly. She actually felt a little hungry. A smile. She had closed her
eyes because it felt better like that but now she, without opening them lifted her arm and judging from
where his elbow were, made a guess on where his belly was. Then she let her arm gently fall as to ‘poke’
him in his tummy with a finger. If she was hungry perhaps he was too... she had the combination to the
cafeteria where they served the event goers food and snacks...and the fridge too. Besides...if she was in
trouble already...what more could it be for sneaking in there?


A distant flash of lightning and a little rumble, Justin noted. So much for stargazing.
He grinned, rolling his head over to her, dropping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her over to
him. "Romeo and Juliet, huh? They're the ones that die in the end, ain't they?" He was pretty sure that
was the story. He didn't pay much attention in that class but even he knew enough about popular kinds
of literature. "Ain't no love story if they end up dead, least not in my book. Think I'd like to stay on the
green side of the grass," he chuckled.

He chuckled again, feeling her hand on his stomach, still a little ticklish from such dainty hands. He rolled
a bit on his side, to free his other hand from behind his head, reaching down and taking her hand. He
pulled it up to his chest, still smiling from the ticklish feeling. Another strike of lighting and a rumble.
"Think there's a country song that's about them...how does it go..." His face was just inches from hers.
He started bobbing his head like he was thinking of a tune, "Little did you know, that I was Romeo, I was
throwin' pebbles and yer daddy said, stay away from Juliet" He smiled, changing the words slightly,
brushing her hair behind her ear. He sang in a higher pitched voice, mocking a girly voice that originally
sang the song which just made him laugh a little more.

He rolled her a little more, still keeping an arm under her shoulders, but now he was on his side, leaned
over her, nuzzling his nose against hers. He carried on with his tune, "And you said, Romeo, take me
somewhere we can be alone. I'll be waitin', all that's left to do is run. I'll be yer prince and you'll be my
princess. It's a love story, baby jus' say yes."

A bright lighting strike parted the skies behind him, followed by a loud crack of thunder that rumbled
the truck beneath them. Even Justin flinched a little out of instinct but he was in such a carefree, light-
hearted mood, he just chuckled, looking back at her again. Was this too far? No, that thought hadn't
crossed his mind yet. It was there, patiently waiting when things got too far. He'd know. He'd stop if

things got too far. They were just having a good, relaxed time. And there wasn't anything wrong with
that.
Nothing wrong with that.

His smile softened, his eyes warmed. His cheek felt a single cold splatter of a raindrop but it was quickly
evaporated as he heated the moment. He leaned down, kissing her lips softly first. His arms shifted
around her, flexing to pull her a little closer but not to trap her but to caress her. His kiss grew firmer,
purposeful, shifting closer to her, his chest against her now. All around them, the gentle patters of heavy
raindrops on metal. A low rumble overhead as their warning before the rains really let loose, but who
was listening? Justin definitely didn't feel the cool little droplets hit his arms. Polite little nudges, ignored
in the moment.



A small nod. It was one of those tragic love stories, sure, but it was still, in a way, beautiful. Almost so
she prefered that to those other unrealistic ones...like why would the oh so popular boy ever pick the
grey little mouse, when he hadn’t even noticed someone like her before. Suddenly everything went the
little grey mouse’s way and succeeded in everything. When he pulled her closer to his body she held her
breath. Strangely enough she didn’t blush, or so she thought anyway, not that he would see if she didn’t.
She could feel the puffs of his warm breath close to her face. There was a scent in it, not just beer but
the same type of drink she had too. "But, they got to be together..." she mumbled, as a small shiver
travelled up her arm as she felt his larger hand cover hers and then bringing it up to his chest.

She didn’t dare to move, not that she was scared of him. Oh no, it was rather that...if she moved, she
was afraid that perhaps she would wake up and all of this would not be real. She would be in her bed.
Alone. Things like this did not happen to her, only in her daydreams. He was so close to her now. Closer
than...well, he was the only one that had been this close to her ever, so it was really just Justin breaking
his own record. When he brushed some of her hair behind her ear she closed her eyes, and just ever so
slightly leaned in to his touch. His voice was like balm. Like a skilled dancer he led and she followed.
Willingly.

When she felt his nose brush against her own she looked up, her lips slightly parted. Still she wasn’t sure
if she dared to breathe. Just in small shallow breaths. The way his body felt against hers, even if he was
just leaning over her. Firm. Manly. Strong. A part of her wanted to feel...more...another part was not
sure what to feel. If she should feel something. But it did seem to pick up the electricity in the air.
Prince?...Princess?...Lo- no... He was just singing. Lyrics. When she read about it in books she...wasn't
sure what that was...how did you know...when... People might think being who she was like the
equivalent of 'princess' just because of her family but it wasnt true. Sure she had things..but that didn't
mean you had it all, just because if it. Georgie wasn’t even sure if it would be that much fun being a real
princess. Perhaps that was even worse than being her.

As the thunder cracked above them, and Justin flinched she did too but she was just looking at his face,
briefly lit one moment, and then in the shadows the next. Even if most of his face was dark and she
could just see some of his features they were all she could try and focus on. She blinked as a little
droplet fell in her eye. But she could feel everything. Or at least sense it. How he looked at her. His
weight over her got heavier but instead of crumbling under it she felt herself press herself closer to him,
shifting her hips just a little. She thought she felt him move as she did but most felt like a blur. His lips
that had been pressed so softly against hers at first now became firmer and like she had learned from
the time before she parted her lips just a little. It didn’t take more than that little gap.

Her head was out soaring way out in the galaxy, and how her body reacted all on its own as she felt his
weight on her. A gasp, or if it was a soft moan, escaped her muffled lips. She wasn’t quite sure what she
was supposed to do with her hands but somehow one were drawn all on it’s own to the back of his
head. Her fingers gently went through his oh so soft hair. She wasn't sure what was going on anymore.
The other hand seemed to caress his back. Feeling the fabric of his shirt. There was a faint sound. She
became aware of it on and off, something that wasn't the rain, thunder or lightning, it was much more
faint than any of those but as she felt Justin move against her that awareness fluttered off like a
spooked butterfly. How could he make her feel like this? To make all of these fluttery feelings go
together into certain places where it was felt even more.



The internal conflict was on. Her hand in his hair and the pull on his shirt was the beacon in the distance.
All green flags were hoisted in the air and waved high and proud! The battle cry of the soldier echoed
across the land, ready to heed the call!

Justin inhaled, letting himself in, teaching her tongue the dance of passion next. He grinned, glad to feel
her joining in. He glanced down at her hips, seeing that his hand had somehow travelled down there at
some point. He commanded it back a touch from the belt loops it was headed for. Whoa, buddy.
Instead, his hand veered up, sliding underneath her shirt. Her back was so soft and warm. Not rough and
calloused like his hands. He hoped they weren't too scratchy.
The conflict struck when his hand nudged the strap of her bra. A warning flew through the air and stuck
him right in the eye in the form of a raindrop, making him flinch and blink. It had started to drizzle now,
picking up the pace as another rumble passed by.
Justin…
He huffed a couple times, scanning the area.
Justin…
But she was kissing him back. She was totally-
Justin.
His grin faltered. Goddamn his morals. Damn them all. He knew she was only like this because she was
drunk. Dammit. It was wrong to take advantage of her. If he saw some guy doing the same thing he was
doing now with her, he'd knock their lights out.
Dammit.

He sounded the bugle call in his mind to call off the advance. False alarm. He couldn't, wouldn't...it was
one thing if he was drunk. But her too? No. This was wrong. She had said it since the first day; he was
her friend. And he couldn't count on a single hand how many girls he slept with that were his "friend".

He did his best not to show his turmoil outwardly, a light shudder, shifting his hips back, trying to
convince the soldier to stand down without her knowing he had been on the horizon.
He wiped the rain from his cheek and chuckled, "Uh-oh, better get you inside. Yer too darn sweet, you'll
melt out here!" Using his arm that was already underneath her, he pulled her up in a sitting position,
keeping her close since she didn't have the greatest balance at the moment. He chuckled wiped the rain
from her cheek.

It started to come down harder and he went into action. He scooped her up and slid them out of the
back of his truck, staggering a step while he sobered up a tad and readjusted the flow of blood back to
his limbs. He carried her high up on his chest, miles away from his beltline. He gently set her in the cab
of his truck, leaning his head in, "Can't be gettin' wet over me twice in one day, now can we?" He gave
her a playful wink. All at once, the skies opened up and the rain let loose, pouring buckets down Justin's
back. He squealed and laughed, "Hang tight! I'll be right there!" He shut her door and jogged around the
back of his truck. Mainly so he could stop halfway and readjust his underwear and man junk before he
was trapped in the cab where he couldn't save himself...from himself.


His lips vanished, and she looked up in a daze. Tried to find them again. Like a little blind baby bird in a
nest. Saw his dark profile, heard his voice. But could still not find them. Then she felt him take her in his
arms. Lift her. Her head leaned against his shoulder for a moment, her nose nuzzling his neck, her hand
found his cheek to cup it after a flopsy attempt but then...She wasn't sure what had happened. First she
had been...back there, with him...and now she was in here. Alone. The sound of the cardoor closing still
in her ears. Somehow she hadn't been aware of that the rain had started to come down faster.
Everything had been him. She was sure she had felt his hand caress her bra strap, and if closing her eyes
she could almost feel it again. His hand on her naked skin. His kiss seemed to have left her lips just a
little bit swollen, or it felt like it as she touched them with her fingers. The previous kisses she had
gotten from him hadn't been that...felt so...hungry. Georgie swallowed. Now the rain was drumming
against the hood and roof of the truck. It was always a rather soothing sound. Her head nodded to the
side. She flinched as the door opened and Justin entered, his wet shirt sticking to his body. How had he
become so wet? Hadn't he just gone around the car?


Christopher liked Georgie like she would have been his own little sister...or even daughter. He didn't
always agree what Darcy did regarding her however. How he directed her life. Removed people from her
life that he didn't deem to be worthy. Kept others away because he didn't want her to get under the
wrong ‘influence’. Perhaps it was with good intentions, who knew, but he wasn't sure if this was the
right way. Sooner rather than later it would backfire. So far it had left the poor thing rather lonely it