| a far cry away book one |
| For the most part, he was happy... on the outside anyway. He didn't know how he'd been dragged to this blasted snobby affair. He was a grown man for god sakes. How on earth had he let his mother talk him into it? 'Good standing in society is important and will get you far.' He coul still hear his mothers voice ringing in his ears. He cursed under his breath at his soft spot for the woman who had borne him. He kept his grumbling to himself, ever the consumate professional, and took a second glass of champagne from a nearby toted silver tray and headed off toward a quiet lone table to brood. None too politely, he plunked his ample ass into a chair and sat with his back to the wall as he eyed the posh surroundings. So much false sincerity swam before him he was ready to wretch. He guzzled from his glass and wished to hell it was a good old beer he could just swill back. He was not a man that enjoyed the pretenses of high society. He was often told he was 'down to earth' and he believed it every time. His gaze scanned the crowd for a familiar face, none were free to amuse him during the doldrums he was being forced to endure at the moment. His sister Jess was innocently flirting with a rather handsome young man, tall, dark and strapping. A big brotherly grin breezed over his face for a moment as he watched her. She had certainly grown into a fine young woman, a trap baited for any man she pleased to snare. Not too far from her the master of the art of flirting was hard at work. Taylor sat in a corner, a harem enthralled on his every word and he was eatting up the attention like turkish taffy. His parents were on the other side of the room, long ago being sucked into a conversation with the snobbiest of snobs from the appearance of their entourage of 'yes men'. Then he realized Zac was missing... not a good sign. He rose quickly from the table and prayed that his younger brother was not indulging in anything that would embarrass him or the family. Even if he could care less about what these phoney uptights thought, he still had a mdicum of dignity he liked to uphold... and Zac was good at testing the limits of that. "Dad? Have you seen Zac anywhere?" The unmistakable crease of worry raced over Walker's face as he knew exactly what his eldest son was elluding to. As casually as he could he shook his head, his eyes pouring his plead into the face of his son. "No, I haven't son, why don't you go and have a look around and see if you can't find him. I'm sure he couldn't have gotten too far." With a nod between the two men it was an unspoken bond that the situation was now being taken care of. He tried to hurry inconspicuously, glancing over his shoulder to keep an eye out for him as he moved toward the gardens. "Oooff!" Was all he got out as he was slammed in the stomach, stumbling back a bit and gaining his stance once more before he realized that he had run into someone and knocked them down. His cheeks flushed crimson with embarrasment as he looked down. "Oh my goodness! I'm so sorry! Here, let me help you up." He offered his hand to the blonde beauty sprawled gracefully on the floor. "You really should watch where you're going." She huffed indignantly as she reluctanly accepted his hand as if it were loathsome to her. "I said I was sorry." He meekly hushed as she brushed herself off. She glared at him as if he were a bug to be squashed. He shrank away from her fury, not knowing why she was so cross with him, it was a human mistake. Everybody makes them. "Humphf!" She declared, shoving her nose in the air and whirrling around, completely ignoing his pleading appologetic eyes. She haughtily stormed off as she gathered her wits about her and slapped on that facade of a too sweet smile he'd seen too much of. She was gone in a flash, but his fingers still burned where she had touched him but moments ago. A streaking thought crossed his mind that she was one shrew he wouldn't mind taming. He shook the idea from his head and went on with the task he had been dedicated to earlier. He passed through the open door to the lavish gardens and scanned the lawns and grounds for the tell tale flashy blonde tailed mane against thick green rolling hills. His eyes passed over the walls to either side of him and then caught a movement from the gazebo draped in ivy. Unmistakable was the shine of his brothers gold hair, the way it flowed down his broad back and over his wide shoulders. Zac was at it again. It was known by a wide circle of people that his younger brother had a penchant for getting into trouble with many a man who had a pretty little thing for a young daughter. And his captive der jour was a tastey whisp of a morsel by any mans standards. Gritting his teeth he watched as his little brother smooth talked the sweet looking girl, his big rough hands gliding over her small curvy body. He had to put a stop to this before it got too far. He watched in confusion as the slip of a girl stood on tip toe, her hands pulling on Zac's shoulders to near his ear to her whisper. The wickedly flashing evil grin that spread over his brothers thick lips could only mean that his conquest had been won. It was further confirmed when he began to pull back and the tiny beauty eagerly slammed a seering kiss on his mouth, cleanly wiping that smirk away. Enough was enough! He strode forth in great hurried pace, clearing his throat out of decency for the young woman in his wolfish brothers clutches before he got to the gazebo. A few tenative steps and he peeked around the corner to find the pair smoothing down clothes and straightening hair. He gave his little brother a glare that let him know he was not pleased. Zac seemed unaffected. "Sup bro?" He asked casually, his hand snaking around the tiny waist of the girl at his side. "We were all wondering where you'd gotten to. We didn't want you to feel neglected." He looked up into familiar brown eyes of his little brother as he stepped closer. "Nope, not feeling neglected at all. Chamile here was keeping me quite occupied." He stared down into his older brother's face, letting him know that his implied wrong doing on Zac's part was not appreciated. "Oh, well perhaps you'd care to join the rest of us? I'm sure Mom would like to know that you're having a good time here today. After all it was at her request that you come today with them." Ike tried to let him know gently without embarrasing him infront of the girl he took a fancy to. "Whatever." Zac nearly growled, knowing that his big brother had him this time. He took the girl by the hand, shoving past Ike roughly. "Come on baby, let's go kiss some asses so we can blow this joint and find a better place to be alone." She trotted along behind him, making Ike think of a puppy. He watched his brother stride over the springy clover, crushing it under his feet as he stomped toward the open doors that lead back to the main body of the party. Uncharacteristicly Zac stopped and turned to the girl he was nearly dragging along. A soft look passed over his face and he cupped the tiny face of the miniture beauty, bending down to her, whispering something to her before he placed a sweet kiss on her damp pink lips. Ike blinked, there was something different about the way he was treating this newest girl. She smiled up at him and they calmly walked into the party, hand in hand. Ike slumped back, plopping onto the rail of the gazebo as he crossed his arms over his chest. 'Now what was that all about?' He thought to himself. Something was bugging him and he was going to get to the bottom of it. He let a few minutes pass before he too joined the plastic crowd, for his mother's sake. He took up yet another glass of champagne and resumed his post at the lone table once more. He sat and sipped, again taking in the scene before him. Nothing much had changed in his abscence, Tay was still holding court, his parents were still schmoozing, Jess was still absorbed in that guy... bu tnow Zac was added to the mix. Zac nad that little flower of a girl. It was an odd looking pair. She was decked to the nines in an outfit befitting her place in society, it looked rich and trendy. He was barely acceptable in a pair of dress pants and pressed button up shirt. His mother had been lucky enough to get him into that. Of course they scowled at him with the abscence of a tie when he came in, but let it slide due to the name attached to the wild surly teenager. Hanson. Why should it be any different if his name were Davidson? It wasn't right. And that was what bothered Ike the most about these types of people. They put too much emphasis on all the wrong things. Where was their passion? Where were their morals? There were so many more important things in life then social standing. What about all the starving children in int world? What about war hmmm? What about straight forward politics for the people? Not just those that could afford to buy their politicians, but those grass roots issues that kept the country grounded in freedom? What about education for the under privilaged? It was an outrage that these people that had money viewed themselves as better then the rest of the world! His blood was near to boiling as he looked around the room, eyes shooting darts at those that just oozed of snobery.Did they have no shame? He was damned well aware of his money, had earned every penny of it through hard work, sweat and tears. He didn't flaunt it, he put it to work damnit. He gave to charities, worked for charities, invested in things for his future that he thought would better the country later on down the road. He was smart about it. Why couln't they do it too? His eyes lit on a particularly plump woman, her dress so chic and hair done just so. The way she moved and talked, it was sickening to him, it reeked of old money and self centered heraldry. He shook his head in disgust at her, then she turned and revealed a stunning sight for his aching eyes. The graceful blonde beauty he'd knocked down earlier. He didn't know her name, and shrew seemed too harsh to tack onto a vision of loveliness such as she... he decided to call her Grace. It seemed to fit her. He studied her, the way she held herself. Certainly to anyone that bothered to cast a glance her way she would look sophisticated and worldly, just the facade she wanted to throw in their path. But he looked deeper, under the layers of fluff and pomp. What he saw took his breath away, she was a beautiful person inside. Now he had an inkling that the reason why she was rude to him earlier was not because she was a snob, but because she was shy, she didn't want to be here anymore then he did. Somehow he had a feeling that the airs that she put on were just that. He was willing to bet that deep down inside, she was very much like himself, someone who cared and was disgusted with the show of money at these kinds of events. Maybe she even came today for the sake of apeasing someone else too? It was certainly something to ponder over. He watched in curiosity as the budding beauty Zac had muckled onto approached his eye candy he'd dubbed Grace. They talked animatedly while Zac squirmed under the hushed harsh words of their father on the other side of the room. Now there was something going on there, he was sure of it. Several times he saw 'Grace' cast a look toward Zac, her nose scrunched up in disgust. That much he could see was for real. He chuckled. His brother was really a big old soft teddy bear inside, he was just a bit burly and rough around the edges. Once one got to know him he was really a likeable guy. He had to admit though he never made a good first impression. Under the miracle of divine intervention, the fetching small girl dragged 'Grace' over to Zac and his father. She politely introduced the woman to her left and shook Walkers hand when Zac was nudged to introduce the tiny flower that gazed up at him adoringly. He smiled at the uncomfortable face Zac wore, then the smile was wiped clear off his face as he saw his father look up and search the room for he and his brother. Now would be a good time for the floor to open up and swallow him. He wasn't sure if he could handle being properly introduced to the blonde beauty he'd bowled over. Reluctantly he got up and crept over the floor, meeting Tay there at the same time. Tay gave him a look like 'what the hell is wrong with you?' He was nervous as all hell and he had good reason to be. As soon as 'Grace' had realized that he was aproaching, she rolled her eyes and got in a defensive stance. He slunk up and tried his best to cower beside his taller father. Walker was oblivious to it all and chirpily introduced his sons. "This is my son Taylor, second oldest." He smiled at his son as he charmingly shook both women's hands and gave Zac a private look as if to say 'dude! whoa, way to go!' "And this is my eldest son Isaac." He beamed. Ike did his best to try and look somewhat confident and brave, though this woman easily intimadated him, and that was something he was just not used to. She curtly shook his hand and let off that snotty vibe. It was then that Ike grinned. He did so broadly for he saw a look cross her eyes, a look of uncertainty. It put him at ease knowing that maybe most of his assumptions were close to the truth. He smoothly manuvered his way past Tay and siddled up next to her. "So, tell me how you know my brother's new found infatuation?" He smiled. She huffed, he smiled wider. "If you must know, she's my cousin." She squirmed under his new found confidance. He nodded. "I see, so then I guess you both live around here then seeing how you are so close and all?" He asked sweetly. She rolled her eyes despite herself. "Actually, no. " She said rather snottily. "I do, but she lives on the east coast, she's only visiting and we are not close." She informed him rather quickly. A bief look passed between the girls, one Ike did not have the capacity to translate. Zac's arm slid around the tiny girls waist at the mention of her not getting along with her cousin. He grinned and eyed the small crowd of the circle he stood in. "Well! I hate to break up this wonderful party and all... but I promised to meet a few people before we headed out... Don't wait up for me Dad. I don't know how late I'll be getting home tonight." And with that the goliath and his captive quickly left their prescence. Walker looked rather worridly at his other two sons. Tay only shrugged and shook the remaining girls hand once more with a smile before taking his leave as well. She smiled politely, then shook Walkers hand as she excused herself and went on her way... only she had a puppy following her. Isaac. "So cousins huh? How come you don't get along?" It's a shame. Family should be close." He stated emphaticlly. Though he could not see her, she rolled her eyes as she had her back to him and picked at a plate of caviar. He circled her and leaned on the table to face her, trying once more to initiate conversation. "Do you come to a lot of these kinds of functions? I myself would rather not, but I do from time to time out of obligation... but today, I came at the request of my mother... she really is persistent. " Again, she turned her back to him and smiled and waved at someone across the room as she plucked up a glass of champagne. He was not giving up so easily. He circled her once more and faced her, a smile warming his face. "Would you care to dance? Or maybe join me in a walk of the gardens to talk?" He tried. She was fed up. "Look. I don't know why you think I'm interested but really I'm not. I'd just prefer if you left me alone. I know you're most likely not used to being rejected and all what with your rock star status and what not... but really. Please, just leave me alone." She pleaded. He raised his hands, palms out in surrender as he turned his head and backed off. "Sorry, I didn't know I was offending you. I just wanted to get to konw you. No harm done I hope." He appologized completely ignoring her remark about his job and how she though he was being snobbish. He left her alone, going back to his table with a wide grin ni place. Tay sauntered over. "What are you grinning at stupid? Didn't you just get shot down?" He asked as he straddled a chair beside his brother and reached over to sip from Ikes glass. Ikes eyes glanced quickly at his brother then settled once again on the woman across the room that he'd been watching. "Yeah, I got shot down real fast. But I'm not worried about it. I'm just beginning on working her to a point of defeat. I'm wearing her down." He confessed. Tay threw his head back. His laughter clear as it rang through the room.He caught his breath after a few moments, wiping at his eyes as he got a hold of himself enough to speak once more. "Whatever you say big brother... whatever you say." He said as he rose and patted his brother's shoulder lovingly. He walked away, shaking his head muttering to himself under his breath as he went back to the gaggle of girls waiting patiently for him in the corner of the room to return. 'What a dufous...' It did not go un-noticed by Walker and Diana as Zac slipped out of the party with a small yet pretty girl on his arm... that boy was just trouble waiting to happen. They just hoped that sometime soon he would grow out of that phase and be more responsible. They sighed and hoped they didn't have to make a midnight run to the police station again to bail their son out... again. "Well that had to be the most boring party I've ever been to." Tay sighed as he yanked his tie off and tossed it over a chair. He flopped down into a chair and reached out for the soda his sister handed to him as she kicked off her shoes. "Oh, I dunno. You looked like you were enjoying youself there big brother." She laughed. He grinned back at her. He raised an eyebrow with his smirk he offered to her. "Oh really now? And just how did you notice this my dear sister seeings how you were so busy with that tall dark haired guy that was fawning all over you all night long?" He teased. She blushed a bit lowering her eyes. "Yeah... well... I just did ok?" She tried. They laughed together a bit and waved to Ike as he too shlept into the kitchen, his jacket gone and tie loose. He toed off his shoes too as he plunked into a chair and Jess reached for a soda for him too. He grinned gratefully at her for the refreshment and popped the top and guzzled a bit. He took a deep breath and let loose a great burp, making them all laugh. They were tired, they were uncomfortable in their good clothes, they were subconciously worried about their missing brother... but still, somehow they managed to be happy. For what it was. They really were happy. "Your Mother and I are headed to bed. Thanks again for going for her, it means a lot to her you know kids?" Walkers deep weary voice asked from the kitchen door. They all looked up and smiled at their dad. "Night Dad." They said together. He smiled back at them and turned to go, tossing over his shoulder a last directive. "Don't forget to leave the porch light on for you brother...just incase he actually comes home tonight...." He sighed as he took the stairs. It had been a long day. He hoped he was going to get a good nights rest. But he doubted it. |
| thanx for read'n... Z-ya! |