Like Tattoos on This Town

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zacky sighed rubbing his face. "I know." He said before shaking his head. He didn't want to have to explain it to her but she didn't seem to understand the struggles he had to deal with. "I didn't contact you because I couldn't." He shook his head, "between school and work I didn't have time to write, I didn't have money to call." He hated how rude and hurtful the words he said were. "What makes you think I'd have money to come back?" He asked. "I only came here now because they left me money." He shook his head. "I have nothing." He admitted. He had an apartment he could barely afford, and a dead end job that paid shit.

---

Laney thanked Matt as she got into his car, once he was situated she gave him instructions to downtown. There was some fast food joints, a diner or two. And then a groceries store all in the same area, she figured she'd at least show him the heart of the town. "Turn left here." She informed him, the small town seemed to stretch on once he'd rounded the corner. Letting him see the layout of downtown.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden shook her head, running a hand back through her hair. This was a bad idea, she should never have tried to talk to him, she should've just let him bury his grandparents and then leave. "You make it sound like you don't care about me at all, Zack," Hayden said coldly. She knew she wasn't being fair, but she didn't care. She was hurting and she wanted him to hurt, too. "I thought I was your friend."

---

"Is this it?" Matt chuckled, scanning the downtown area. He knew this town was small, but he was expecting a little more than this. He frowned when he noticed that the diner was closed. Fast food it was, then. "So what do you want?" Matt asked, pulling into the drive-thru. He fished out his wallet, grinning at Laney. "It's on me."

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack scoffed, "you were my friend." He informed her. "I grew up and moved on, clearly you didn't." He huffed before standing up and walking away from her, pacing a bit before he turned his attention back to her. "You were one of the best things in my life." He said, "but I can't take care of an addict and please you too." He scoffed. "You may have been hurt by me leaving, but you never could imagine what I went through, you've always been sheltered. And I'm not sorry for anything that happened in my past, I'm just lucky to be alive." He said, hoping she'd would get it in her thick head that she isn't the sun, and not everything revolves around her.

---

Laney smiled at him before telling him her order. She was hungry and opted for a hamburger. A rather large hamburger, with fries and a sweet tea. She nibbled on her lip. She didn't like that he was buying for her, but she understood it was to pay her back for cooking for him last night. But he was new to town and got a new job, so he couldn't have had that much money. And here she was spending it, it bothered her. Not everybody could afford to go out and eat like this. Everyday her father would bring leftovers and eat them. He made sure that his family was well taken care of and didn't splurge on himself. Though he earned it, she didn't think he even own a nice pair of boots. Where she had like thirty pairs.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
"Don't act like you know my life, Zack," Hayden hissed. She got to her feet as well, clenching her fists at her sides. This was not how Hayden had expected this afternoon to play out. She hadn't been expecting their reunion to be smooth, but she certainly hadn't expected all of this. "You could've come to me for help, you should know that I would drop everything to help you. I always have. So don't you try and lay a guilt trip on me, Zacky Baker." Hayden paused, taking a deep breath. She didn't want to cry in front of Zacky, didn't want to give him that satisfaction. "You're not the only person who's had bad shit happen to them, Zack."

---

Once he had their food, Matt pulled into a parking spot. Now that he thought about it, he had no idea why he hadn't suggested that they go into the restaurant. Maybe it was because he was wearing a short-sleeved shirt and was tired of all the dirty looks he was getting for all his tattoos. Besides that, he had a seventeen-year-old girl with him and he didn't want any trouble. "So uh, is your dad feeling any better?" Matt asked, trying to make small talk. He didn't know what else to say, which was why he was glad he had a cheeseburger to stuff in his mouth.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack sighed shaking his head. "Don't be putting words in my mouth." He snapped back at her. "I never once acted like I knew you. Because your right, you're not the girl I knew." He informed her. "Just like I'm not the boy you knew." He sighed out, feeling a bit of his anger deplete. "It was easy living here, and I would have never left, but the choice wasn't mine." He informed her. "Once my mother had it in her mind to go we went, end of discussion, and by the time things were even good enough where I could leave, this shit happens." He growled at her. He knew that she would find the truth out sooner or later. He didn't want to come back here, farm life wasn't for him. But he never want to leave her, that was what it had boiled down to, was his love for her. And it hurt him going, but he couldn't stop it. He went because his mother said he had to. And it hurt him for a long time. Till one day he found himself hurting less, and then not at all. Just like he'd stopped thinking of her, and everything they could have had. It was easier on him to just forget her and move on.

---

Laney smiled at his attempt to start a conversation. She picked at her fries, nibbling on them. "He says his better, and is at work." She inform him, "but I know he feels like shit." She shook her head. "Men and thinking they have to be invincible and work through pain." She rolled her eyes before taking a bite of her burger.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden swallowed hard. She couldn't even begin to imagine what he had gone through, but at the same time, there was no way he could imagine how much him leaving had hurt her. Even if he didn't know it, he was the first guy she'd ever really had feelings for and losing him was like losing a part of her heart. And she'd needed him more than anything after he left, because it seemed like that was all it had taken for things to fall apart. "I'm sorry, Zack," Hayden whispered, wiping at her eyes. He really made it seem like she meant nothing to him at all, and it made her sick to her stomach. "If that's how you feel, then I won't bother you anymore. I'll let you deal with all of your shit, and then you can leave again, just like you want."

---

Matt chuckled. "Hey, nobody said we think we're invincible," he told her. He chewed on a french fry. "But it makes us feel useful to go out and work, even when we're sick. Back when I was in trade school, I had to work to pay my tuition, so I went to work once with a hundred and two degree fever. And I was throwing up. But you gotta do what you gotta do sometimes." He smiled at Laney. "So tell me a little more about yourself."

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack scoffed, "fine." He said, before walking towards the door. "Believe me I expected less." He informed her, "but thanks for the food." He said before exiting the diner. Making his way along the side walk, he headed for the church. His car was still there after all, grumbling a bit about the weather since it was still raining.

---

Laney chuckled, swallowing her food, before shrugged. "What's there to know." She said honestly. "I'm seventeen and work full time." She told him, he knew that. "I really haven't experienced much to say much." She spoke truthfully and was very intelligent, but she didn't like bragging about herself. So really the traits he'd get to know over time wasn't anything worth mentioning.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden watched as Zacky stormed out of the diner. She just felt so frustrated and suddenly she was crying. She knew he'd been through a lot, but that was no excuse for him to treat her like that. They'd been best friends, how could he just pretend like she meant nothing to him. She should just let him leave and go back to whatever miserable life he had back wherever he lived. But the storm outside was getting bad and Hayden wouldn't be able to live with herself if she let him walk away again. Snatching up her keys, Hayden ran out to her truck, heading in the direction of the church. It wasn't long before she came upon Zacky walking along the side of the road and she slowed down her truck nearly to a stop,rolling down the passenger window. "Zacky!" she called out.

---

"So uh, when will you be eighteen?" Matt asked. He realized too late how that sounded, but decided not to say anything else about it. "I'll uh, I'll be twenty five in July." He reached for his cheeseburger, taking a slow bite. This was ridiculous. He shouldn't be flirting with a seventeen-year-old. It was a good way to get himself arrested. Or fired. Or shot, by her dad. He hadn't met Mr. Stevens yet, but Matt was sure he wouldn't be too keen on Matt pursuing his seventeen year old daughter.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zacky huffed pulling his jacket closer to himself. He didn't mind the rain but he was soaked and his clothes was heavy. Hearing the roar of an engine he turned looking into the street before groaning. She was persistent. Hearing his name screamed from the truck he sighed. He knew he should have just kept walking, but hearing the pleading in her voice had him stopping.

---

Laney wasn't shocked by his question, most guys asked her that question. She didn't understand why, she was pretty. But they were acting like her age was tabu and she wasn't worth a risk. So it never pleased her to hear a guy she likes asking it. She knew that he could get in trouble with her father, but the states age of consent was 16. So for these guys to show interest in her they should learn a thing or two, and man up. "In about six months." She told him, it wasn't like she was hiding her birthday. She knew that was all he cared about was when she'd be eighteen, not when should he buy her a gift or card.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
"Zacky, I'm sorry!" Hayden shouted. He stopped walking but other than that, didn't move. "Please, get in the truck." She reached down and put her truck in park, waiting to see what Zacky would do. She really hoped he'd get in, because if he stayed out in the storm he could get hurt or get sick.

---

Matt noticed the dark look that passed over Laney's face. She obviously knew why he was asking when her birthday was. "Well that's nice," he said. He smiled, reaching for a few french fries. "You'll have to remind me whenever it gets closer so I can get you something." He looked down, clearing his throat. "I remember when I turned eighteen, my friends back in California took me out to a bar. We had fake IDs, so we got pretty drunk. But we had a great time."

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack sighed hearing her apologize, he knew that he should just turn and walk away. That it would be better for both of them in the long run to go their own way and not look back. But against his better judgement he was getting into the truck. Shaking from the cold and rain soaked clothes.

---

Laney bit back a snarky comment, seeing he was trying to actually ask about her birthday. She felt a bit bad when he noticed how he cared, though she'd never expect him to buy her a gift. "I don't have friends," she told him honestly. "And I don't see the point of drinking." She shook her head.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Once Zacky was in the truck, Hayden reached over and turned on the heat before driving away. She stared straight ahead, gripping the steering wheel tight. It was starting to get dark, so Hayden didn't know where Zacky would want to go. "I can take you back to your grandparents' house, if you want," Hayden offered. She swallowed. "Or you can wait out the storm at my house, and I can make some coffee. And...we could finish talking."

---

Matt frowned. "Well that's a shame, because you seem like a very nice girl," he said. "And drinking is pretty fun, you'll have to let me take you out sometime." Matt smirked, eating the last of his cheeseburger. He glanced at his watch. "Shit, we'd better get back," he said, getting to his feet.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack pulled off his jacket, knowing it wasn't helping but hold the cold in. "My car is at the church." He told her, he didn't want to be strained anywhere he went. "I can follow you to yours." He offered, he really didn't want to drive all the way to his grandparents, knowing the road would be muddy as hell. He just hoped she live in town or closer than they did.

---

Laney chuckled shifting in her seat, grabbing the seat belt and pulling it back on. "We'll see." She told him, though she didn't see it happening anytime. They would be friendly for a while, then he'd find a girl that met his need. Then she'd just be some girl at work. It's happened a lot with the other guys. She didn't like it, but at least she knew what kind of men they really were.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden nodded and turned off on the road that led to the church. It was obvious which car was Zacky's, since it was the only one in the lot. She waited for Zacky to get into his car and start the ignition before she pulled away and headed for her house. Once she was there Hayden led Zacky inside and into the kitchen. "Would you like some coffee?" she asked softly.

---

Matt pulled into the garage's parking lot and killed the ignition, pocketing his keys. "I had a good time today," Matt said, grinning as he got out of the car. He walked around to the front of his car, waiting for Laney so he could walk her to the door. "We'll have to do it again sometime. Or maybe we could go out to dinner sometime."

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zacky licked over his lips, looking around the entrance of her place. "I'm fine." He informed her, though he would love to get out of his wet clothes. He didn't see that happening any time soon. He knew she was hurt but he didn't want to fight over the past. There was nothing they could do to change what had happened.

---

Laney smiled at Matt as she exited his car, the remainder of her food grasped in her hands. "I did too." She informed him, though she wasn't completely honest. There was time when she wasn't so happy with him, but even small bumps are easily looked over. "Maybe." She told him before disappearing into the office. She didn't know if it was a good idea for them to be dating, or seeing each other out side of work.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
Hayden didn't say anything, just nodded and walked over to the coffee maker to make herself a cup of coffee. Right now what she really wanted was a glass of scotch, but she didn't think alcohol would really help the situation. Once her coffee was ready, Hayden added a bit of cream and sugar and took a seat at her kitchen table, across from Zacky. "So where'd you go, Zack?" she asked. "If um, you don't mind my asking."

---

Matt watched Laney disappear into the office before he walked into the garage. Even if she hadn't said yes to his offer, she also hadn't flat out told him no, which to Matt was a good sign. Matt worked hard through the afternoon, feeling good working with his hands. He hoped Laney would still be in the office when he left, because he had a question he wanted to ask her. Thankfully she was, but unfortunately, it also looked like her father was there.

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack followed her into the kitchen, he knew that with wet clothes it'd be better to sit upon the treated wooden chairs than her fabric clad sofa. "Uh," he cleared his throat. "We first headed to New York, and somehow made our way to California." He informed her. "I've been living their for the past six years." He knew that it was a long time ago, but these things still hurt to talk about. And her in front of him, it didn't feel like old times. And partly because he couldn't look at her, she wasn't the cute girl he knew. But instead a beautiful woman, and that intimidated him.

---

Laney continued her work and munch on her lunch for the rest of the day. She knew that since she missed breakfast and had a crummy lunch she'd be even hungrier once dinner rolled around. A figure in the door way drew her attention away from her work. Smiling softly she noticed her father. "Hey." She greeted him, knowing that he still didn't feel good, and the look on his face was once of displeasure. "That new guy huh?" He questioned her. Nibbling on her lip and blushing she tilted her head down, trying to hide her embarrassment. "What about him?" She whispered out, knowing her father had caught them fraternizing. "Just be careful honey." He said, knowing he wasn't in any mood to fight. He'd seen the way other men had treated her, she was frail even with the raising she had. Her innocence drew them in, but her father scared them off. So he knew the hurt she's faced by being rejected. But she was almost a woman now, and already had spent a year running a business. And on top of that she got her GED, she was grown. And she needed a bit of a life outside of work. But that didn't mean her father wouldn't kill somebody if they hurt her.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
"I bet California is nice," Hayden commented, taking a sip of her coffee. "I've always wondered what it's like over there, if it's really that different from down here." Hayden looked over at Zacky and noticed that he wasn't looking at her; rather, he was staring at his hands, which were sitting on top of the table. Her stomach churned. Even though it was his mother that took him away, Hayden always worried that it was her that had made Zacky stay away. And the fact that he wouldn't look at her only hammered that thought further into her head. "Why won't you look at me, Zack?" she asked, her voice cracking slightly.

---

As soon as he saw her father walk away, Matt approached Laney at the counter. "Hey," he said, leaning on his elbows. "I have a question to ask you." He was a bit nervous because of the way she'd been acting towards him, but Matt was the type of guy that didn't give up until you flat out told him no. "I was wondering if I could get your phone number?" he asked. "Not for any special reason, just because you're basically the only person I know in this town."

@ ZackyEffingVengeance
Zack ignored her comment about California, he didn't want to really talk about the place he'd been calling home. He loved it there. Even if it was expensive as hell to live there. He knew talking about it would show her just how much he loved it there. And he didn't want to start a fight or make her feel bad. Hearing her talk about his lack of attention to her face, he turned his attention to look up at her. Shrugging his shoulders he didn't want to answer that question either. Knowing his reasoning would sink him further. They were just now starting to talk amicable and he didn't want to ruin the progress they'd made. "What?" He questioned her, not understanding why she would care if he looked at her or not.

---

Laney smiled, greeting him. "Hey." She said softly. She'd sent most of the day, wondering what she was going to do to distance herself from him. But her father had her thoughts going haywire. Why would he encourage her to date a man 8 years her senior. "Hmm?" She encouraged him on, noticing he was timid. Licking over her lips she reverted her eyes, she wasn't sure if she should or not. "You know there's a few bars in town, I'm sure you can find some friends there." She said, teasing him. Grabbing one of her dad's business cards, she quickly jotted down her number. Before handing it to him. "Just in case you loose your way there." She smirked at him, before leaving the office. Her father had agreed to lock up, so she was headed home to make dinner and hopefully take a nice long bath. And since tomorrow was Sunday and the shop was closed she planned on catching up on some much needed sleep.

@ Bongs Before Bibles
"Nothing," Hayden sighed. She reached for her coffee, bringing it to her face and taking a large sip. She was running out of things to say, because it seemed that Zacky shot down every attempt she made to start a conversation. She didn't know why she tried, he obviously didn't want anything to do with her anymore. He probably had a beautiful girlfriend back in California. Hayden bit her lip, struggling to find something else to say. "I've missed you, Zack," she finally whispered. "You have no idea how much I've needed you."

---

Matt smirked as he took the business card from Laney, watching as she walked out of the office. He was just glad that he had her phone number, because it meant that she wasn't totally put off by him. And it also meant that her father wasn't totally against him pursuing her in a more than frisky friendly manner, even though Matt was sure he wouldn't completely be on board with Laney dating someone so much older than her. Matt walked out to his car, climbing in and starting it. The shop was closed tomorrow, which meant that Matt could spend the night with a few cold beers and his new TV. He thought about heading to one of the bars Laney mentioned, but he didn't think he was quite ready to brave the southern social scene.