PANTHERMANIA!

FRIENDING MEME!

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 00:17:59 GMT

Six Days

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 01:55:39 GMT

Title: Six Days (AKA The Six Days It Took Matt And Julie To Get Back Together)
Characters: Matt and Julie (with Tyra, Smash, and Landry also starring)
Setting: Post-May The Best Man Win
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 3,458
Title from: Grey's Anatomy
Author Note: The final fic in the 32-day fic-a-day-challenge.

"Uh... hi?" she says, like she has no idea what's goin on, but it's not right to gawk at him like he’s some famous movie star that she has a crush on or some insane shit like that.

What Have I Done To Deserve This? // Kung Fu Fighting

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:28:19 GMT

What Have I Done To Deserve This?
Jason Street, Eyes Wide Open, PG, 295 words, Title from Grey's Anatomy

He pulls the blanket up so that his feet are sticking out. He stares at them, tries not to panic, and then closes his eyes. They’ll move, they got to, c’mon toes, wiggle for me.

Kung Fu Fighting
Matt/Landry, May The Best Man Win, PG, 947 words, Title from Grey's Anatomy

“Alright ladies, time to stop the catfight.”

Past Lives

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:12:44 GMT

So I started this for UFD, then didn't finish it, and then realized it was longer than i expected...oops. So here's the first installment.

Title: Past Lives (part 1)
Character/Pairing: Mainly Tim, but most of the others make appearances. Plus my character Annabelle.
Summary: Tim is bordering on failing at midterm, which puts his chances of playing in the playoffs in jeporday. He gets a new tutor who is supposed to actually make Riggins do work...hmmmm..
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own nothing FNL, but I do own Annabelle. so yea. there. Go Panthers.

(let me know if you want to read more...)

(fake cut)

7 more icons!

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:29:35 GMT

More icons!! Wooo.

1.
(Bradley needs his own icons!)

2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7.

48 Icons + 1 Love Bar from 02x14

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 07:55:54 GMT

+ Do not hotlink (save and upload yourself).
+ Do not repost
+ Do not claim as your own.
+ Credit is required.
+ Comments are love
+ Textless icons are not bases so do not edit. Feel free to contact me for customization.
+ I take requests at interstate84
+ See all my icons at my website

Preview:

Say Goodbye, Say Hello

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 15:14:14 GMT

This little story was written for the Universal Fan Day but I didn't finish it in time. I want to dedicate this to both thatdudejoe and lyttlqt21 for all the effort they put into it all.

Title: Say Goodbye, Say Hello
Character/Pairing: Matt, undertones of Matt/Julie
Summary: Over the years, things change for Matt Saracen.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue. But if I owned? THERE'D BE NO CANCELLATION TALK, FOLKS!

(He lies awake at night in his room, on top of the crumpled covers, and listens to Dylan singing out what he can’t name, words slow and heavy pouring out into the hot Texas dark.)

The Accidental Matchmaker

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:28:43 GMT

Title: The Accidental Matchmaker
Fandom: Friday Night Lights
Word Count: 2016
Rating: PG-13
Characters: Julie POV, Tyra/Tim, mentions of Julie/Matt
Spoilers / Warnings: 2x9
Author's Note: Not mine! I started this before 2x10, so this is set maybe a month later, and in this, Tim is still staying at the Taylors and Tyra and Landry had a public relationship and then broke up. Very minor spoilers for the movie Garden State.

The Accidental Matchmaker

Closing Time -- Chapter Eight

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 19:16:57 GMT

Last chapter!! Hope you enjoyed this story! It was a blast writing it all out with everyone!

Title: Closing Time – Chapter Eight: The Finish Line
Written by: thatdudejoe, lyttlqt21, vacheqirit, theweasleyboys, maryilee, jtatef14, and lalagirl33

Closing time
Open all the doors and let you out into the world…

“So, have you talked to your roommate at all?” Julie asked Matt as he began closing up at work that night. She sat at the counter as she slurped on her milkshake.

“Yeah. I’ve been talking to him here and there since we met at orientation. He’s this kid from Dallas. He’s pretty cool, so that’s a plus.”

“Still going for Education right? Have you given any thought about medical school? I know you said with your Grandma, you’d want to do something like that if you could.”

“I’m still not sure about that yet. It would be nice, but I don’t really see myself actually being a doctor, you know?”

Julie nodded her head. “Yeah, I can’t really see it either to be honest. Doctor Saracen does have a nice ring to it.”

They both laughed for a short moment.

“You bummed about not playing football?”

“Yeah. I’m gonna miss it. But I know I’d probably never even get the chance to even go out there. So you know, I don’t want to waste my time when I can be doing other things.”

“You gonna miss me?” Julie asked out of the blue. Matt just nodded his head. He wanted to tell her how he felt. How he didn’t want her to leave and have a nice life without him in it, and that maybe they could start up again because he’s still in love with her. But he couldn’t. It would be too painful.

A few days later Matt found himself inside his empty room. It was bare with only sheets upon the bed. He was finally leaving for Texas Tech. He couldn’t believe that the time was finally here. He was excited to leave, but sad that he was leaving everything behind. He grew up in this room, in this house—and living in a dorm just wasn’t going to be the same.

The knocking on the door startled him. It was Landry, coming to say goodbye to his best friend.

Matt let him inside as Landry walked into Matt’s bedroom, looking around at the emptiness. He wanted to say something to him, something that wouldn’t get him upset. They had been through so much just these past couple of years, not to mention everything else before then. But he knew it wasn’t going to work.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye, then,” Landry said to him.

Matt slowly nodded his head yes. This was goodbye. Landry was going to be off doing his own thing with his band, and Matt was going to be without his best friend.

“This is really weird. I just… it’s going to be weird without you always around.”

“I know. I’ll come and visit. Maybe the band and I will come play a free gig. It’ll give us good exposure.”

Matt laughed. He heard the beeping outside from his dad’s truck. It was time to leave.

“Guess this is it?”

“Yeah, I guess it is.”

Matt and Landry quickly gave each other a hug and a pat on the back before walking out of the house. Grandma was outside waiting with her new live-in nurse. Matt tried his hardest to hold back his tears. He immediately wrapped his arms around her. He didn’t want to let her go. She was the most important person in Matt’s life, and he didn’t know how he’d survive without her.

“I love you, Grandma. I’m gonna miss you so much,” he told her.

“I love you too, sweetheart. You just go make us all proud, and you know you can come home whenever you want. I’ll be here,” she let go and wiped the tears off of his face before giving him another hug. Matt slowly waked to his dad’s truck, already emotionally drained. And he still had three more people to see.

***

Julie looked around her room admiring the small places she had personalized the walls over the years. She had small bumper stickers from the concerts her and Lois had seen pictures she had come across and fallen in love with, and the one that seemed to anchor the wall, a picture of her from Matt. Even years after their break-up she could look at the sketch and feel a chill down her spine. At the time of the drawing, she and Matt had been in love, and the drawing reminded Julie of their past, and what couldn’t be in their future.

The vibrating of her cell phone snapped her out of her dazing, and she swiped at the trickle of tears down her cheek. But when she picked up her phone and saw she had a text from Matt, she couldn’t control the forthcoming tears. She took her cell, and sneaked out the front door. Sitting on the short brick wall surrounding the area of the front yard that should hold plants, as she opted to read Matt’s message she saw the car she recognized pulling up to the house. She got up, and ran towards Matt, and into his embrace.

“I don’t want you to leave.”

His arms were across her back, smoothing her hair as she cried into his shoulder. Even as the good friends they were his words still had the power to soothe her and made her believe that anything was possible.

He didn’t say anything back; just let his own tears fall. He couldn’t do this. He couldn’t leave without telling her. Even if it would cause even more pain, he had to do it. It’s now or never. He moved his lips towards her ear and whispered, “I love you.”

He could feel Julie tighten her grip before she looked him in the eyes, and said it back.

“I love you too.”

Matt resisted the urge to not respond and make matters worse, and just leaned in and kissed her. It was short, but so very, very sweet.

“Be happy in New York, okay? Do it for me,” he said to her.

“I will if you will.”

“I already am.”

Julie hugged Matt again at her parents’ house, and Gracie came out to say goodbye. It wasn’t as long of a goodbye as Matt would have liked. He thanked both Tami and the Coach for all that they’ve done for him, which is more than he ever could have dreamed of or even deserved. No matter what kind of struggle or pain he went through in his life, he always knew he could rely on the Taylors. They were the parents he always wanted, but never had.

“You just better keep in touch or I’ll come up and kick your ass,” was Coach’s response. They laughed for a bit before Coach gave Matt a hug and walked back towards the house.

Matt walked back to his dad’s truck and looked at the house, waving goodbye to four people he knew would be in his life forever before his dad drove off.

And then, just like that, he was gone. Off to start a new life.

Or as new as it could be.

***

Summer was almost over, and she was giddy and excited. She’d just been accepted at TMU and even though she didn’t know how she was going to afford it, she was thrilled about the prospect of getting a new start. And this time, this time she wasn’t staying in Dillon. She was moving out to have a place of her very own. Well OK, her very own place that she shared with about a couple hundred other students, but still.

She’d taken Mrs. T’s advice, and done some poking around. As it turned out, you could get paid for being a friend. Being someone’s conscious. It was called providing therapy. Finding each person’s unique true north, and helping to guide them towards it. She’d already been doing it for years, and she didn’t even realize it. She was actually seriously excited for classes to start! Now that she finally knew what she wanted, she was well on her way. She couldn’t wait. She was already packed. And there were just a few more weeks to go.

She hadn’t seen or heard from Tim since he’d left for South Padre. A small part of her wished that she’d had the guts to go with him. It could have been a blast. But she also knew it wasn’t a good idea. He needed some space to figure out who he was, what he wanted. And they already knew who they were when they were together. While it was dynamic and exciting, and oh so right, it was also draining and self-destructive and oh so wrong. She couldn’t handle it. She could admit that to herself now. She wasn’t sure what had changed. Maybe she had.

She was hoping to see Landry before she left Dillon. Since he’d left, they’d talked frequently on the phone, and she’d realized just how much she’d come to depend on his company. But they still had the phone. Since he’d left, she’d felt like a part of her was missing, and it didn’t seem right. And it was weird. Landry was her best friend after all. And she’d miss Julie, too, so much. They’d already made plans. Tyra resolved to find a way to get up to New York and spend the weekend with Julie at NYU. She had to. She deserved it. It would be a crime not to.

One thing was certain. She was going to TMU. And she was going to shine.

***

“Keep straight in that saddle, Jen!”

Brett’s offer had led Tim to the Equestrian Center’s stables, where he could occasionally watch the continuous stream of riders heading to and from the beaches.

“Eyes open, Keith! Don’t run into that guy beside you!”

“So what else have you been up to besides checkin’ out the sun and sand?” Brett asked, helping a few other volunteers unload some hay from a truck.

“Keepin’ the bench warm for the team, mostly,” said Tim, shrugging slightly.

“Unless Roberts got hurt and they put me in, that is.”

“Ya mean they gave you that scholarship months ago, but don’t even let you play?”

“Yeah. Sounds stupid, doesn’t it?”

“I was going for something more along the lines of freakin’ unfair, actually. If they didn’t want you playing for them, why ask you to join their team?”

“I guess that was before they learned about my bad habits, Weston.”

He lifted three hay bales from the back of the truck; then started walking towards the barn while Brett followed close behind.

“That was last year, though. Maybe this year, I’ll get my chance.”

“Yeah, maybe if you hold Meyers down while I—”

“—Good afternoon, you guys.”

A familiar face had suddenly crossed Tim’s path.

“Lois Phelps?” he exclaimed, looking her straight in the eyes. “What are you doin’ here?”

“Helping out, same as you,” she said slowly, giggling a little. “How’s the volunteer work coming?”

“Just fine,” said Tim, waiting for Brett to open the barn doors before heading inside. “This whole horse care thing is easier than I thought it would be. How have you been doing in a place like this?”

“Busy,” Lois replied, pulling something out of her pocket. “But that’s just half the story…”

Once he’d put the hay bales down onto the ground, she slipped a white card into his hands and watched him read what had been written inside:

What—Lois’ 18^th Birthday Party

Where—Our vacation rental house

When—Today, 6 PM

Why—Because you’re invited, and I like you!

“…So don’t get too comfortable around the horses, okay….? I’ll be keeping an eye out for you!”

She flashed him her brightest smile; then tossed her hair over one shoulder as she walked back outside.

“I see you’ve met my cousin,” Brett laughed, enjoying Tim’s surprised expression as he elbowed him in the ribs.

***

Coach Taylor knew that the road trip to New York would seem so long but the time would fly all too fast. It was in fact the last “quality” time he’d share with Julie for a long time. He was proud of her but still was in awe at the fact that she chose NYU.

“Dad, please tell me that we aren’t going to drive in silence the whole way.” Julie’s voice had a hint of annoyance in it and Eric couldn’t help but smirk.

He turned on the radio but every song struck a nerve to him. So many out there on the waves now about fathers and daughters who were saying goodbye and letting go. It felt as if someone were punching him in the stomach.

It occurred to him that Julie could just use her ipod but that was the last thing he wanted to suggest, if she stuck the ear buds in he’d never get to talk to her again.

Tami noticed him fidgeting, eyeing him from the passenger seat.

“Hon, you wanna stop at this road side park up here?”

“Why, do you gotta go pee again?” Eric rolled his eyes, switching lanes so he could access the off ramp. “I swear you girls pee more than grandpa.”

“I don’t need to go, I just think we need to get out and stretch our legs. We are already in Arkansas, it’s safe to say we can take a break.” She opened her door, feeling the humid air hit her.

“I’ve gotta go, meet you guys back out here.” Julie walked to the restroom, leaving Eric and Tami alone on a bench next to some trees. He felt Tami’s arm wrap around his waist.

“You okay Eric?”

He pulled her in close, giving her a small kiss. He was trying to look calm on the exterior but it was evident from Tami’s curiosity that he wasn’t coming off too strong. He licked his lips, watching the highway across from them as hundreds of cars sped by, almost like his years did with Julie.

“I’m okay, just trying to make the best of this road trip.” He paused. At least we still have about twenty hours of driving time, it’s going to be hard saying bye.”

“Well let’s just make the best of it and not think about that until we cross that bridge.” She stood up, noticing that Julie was walking back towards them. “You ready to get back on the road?”

She nodded. “Everything okay, you two are acting kind of weird.”

“Nope, we are fine!” Eric pulled her in for a hug, playfully pushing her towards the car. His daughter was eighteen but every time he looked her way he envisioned her as a toddler, almost as if his mind was playing games on him.

They stayed silent for a good thirty minutes, each one thinking about things and how hard the next few months were going to be each for them. As they got closer to New York the states became much more populated and the highways more congested. It got to t he point where you couldn’t tell where one town stopped and one began, like a huge cluster of communities tied together.

“Dad have you ever actually driven in New York?” Julie stared out of the window, excited and scared about how busy it was. Was she ready for this?

Eric gripped the steering wheel. As if he didn’t already have enough on his mind he had to worry about psychopathic road rage jerks that flew by him at ninety to nothing.

“I can’t say that I have Julie.”

“What’s the biggest town you have driven in?”

He looked at Julie in the rear view mirror and back to Tami who was smirking. Gritting his teeth he turned his attention back to the five-lane highway they were dealing with. “Houston.”

“Well that’s good, at least you have some experience in urban driving.”

“Julie can we stop talking about this? Your father seems to be getting annoyed.”

Eric was glad to finally see their exit that would take them through Philadelphia. He didn’t say anything towards that remark, Tami was right.

“You know you could volunteer to drive if you think you could do better.” He eyed Julie through the mirror again, winking at her. “You think your two years of driving experience can hack it up here? After all, this isn’t a farm road near Dillon.”

“Uh, dad, I think you are doing great. Keep up the great work.”

He nodded, “That’s what I thought. How about you Tam, you wanna take a stab at this?”

She shook her head no, seeing a huge traffic jam just up the road from them. “I think I’m good Eric. Besides, I think you are about to get a little break, that traffic isn’t moving.”

“This is beautiful…” He trailed off, seeing that even the car pool lane was backed up. “Anyone up for playing a game?”

“God please let this traffic start moving!” Julie pleaded.

“What, no criss cross cree or I spy?”

“There’s movement ahead!” Tami giggled. “No games, you’ve gotta concentrate on those idiots out there.” She looked back at Julie. “Just a little bit longer and we’ll finally get to see where you will be living. Are you excited?”

Eric let out a heavy sigh. They were almost to New York and it was almost time to say goodbye.

The campus was huge and it took them a few moments to find her dormitory. It was very nice and classy and more pride filled Tami and Eric to know that their daughter had the grades to get into such a place as this.

Eric set down a couple of suitcases and glanced around the small dorm room. So, this was it. This was where his little girl would be living for the next several years. It was larger than the one he’d had when he went away to college, but then again, girls needed more space. He smiled, thinking about the amount of clothing, bags and other items that Julie had brought with her. His smile faded when he thought of the credit card bill that would come in the next few weeks for all the clothing, towels, shampoo, make-up and a ton of things he didn’t even really want to know about.

“Ok, where do you want these, hon?” Eric opened and closed his hands a few times to work out the cramp that had settled in on the walk up from the parking lot.

Julie looked between the two identical dressers and gave the matter serious thought. “Mom, should I pick the bed closest to the door or the one nearest the closet?”

Eric rolled his eyes but quickly pasted on a smile when Tami gave him a sharp look. She turned to Julie and put her finger to her chin. “ Let’s see. If you’re closest to the door, you’ll be the one who has to get up and answer it all the time but if there’s a fire--”

“Mom!” Julie crossed her arms and shook her head. “There’s not going to be a fire.”

“Hey, you have to be prepared, sweetheart. But, back to the problem.” Tami put her hands on her hips and looked at the closet. “I think I’d take the one by the closet. It’s farther back in the room and you’ll have more privacy.”

Julie shrugged. “I think I’ll take the one by the door.”

Eric had to stifle a grin as Tami looked at their daughter in disbelief. He put the bags down near the dresser and pulled his keys out of his pocket. “I’m going to go move the car closer. I saw a parking lot on the right side of the building.”

“Okay, Dad. I think I’ll start unpacking some stuff.”

“Great.” Twirling his keys lightly around his finger, he made his way out of the dorm. Conversations in other rooms drifted out to him and outside one door, he had to make his apologies as he squeezed by a mother and daughter hugging, both sniffling back tears.

Eric made a mental note to make sure Tami had some tissue in her purse before they left. He was sure she’d be a mess by the time this time tomorrow. They planned to stay at a hotel tonight and come back to attend some orientation and a meet and greet type luncheon. After that, they were leaving for the long drive back home.

After parking his vehicle in the closer parking lot, he gathered up more bags from the back and lugged them back into the dorm. Eric found his wife and daughter deep in conversation as they put away clothing, so he sat on the desk chair and wiped his arm across his forehead while he caught his breath. He closed his eyes and tilted his Panther cap over his face in an attempt to sneak a little cat nap. It had been a long drive and his shoulders felt stiff. As he drifted off, Tami and Julie’s voices washed over him and he soaked in the sounds of their laughter. If he had some way to capture it and store it up for the next few years, he’d do it in an instant.

“Dad!”

Eric started and almost fell off the chair. “Huh?” He grabbed his cap to keep it from toppling off his head.

Julie smirked. “Have a nice nap?” She turned to put one of the bags on the bed and flipped it open.

Rolling his shoulders, he reached up and cracked his neck. “Yeah, I think I did. What time is it?”

“Time to go have dinner. I’m starving!” Tami came up behind him and began rubbing his shoulders.

“Mmmmm…yeah, I could eat. A little to the left, hon.” Eric realized he was starving, but Tami’s hands were working magic on his aching muscles and he was loathe to do anything that might cause her to quit her ministrations. He groaned when she stopped and stepped in front of him. “Just a little more?”

Tami stepped in front of him and leaned in for a kiss. “Maybe later,” she whispered when the kiss was over.

“I’m holdin’ you to that.” Eric pulled her down for another kiss.

“None of that in here, you two!” Julie called out, and a roll of socks hit Eric in the side of the head.

***

“I bet you can’t wait to meet your roommate.” Eric took a sip of his coffee. The meal had been great, but nobody had felt like talking much. He was tired still and Tami kept trying to start conversations, but they fell flat. Julie seemed preoccupied.

Tami smiled and reached over, brushing her daughter’s hair out of her face. “Yeah, Jules. She’s coming in later tonight, isn’t she?”

Julie shrugged. “Yeah, I guess.”

“What’s wrong? Don’t you like her?” Eric knew that Julie had exchanged emails with the other girl at least a few times. He hoped there weren’t already problems brewing. He and Tami exchanged a glance.

Sighing, Julie put her elbow on the table. “She seems nice enough. I’m just nervous about meeting her.” She picked at a roll left on her plate; plucking off chunks and letting them fall into the remains of her meal. Julie bit her lip and looked at her mother. “What if she doesn’t like me?”

“Why wouldn’t she like you?” Tami’s eyes opened wide.

“Yeah, what’s not to like?” Eric looked at his daughter and thought nobody in her right mind could meet Julie and not like her. And if they did, then they had a problem.

Julie rolled her eyes. “It’s not like y’all aren’t biased or anything.”

“Hell, yeah, I’m biased,” Eric said, “but with good reason. You’re sweet and beautiful and anyone would be lucky to know you.”

“Your dad’s right, Jules.” Tami put her chin in her hand and smiled at Julie.

Julie’s gaze darted between her parents and then slowly her mouth spread into a tentative smile. “Thanks, you guys.”

The drive back to the dorm was full of chatter and laughter as Eric told some amusing incidents that had happened to him while away at college. He was careful to keep it to the more tame adventures, not wanting to give Julie any wild ideas.

As they approached Julie’s room, Eric could see her tense up and there was light showing beneath the door. It looked like her roommate had arrived. Looking unsure of herself, Julie knocked tentatively and then entered the room.

Over Julie’s shoulder, Eric saw a short dark-haired girl with an olive complexion. She turned as Julie entered and flashed a smile. “Hi! I’m Eva and you must be Julie!”

“Uh, yeah. Hi.” Julie stepped forward. “I hope you don’t mind, but I took the bed by the closet.” She twisted her key chain in her hand.

Eva glanced at that bed and shrugged. “I doesn’t matter to me. Are these your parents?” She stepped towards them, her hand outstretched.

Turning suddenly, Julie motioned towards Eric and Tami. “Oh! Yeah, these are my parents.

Tami met the girl and took her hand. “Hi, Eva, I’m Tami and this is Julie’s father, Eric.”

Eric smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

“Wow, Julie, you didn’t say your parents were so young!” Eva grinned and looked at Julie. “Mine are, like, fifty years old!”

Julie grinned. “They’re almost that old.”

Tami gave Julie a glare and then laughed. “I guess to you, we do seem old.”

They made small talk for a few minutes and found out that Eva’s parents had already gone to their hotel already and then Tami looked at her watch. “Well, Jules, we’re going to head over to our hotel too. We’ll be back in time for the orientation, okay?”

Julie’s face fell and Eric could see that the reality of living away from home, away from them was finally sinking in. Tonight was her first night in her new home, and tomorrow, she’d have to say good-bye to her parents.

Tami reached out and enveloped Julie in a hug and Eric took his turn next. He kissed the top of her head as he had so many thousand times before and swallowed the lump in his throat. He’d have only a few more times to do this before they left tomorrow. Squeezing her extra long, he finally released her. “See ya tomorrow, hon.”

***

The next morning, they arrived in plenty of time for the orientation and Eric tried not to doze off during it. Tami’s elbow met his ribs a few times, jolting him up in his seat. Julie glared at him. He smiled weakly.

The meet and greet lasted another few hours and Eric couldn’t wait for it to be over, except that when it was over, it would be almost time to leave. He drank another glass of punch and he and Tami tried to engage another set of parents in a conversation. The other couple looked like they were barely on speaking terms with each other, let alone talking to strangers. Tami shot Eric a look that told him as clearly as if she had shouted it that she thought these two were nuts and she wanted to get away from them. Julie was across the room chatting with Eva’s parents and Eric had to admit, compared to them, he and Tami did look a lot younger.

The crowd began thinning and before he knew it the gathering was over. Julie chatted non-stop on the walk back to the dorm and Tami had her arm around her daughter’s shoulders. Eric hung back a little, watching them, enjoying watching their interaction.

Tami was really going to miss Julie. The teen years had been rocky, but they had an incredible mother/daughter bond. She had the same with little Gracie, but it was at a different stage. It didn’t seem fair that just when Tami and Julie relationship was evolving into one between two adults instead of child and adult, that they would be separated by distance.

Eric sighed. He knew it was inevitable that his little girl would grow up, but that knowledge didn’t make it any easier to let go. All too soon, they arrived at Julie’s building and she urged them to come up.

Tami shook her head. “I think we’ll stay out here, sweetheart.” She reached out and smoothed Julie’s hair out to the side. “I’m going to miss you so much, Jules.”

Julie nodded, her eyes over-flowing. After a few seconds, she flung herself into her mom’s arms. “I love you, Mom.”

“I love you to, sweetheart. So much.”

Eric blinked hard.

Tami pulled away and pulled a tissue out of her purse and proceeded to wipe Julie’s cheeks with it. Laughing through her tears, Julie took the tissue away and mopped her face herself.

Eric stepped forward for his turn. His throat constricted and he felt like he could hardly breathe. Where had the time gone? It seemed like only days ago he had taken her to her first day of kindergarten.

“I’m going to miss you, Dad. I may even watch some football once in awhile if I start to feel homesick.”

Eric laughed. “That should cure the homesickness pretty quick.” He squeezed her one more time and planted a kiss on the side of her head, just above her ear. “I love you, monkey noodle.”

“Love you too.”

It was the hardest thing he ever did, but he let his daughter go.

Closing time
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end...

Closing Time -- Chapter Seven

Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:28:38 GMT

Title: Closing Time -- Chapter Seven: The Perfect Pitch
Written by:

thatdudejoe , lyttlqt21 , vacheqirit , theweasleyboys , maryilee , jtatef14 , and lalagirl33

*

Tyra had never paid much attention to the bands that sawed and thrashed through frenzied sets at the Broken Spoke, but one Saturday night, on a date with a guy she’d met at school that spring, she found her foot tapping away on the distressed linoleum beneath her feet as she sat with Josh at a table near the front of the club.

“You know, these guys aren’t bad.” She swiveled around in her seat to see if she could catch a glimpse of the band. She could see nothing beyond a surging mass of denim-clad figures in front of the stage. “What was their name again?”

Josh shrugged. “Something weird. An in-joke, probably. Sounded Spanish.” He took a draw on his beer. “At least they can actually play.”

Tyra couldn’t quite place the lead singer’s voice, but she knew it was familiar. “Have I heard these guys before, because they sound sort of like...” A waiter brought a fresh pitcher to their table. Tyra caught his eye. “Hey, what’s the band’s name?”

The waiter deftly swept away their table trash with one pass of his tray.

“Uh, it’s, like...some chemistry thing...” He paused a moment as the song being played surged forcefully towards the refrain. “Right...Avocado....Avocado’s Something....”

Tyra grinned. “Avogadro’s Number?”

The waiter concurred. “That’s it. Guess it’s been a while since I was in Chem. class.”

Tyra nodded. “In my case, it’s all too recent a nightmare.” She stood up and scanned the stage again. “I wonder...”

Josh sucked down the rest of his beer. “You took Chemistry?”

Tyra pulled a face. “You didn’t?” Just then the crowd parted momentarily and she saw what she’d been expecting to see. “I knew it. Who else?” She called back over her shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”

Making her way through the crowd towards the stage, she managed to carve out a position for herself to one side where she was able to get a good look at the band. Landry was hammering out power chords as he sang, an occasional lyric or two sounding clearly through the intensity the players each brought to the song. His eyes were closed and he seemed to be communing with his muse. The crowd writhed in response.

The song surged to its conclusion, and as the crowd’s applause rose, the band made its way off stage for a break. Tyra pressed through the mosh pit towards the rear of the club.

Landry stood to the side, taking deep breaths as his pulse came down from a hundred and forty beats per minute. His back was to Tyra as she approached him. Her fingers brushed his elbow, and he jumped slightly.

“Hey,” said Tyra, smiling broadly. “Are you Avogadro, or his Number?”

Landry turned, a smile already on his lips from hearing her voice, which he would recognize even if they were being buffeted by hurricane-force winds. Their shared experiences of that fateful fall ensured he’d always be tuned to her frequency. When it came to Tyra, Landry had perfect pitch. So perfect, the realization of it had scared her away.

“I’d like to think I’m neither mind nor matter,” he replied. “But if you must label me in some way, you may call me, ‘maestro.’” He flipped the top of his guitar case on the floor nearby. “Did the flyers around town bring you down?”

Tyra grinned. “Glad to see your ego is as robust as ever.” She shook the hair out of her eyes. “I just happened to come in tonight.” She tipped her head towards the front of the club. “I’m with someone.”

“Would I approve?” He put his guitar back in its case and turned back to fix Tyra with a direct expression. “You know I need to approve.”

Tyra pursed her lips. “I’d say it’s not far enough along to require approval from you.”

He smiled slightly. “Does he know that?”

Tyra shrugged. “Hasn’t really come up yet.”

Landry sighed. “Poor guy. I’m guessing you’re gonna give him the boot soon. And he won’t see it coming.” He took a towel off the back of a chair and passed it over his sweat-soaked head.

Tyra was unmoved at her date’s impending plight. “Don’t worry. I have lots of experience at this. I know how to make it nice and quick.”

“But not painless.” Landry turned his face away. “It’s the painless part you need to work on.”

There was an awkward pause as this jab sunk in.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” She cleared her throat. “So...I’ll catch you later?”

“Well, wait now...I’ve got a few minutes.” Landry stepped around the stage. “Why don’t we go say hi to your guy there.”

Tyra shook her head. “No, it’s...what’s the point? You’re just gonna rag on him and he won’t get it, and then I’ll feel bad...”

Landry grinned. “All the better! Show me the way.” He looked at her expectantly.

“I really shouldn’t...”

“We shouldn’t do a lot of things.” Landry took her by the hand and led her through the crowd towards the tables at the front of the club.

Josh the Date was looking idly around the room as Landry and Tyra approached. Landry made no effort to let go of Tyra’s hand as they neared the table. Josh furrowed his brow on seeing them together.

“Uh, Josh, this...this is Landry.” Tyra wrested her hand out of Landry’s grip. “He’s in the band. I thought I recognized his voice.”

Josh sized Landry up and evidently decided he was not worth the trouble of being jealous over. He nodded his head.

“Hey man...you guys don’t suck.”

“That’s what people seem to be saying,” replied Landry affably. “Glad you brought Tyra down tonight. I always like to show off my stuff to the best girl I ever had.”

Josh’s eyes widened. “You...you guys were...”

Landry replied breezily, “Yeah, it was a while back, but it sure was memorable, wasn’t it, baby?” He pinched Tyra’s tight jean-clad behind. “She broke my heart, but I’ll always love her.”

Tyra quickly decided to play this situation for laughs.

“Landry’s a surprising one. He just kinda gets under your skin.” She looked him dead in the eye. “Like a bad rash, actually.”

“Ah, such a delicate flower, my Tyra,” Landry remarked. “She’s unpredictable, that’s for sure.” Something seemed to occur to him. “You never really know somebody until you get naked with them, you know what I’m sayin’, John?”

“It’s Josh,” replied Josh.

“Yeah, she makes these funny noises, kind of like, I don’t know...”

“Landry...” Tyra tried to derail him. He was not to be deterred.

“Maybe, kind of a rodent, or, I know...” Landry snapped his fingers. “I saw this ‘Animal Planet’ show once, about the mating rituals of chinchillas, those really fuzzy, cute little guys that they make into fur coats...” Landry was enjoying himself.

“That’s enough of the animal husbandry lesson for now, please.” Tyra nudged him.

“OK...” Josh was clearly lost.

“And that’s the funny thing about it, ‘cause you’d figure someone like Tyra...” Landry stepped back slightly, appreciatively surveying his former flame.

“...The Amazon-type and all, would make crazy war whoops or something....”

“Oh my God.” Tyra wished the club wasn’t so crowded so she could make a speedy exit. Instead, she had to stay rooted in place while Landry finished his excruciatingly detailed tribute.

“Or that she’d be a screamer. That’s what I expected.” Landry shook his head. “But no, she made these little chirps, little squeaks. I was so surprised, ‘cause they just didn’t seem like her!” He chuckled. “But I kinda got to like them.” He clapped Josh on the back. “I’m sure you’ll get over the shock of it too. Just close your eyes and think of England.” The band was re-assembling back on stage, and his work with Date Dude was done.

“Hope y'all will stay through this set. We’ve got some bangin’ material coming up.”

He gave Tyra a dazzling smile. “Have a good night, now. Nice to meet you, Jake.” He turned on his heel, and melted into the crowd.

“It’s...Josh.” Josh wasn’t sure what had just transpired, but he knew somehow that he’d been the butt of the joke. He regarded Tyra uncertainly.

Tyra didn’t even try to cover for herself. As far as she was concerned, this date was now over, and it was time to call a spade a spade.

“Yeah, so...I’ll just be going now.” She gathered up her purse. “Thanks for...thanks for the beer.”

“But...” Josh was ten steps behind and not equipped to catch up fast enough to salvage this date.

“Don’t sweat it, Jack,” said Tyra in a business-as-usual manner. “It’s better to quit while you’re ahead. Trust me on this one.” She pressed her way into the crowd as Avogadro’s Number cranked up its new set.

“It’s...it’s...JOSH!”

At least he got in the last word, but Date Dude had been Tyra’ed, just as Landry had predicted.

Tyra stayed through the second set, keeping her distance until the band had packed up their gear for the night. For the second time that
evening, she approached Landry.

“That was bangin’, alright,” she said, grinning. “I think I’m impressed.”

“Thanks.” Landry closed up the back of Kaster’s van, which toted their gear. “I’m glad you stayed.”

“Better watch out...you might end up with a following.” Tyra fell in step with him as they made their way back into the club. “People were into it.”

“And that would be so bad?” Landry was delighted that she’d noticed the enthusiastic response. “I could stand such a thing as a following. Would be a first for me.”

“Well...maybe you should work on that,” replied Tyra. “Get out of Dillon, try to play Lubbock, maybe Austin.” She touched his arm. “This is how it starts, Landry. The big time.”

Landry pulled a face. “The big time. Tyra, this IS the big time...playing the Spoke and gettin’ good responses from the crowd. That’s all there is for a guy like me.”

Now it was Tyra’s turn to roll her eyes. “Don’t give me that crap. I know this is your passion, your dream. Why can’t you think big? It happens to other bands, why not to yours? If anybody would put the work into it, to make it big, it’d be you.”

She paused a moment.

“You know I’m right.”

Landry sighed and looked away.

“I can’t. I can’t do that to my parents.” He chewed on his lower lip. “I can’t disappoint them again.”

Tyra’s gaze dropped to the floor. Landry carried his burden of guilt less heavily than in the months immediately following the murder, but it was ever-present. In her way, Tyra felt the weight of it too, but she was more adept at compartmentalizing her feelings. It was this skill that allowed her to press forward on the topic at hand.

“I appreciate that, I do.” She worked to regain Landry’s attention. “But now’s as good a time as any to try something new, something that recharges you and gets you started on your own path. See where this can go. You owe it to yourself.”

“I owe my parents some good grades and a stable future,” Landry disagreed. “It’s all settled: school, internships, a good job in Dallas or Houston, all that responsible, respectable...”

“BORING...” Tyra was getting heated up. “That’s great, Landry, that’s all great stuff. And you can do it, you can get on that path anytime you want. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen to you? You and the band go on tour and you start living a crazy lifestyle, doing drugs, being irresponsible, sleeping with every fangirl you meet...”

Landry grinned. “Yeah, well, that’s, like, required, you know, when you go on the road...” He looked at her. “If I did this thing, I’d really have to, you know, live the life, right?”

Tyra nodded. “Right. That part of the sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll thing I could see for you. You have my permission to get groupie-fied.” They stood together a moment.

“Seriously. Think about it. UTEP will always be there. Internships and jobs and nice fat paychecks will always be there. Let yourself be your Landry-inspired best. If your parents know you at all, they’ll know you can handle a little detour off the beaten path for a little while.”

“You think so?” Landry’s gaze was wide with hope.

“Just don’t tell your parents that I was the one who put you up to this,” Tyra replied, taking his hand. “They might be less open-minded about it if they knew.” She leaned into him slightly.

“Let’s get together soon and start making some plans. You keep practicing and playing, and opportunities are gonna come along. Just keep your eyes open.”

Landry put his arm around her shoulder.

“Could you be my first groupie? It would do a lot for my rep.”

Tyra kissed his cheek.

“I’ll always be number one for you, Landry. Count on it.”

“In that case...” Landry’s hand slid down her back and was on its way towards the curve of her hip before Tyra smacked it away.

“First rule of managing a band: don’t get involved with the talent.”

“The talent?” Landry mused. “I like the sound of that.”

They walked towards a table at the front of the club, arm in arm.

Tyra smiled.

“I thought you would.”

/tbc/