American Nomads Chapter 8
Description
Vocal Characteristics
Language
EnglishVoice Age
Young Adult (18-35)Accents
North American (General) North American (US Midwest- Chicago, Great Lakes)Transcript
Note: Transcripts are generated using speech recognition software and may contain errors.
Chapter eight. Zack doused a bandana with water and cleaned his face. Denton, it's a college town in North Texas. He pulled up his pant leg, exposing a deep scrape along his shin. It surprised him that it wasn't deeper. It sure felt a lot worse when he scraped it across the coupling last night, last night. What a **** show. He barely placed his feet on the frame when the rock hit Finn in the head from there. It was pure instinct. Zach didn't even stop to consider the logistics of leaping across the coupling the way he did. His only concern at the time was making sure Finn did not die. It was a good thing. Cash had his back. Fin was always getting into something and Zach was always there to help drag him out. He didn't mind he would do anything for his friends. Family was everything Finn was just this stupid brother who hadn't figured out he wasn't invincible yet. Besides if Zack wasn't able to help, it would have all fallen on Teague's shoulders. He couldn't do that to him. He glanced over at Teague who was busy changing his blood soaked shirt. A large purple bruise covered his shoulder. That's gotta hurt. Thought Zack, when Teague asked him to help pull his shoulder back into place, Zach was worried he would mess it up somehow that he would pull too hard and make the injury worse. Teague didn't have any concerns. He seemed to be sure that Zach could handle it. That was the story of his life. Everyone around him believing he was capable and steady when deep inside, he was just as scared as the rest of them. Zack wiped away the crusted blood and dirt from the scrape on his leg. Once finished, he poured a little moonshine over it to kill any germs. He was good to go now ready for whatever the day offered Finn rummaged through his backpack. So we're not even in Dallas. Nope replied, Zach, that sucks. When's the next ride out? Having found a semi clean shirt, Finn pulled it over his head. Teague interjected not until tomorrow at the earliest. Neither of us is up for another hot today. I need a good night's sleep. He pointed to Finn. You do to Teague's right river stated she was wiping her face and arms with a damp cloth. We already agreed we were not leaving for a day or two. Took a vote. You have no choice. We're going to stay here and you're gonna rest. She pulled out a strip of fabric and used it to tie back her long dreads cash was busy brushing his teeth. He pulled the toothbrush out of his mouth and spat toothpaste on the ground. Already told the others they're okay with the delay since none of them are even close right now. Finn nodded. Seems like y'all have figured it out. What's next? We're going to head into town squares that way. Zack pointed, we'll find something to eat then figure out where we're going to spend the night. Have we been through here before Teague? Shook his head. We haven't cash and River have though only once a long time ago, replied, River, it was a nightmare and only for a few hours. So I don't remember much. I've been here a couple of times. Square's cool. Lots of musicians and artists around. We should have no problem showing up our cash reserves while here Finn put on his sunglasses. Okay. Then let's check out this town after stashing their packs among the shrubs. They left the cover of the brush and walked out onto the street. A small neighborhood of neat single story houses on their left, a large warehouse style complex with a group of tall grain silos to the right in the distance high above the other buildings. The clock tower of the old courthouse stood tall, turning right. They headed in that direction, standing at the corner waiting for the light to change. River slapped Zach on the arm across the street, stood a small shop with the word scrap hand painted on the concrete block wall. Yeah, I see it. He said, can we stop? I want to stop. She asked aloud. We'll see. She giggled, hooked her arm around zacks and waited for the light to change. It was unusual for River to get excited over a shop when she did it was noteworthy. Looking over at the store, the signs in the windows. Zach could see why the shop looked like a treasure trove of miscellaneous items. He wondered if he could find an old lamp cord in there. Their wires made the best snares stepping onto the curb. Cash came up from behind and grabbed river around the waist, pulling her away from Zach and the shop entrance, he lifted her over his shoulder and carried her down the sidewalk. No, no, no, no shadowed river. Her long legs kicked in the air dammit. Cash. Put me down. Seriously, Zack Teague, somebody, anybody, she nodded her head toward the others who were walking behind them laughing then flip them off with both of her hands as they rounded the corner. Cash put her down. She straightened her clothes and struck at him playfully. He drew back to avoid her blows will stop later. Teague said, walking past her with Finn. That way you ain't carrying trash around with you all day or at least we're not. Zack stopped next to her. Let's go. A woman. He said, shaking his head as he nudged her, stop messing around River slapped his arm. A lot of help. You were. Zach chuckled. Cash seemed to have it all under control. She slapped him again. They walked past a building with rusted old Decor outside. Once a turn of the century house, it was now a drafthouse as river pulled out her phone to take a picture. Zack jumped into the rusty tub on the front lawn and pretended debate. Come here. Let's get a photo. She said, positioning herself in front of a large green lettered stand. What the **** does this say? Asked? Vin will be replied, Cash looks like you're supposed to stand between the big L and the little L like you're the eye and little D little D, you seriously don't know. Dens nickname is Little D Finch shook his head. Dallas is big. Di Denton is Little D Cash shrugged. I guess they had to come up with something to be different. How did you grow up in Texas and not know that he's not from North Texas. Replied, Zach, this area is a whole other place compared to the rest of the state, aren't you from North Texas though? Asked Cash. No man, Zach shook his head. East Texas. That's another completely different place. This state's too damn big said, Cash shaking his head. Thinking about his hometown, brought back a flood of memories for Zack. Giant trees, open pasture and rolling hills, the smell of fresh cut fields. The way the cows called out when it was time for their cubes. He wondered if the old family home look the same. Had the rickety old barn fallen down or was it still hanging there? He remembered his dad with his big laugh and his big heart. There was no greater compliment for young Zack than to hear people say how much he was like his father. He sounds like my dream old man Craig's voice with his distinct Boston accent. Cut through his memories when I was a kid, I'd imagine my dad walking through the front door. Craig took a hit from the joint. They were sharing. He'd have this amazing reason for leaving. He chuckled, you know, like he was a spy or some ship. Zack leaned back on his hands, his feet dangled over the calm water of the lake as they sat on the pier, the night sky was dark and full of stars. That never happened though. Craig took another hit and handed it to Zack. My dad was a spineless piece of trash who left his pregnant girlfriend. He never came back. Probably doesn't even know he had a son wherever he is. I hope he's miserable. Craig lay down on the uneven boards of the pier and stared up at the sky. I'll be honest, man. I think I'd rather have no dad at all than an amazing one like yours that died. Suddenly, that's way less painful, way, less painful thought, Zack as he strolled his feet in the cool water. He supposed, Craig had a point. Nothing was probably better than having something great and losing it. Come on, Zack River called out. Stop your daydreaming. Let's go. He shook his head to clear his mind enough. Thinking about the past. The present was all that mattered. Leaving the little bar behind. He caught up with river and cash.