Bad Company

Chapter 41: New Leadership

He kissed my forehead and we broke apart.

"I'll be back later tonight." Billy announced as he gathered up his keys, pack of cigarettes and lighter off of the kitchen counter.

"Can I come...please?" I asked with saddened eyes.

"No." Billy growled.

"Why?!" I asked, seeing annoyance spread across Billy's face. "What are you doing now that I can't come?! I'm bored" I whined.

Billy shoved his phone in the back pocket of his jeans before fumbling with his cigarette pack, unwrapping it and placing an unlit cigarette between his lips, "Then fuckin' decorate the tree."

"With what? You want me to magically pull out some lights and decorations from my ass? We have nothing. I'm stuck here, alone, with noth-"

"Here." Billy hissed in a muffled tone caused from the cigarette between his lips, "Go and buy ya fuckin' decorations." He mumbled, tossing me cash.

I smiled widely as I counted the cash in my hands. I could get a lot of lights and decorations with three hundred bucks. My eyes scanned the livingroom, picturing colourful christmas lights and decorations hung up, stockings hung up and the tree fully decorated with twinkling lights. Yup, I was going to turn the Darley residence into a decked out Christmas residence.

"Billllyyyy..." I whined.

Billy sighed loudly in annoyance, "What?"

"Can you pick me up burger king pleaaaase?" I begged, batting my eyelashes.

Billy closed his eyes and sighed again, rubbing his temples with his thumbs, "I can't. Go with Meg and get some."

I already knew that was going to be his answer but frankly I was just annoying him on purpose because I knew he was in a hurry to go and do whatever it was that he had to go and do. When I didn't say anything else, Billy made his way over to the front door and opened it, turning to look at me one more time before leaving.

"Thank you for the money. You didn-"

"That's my job." Billy cut me off, lighting the cigarette that was between his lips and blowing the smoke outside.

I stared down at my socks and pursed my lips as I slowly stared back up in Billy's direction, "Are we ever gonna get out of this life?"

Billy lowered his eyes and stared back outside, "Someday."

--------------------------------------

Surprisingly Christy actually came with Megan and I to go Christmas shopping today. Despite how shitty I currently felt, I'm able to put the thought of throwing up away so that I can actually enjoy myself for once. Yes, my morning sickness is gone but I still find myself having 'sick' days more often than none.

It was a last minute decision between Megan and I but we decided that we're going to throw a "Christmas Dinner" at mine and Billy's place this year. So basically were going to be feeding the three of us and Billy and his original boys - Spink, Jamie, Bodie, Heco, Baggy, Jack, and Dog - minus Tommy for obvious reasons... rest in peace you tattooed face asshole.

"So we got the decorations, the turkey and all the food... we're good to go, right?" Christy asked, loading the last bit of groceries into the trunk of Meg's car.

"Yeah, I feel like shit, let's go back to my place." I murmured followed by a yawn.

"Ah... just one more stop." Megan announced as she climbed into the car.

Christy and I both followed her actions and shivered. I held out my hands in front of both heaters and winced. It was definitely getting colder out and I was hoping that Boston would get some snow before in time for Christmas, but judging by what I've been told... Boston's weather is bi-polar. Being from Michigan, I'm use to snow... so having a Christmas without snow is just odd to me.

The drive to wherever it was Megan was taking us was silent. Megan hummed along to the radio while Christy sat in the backseat texting whoever it was that she's been seeing. I'd glance back at Christy through the rear-view mirror every chance I got, just to notice how tired she looked. Of course, she still was one of the most knock out looking women I've ever known, but despite her done up face and hair, she looked tired like she hadn't slept for a few days. Maybe Billy was right? Maybe's she's back doing cocaine again which for most people is just a casual party favour except for her, she made it a problem. She almost reminded me of how Heco is whenever he's coming off the drugs but nah... Christy would never do anything harder than cocaine.

At least I hope not

"Please tell me you're not making me go shopping..." I whined as the mall parking lot came into view.

Megan smirked as she parked the car and looked at me, raising a finger up, "Oh...oh... do you hear it?"

"Hear what?" I asked in confusion.

"Listen." Megan replied, opening her car door.

"Oh god..." I whined as I heard the familiar 'Have a Holly Jolly Christmas' playing through the mall speakers. "The fact that we can hear it from all the way out here... makes me not want to go even more."

"Come on Grinch." Megan chuckled as she got out of the car.

"You love Christmas." Christy stated as she too got out of the car.

"I do.. I just hate shopping..." I replied in a mumble.

"Hey maybe you can sit on Santa's lap and ask for a law abiding citizen for a boyfriend!" Christy said sarcastically as we walked into the mall.

I bit my tongue, knowing that I could say something back to her that would shut her up but I knew better than to say anything. Today was a good day and I don't need the unneeded drama between my best friend and I over something as petty as a joke.

The mall was lit up with twinkling Christmas lights and Christmas trees were set up everywhere. People were rushing through stores buying last minute Christmas gifts - wearing Santa Clause hats. Christmas music played loudly and people jingled bells trying to get people's attention to donate to charity. There were so many "Santa's" that I felt like I was in some sort of Christmas twilight zone.

"We should probably split up so I can get both of your guys' Christmas presents" I suggested dully.

Christy shrugged, "I guess so."

"Well... you guys call my cell when you're done shopping." Megan replied with a shrug.

Christy and Megan were the easiest to shop for - tattoo ointment, Victoria's secret gift cards and voila! Billy on the other hand... not so much. I wanted to get him something meaningful because something tells me that he's never really had much of a Christmas before.

After what seemed like forever, I finally found Billy's gift. However, I didn't buy it yet... I need a couple days to think on it before I make the decision. I want this to be special and meaningful... I think this is the one, I really do.

"What the hell?..." I whispered to myself as I sat down at a table, staring across the food court to see Christy standing next to Heco.

I watched closely as Heco got closer and closer to Christy, making me wonder if he was going to kiss her or something. Until he tried to be stealthy and place a baggy of something inside of her coat pocket.

My eyes widened, "What the fuck..."