(This series is a collaboration with my good friend Sanchez. His ideas, I ran with it. We will see how it evolves. He has a sound concept, and characters, I'm primarily piecing it all together and seeing how it plays out. We hope you enjoy our efforts.)
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Midnight Episode 021: HONEsty
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Tilly Cooper stepped outside the Cordoba General Hospital for the first time in 16 hours. It was good to feel the mid evening air on her face. Joining her husband Sheldon in his sports car as he pulled up on the curb, he took her for a spin around the block as she sipped her milkshake. Sheldon was afraid to leave his car after his tires being slit. With Mordecai Sage mingling with his daughters before sending them home he at least had a brief stress relief. Mordecai although seeming less threatening was like a Doberman Pincher. One wrong move could spark insanity.
"Mordecai tried to apologize to me earlier. I don't buy it for a second."
"Nor do I. Just ignore him, things are looking up for Irene. He will go home to the Rez shortly and we won't have to deal with him."
"Sure, we can go off on vacation to Colorado and leave our house empty?"
"We could let Irene and Midnight stay there while we're gone."
"As long as Esteban doesn't come knocking."
"Restraining order."
"Yeah, as if he'll pay attention to that."
"Somehow I think Nick Sanchez will make certain Esteban keeps his distance."
"He has his plate full Tilly. Harbinger Shoals needs work."
"He does have a beach house they could stay at. I doubt Esteban knows where he lives."
"That's asking a lot of the man Tilly, he's borrowing that place himself. I'm good if they stay at our house until they figure out where they're going. I just don't want our house trashed like Irene's. Wanna postpone Colorado?"
"We have everything paid for. No... we have a week still before our flight. Irene will be released by then, I'm sure. Once we settle them in, we can go enjoy ourselves. We're only going to be gone two weeks."
"Two weeks of bliss. I'm ready for Snow Bunny Matilda." He grinned.
"You would fall asleep in front of the fireplace before I even hopped on you."
"Don't count on that." He winked. Yeah, she was probably right. Three hops and he would be snoring.
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Nick Sanchez pulled up to the parking garage passing Sheldon on another trip around the block. Seeing one another Sheldon turned around following him into the garage. Sheldon wanted to keep Nick's tires safe too so would suggest he stood guard over both vehicles while he was away.
"You see Midnight with him?" Sheldon traversed floors with Tilly holding on for dear life. It was as if he thought he was James Bond in his sports car.
"No, I didn't. Surely she would want to come back for her mother."
Reaching Nick's parking spot Sheldon grits his teeth, "Aww hell! He's parking right next to Anita's car. This can't go well."
"The girls don't know him by appearance, only what their brothers told them about him. They might leave before even seeing... shit! Here they come with Mordecai. Please don't punch my brother again."
"Only if he goes near my tires again. I'm pulling next to Nick. I'll keep an eye on his truck until visiting hours are over. Can we please go sleep in our own bed tonight?"
"Yes Honey! Irene will be fine without me overnight. Although I expected Midnight to be here just in case. Hopefully dressed!"
"I know right! What got into...? Hey Nick!" He slid into the parking spot to Nick's driver's side door. Nick seemed edgy upon seeing him but got out of the truck careful not to ding the sports car's body.
"Irene must be doing better with you two on a date. Is that a milkshake?"
"What's left of it. I told my Mother I'd share, so I'd better leave her a few sips." Tilly smiled, "Where's Midnight?" Tilly got out of the car to walk with him to the bumper.
"In back."
"Backseat taking a nap?"
"No. In back." He winced.
"Oh god forbid. What is going on between you two?"
"You can ask her yourself once she's in Irene's room."
"Aunt Tilly?" Young Nancy Sage ran up to them with a bubbly attitude. Even after her father had ordered her to stay away in seeing Nick. Her sisters were not far behind. Seeing Nick up close Nancy grew shy and hugged Tilly from the side.
"Nick... please wait until..." Tilly pled with her eyes as if saying not in front of the kids. They were all adults but babies to her. Sheldon getting out to stretch tickled Nancy from the side.
"Hey Kiddo! Long time no see."
"Hi Uncle Sheldon." At least one Sage kid was respectful. "Are you the guy who saved Aunt Irene?"
"Something like that."