#box truck wraps raleigh

[elitecustomsigns]

Turn Heads on the Road with Elite Custom Signs' Truck Wraps in Raleigh, NC

Ready to make a statement with your fleet vehicles in Raleigh, NC? Trust Elite Custom Signs for eye-catching truck wraps that demand attention! Whether you have a single truck or a fleet of vehicles, our expert team specializes in designing and installing high-quality wraps that promote your brand and leave a lasting impression.

[raleighliving]

Raleigh Apartment Culture

So I'm of the mind that Raleigh is a great place to live. It has my favorite things, my favorite people, and I'm too broke to move anywhere else.

Raleigh works for me, but I recognize it doesn't work for everyone. Some people had less than ideal childhoods and wanna escape the state ASAP, some just want to live closer to their dream jobs or have new opportunities. That's all fine, but what if this describes where you are now?

What if, for the sake of argument, you're outside of NC and wanna move in? Moving is expensive, time-consuming, and risky at the best of times; so you wanna make sure that wherever you're landing is at least as good as where you started 90% of the time

"But RL," I hear you say, "you make Raleigh sound like an idyllic dreamscape populated with parks and a diverse kumbayah of peoples living in harmony"

I do talk about Raleigh in a positive light but, like a life saving medicine flavored like ass, sometimes you have to take the good with the bad.

So before you spend thousands of dollars on moving vans, boxes, and grits; here's a crash course on what it's like living in a Raleigh apartment, coming from someone whose majority of Raleigh Living (heh) has been in apartments.

First off, location. Any realtor will tell you that location is 80% of the sale to sound profound, and as anyone who has lived in the middle of ass-backward nowhere can tell you: It sucks having to drive 30 minutes to go anywhere.

Good news: With the Raleigh Beltline and connecting roads, there are very few places in Raleigh where your trip will last longer than thirty minutes one-way. Bad News: where you set down still matters because cutting down on travel is important for car and mental health.

North Raleigh is different from south Raleigh is different from northwest Raleigh, and the locals aren't the only difference you'll find between locations. Each segment of Raleigh has something to offer, with easier access to some attractions than others and neighboring cities for when you need something outside the RDU area.

Using downtown as the center of our wheel, people generally divide Raleigh into North and South Raleigh (with distinction given for NW, SE, NE, etc when needed). N.Raleigh is considered generally more upscale, a slice of suburban living interspersed with plenty of shopping centers for families and the moderately wealthy; but it's boring as all hell.

Want some fun? Excitement in the evenings and a more traditional urban experience with bars, night clubs, strip clubs, and more? South Raleigh is your best bet, at the cost of being the "sketchy" side of Raleigh. That kind of place where you'll see a bunch of auto shops that look abandoned but haven't been closed in the past 5 years and there's at least one customer from time to time.

Of course, this is a lot of generalizing but you'll find that it's still mostly accurate. The main exception in this is Capital Blvd, a highway cutting across north and south Raleigh on the eastern half of the city; a high crime corridor that's undergoing some changes in the northern half that have (somewhat) reduced crime but most people will still associate that area with the majority of Raleigh's crime and debauchery.

More importantly, is the distinction Raleigh citizens put on inside the beltline versus outside the beltline. The I-440 and 540 highways that wrap around Downtown form the mythical beltline, and to a degree what you have access to. Inside the beltline is the majority of workplaces, stores, and shopping centers; while outside you'll still have these things just to a more... dispersed extent.

North Raleigh actually kinda exemplifies this perfectly. Living inside the beltline, you have access to places like North Hills, Crabtree Valley mall, and Triangle Town Center. Live outside the beltline, like I currently am, and you're looking at 10 to 15 minutes to the nearest sheetz for that late night double hot dog fix.

So for point one: How important is it that you're near things? The majority of apartments and rental properties are in or around the belt-line, but if you want to save some cash on rent checks the cheaper properties are gonna extend your trips a bit.

Next, what can you expect in terms of neighbors? Does Raleigh have a hip party scene full of teens renting cheap apartments and blasting trap music at 3AM?

Depends on where you live

I swear not every point is going to be this, but there's an important distinction this time that affects the type of people your complex will likely have surrounding you; are you in North or South Raleigh?

North Raleigh has a ton of pre-schools, k-12 public schools (Leesville, Hillburn, Lead Mine, just to name a few), and office complexes that make up the job market. As a result the majority of apartment renters in north Raleigh tend to be families with a few small kids or so.

As a result, living off of Glenwood North and Edwards Mill I never had any noise problems from neighbors, the worst being kids playing outside at 3PM sounding like they were being murdered (which apparently is a common thing and I apologize to any neighbors I frightened with ghastly shrieks).

What I did have a problem with, however, was the typical Karen's you hear people complain about online. Renting a property now, we have access to our neighborhood's NextDoor page and it's hilarious sometimes to go on and read the comments, but living at a certain property we had a sort of mini-Facebook for residents

That thing was always full of either people who were moving out looking to sell their furniture or people passive-aggressively challenging each other/the apartment managers with comments about things happening around the complex.

Once I logged in to see one man accuse another, without ever actually accusing someone specific ("I know who did it and they should be ashamed" type post) of putting glass beer bottles under the tires of his truck to try and puncture them. Everyone acts civil in public, but then online they'll stir the pot harder than a chef with a hand mixer.

South Raleigh, you have the schools like Shaw University, Meredith, and NCSU; so the people renting down there are typically college kids. You'll see more apartments that cater towards them like University Village or University Woods, but sometimes these places will cater to both college kids and working adults

Avoid these places like the plague, because despite sometimes having a lower cost to live there the neighbors and their shenanigans will drive you up the wall (unless you're the type to join in, then go wild).

I've had friends stay at places like University Village and The Proper (formerly The Vie, formerly Wolf Creek) who've shared horror stories. 3AM parties ending in property damage or vomit in inconvenient places, drug deals not even trying to be subtle, and maintenance workers doing nothing because regardless of the apartment conditions; no school's gonna pull their contract with them unless news articles start getting written.

http://www.technicianonline.com/news/article_898ddf34-82f5-11e7-b3d8-07059d248619.html

https://www.wral.com/vie-at-raleigh-residents-finally-able-to-move-into-clean-units/16887833/

http://www.technicianonline.com/news/article_ea8ed7aa-a092-11e8-a2af-e70af36566d0.html

Otherwise, south Raleigh apartments are largely like north Raleigh apartments; except the crime rate tends to be a little higher and you'll run into more singles and people working full time.

Otherwise, Raleigh apartment culture is like apartment culture anywhere else in the country. You have a mix of apartments catering to those just looking to live versus more ostentatious luxury apartments with fancy pools, exercise facilities, and tech packages to draw people in.

If you're renting in Raleigh, however, do try to get a roommate or two if you can manage. Even with a decent job paying 800+ on a one bedroom one bath apartment can be exhausting at best, but with even one other person that can functionally halve your expenses

So if you're a young professional, or a student, or even if you have a small family, I can safely recommend renting in Raleigh. There's plenty of places that'll accommodate you, and cater towards your needs.

But what about everyone else? Are there people who shouldn't rent in Raleigh?

No

But there are groups who I'd seriously ask to consider their other choices before picking Raleigh as a destination for their new home.

For instance, are you a member of the LGBT community? A trans or non-binary individual? Well then, first off, I want you to know that you're loved and valid. I'm accepting of who you are and appreciate everyone's right to identify how they choose, but I'm not everyone.

Raleigh's bluer than other parts of North Carolina, as I've stated in other blog write-ups, but it's still part of North Carolina unfortunately and as a result, you'll face some challenges.

I doubt anyone's gonna burn a cross in your yard or knock over your mailbox, but Raleigh doesn't offer LGBT protections for housing, jobs, or credit/lending discriminations according to the Movement Advancement Project's website.

We have support organizations for LGBT and NB individuals, plenty of high schools and colleges have Gay-Straight Alliance clubs, and there are numerous businesses downtown that cater specifically to those individuals... but we're also the state that got into a lot of hot water because of a stupid bathroom bill, and our politicians are trying to pass anti-trans sports legislation (because they now magically care about the integrity of womens sports).

By that measure, but to a lesser extent, if you fall outside the Liberal/Conservative political spectrum then be prepared to have no one to discuss your politics with outside of a few sparse networks like the DSA.

Additionally, if you don't have someone to room with or a significant other to split costs with; you may want to try searching somewhere a little cheaper.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Raleigh housing prices aren't terrible for a major metropolitan city, but we're not the best prices in the world.

You can get prices on apartments and rentals lower than say, California or New York. However, compared to other parts of NC like Greensboro or Garner; rentals are still a bit much.

On average, a Raleigh apartment can run you about $900 for a single bedroom and a single bathroom. You can find cheaper, but often times there's some risk associated (Crime levels, quality of the room, quality of the property manager, etc.) Looking for a two bedroom? Then your average price is gonna jump up to around $1,200, and this is all before utilities and cable come into play.

It's true a lot of companies around here will pay more than the $7.25 minimum wage, but most low-skilled jobs will pay around 10-11 an hour.

I guess though, that's kind of an obvious statement. "Don't live in Raleigh if you can't afford to live in Raleigh."

I might expand on these thoughts at a later time, but hopefully for now I've given you some food for thought; or at the very least an entertaining read for a few minutes.

I love my city, and I love the friends I've made in it, but the sad truth is that nowhere is perfect for everyone; leastways Raleigh. If Raleigh sounds like the kind of place you'd like to live in, at least take a day trip to come visit and see how things go that way. Visit some stores, meet some locals, and form an opinion off of more than travel blogs and youtube videos.

[dccomicsimagines]

What’s Lost is Found - Batfamily Imagine - Part Two

Part One   Part Two  Part Three   Part Four  Part Five  Part Six  Part Six.Five  Part Seven  Part Eight  Part Nine  Part Ten   Part Eleven

Zipping up your duffel bag, you looked around your bare room. About a month had passed since the day of the will reading. Most of that time was spent getting the Manor ready to be closed up. No one wanted to live here anymore. You did, but apparently what you wanted didn’t matter.

Damian had already moved into the city to live at Wayne Tower. Alfred was going with him while you were forced to go live with Dick. You sat down on the bare mattress, dreading the thought of never being here again. It wouldn’t be so bad if Dick lived nearby, but no, he had to live all the way down in Florida for that stupid circus he owned.

“(Y/N), time to go,” Dick said, poking his head in. He had a smile on his face. You wanted more than anything to wipe it off with your fist, but you resisted. Sadly, you were finding it useless to fight him. To make matters worse, he was helping the visions, headaches, and flashbacks you had been suffering from go away.

A sigh escaped your lips. You picked up your duffel before trailing your hand across your mattress one last time. Dick cleared his throat. You narrowed your eyes at him, but he didn’t react. He wrapped his arm around your shoulders and guided you down the steps to the front door. 

Dick’s new car was shiny and out of place in the driveway. Alfred stood beside it, packing the last box into the truck. Everything you owned was now in the truck of Dick’s car. You never felt so lost.

“Mx. (Y/N),” Alfred said, coming up to hug you. Dick stole your duffel and placed it in the backseat. 

Tears threatened to fall down your cheeks, but you blinked them away. “Don’t let him take me,” you whispered desperately. Your stomach twisting at the thought of leaving the manor. It was your home, even if your father wasn’t here anymore. 

“This is for the best, Mx. (Y/N). Give Master Dick a chance.” Alfred patted your back. “I’ll be down to visit in a few months. Time will pass by quickly.” You pulled away from him. All you could think was how you needed years to pass by quickly. Could you snap your fingers and magically become eighteen?

Dick was watching the two of you. His mouth twitched. He probably expected you to fight him again. However, you knew it wouldn’t do any good. No one was coming to save you from him and you couldn’t save yourself. Just like you couldn’t save your father.

You shivered, closing your eyes only to see your father’s head crack against the railing and his body fall. Dick’s hand magically appeared on your back to break you out of it. He rubbed gently as he talked to Alfred about last minute details. You hated that he could help you and you despised all the memories he kept bringing back. They were good memories about the year he raised you, but painful only because Dick abandoned you in the end. 

“Well, we better be going. I want to get to Raleigh before nine at the latest,” Dick said, pushing you over to the car. You turned to take one last look at the manor. “Come on, honey.” Dick opened the car door.

“Quit calling me honey,” you snarled. Dick gave you a stern look. To avoid creating more tension for the long car ride, you got in without another comment. Dick shut the door gently behind you. He kept his back to you as he talked to Alfred. Alfred gave him a sad smile, placing a hand on his shoulder. 

You closed your eyes. Dick climbed into the driver’s seat a moment later. He started the car and drove down the driveway. You opened your eyes to turn and take one last look at the manor. Luckily for you, you finally ran out of tears. 

***

A crack of thunder boomed. You gasped, suddenly wide awake. “Dad,” you choked. You glanced around the dark room, not recognizing where you were. A light clicked on. You were blind. 

“Hush, you’re okay. We’re in the motel, remember?” Dick said. You heard him climb out of his own bed to come over to you. He sat on the edge of yours, gently rubbing your back. “It’s just a thunderstorm. Nothing to be afraid of.” 

Your eyes finally adjusted to let you see the crappy motel room. The memory of the awkward eight hour car ride flooded back into your mind. “Oh, okay,” you mumbled. Dick studied you, moving to run his fingers through your hair. 

“Do you want to talk about it?” Dick’s hand brushed past your temple as another headache began to blossom. 

“No.” You closed your eyes. Your stomach twisted to the point where you might get sick. Suddenly, you pulled away from Dick to sprint toward the bathroom. You made it just in time to lose your dinner. 

Dick was right behind you. He held back your hair, rubbing your back. When you finished, he helped you lean back against the wall. His hand lingered on your forehead. “You don’t have a fever,” he muttered mostly to himself. You closed your eyes only to feel a wet cloth against your forehead a moment later. 

He cleaned up the bathroom before he helped you up and tucked you back into bed. Another crack of thunder boomed. You jumped a little, having a sudden flash of blood splattered around the room.

“If you’re seeing something, just close your eyes. It’s not there,” Dick soothed, running his fingers through your hair again once you laid down. “I’m here. It’s going to be okay.” 

A few weeks ago, this would have sent you into a rage and you would have attacked him. Now, you were too tired. Perhaps Dick had worn you done enough to accept that he was here to stay and there was nothing you could do about it. You gave up. He had already taken you from your home. No one was going to help you. Before you drifted back to sleep, you imagined that Dick’s fingers were your father’s and everything was simply a bad dream.

***

You knew it would come back to bite you. When Dick was in such a cheerful mood the next morning, you should have known. You should have done something to ruin his mood, but you didn’t and now you suffer from your lack of preparation. 

He hadn’t stopped talking for the first five hours of the drive. Dick told you about the house, his circus, memories of when he was Robin, his times with the Teen Titans, etc. He also told you about how many of his Titan friends lived near him and how it’s like a family and how you should feel like you can count on them if you need something.

The only good thing to come from this endless chatter was it gave you an excuse not to say anything. At most, you just had to nod your head. 

Finally Dick stopped at a gas station for a pit stop, and you escaped into a handicapped bathroom. You sighed. The silence felt wonderful. You splashed water on your face. Just when you finished drying off your face, your phone rang. It was Damian.

“Hello?” you answered hesitantly. Damian never called you. Part of you hoped he was calling to say he magically got custody of you and you could come back to Gotham to be Robin again.  

“(Y/N),” Damian yawned into the phone. “I was told by Pennyworth that I should call you to ‘check up on you’ as it were.” 

“Okay,” you mumbled, disappointed, but not surprised. “Hey, how do you shut Dick up?” 

Damian hummed. “I wouldn’t recommend a violent approach, since that hasn’t worked for you before. Grayson tends to get more touchy and annoying afterwards regardless.” 

“Yes, I noticed.” You glanced around the bathroom, wondering if you could sneak out a window and run away. Sadly, there was only one tiny window and it was too small for you to get through. 

“You could try telling him to shut up, but then he’ll make that face,” Damian sighed. The face he was talking about is Dick’s hurt face that he makes when he’s trying to be nice and you shut him down. It’s hard not to feel like garbage when he gives you that face.

Your eyes rolled to the ceiling. “So I’m not going to get him to shut up, am I?”

“No, probably not. I suppose you could try putting your earbuds in. Maybe he’ll get a hint?” Damian yawned again. You could hear him moving around on his end.

The question you wanted to ask him was on the tip of your tongue. You debated whether you should ask, not wanting Damian to simply hang up the phone. Finally, you decided to just say it. “Damian, why did you let Dick take me?” 

Damian was quiet for a long time. “TT, it’s for the best.”

“Why does everyone keep saying that?” you demanded, rubbing your temple as another headache pounded away. You were getting tired of all these headaches.

“(Y/N), I don’t think you understand the gravity of your actions.” Damian sounded angry. You tensed. “You broke Father’s one rule. The one he held throughout his life and to make it worse, he died the night you broke that rule. You murdered Bane, and by default, what our father stood for.” Damian’s voice got harsher. It was unrecognizable. “You can not be Robin again without disgracing Father’s legacy. None of us will let you do that. That’s why you’re going to live with Grayson.” 

It was like getting punched in stomach repeatedly. You wanted to say how hypocritical he was being. Damian killed lots of people, although maybe not as recently. However, all you could do was hang up the phone. You cried softly to yourself, sinking to the floor.

Damian could be cruel, but you knew he was right. If he was still alive, your father would never forgive you for the life you took. Taking a deep breath, you got control of yourself. You quickly cleaned up your face, knowing you couldn’t stay in here much longer or Dick will come looking for you. He probably was already worried you were sick or something.

You exited the bathroom. A older man gave you a funny look. You blushed, but kept moving on. Dick was outside sitting on the hood of the car, munching on a slice of pizza. You swallowed hard. Your head still pounded away.

“Hey, kiddo,” Dick said, studying you as you walked past him. “You okay? You were in there a long time.” 

“I’m fine.” You opened your door to find a plastic bag in your seat. Dick saw your questioning look. 

“I got you some stuff. It’s close enough to lunch, so I figured we’ll just count this as our lunch stop.” You nodded before getting into the car. It was hot, but you kept the door shut. Dick stayed on the hood of the car, still eating his pizza. You were going to set the bag down without looking at it, but curiosity won out.

Inside you found a packaged sandwich, a bottle of water, and a chocolate bar. Your heart ached when you also saw the latest issue of your favorite magazine as well as a postcard. Dick moved, finishing his pizza and taking a drink of water. You took out the postcard before finding your gaze drifting over to watch Dick. He closed his eyes, leaning back to enjoy the sun for a moment.

You bit your lip to stop it from trembling. Damian’s words echoed in your head. If what Damian said was true, and everyone hated you for dishonoring your father’s legacy, why would Dick take you in? Shouldn’t he hate you too? It wasn’t like you made it easy for him. Why would he put up with you? He could refuse custody. You wondered where you would have gone if Dick didn’t take you in.

Dick glanced back at you, sensing your eyes on him. You flinched and quickly looked down at the postcard. It was a standard postcard, but it had a pretty landscape on it.  A minute later, Dick’s door opened. A cool breeze hit you, ruffling your hair. You heard him get in before starting the car. Your eyes stayed on the postcard. 

“I figured you could send it to Alfred. He’d like to hear from you. Maybe you could reassure him that we’re not just eating junk food,” Dick said, watching you. The car began to cool as the AC started working. 

“Okay,” you whispered, swallowing past a lump in your throat. Alfred probably hated you too. That’s why he didn’t let you stay with him either.  

Dick sighed before backing out of the parking spot and driving back onto the road. You put the postcard away.

“Why don’t you eat something?” Dick said softly after a moment of silence. “We got about another four hours left.” 

You hummed, looking out the window. The car was quiet for several minutes. You were thankful for it.

Of course, it couldn’t last. Dick took a breath. “Did I ever tell you about the time when Wally, Garth, Roy, Donna, and I attempted a camping trip during a hurricane?” He kept rambling on. You half listened, watching the landscape go by and counting down the minutes until you could get out of the car.

***

Dick pulled the car into the driveway of a dark blue little house. The other houses on the block were about the same size, although different colors. “If you look over there, you can see the top of the big tent. This town was basically created when I moved Haly’s winter home here. Although, we find we make a pretty good profit staying here year round, we do take it on the road once and a while,” Dick said as he parked the car. 

Had you gone to heaven? Could it be that you were finally here and you could get away from the incessant talking? You stepped out of the car once he turned off the engine. It was muggy and hot. Nothing like Gotham. You stretched. Dick kept talking, but you stopped listening to focus on your stretches. Two days in the car made everything stiff particularly your left calf. You’ll have to make sure you stretch it more than normal until it loosened. 

“Hey Dick, you’re finally back,” a red headed man said, jogging over from next door. “We missed you.” Dick and the man shared a man hug. You stared at the two. Your gut twisted with a sense of dread. 

“Hey Roy.” Dick smiled before turning to you. You did your best to look disinterested. “Roy, this is (Y/N). (Y/N), this is Roy Harper. Roy is in charge of security for Haly’s.” 

“Hi, kid.” Roy gave you a partial wave. You just nodded at him. Roy stared back at you before whispering something to Dick. You rolled your eyes, grabbing your duffel from the backseat.

“(Y/N), why don’t you head in?” Dick tossed you the keys. You caught them easily. “You can find your room. It’s upstairs on the left.” 

Without saying anything, you headed to the house. The men were still talking behind you, but you couldn’t hear them. It’s just as well. Nothing good comes from whispering like that.

The door opened to the kitchen, which was bigger than you thought it would be. You followed it into the living room, eyeing the Flying Graysons poster that hung over the TV. The sight of it made you sigh. “This is like a prison,” you mumbled before heading upstairs. 

Your room faced over the backyard. You sat down on the bare mattress to look out the window with your duffel beside you. Lost in your thoughts, you wished more than anything that your dad was still alive. You opened your duffel and pulled out your Robin suit. 

Alfred must have cleaned it, because the blood was gone. You pressed it into your face, breathing in the clean scent of leather and armor. No one said you couldn’t bring it with you. If you didn’t, it would have just sat down in the unused batcave. You earned this suit. It was one of the most precious things your father had ever given you. 

You started to sob, unable to stop it. Damian was right. You tarnished your father’s legacy. Despite the years you trained and slaved to finally be Robin, you were the one who got him killed and broke his one rule. You didn’t deserve this suit anymore. You didn’t deserve anything good anymore. The rest of your life should be punishment for the life you took and the one you didn’t save.

With your face pressed into your suit, you didn’t hear Dick and Roy come in with boxes from the car until it was too late. 

“Roy, just leave the rest of the boxes in the living room,” Dick whispered to Roy, setting his box down. Roy put down his box before escaping from the room. You tensed as the floor creaked. The bed sank beside you. Dick’s arm wrapped around you. He pulled your suit out of your grasp and tossed it away. “It’s going to be okay, kiddo. I promise.” His fingers ran through your hair. You cried into his chest, because there was no other option. 

Time passed. Eventually, you calmed down, shaking violently in Dick’s arms. He kissed the top of your head. “I’ll go bring your bedding and make up the bed. You should take a nap.” You pulled away from him. Your arms crossed, feeling exposed from the outburst. 

The truth was you were willing to make this work with Dick. You could live out these years in peace until you turned eighteen. Then, you could go home to the manor, even though no one would be there, but maybe that’s was your punishment. Forever alone.

However, your eyes followed Dick as he quickly scooped up your Robin suit. “Where are you going with that?” you snapped. Dick kept walking out of the room only turning to face you once he reached the doorway. 

“You can’t keep this, (Y/N).” Dick gave you a stern look. “You weren’t supposed to bring this with you. I thought Alfred discussed this with you. You are not Robin anymore and you won’t be again.” 

“Give it back,” you growled, climbing over the bed to stare him down. “You can’t take it away from me.” 

Dick’s expression hardened. “Actually, I can. I’m your guardian. Believe me, (Y/N), this is for your own good, even if you can’t see it now.” He started to shut the door. “I’ll be back with your bedding.” 

You lost it. That promise for peace disappeared in smoke. You sprinted at him, screaming profanities. Dick shut the door before you could reach him. You ran straight into the door with a bang. The door handle wouldn’t move. Dick was holding it from the other side.

“I hate you, Dick! All you ever do is hurt me! I hope you burn in hell and I never see you again!” You pulled at the handle, but it didn’t open. “I hate you! I hate you!” A primal scream escaped you, bleeding your rage and pain into the air. You gave up on the door, giving it one swift kick. “Don’t you dare come in here again! I’ll kill you! Do you hear me?! I’ll kill you!” 

Your screams were only met with silence. It was kinda soothing. Your throat was raw as you sank down onto the floor. The floor was hard on your back. You stared up at the ceiling. The pain and rage were eating you alive. Now, you had a mission. You would make Dick’s life a living hell until he let you go. He took the last piece you had of your dad, and he was not going to get away with it.

***

You spent the night on the floor. The bedding never came, which probably best, because you would have made good on that death threat. After all, you had already ruined everything. What’s another sin? You had nothing left to lose. 

It was almost ten in the morning when someone knocked on your door. “If that’s you, Dick. I told you to go to hell,” you hissed.

“It’s not Dick.” Your door opened to reveal Donna Troy with a tray of food. The smell of the food reached you, and your stomach rumbled. “Hi, I’m Donna. Dick had to go take care of some things, so he asked me to come by.” She entered your room and set the tray on floor next to you. “You should eat.” 

You eyed the tray, willing yourself not to eat. “No, thanks,” you said coldly. Donna looked at you until you met her eye. You narrowed your eyes at her.

“Well, I’ll leave that here anyway. You can eat when you’re hungry.” She turned to look at the bare mattress. “We should make your bed. Sleeping on the floor will mess up your back.” 

Donna left to grab your bedding. You eyed the food tray before stealing a quick bite. Fine, you didn’t want to give her the satisfaction, but maybe you could eat. The food was quickly inhaled by you. You couldn’t stop yourself. Donna came back to an empty tray. 

She gave you a little smile. “Why don’t you bring that tray to the kitchen and bring up your other boxes?” You slowly got up. Your back did hurt from sleeping on the floor. Damn her for being right. Donna began to make your bed. You escaped downstairs, studying the walls as you went. Dick had to have some kind of secret room in here where he kept his old Nightwing suit. He had to put your Robin suit in there.

You set the tray by the sink in the kitchen. Something caught your eyes. A little unevenness in the wall paint by the front door. You looked around to make sure Dick or someone wouldn’t suddenly appear. Silently, you approached the spot and prodded around until you heard a click. The wall slid open to reveal a control panel with a mini keyboard.

“Yes,” you whispered. You typed in his name. Nothing. Different variations of his name and alter egos. Nothing. You tried the name of his circus, his parent’s names, names of his friends. Nothing worked. “Damn it.” You bit your lip when you heard Donna walking down the steps. Quickly, you hit the spot to hide the panel again before busying yourself by washes dishes. 

Donna came beside you and started drying the dishes. “We should finish getting your room organized after this,” she said. You just focused on scrubbing away at the plate. “Then I thought we could go for a walk and I could show you around.” 

You nodded stiffly, eyeing the part of the wall. The password had to something personal, but what?

***

The day with Donna dragged on slowly. Eventually, closer to dinner time, you got a chance to come up with ideas for the password. It had to be something important. You scribbled down ideas in a notebook while Donna made a salad to go along with dinner. Dick was supposed to bring home the main meal.

“I’m home,” Dick called as he came through the door. You tensed from your seat on the couch, not looking up. The smell of pizza floated through the air. Your stomach rumbled slightly.

“Hi, Dick,” Donna said. The pizza box was set onto the table. You shivered slightly when you heard Dick move closer to Donna.

“How did it go today?” he whispered, so softly you almost didn’t hear.

Donna hummed. “I couldn’t get them to talk, but otherwise pretty good.” The weight of Dick’s gaze fell on you. You wrote ‘asshat’ as one of the potential passwords. It made you smile, even though it was highly unlikely.

Dick sighed before the floor creaked as he approached you. You quickly shut your notebook. He sat down beside you, leave a generous amount of space between you.

The silence grew out for a long time. Donna watched the two of you from the kitchen. “Are we okay?” Dick asked softly. You stole a quick glance at him to find him making that face. The ‘I’m trying so hard and you’re being so mean’ face. You felt the cold rock that you imagined your heart to be melt away.

“Sure, whatever,” you grumbled, tapping your pen against the cover of the notebook. Maybe letting him think everything was okay would be a good thing. It would give you time to figure out the password. 

Dick grinned. Suddenly, your face was in his chest as he pulled you into a tight hug. “Good. I just want you to be happy, kiddo.” He kissed the top of your head. “I love you so much.” 

You tensed at his words, remembering when you were four and you heard those words from him all the time. A lump grew in your throat. Damn him, he was playing dirty. “Whatever,” you choked out.

“Come on, let’s eat. I’m sure you’re hungry,” Dick said cheerfully, pulling away from you with your hand in his. You kept your notebook firmly in your free hand. Donna was watching you. From the look in her eye, you knew she knew you weren’t really okay. However, you forced yourself to be pleasant if only to give yourself opportunities to get into Dick’s secret room.

***

Weeks passed and you settled into a routine. You woke up at five in the morning to go on a run. This was a quiet time for you to collect your thoughts. Dick would be up by the time you came back, waiting in the kitchen for you. Then, you both would have cereal together in which Dick spent the whole time talking about his day.

Then it was a toss up. Some days, Dick dragged you to work with him or let you stay home. During the days you stayed home, you worked on figuring out his password. So far, you went through four sheet of notebook paper, but still had no luck. You didn’t realized this until looking back, but your obsession with Dick’s password made your headaches go away. 

No matter what you did during the day, you and Dick would have dinner. You took turns, since you were taught to cook by Alfred and Dick had little to no skill in the kitchen. Once everything was cleaned up, Dick would kiss your head and send you off to bed. During those times, you knew he was going into his secret room. It burned you that he thought he could keep it a secret from you.

“So I was thinking we could have a little barbecue,” Dick said over a dinner of stove top mac and cheese and frozen vegetables. It had been Dick’s night to cook. You gave him a blank look, but he continued, staying upbeat. “That way you can get to know people your age.” 

“Are you trying to make me make friends?” You narrowed your eyes at him. It wasn’t like you never tried to make friends. You did when you were younger, but those friendships didn’t last and once you began training to be Robin, they became unimportant. 

Dick grinned at you. “You make it sound like I’m making you clean the house or something,” he laughed.

“That would be preferable.” You took some satisfaction when his smile faded slightly. 

“Sometimes you remind me so much of your brother.” Dick looked back down at his food. 

“That’s insulting, Never say that again,” you replied, suddenly losing interest in your food. You remembered Damian telling you how you ruined your father’s legacy and your hand shook slightly. Things were getting better, but you could feel it slipping back. Dick looked up at you, surprised and confused. 

“Did something happen between you and Damian?” Dick studied you worriedly.

“No,” you snapped, moving your food around your plate.

Dick bit his lip. “Well, anyway. I think we can throw it this weekend. We’ll keep it small.” 

You rolled your eyes. A whole bunch of words to describe how you felt about this situation was going on your list of possible passwords. They would all be wrong, of course, but you still might try them for laughs if anything.

“Anyway, I was thinking you could make some kind of dessert for the barbecue. Alfred taught you all his secrets,” Dick chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. Instead, you started to feel even sicker. Alfred didn’t want you either. You didn’t realize how much you missed Alfred until Dick said it.

“Whatever.” You got to your feet. “I’m going to lay down.” Quickly as you could, you tried to leave the room, but Dick blocked you.

“Wait, kiddo.” He laid a hand on your forehead. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.” You pushed away from him and ran up into your room. Once there, you laid down on your bed and willed everything to go away for a while.

***

“So have you seen the ocean yet?” Cerdian asked. He shifted awkwardly beside you with a cup of lemonade in his hand. 

“Well, Gotham was by the ocean, so yes.” You eyed him carefully. The poor boy blushed. He gave his dad, Garth aka Tempest, a long suffering look. Garth didn’t notice, too busy talking to Dick and Wally. You wondered why you didn’t just lock yourself in your room and refuse to come out. 

Cerdian may not know what to say, but he was the bravest of the bunch.  You see Irey, Jai, Lian, and a few others you didn’t know hanging out in a little clique. The rest hadn’t approached you and probably won’t even try.

Dick may have wanted you to make friends, but this wasn’t how to do it. None of these people wanted to be friends with you. It’s like Dick forgot Damian existed and how Damian burned down all the possibilities of any friendships with these people since he had been a jerk to them the whole time he was Robin. Of course, all Damian’s actions had been translated onto you like you didn’t have enough sins of your own.

“Hey, Cerdian. Come over here,” Irey called. Cerdian gave you a tight smile before running away. You watched him go and be welcomed into the little group. With a familiar lonely ache in your chest, you got yourself some lemonade before sitting on the back steps to look around the party. At least people seemed to be eating the brownies you made.

You were about to give up and go inside when Dick came over to you. He was already making that face again. “(Y/N), where are you going?” Dick asked, sitting down beside you. He grabbed your arm and pulled you back down next to him. 

“Inside.” He ran his hand through his hair, clearly annoyed with you. “This isn’t going to work.” Why did he have to make you feel bad? You hated him for it.

“You haven’t even tried, (Y/N),” Dick said sternly. You flinched. “I saw you talk to one person and that’s it.” 

“No one here likes me.” You kept your face blank despite how your lips wanted to pull down into a frown at your words. 

Dick blinked. “How do you know that? You can’t know that unless you talk to people.” He gestured over to the clique of kids. “Approach them, talk about something.” You must have give him a look of disbelief. “I’ll come with you if you want.” 

“No.” Your cheeks heated up at the very thought. “Leave me alone.” Dick sighed, resting a hand on your shoulder. You saw Wally, Donna, Roy, and Garth all staring at you as if you were a powder keg ready to blow. Maybe you were.

“Why do you have to be so much like your dad?” Dick muttered. Your eyes widened. Suddenly, you were back in the warehouse with the smell of smoke, rotting fish, and iron. There was the wet crack and you saw the flap of Batman’s cape as he fell down to the floor. 

Your fist cracked against his chin. Dick stumbled off the stairs from the impact, stunned. The blood drained out of your face. Silence filled the air before you turned and ran into the house. You started toward the front door only to see Wally appear in front of you, vibrating. Other footsteps were following you. You jumped the railing on the stairs just as a hand grabbed the back of your shirt. 

“No, you don’t, little monster,” Roy growled, pulled you hard enough for you to slam into the floor. You saw stars. Your leg shot out blindly and connected with his face. He swore, holding his face while you rolled to your feet only to find Donna standing in front of you. Her face was a mask of anger and protectiveness. You swallowed hard, staring up at her with wide eyes. 

Wally grabbed you from behind and dragged you to your feet. He held your arms behind your back. “Don’t hurt them,” Dick said, appearing in the doorway with Garth. He was holding his jaw. You fought against Wally’s hold. All you wanted was to go to your room. 

“Dick, they hurt you,” Donna said, placing one hand on your shoulder. She squeezed hard enough to hurt a little. 

“I told you they were a monster. You should have left them in Gotham,” Roy groaned, still holding his nose. Your breath left your lungs at his words. You waited for Dick to say something, but he stayed quiet. It hurt that he didn’t defend you. Of course, you had just punched him in the face, but you expected him to say something. 

“Yeah, I’m just a monster, a murderer. What can you expect from me?” Your voice was dangerously low. Wally tightened his grip on you. Donna did the same. Dick just studied you. “But I guess I should be asking you that. What can I expect from you, Dick? Are you going to leave me again?” 

“Leave you? Honey, I’ve been here this whole time. I took you in when you didn’t have anywhere else to go, but I don’t know what to do anymore. You make this so hard,” Dick admitted, making that face at you. 

Your rage erupted. You yanked against their hold on you, wanting to hurt Dick like he hurt you. “You left me! What did you think?! That you could raise me for a year and just hand me off with no regrets!” You sunk your elbow into Wally’s stomach. He groaned, but kept his hold on you.  Dick looked startled. “Come on, you idiot. You honestly thought I was mad at you for years because I was jealous of Damian! Do you know me at all?!” 

“Oh, kiddo,” Dick sighed, reaching out to run his fingers through your hair. You snarled at him, attempting to bite his hand.

“No, you don’t get that. You don’t just get to have me now that Dad’s dead. You don’t get leave me and expect me to just love you again. I hate you,” you hissed. Dick flinched, on the verge of tears. Good. He made you cry for a long time. It’s about time you return the favor. 

Donna stepped between you and Dick. Her hand stayed on your shoulder as you attempted to wrench your wrists from Wally’s grip. Your wrists were aching, but you twist one to sink your nails into Wally’s wrist. Wally gasped, letting you go. You tried to jerk your shoulder out of Donna’s grasp, but she just held on tighter. There was going to be a bruise there in the morning. 

“You both need to clear your heads,” Donna said. “I’ll take (Y/N) to their room. Dick, you stay down here, okay? I’ll be back.” Without another word, Donna grabbed you by the back of the neck and held you up the stairs. Tears stun your eyes, her fingers pinching your neck. More bruises for the morning.

She shoved you into your room. “Dick has done a lot for you. He didn’t owe you anything.” Donna towered in your doorway. You glared at her, but turned to go sit on your bed. “You should be grateful he didn’t just throw you in prison for what you did. I want you to think about that.” She slammed the door behind her. You heard the outside lock click. When had that been installed? It wasn’t there when you moved in.

Feeling like a monster, you rubbed the back of your head to feel the tender spot. The truth was Donna was wrong. Dick did owe you something. That year he raised you had been one of the best in your life. He was there all the time. He took care of you. While you loved your father, he was not the best dad. Dick was until he abandoned you and never really came back. Sure you saw him a few times a year, but it was never the same.

Dick owe you an explanation, even an apology. Though you weren’t sure you wanted that, but he had to give you something. The hurt of being abandoned doesn’t go away in a snap of the fingers. It stays with you, no matter how many times you try to convince yourself that you didn’t really love him and didn’t need his love or attention. 

You laid down on your bed, wincing when you hit the soft spot on the back of your head. Your shoulder, wrists, and neck throbbed. The notebook filled with passwords laid just in reach. You opened it, looking through all the words you thought would work. None of them had yet. However, you were more determined then ever now. 

Rolling onto your stomach, you grabbed your phone to find the nearest airport and bought a ticket back to Gotham with your father’s credit card. It went through, meaning Lucius didn’t close the account yet. You sighed in relief before turning to work on the passwords. If you didn’t figure it out tonight, you’ll just break in and grab your suit. Then, you’d be out of here.

***

The party ended hours ago. You listened to the yard quiet down as people went home. However, there was talking coming from the living room, so you guessed Dick’s friends must still be there. You sat on your bed and stared at the ceiling, waiting until you could sneak out. Your duffel was already packed and sitting by the door. All you needed was to get your Robin suit. 

It was almost ten when it finally was quiet through the whole house. You got up and crept over to the door and picked the lock. It creaked when you opened it, you froze, holding your breath. Nothing moved. You sighed in relief before grabbing your duffel and moving quietly as you could downstairs. 

The living room was dark. Dick must have gone to bed. You were just about to step off the bottom step when the living room lamp clicked on, blinding you. 

“Crap,” you mumbled. Your eyes adjusted to find Dick sitting in the armchair. He looked at you with a lost, hurt expression. A lump formed in your throat, but you swallowed past it. 

“I knew you’d try to leave.” Dick got to his feet with a groan. He looked a lot older than he was in this light. “You always were a runner.” You turned away from him, trying to keep it together. “I remember you ran off on me so many times, but I usually found you before you got too far except one time.” He sighed. “You were gone for hours. We were searching everywhere until Alfred mentioned you were probably going to go somewhere familiar. That’s when it hit me. You would go to the manor.” Dick chuckled, laying a hand on your shoulder. “I found you laying in Bruce’s old bed, fast asleep.” 

You frowned, remembering that day. If you were honest, you were planning to do the same thing when you left tonight. “Why are you talking about this now?” 

Dick’s hand squeezed your shoulder. “I’m an idiot.” You couldn’t help, but smirk slightly. “I should have known. I should have listened. I shouldn’t have left you like that.” He turned you around. Your smirk fell from your lips when you saw the tears in his eyes. “But I was stupid.” 

“You’re stupid all the time, but that doesn’t explain why you did it? Why did you leave me?” You glared back at him, every ounce of hurt resurfacing. 

“Giving you up was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.” Dick’s hand trembled as it slid up to rest in your hair. “It wasn’t the same as Damian. Damian was my brother, he was older, but you were so young. You became my kid. I wanted more than anything to keep you when your dad came back, but I knew it was wrong. He was your dad, not me.” 

Tears ran down your cheeks. You couldn’t stop them. “But you didn’t have to disappear. You could have been there more, so at least made sure to see me when you came to visit. I thought you hated me.”

Dick pulled you into his arms. His tears falling into your hair. “I love you so much, (Y/N). I never hated you.” You hid your face into his shoulder. “Staying away meant that Bruce could step up as your dad. I didn’t want to get in the way of that. You were always coming to me when you had a nightmare or you wanted to show off a picture you drew. Every time you passed Bruce up for me, and I saw how hurt he was.” Dick took a shaky breath. “It was wrong to leave you like that, and I hurt you more than I can ever say, but you got your dad.” 

“Until I lost him.” You pulled away from Dick, narrowing your eyes. “That was dumb to leave like that. I would have gotten used to him again. I was only four. There is no quota on how many father figures one person can have.” 

“No, there isn’t. I told you I was an idiot. I didn’t think it through.” He studied you, looking at you with love. “Alfred told me I was an idiot too when I told him, but you know how stubborn I am.” 

You snorted, looking away. “You protesting me becoming Robin made it worse. I was finally joining the family, and you didn’t want me.” 

Dick ran his fingers through your hair like he always did. “I didn’t want you to get hurt.” He closed his eyes. “You did get hurt.” You had a flash of the bloody knife in your hand and your father’s body on the ground. Your body started to shake, but Dick kissed your forehead to bring you out of it. “I want to show you something.” He took your hand and led you over to the spot in the wall where the panel was.

“Oh my god,” you gasped, faking surprise when the keyboard appeared. Dick rolled his eyes.

“I know you knew about this. I get alerts every time it’s gets a wrong password.” Dick smirked when you swore under your breath. You should have known better. “Did you really think my password would be asshat?” 

“Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time,” you said, eyeing him carefully. Dick shook his head before typing in the password slow enough you could see it. It was your name. “You got to be kidding me.” 

“You never left my heart, (Y/N), even if I wasn’t there for you.” Dick ruffled your hair. “You’re my kid.” A warm feeling of being loved filled you. You hadn’t felt that in a long time. 

The secret door slid open to reveal Dick’s small office. The Nightwing suit was in the corner on display. You were shaken to your core at the sight of your Robin suit next to his. Running over, you reached out to touch the sleeve just to make sure it was okay.

“It has to stay here if you stay. You have to be retired with me,” Dick said, leaning against the door frame. You looked back at him in surprise.

“If?” You raised an eyebrow. Dick sighed, going over to his computer. He pulled up the plane ticket you purchased. 

“I had a long talk with my friends and I realized you shouldn’t be forced to stay here if you’re not happy.” He turned to look at you.”I want you to be happy, (Y/N). It was always my priority, still is. If you stay, it has to be because you want to.” He closed the program and you got a glimpse at his desktop.  It was a picture of you in front of the Eiffel tower, taken only about a year ago when you and your dad were on a mission in Paris. You had sent it to Alfred to let him know you were having fun. Alfred must have given it to Dick. 

Your heart ached as you bit your lip to think. Ever since Dick had dragged you here, you wanted to leave and now he was letting you. Somehow, leaving didn’t feel as good anymore. You realized you didn’t want to be alone, even though something inside told you it was what you deserved. 

Dick looked at you, waiting for your answer without judgement. You found yourself saying something you would have never thought you would say a hour before. “I want to stay. Please let me stay.” You ran into his arms. Dick hugged you tightly.

“Forever if you want,” Dick whispered in your ear. You could feel him smiling. “I love you so much, kiddo.” 

“I love you too.” You tightened your arms around him as if he was your life line. The future no longer looked so bleak and alone. 

[roselukes]

Almost Forever - Ch 2 - c.h.

Previously

Summary: Feelings make things difficult

Warnings: swearing, brief violence, mentions of violence

Tag List:  @sassy-asht0n @toofadedtofight @rosesarered516 @hoe4hemmo @heartbreakashton94 @calsfrontcurl @calumspeachy @dukehoods @cosmocalum @wrappedaroundcal @mistletoemichael @glitterprincelu @irwinkitten @hereforlukescruff @astroashtonio @catchinqcalum @irwinvalentines @kinglycalum @biggestslutforcalum @calumhampton @angelmikeyy @hotmessmichael @curlyhairedpopstars @meloncal @heavenlyhemminqs @24kcalum @calsjackets @boytoynamedcalum @alyssarester @ssophisticated-simplicityy @mycollectionofnuts @mysteriouslycali @calteahood @notoriouslyhood @ohhmuke @lukesflaredpants @slimthicccal @ghostofch @norawashere @calthesensation @caffeinatedcalum @calinthewatermelonshirt @caswinchester2000

Kayla had never felt worse. The blood dripping from her nose had coated her neck and t-shirt. The sharp, stabbing pain in her temple was more excruciating than anything she’s ever felt. With every breath she took, she could feel the shattered pieces of her ribs plunging into her rib. “P-please.. Let me go.” Kayla begged, her breathing irregular. The salty winds of the pier burned her throat as she breathed.

“You really think we would let you go that easily?” Dixon laughed dryly. “Stupid bitch.” His palm connected with her already bruised cheek. She whimpered and squeezed her eyes closed, trying to focus on anything but the pain. “Look at me.” Dixon gripped her jaw tight. Kayla opened her eyes and looked up at Dixon, the fear in her eyes only fueling his ego.

“Please..” Kayla sniffed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Love hearing you beg.” Dixon chuckled darkly, his grip on her jaw tightening. She could feel his fingers leaving bruises on her skin, his touch burning into her skin. “I can’t wait to see the look on your brother’s face when he finds your body.”

“Why are you doing this?” Kayla sobbed, looking up at Dixon.

“Why am I doing this? Take a fucking guess.” Dixon rolled his eyes and let go of Kayla’s jaw roughly.

“Please, what do you want from me?” Her sobs nearly drowned out her words.

“I want you to suffer. I want you to suffer the way my Becca did.” Dixon growled lowly. “I want to watch you and your bastard brother rot.” Dixon clenched his jaw, his eyes darkening in anger.

“Wh-what..” Kayla shook her head. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t act like you don’t know!” Dixon yelled, grabbing a steel pipe. He gripped it tightly and sent it down to her temple. Her bruised and battered body fell limp on the wooden pier.

*** “Mike, you have to get some sleep.” Ashton sighed.

“No! I’m not sleeping until I find my sister.” Michael looked at Ashton, his eyes bloodshot and glazed over from lack of sleep.

“You’re no good like this, mate.” Luke agreed. “Kayla needs you well rested.”

“Kayla needs me to find her. I promised my parents I’d look after her here. I gave them my word.”

“And, you are looking after her. You need to sleep. We’ll keep looking, you need to rest.” Luke sighed.

“No.. I need to find her..” Michael put his face in his hands. Tears filled his eyes as he imagined the pain Kayla was feeling. “She’s my baby sister..”

“Alright, clearly Michael’s not going to sleep until we find her. So, let’s just find her.” Calum said, leaning against the bar.’

“How are we going to do that?” Ashton asked.

“We track her phone, we check her car, we check everything. Maybe she was talking to someone on Tinder again.” Luke said.

“No, she gave up on Tinder guys. She deleted the app a month ago.” Michael shook his head.

“You don’t think she could have met someone another way?” Ashton asked.

“No, she would’ve told me. She told me to meet her at the diner to give her a ride home. She wasn’t meeting anyone.” Michael sighed.

“What if she met someone on the way?”

“No! You’re not listening to me! Something bad happened to my sister, she’s not just out with someone she met. Someone took her.” Michael sent a glare to his friends.

“Dixon..” Luke muttered.

“What?” Michael looked at Luke. “What did you say?”

“Dixon Baylor.” Luke repeated. “He’s got motive, he’s got resources.”

“B-but, why Kayla?” Michael held onto the bar as he sat on one of the stools, his mind racing a mile a minute.

“Remember Raleigh?” Ashton sighed.

“Oh, God.. He’s going to kill her..” Michael widened his eyes.

“Where would he take her?” Calum asked.

“Probably to Raleigh.” Ashton said, opening his laptop.

“No, trust me. He wouldn’t take her to Raleigh. He wouldn’t last that long with her unless she was already dead.” Michael shook his head. “Can you track his phone? The number is 843-555-0125.” Ashton typed the number into his computer.

“It’s pinging down at the pier. That’s gotta be where he is.” Ashton says.

“That’s gotta be where Kayla is.” Luke added.

“Guys, it’s almost high tide..” Calum said, checking his watch.

“Get in the car. Now.” Michael said, grabbing his gun from under the register. The four of them piled in the Rolls Royce and Ashton sped down the road toward the pier.

“How long until high tide?” Luke asked.

“High tide is at 5:10pm, so we have about 20 minutes.” Calum answered.

“For the love of God, Ashton, drive faster.” Michael all but cried out. “Please be okay. Please, be okay.” Michael silently prayed, putting his face in his hands. His mind drifted back to the day he and Kayla left for America, leaving their lives behind in hopes of starting over.

The last box had been placed in the truck and Karen’s eyes glazed over in tears. “Are you sure America is where you want to go?”

“Yes, mum. This is what’s best for us. They have Kayla’s program, they have an empty lot where I can build my bar.” Michael smiled.

“It’s gonna be great, mumma.” Kayla giggled and hugged her mother tightly. “I promise, we’ll come visit soon.”

“Alright, give us a call when you land and get settled in.” Daryl said, wrapping his arms around his daughter.

“We will, dad. I promise.” Kayla smiled and pressed a kiss to his cheek. Karen wrapped her arms around Michael, holding her son close to her chest.

“Mikey, I need you to promise me something.” Karen whispered.

“What is it?” Michael asked, looking up at his tearful mother.

“I need you to promise me that you’ll always watch out for Kayla. She’s not like you. She’s shy and reserved, she needs someone to take care of her.” Karen wiped her eyes.

“I will, mum.” Michael smiled softly and hugged her once more.

“I’m serious, Michael. She’s your responsibility now. You have to protect her. I know why you want to open the bar and I know why Calum’s starting a hedge fund company, and I need you to protect Kayla from that.” Karen’s voice was so soft, it was only audible to Michael.

“Does dad know?” Michael asked and Karen shook her head.

“He doesn’t, and he won’t. He can’t. He’d have Kayla staying here if he did.”

“Okay.. I’ll make sure Kayla’s always safe.” Michael said, glancing over at his sister. She had just turned 17 and was ready to take on her new life in America as a college student. She had been accepted to UCLA-Berkeley and she was beyond excited. Michael and their parents were incredibly proud of her. She graduated high school a year early and would be entering adulthood much early than anticipated.

“I’m trusting you with my baby girl, Michael.” Karen whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of Michael’s head. At just 20 years old, Michael was now in charge of making sure his baby sister was always safe and he knew that the only danger she’d encounter would be from him.

A foul taste filled Michael’s mouth as they pulled up at the pier, the time reaching 5:11pm. One minute after high tide was set to hit. Michaelo got out of the car and ran to the pier. “He’s not here.” Michael said, panic beginning to set in. “Kayla?!” Michael yelled, his throat tightening.

“Kayla?!” The others called, each hoping Kayla would sound off.

“G-guys..” Luke choked slightly. “I-is that a shark fin?” He asked, pointing at the water.

“You’re just scaring yourself, Luke.” Calum shook his head and looked at Michael. “Where are we looking?”

“It’s heading to the posts. Kayla’s gotta be down there.” Michael said, looking over the edge of the pier. “I’m going in.” He said, looking at the boys.

“Like hell you are.” Calum scoffed, pulling his shoes off. “They don’t send the president into combat.” Calum said before diving into the water.

“Calum!” Michael yelled, looking into the water where Calum had jumped.

“She’s down here!” Calum yelled as he came up to the surface. “One of you needs to go down to the rocks so I can pass her up to you.”

“I’m on it!” Ashton said, running down the pier and to the rocks that met the water’s edge. Calum ducked under the water and swam over to Kayla, pulling his knife from his pocket. He popped his head up above the surface to take a breath before ducking back under. He cut the ropes that kept Kayla against the posts of the pier, her body beginning to sink as Calum cut the last of the ropes. He dropped his knife and grabbed Kayla’s arm, pulling her body up into his arms.

“Ashton, I got her!” Calum yelled, making sure Ashton was ready. He held onto Kayla as he swam toward the shore.

“Calum, there’s a shark!” Luke screamed. Calum glanced behind himself just in time to see the sand tiger shark open its mouth and clamp down on his thigh. He screamed out at the pain and kicked his other leg at the shark.

“Come on, Cal! Just a little further.” Ashton encouraged, stepping out further onto the rocks. Calum groaned and kicked forward, kicking his legs back at the shark as he brought Kayla to the rocks. Ashton grabbed Kayla’s arms and pulled her onto the rocks as Calum pulled himself up.

“Luke, get the car!” Michael yelled, running down to where Kayla was laying. Luke ran to the car and pulled up beside the rocks. Michael lifted Kayla into the car while Ashton helped Calum in.

“Ow! Damn it, Ashton!” Calum groaned as Ashton dropped him down on the backseat.

“Shit, sorry.” Ashton sighed and got in the car. “Luke, start driving.” With Luke driving and Calum in the passenger seat, Michael and Ashton did what they could to try and wake Kayla up.

“She’s got a pulse, but it’s very weak.” Michael said, laying her on the cushions of the backseat.

“She looks dead..” Ashton said, looking down at Kayla’s bruised and beaten body.

“Shut up.” Michael glared at him. He placed his palms on Kayla’s chest, starting to compress and release. “Luke, drive faster!” Michael yelled, continuing to press on Kayla’s chest.

“I’m going as fast as I can!” Luke yelled back, speeding up slightly. “I’m trying to not get pulled over.”

“For the love of God, Luke, just drive.” Calum groaned, holding his leg. Luke pulled up outside the hospital and ran around to the passenger side to get Calum. Michael carried Kayla in while Ashton helped Luke get Calum up.

“Please, we need a doctor. My sister’s been beaten and my best friends been bitten by a shark.” Michael called, watching nurses swarm toward them. He laid Kayla down on the gurney and watched as the nurses wheeled her down the hallway and through the double doors. Michael sighed and walked over to where the nurses were stitching Calum’s leg.

“Ow, son of a bitch.” Calum groaned and gripped the rail of the bed. “Never thought I’d ever get bit by a goddamn shark in fucking South Carolina.”

“You’re the first shark victim we’ve had in years.” The nurse smiled as she wrapped Calum’s leg. “You’re all set, dear.”

“Thanks, love.” Calum winked at her, causing her to giggle as she walked away.

“Can I have a minute alone with Calum, guys?” Michael asked, looking at Ashton and Luke.

“Yeah, we’ll get some coffees.” Ashton nodded and walked away with Luke.

“What’s up?” Calum asked, looking up at Michael.

“I just wanted to thank you. You jumped in there to save my sister and you could have died.” Michael looked down at his feet.

“Mike, I would’ve jumped in there you, Ash or Luke, or anyone of importance in my life. Kayla’s been there for us through everything. She’s also Duke’s favorite human, so I can’t really let her die.” Calum chuckled.

“Calum, I’m serious. You got bit by a fucking shark to save Kayla.” Michael sighed.

“Yes, and I’d do it again.” Calum said, looking up at Michael. Michael sighed and hugged Calum gently.

“Thank you.” Michael whispered as Ashton and Luke came back with coffees.

“Any word on Kayla yet?” Luke asked.

“Not yet.” Michael sighed and took the coffee. “We all need to talk.”

“About Kayla?” Ashton asked.

“Yeah. And, Dixon. If this really was him, he’s not going to stop until he’s killed her. He’s going to keep coming back.” Michael explained. “At least one of us needs to be with her at all times. We’re going to take shifts with her. One of us is going to be with her at night, one of us with her work. She cannot leave our sights. Understand?” Michael said, looking at all of them.

“Yes, sir.” Ashton nodded. “Calum can take her work shifts with her, they already know him well at the clinic since he helped fund it.”

“Yeah, and I can bring Duke with me to help keep an eye on her.” Calum nodded.

“If anything like this happens to her again, I will murder every single one of you.” Michael threatened.

“Relax, mate. We won’t let anything happen to her.” Ashton chuckled. “We’ll take care of her, we promise.” He said, the others nodding.

“I’m looking for the family of Kayla Clifford.” The doctor spoke as he came through the double doors.

“That’s us.” Michael said, stepping out of the suture cubical. The next three words like a knife to his chest.

“It’s bad news.”

[valenciabrogaard8-blog]

Movers In Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, PA Transferring Firms - Find The most affordable Movers - Local & Long Distance

moving service philadelphia pa

No matter your needs may be, we're here for you each step of the way in which-proper down to the last mile. I give an alternate view of what may be, and in reality to me is almost definitely true. Nonetheless, I find it upsetting that you'll accept as reality information put out by environmental teams, which regularly don't have access to all the data they need but dismiss anything that has an trade connection. Nonetheless, for some that's not an option. Additionally, different business airline corporations might have guidelines which are extra strict than the government licensing rules (however, they can't be much less strict). Are their authorities tips so far as how to scrub up a chemical spill if one happens? Implausible images. I especially love the picture of the Clydesdales and the considered one of Sisters Mountains. Call us at the moment to speak to considered one of our educated, friendly representatives relating to your unique shifting and storage wants.

Raleigh, NC

Use the original Tv Box

Be at the least 18 years of age

Shifting provides

Hold a non-public pilot certificate or larger license from the FAA

6 years ago from Far, Far Away

Public housing smoking ban could possibly be drag to enforce in Texas

Based on your listing of issues and the calculations you made relating to area necessities, rent the truck that most closely fits your condition. During your seek for lengthy distance moving companies in Philadelphia PA, there are just a few belongings you might want to think about. Our long distance movers will provide special materials to guard your floor, carpet and stairs. My husband and that i moved a few months ago and Outdated Metropolis Movers had been advisable to us by a pal. Additionally, having my acquainted stuff in my new dwelling (in a metropolis where I didn't know anyone) made me feel calmer in those early disorienting weeks. I am lucky enough to have a rubbish man inform me the place stuff is at that they dont decide up. They be certain that all of the stuff at dwelling is packed, loaded and moved safely and with utmost care. Consult with a specialist inside your neighborhood to discover security programs, fireplace alarms, dwelling security merchandise, in addition to surveillance cameras.

Or, you could use the additional time to plan the way you need your house or office set up after your move is full. When packing books, use the packing paper also and do not put too many in every field, for the same reasons. First, in the event you decide to use your personal bins, you need to buy packing containers that meet the requirements of the archive company. Hopefully this could show you how to to higher meed the wants of your consumer, which is able to assist the growth of your organization. It can depart a bad taste in an employer’s mouth by having to rush to seek out someone to take your house or worst of all, not have someone in any respect and go away your co-staff having to pick up the pieces. We've several pieces of expensive/oversized furnishings and art, they usually knew precisely what they have been working with and handled it (and all the pieces else) with extreme care.

5. Furniture - Dependable Philadelphia movers ought to protect your furniture by absolutely wrapping them in heavy duty transferring pads. We are proud to be the movers of choice in Pennsylvania and Delaware for each residential and industrial prospects. Accessing our Shifting Corporations Critiques will guarantee you're making your best option. Why do we surpass different companies offering state-to-state transferring services? Simonik presents complete companies for relocations of any measurement and complexity. Also, shopwiththe convenience of Audubon Village Buying Heart. I am undecided how one can say Mays was a greater middle fielder than Ty Cobb. It was attention-grabbing that each one three New York baseball groups had their energy hitters taking part in in Center Area. Green Bay Packers (1-4) - In the course of the bye week, Brett Favre threw three interceptions throughout a household picnic. I usually pick as many options that I can think of and then work it right down to the highest three after which pick my primary.

In at this time's context, hiring a fleet of horse chariots are mostly inappropriate and impractical in moving 24 individuals or extra from one vacationer spot to to a different. You might be welcome and thank you! We are a fully licensed, bonded and insured moving company and we're here to assist to your hassle free relocation. As a top moving company in city, we provide quite a lot of packages so we will cater to any type of buyer. Any respected moving company will do its best to locate your gadgets that in some way didn't make their method out of storage. That would seem to rule out utilizing 3-in-1 as a everlasting lubricant. This was my first experience in utilizing a mover and I'm pleased to say that Milestone made it a really nice experience. In the event that they don’t have previous experience transferring something, they’re smart sufficient to determine how to move that thing safely. Truly a PLEASURE to work with; I need them for every transfer in my life! And he floated a proposal for pairing mandatory minimal value-of-dwelling changes for Social Security (so beneficiaries would see will increase even during instances of low inflation) with annual increases in the program’s retirement age, indexed to rising life expectancy.

Paul was born in Fort Polk Louisiana and has moved round most of his life before settling in Texas. He talked about how cost-of-residing changes for Social Safety didn’t exist till after the oil crisis within the 1970s. He emphasized that Social Safety and Medicare aren't solvent in the long term. There are others, however I tried to keep away from any that had any reference to the oil and gas industry. We have now transferring trucks and crews which can be devoted to this route. Thankfully I didn’t need to make that alternative, and as we’ve seen right this moment, neither do you. But waiting to do this additional step earlier than going will make it more durable to reorganize. The first is trustworthy self-analysis, including the flexibility to objectively take a look at one’s personal considering (I will converse more of this a bit later). These frequent features will enable you to save some huge cash. One of many frequent elements in his concept is the change in considering that occurs as one heads for relapse.

Issues raised through the strike revealed some of the elements that contributed to the trolley dangers. With a large number of solutions including OTA Antennas, Amazon Prime, Yahoo Sports activities Mobile App, Twitch, NFL Cell App, Fubo Television, Sling Tv and several other extra; there's no longer a motive to pay the excessive worth of cable Tv. In 2017 Amazon Prime streamed eleven TNF games, and in 2016 Twitter streamed 10 video games. “It acquired surprises in there! Now, there appears to be a bit of a discrepancy concerning the oldest television station that is still working to today. In 1887, Blasius took management of the Charles Albrecht Piano Firm, which was one of the oldest piano manufacturers in America. IT professionals shifting from one place to a different where the proportion increased by 20%. When you find yourself in your areas of technical expertise for additional growth, for a geographic setting may be useful.

That is where North American Van Strains reveals true worth for relocation and storage companies, whether you're moving to a neighboring state or the alternative coast. Access to this Philadelphia Relocation guide is unique to clients that participate in Isaac’s Corporate Relocation program. Hunt down and rent one of the best Philadelphia to Los Angeles movers. I extremely recommend them, and i plan to hire them once more for our next transfer. E-mail communication prior to maneuver was prompt and answered all questions. Moving state to state may be the most traumatic move for any household and requires profitable planning. Long-distance moves require in depth planning and the best movers to execute the job accordingly. You must keep this in mind while planning. The first day we come to pack your belongings, and the second we take them to your new place. If you reside in an area outdoors of DIRECTV’s service area, your day has come.

[travelingbytastebuds]

VENEZUELA WHERE: Pana’s Flavors (delivery/pick up in Raleigh, NC - https://www.facebook.com/depana.flavors.9) (Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/panasflavors/?fbclid=IwAR0mbdeWRYBykKG3pWUr6dFDj0VxJDWhreaI4WGwXJSW70o0cnIsDmlplYM) Before I just thought of Venezuela as the beautiful landscape that was recreated in the movie Up with the 'Paradise Falls' waterfalls and tall cliffs that Carl and Ellie dreamed of traveling to. But now I can say that this country has become one of the most interesting food adventures I've had in a long while.

When I did a Google search for Venezuelan food, a page on the Facebook marketplace popped up called Pana's Flavors. It had no street address which was weird though, but it did give a phone number for which to get in contact with the chef. I started txting the lady, asking where she was and she told me that she did not have a food truck yet but was working on saving up money for one. She cooked out of her home kitchen and explained that she didn't have a license exactly, but the food was really good. I feel that this might have been the point where most people would think it was a bit too sketchy and back out, but damn, the food on her Facebook page looked AMAZING. And the kitchen looked polished, clean, orderly. She was very friendly and gave some great suggestions on what was the most authentic and traditional of the food she cooked.

So despite it feeling a bit like a drug deal, I set up a time to meet her outside of her apartment. She brought the food right out to my car. It was all neatly wrapped and put in two styrofoam restaurant take out boxes. We talked a bit and she explained that she had only been in the country for a few years, but she really was hoping to get that food truck someday. I gave her a big tip, and she tried to explain to me that the food was only $15 and she awkwardly said she didn't have any change. I told her to put the extra money towards the food truck she wanted to get.

As for the food itself, it was all incredibly tasty. I ordered the cachapa with shredded white cheese, Venezuelan cream and shredded beef. It was like a corn pancake stuffed with cream and beef. It almost tasted like cornbread.

I also got a pabellon empanada (white rice, shredded beef, black beans, plantain and shredded white cheese). The paballon that was IN the empanada is Venezuela's National Dish. I think traditionally, it's usually eaten just on a plate by itself. It's basically Venezuela's version of the rice and beans combination found throughout the Caribbean.

All in all, it was a really fun experience. There really should be more people out there as passionate as she was about her home cooking. I really hope her dreams come true!

[elitecustomsigns]

Transform Your Fleet with Truck Wraps in Raleigh!

Discover Elite Custom Signs, your premier provider of custom truck wraps in Raleigh. From single truck wraps to complete fleet vehicle wraps, we create eye-catching designs that make your business stand out on the road.

Contact Information:

Location: Raleigh, NC, US

Company: Elite Custom Signs, Inc.

Website: https://elitecustomsigns.com/