She stood in place her finger hovering over the trigger, waiting for the shaking to still, or perhaps waiting for the usual confidence to flood her system and overtake the choking unease that had made a home in her chest. Even though she had fled the apartment and found herself miles away she couldn’t escape the memories flashing in her mind. The subtle tension that lingered as she came home that night, the increasing frustration, and the fierce rage that had unveiled Brett as a new and unfamiliar monster. It all mingled in her mind, both appearing as a blurred haze and in vivid detail. Shaking her head, Lucia turned her attention to the flimsy target hoping it could distract her, but instead of seeing just a black silhouette she saw Brett. His smile was cruel and self satisfying, just like the one he had after her tearful confession. Her eyes widened, the panic inside her intensifying, whatever control she thought she had over herself was gone. The shaking had worsened, the pounding in her chest and ears had returned full force, and tears began to well up.

It was a hot, July day when Dallas stepped out of her beat up 1990 tan Honda Civic. The air was so thick; she barely smelled the oil from the pump she used to fill up her gas tank. Dallas leaned against the car, fingering the dollar bills in her pocket. It was sad that no matter how much she held onto, money always found a way to slip from her grasp. Lost in thought, she barely registered the presence of someone else until she felt the poking prod of a forefinger on her arm. “Ethan!” she grinned, lowering herself into the open window so as to tickle her little brother. “Stop, stop, stoppp!!!!!” He squealed. “That’ll teach you to sneak up on a person.” She stuck her tongue out at him in response to his, which was blue because of the airhead he had been sucking on. He had five so far today, and instead of throwing out the wrappers, he lined them up very neatly on the back seat next to him. Dallas had learned to take in the little details that Ethan paid attention to, ever since she found out about his autism she was determined to have life as normal for him as she could. So if stacking things and being neat and having difficulty with emotions was normal for him, then she’d be alright by it. In any case, she found that most of the world’s population had troubles in all aspects of mental health. Dallas didn’t have enough fingers on her hands to count all the clients she’s stripped for, and who ought to get their brains checked out.

After readjusting Ethan’s seatbelt, Dallas took one last look at the gas station she stole from once upon a time. It was when she first came to LA and before settling into her waitressing job, Ethan had been starving and so she went inside, stole food and drinks and floored it back to their small motel, even though no one was chasing her. She honestly had no clue back then how to deal with crimes, but she found the faster you are at something, the better. The adrenaline does the rest for you. They were on their way to the daycare Ethan attends that specifically works with children within the autism spectrum. He has a best buddy there named Justin and it’s incredible to watch them work together because it’s unlike how regular kids their age play together, but it’s remarkable just how well they get along in their own way. Dallas was thrilled to be able to give her brother the support he needs.

Driving to the Cartel after dropping him off, Dallas was met with the usual squabble. Tiffany stole Gerri’s limelight during the last few seconds, the make-up was low, there were tears in some of the outfits, etc. It was all a buzz and she walked through it all numbly. She loved the girls, but most of the time she would be well off without them. She was here for her check and that’s all. Dallas’ heels practically scraped against the floor as she veered off to hide behind the corner when she saw a familiar face from a distance. Ever since she ended things with Parker, she found herself shying away more and more from Scarlett. It didn’t matter though, the club was a spot where Scarlett ran the show and she paid no attention to anyone below her. Dallas was a mere flower on the wall as far as she was concerned. But still, Dallas felt much better avoiding than confronting. She took the long way around the restrooms, back into the dressing rooms to get ready.

Some replies during a scene for a Mark/Eduardo TSN pairing.