Parking Lot Drama

Outside the Laboratory, Teddy had passed out on the lawn. The De Soto was a pile of metallic goo underneath a helicopter and Ole Grandpa seemed quite pleased with the situation. “That’s the spirit my boy, just drink yourself right on through it!” He walked over to the De Soto’s remains and gave it a nudge with his foot. Gerry was standing over Teddy and debating what to do with the sobriety tablets when Jonah came from behind and wrapped her arm around his waist. “Why, my dear Harry. Look at him! He seems to have had a bit too much to drink! Reminds me of my second husband, always going to sleep at the worst of times. You know, I was wanting to ask…what are your plans after this little tour thing is over?” Jonah was noticeably leaning for support and Gerry found himself wishing more than ever he could just feel the slightest buzz from drinking. Anything to make this forty year old woman suddenly hitting on him not as excruciating as it already was. He didn’t even need to be drunk enough to make her attractive, just amusing. “Hey, we’d better go see where the old man is dragging us next. Go, uh, claim me a spot in the car.” Jonah was trying to light the wrong end of a cigarette while she shot Gerry a sly grin and waltzed over to where the old man was attempting to pull the car out from underneath the helicopter. When she was gone, Teddy’s arm shot out and grabbed Gerry’s leg. “Didjeeyou…didja get it?” Shooting a furtive glance back to a now giggling Jonah and Ole Grandpa, Gerry nodded and handed him the tablets. Teddy popped one in his mouth and let his arm flop back on the ground. He let out a long blissful sigh, like someone had just shot him full of morphine. “My Dad knows one of the scientists and was bitching about them inventing these things. Jesus…this is what it feels like? To be sober? It’s incredible. Everything sounds so amazing and alive. Quick, kick me. C’mon, please?” Gerry shrugged and gave the kid a kick. A huge grin split Teddy’s face, which was losing its reddish hue. “God…that actually hurt. Thanks so much Gerry. I can’t wait to show Suzy. If I promise my Dad we’re going to go play beer pong he might let us out, then she can take one too! I’m gonna pretend to be passed out again.” Gerry nodded and without saying a word walked over to where Ole Grandpa and Jonah were still pulling at the De Soto’s liquidated form. Out of the corner of his eye, Gerry thought he saw Chatpers standing a few paces back. Watching him.