(no subject)

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta did, reluctantly, leave Harris a note before slipping out to get Teja.

She brings him through into the wood shed, hoping they can get out without being seen by anyone.

Comments

[ostro_goth]

Which is why Teja retreats even further behind his newspaper.

And gets ready to pounce, if necessary, if the brothers get into a physical brawl.

[fiery_ring]

"Carlotta, go home." her father says. "Michael, outside."

They all go outside. Carlotta hesitates, and when her father isn't looking, ducks behind the cafe wall and climbs up the drainpipe. She peeps out from over the roof in time to see her father punch her uncle in the face.

[ostro_goth]

Teja waits for the barest moment, then walks outside as well.

Carlotta is out of sight, and the brothers are fighting.

He steps back into the doorway, so the brawling men cannot see him, and looks around for Carlotta.

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta doesn't think about what she does next, but finds herself running across the roof, leaping off with a somersault and landing between the brothers.

"Stop it!" she shouts. "The past is past, you have to let go, you have to forgive! You're brothers, you're family, and no matter how different you are family is precious. I can forgive him, why can't you?"

Her father looks speechless, her uncle gets up.

[ostro_goth]

Teja waits in the doorway, watching, not interfering and not meaning to, unless the uncle lays hand on Carlotta.

[fiery_ring]

The uncle stays away from Carlotta, but her father grabs her arm.

"Home, now!" he says, his voice calm but dangerous. "I won't hit him again."

Carlotta this time goes, and the brothers talk. Then they turn and go in opposite directions.

[ostro_goth]

Teja follows Carlotta and her father at a safe distance, hoping that he will not lock her up -- otherwise, getting home would be difficult.

He has his cuff, but still, Charlie and the cats might miss him.

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta suddenly pops out of a bush next to Teja.

"Quickly!" she says, grabbing his arm and running across the fields.

[ostro_goth]

"Where do you come from?" Teja asks, surprised. "I thought your father had you with him?"

[fiery_ring]

"Ran on ahead, he didn't follow for a few minutes." Carlotta calls behind. "You have to get back before he gets home."

She leaps the fence at the end of her garden, hoping Teja can get over it.

[ostro_goth]

Of course he can.

He follows her closely.

"Shall you be in great trouble?"

[fiery_ring]

"If I am, I deserve it." Carlotta says. "I'm just hoping this means Harris isn't sacked."

[ostro_goth]

"So do I," Teja says. "He has been watching over you faithfully, and you are safer with him around."

Pause.

"There is no way that I can help you deal with your father; but if you need anything from me, it is yours!"

[fiery_ring]

"Thank you." Carlotta hugs him quickly.

"Quick, through the wood shed, and I'll let you know what happens."

[ostro_goth]

"Yes; thank you!" Teja says, following her into the woodshed.

[fiery_ring]

Carlotta lets him through, then runs back into the house.

[ostro_goth]

Teja steps into the bar, worried.-