Title: "A Little Help From Friends" (01/01) by Alora Chistiakoff (NatPacker) and Bonnie Pardoe (former Vaquero) Time: Friday, August 9th, ~ 11pm - before "A Sign of Affection" Place: The Raven ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bonnie had tagged along with the Knighties to the Raven -- she was grateful to Nick for taking her in, especially when she didn't deserve it. He'd been uncommonly nice to her, and she deeply appreciated it. For some odd reason, he really seemed to understand how she was feeling. What she had done to Vachon, and how she had unwittingly betrayed the Vaqueros, still haunted her, despite having had the best of intentions at the time. Somehow it had all gone horribly wrong. She knew that Vachon and Torrey would never forgive her -- \\How could they? Why should they?\\ Bonnie kept to the back of the crusade of Knighties as they all bolstered around Nick for moral support. She felt very awkward, and was beginning to deeply regret coming along. After Nick and Natalie had convinced their friends to give them some time alone and had ducked into a private office, people slowly started to mingle. Bonnie had edged over to the darkest corner she could find -- which wasn't very dark given the current lighting situation at the club -- and then tried to melt into the wall. It didn't work, so she tried her best to look inconspicuous. At one point, Urs found her and brought her a drink -- something stronger than she normally prefered, but not as strong as Urs thought her friend needed. Not long after, Alora wandered by and happened to notice her. "Bonnie! It's been ages! Since Disneyland!" Bonnie smiled at the memory. They had had a screaming fine trip! But that, like everything else, brought memories of Vachon. Bonnie's smile faded and tears began to well up in her eyes. "Bonnie? What's wrong?" Alora lead Bonnie over to a nearby, empty table and sat her down. "Come on, you can tell me." "Ohh, Alora. I've done the most horrible thing...." She related the tale to her friend, nearly breaking into tears several times. "... They'll never forgive me for hiring that Merc. They'll never trust me again -- not after I had her cut off his hair. And how can I blame them? This is all my fault. Why did I have to do this to him?" Bonnie took a deep breath and sighed. Hanging out with the Knighties must be getting to her -- \\Angst Over-Load Warning!\\ she warned herself, as she fought back the tears with a sniffle. Alora handed her contrite friend a cocktail napkin, and patted her hands. "I have an idea, Bonnie. I can't promise anything, but I'm willing to try... if you'll let me." Bonnie nodded, and squeezed her friend's hand. She wiped her eyes and sniffled back more tears. Alora got up and crossed the room to where Natalie was seated. She sat down and the two spoke for several minutes as Bonnie looked on and tried to figure out what they were saying. Finally she saw Natalie smile and nod. Natalie soon got up out of her seat and made her way over to Vachon, who was presently seated at the bar. They talked for a good long while, until the NatPack came and retrieved their friend. Soon Alora returned to Bonnie's side. "I wanted to let you know that Natalie spoke to Vachon. Nat doesn't know if it helped or not, but she says that he's at least aware of how you're feeling." "Thanks, Alora. You've been great." Alora smiled at her state-mate. "My pleasure. Let's get together once were home and things settle down." Bonnie nodded and then watched Alora return to the NatPack. She took another deep breath and finished the last of her drink. To keep her mind off Vachon and the Vaqueros, she headed up on stage and began fiddling with some of the equipment (one of her favorite things to do at parties). She had noticed that one of the amps was in desperate need of re-wiring, so she found a screw driver and set to work.