Let's Make This Like A Band-Aid

[Delila Castillon]

Etti IV - Downtown , Lunch Hour, The Capital Grille


Delila entered the historic building at ground level, taking off her sunglasses and stuffing them into her small bag. She had rushed over from her apartment, changing into civilian clothes. Delila didn't need him to know where she worked or what she did, although it was most likely public records anyone could drag up. Besides, one didn't show up in combat fatigues to an upscale restaurant for lunch. Stating her name with the hostess, the redhead was led through the bustling establishment to a two-seat table that was set right next to the window. It overlooked the tree-lined street in one of the nicer parts of the Corporate Sector.


"I'll have a glass of wine. Maybe something stronger, I'll let you know."


Alcohol was going to be needed today. Delila was having to deal with her ex-husband. Something about signing papers to sell an investment. One she didn't even know she was on. The redhead had offered to pay for a private courier service to deliver the papers and send them back. Apparently there was some mumbo-jumbo about signing in front of someone. Anyone off the street wouldn't do either.


So here she was. Sipping wine and trying to remember to be on her best behavior. Delila didn't want anything from [member="Brad Solo"] . No money from the investment. She didn't even want him to pay for lunch. Hopefully it would all be over soon enough. They divorced quite some time ago so why was he just worrying about her signature now?

 

[Brad Solo]

There were just some things in life that were never easy. Growing apart from someone that you were close to is one of them. Considering the very presence of Delila shattered the years of Jedi teachings he had, he knew she was no good for him. Years later how could you love someone just as much as you hate them. From what he had heard that was perfectly normal.

Today was about putting the past where it had belong, in the past. Some investments could not be cashed right away. He knew Delila would not understand it. More like would not care. Still it was something that had to be taken care of.

Entering the establishment it did not take long for the hostess to inquire his needs and for him to give his name. He was lead through the dinning area. In the distance he could already see Delila. He was started to feel, unnerved. This was a mistake he knew it and his mind was quietly screaming at him to turn around and leave.

Despite better judgment he walked over. “Delila”, he could not even afford a passing smile. He just forced a blank expression for in fear if he showed any emotion, well he was afraid what he would express.

“I will be having a Corelllian Merlot”, he notified the hostess. The hostess was more them capable of information the waitress. In a pleasant tone the hostess said she would relay the message and left.

“I trust you have been well”, yes the pleasantries of a normal conversation. Brad knew it was lost her. More then likely she would be dismissive and wondering what type of beer they had here.

[member="Delila Castillon"]

 

[Delila Castillon]

[member="Brad Solo"]


Lost in her wineglass, Delila had barely noticed Brad until he had reached the table with the hostess. Setting down the glass of red liquid, she surveyed the man now sitting in front of her. He looked the same. Suit and tie pressed and free of all and any wrinkles. Hair looking casually amiss but she knew from experience it was a well crafted look. It was always tempting to try to reach out and touch it but naturally Delila would restrain herself of any such action.


"I certainly cannot complain. I assume you have been equally well?"


Small talk. Just stick to small talk and everything will work out just fine. Hands clasped in front of her in a casual manner. Her eyes were searching for the business they both had to attend to for the day. The quicker the work was underway the better. They could then eat surf-and-turf in cold silence, shake hands, and be on their merry ways once more.


"I believe you need my signature on a few items?"

 

[Brad Solo]

So far she was not her nippy self. Brad almost wanted to look under the table to make sure there was not a blaster pointed at him. He was expecting a verbal tit for tat. This just unnerved him and was wondering if [member="Delila Castillon"] was planning something. “Equally well, that would depend on the definition of the perspective of who is inquiring”, ok that was a bit snippy and he did not mean it.

He surveyed the room and seen a waitress was coming there way with unopened bottle and a wine glass. “I actually have papers that require out signatures. Part of our joint saving when we were married had a savings bound in a form of a investment CD. They can’t be open until the term of how long they would sit investment with the bank. That depends on if it is a five year, ten years, sometimes even twenty years. As it sit neither one of us can’t touch the credits without each other signature”, keeping his mind focused on numbers he just reached down by his feet and pulled up his leather briefcase to fish out the proper papers

 

[Delila Castillon]

Yep, [member="Brad Solo"] was back to speaking in mumbo-jumbo terms. Tastefully she was ignoring his snippy mood. Most likely he was angry about having to come all the way out to the Corporate Sector just to have papers signed. Her career was important though. It wasn't as if she could take many days off from running an PMC Outpost. Well, she had subordinates but it was in poor taste to leave them shouldering all the work at a near-constant rate.


"Alright. I don't want any credits, they are yours." Delila pulled up her small bag and dug around, finding a pen to sign with. Drawing it out, the bag went back to the side of the table as she prepared the pen in her right hand. "I am sure you will point out all the dotted lines and X's "

 

[Brad Solo]

Here it comes, [member="Delila Castillon"] did not want something that is rightfully hers? She would rather be homeless then have half of something that was rightfully hers. If she took half of the time to listen to him instead of saying just show me where to sign so would have known about the investment in the first place. Should would remember a portion of the credits saved was their active duty pay when they both were in the commandos and then another portion was their retirement.

Essentially say was just saying take the credits because I do not even want something I earned because I would rather not have anything if it has to do with you. Yes this hurt, he is human after all and did have a heart.

“I can show you the doted line”, he started to lay out the paper work, “are you sure you don’t even want to know where this credits came from and how much your saying no too?” Quietly he was thanking the gods his wine was here and the waitress was pouring him a glass.

 

[Delila Castillon]

Delila had already been homeless once before, very recently. Working as a bodyguard to keep up her steerage on a floating motel like thing. It had been...interesting...and at least the work she had done was for a friend. Naturally [member="Brad Solo"] , would have no idea of her previous situation nor would he. Delila wasn't trying to be mean but the less he knew the better. Likewise could be said for herself. If Brad was married with children and living the high life that was great for him. Still, she preferred to be kept in the dark when it came to things between them.


"I can imagine where the credits came from. We were married, it was a mutual account." Delila paused to take a sip of her wine. "As for the credit amount I could care less. I do not want to know. If you feel uncomfortable with the amount donate it to charity, start a college fund for someone, burn it. It won't be something I will be loosing sleep over."



Lucky for her the waitress asked for her order. Delila decided to go whole hog. She only had desk-work to this afternoon so she might as well stuff her face.


"I'll have the nerf steak, medium rare. I'm feeling like a fat kid so the roasted cremini and mashed potatoes as well."

 

[Brad Solo]

On each one of the documents where she needed to sign he had put a x next to it, so [member="Delila Castillon"] could easily identify each place she would need to sign. How could she be so calm about all of this? Brad had order as well. It was something exotic sounding but the meat was really banntha steaks with some god awful expensive sounding sauce.

It was just a life style he was used to now. He lived in luxury, but luxury was not everything. That was something Brad learned well but it was a road he was not eager to go down even if his Corellian believes allowed it. “If that is what you wish I will deal with it and you do not have to worry about a thing”, he took a sip of his wine unsure what to do about any of this. Maybe he would be better off reenlisting. There was plenty of wars still to be fought.

 

[Delila Castillon]

Flipping through the documents, Delila was listening with half and ear to [member="Brad Solo"] . He was still droning on about making the right decision. Of course it was the right decision. Silent while she was signing the papers, the redhead did stop to read before she actually signed her name down. It all was very benign. Information about accessing credits and a clients' rights and other such nonsense. Flipping through the final page Delila finished up and went back to check once more, missing nothing the first time around.


Straightening the stack, she handed them back to Brad and put her pen away.


"It would have been easier to use a courier you know."

 

[Brad Solo]

[member="Delila Castillon"]

He took the papers and set them down on the table. “Would have it been”, no he was thinking it would have been easier to just forgotten about this investment and tossed ever bit of mail about it in the trash. “How many times have you seen banks use archaic systems such as papers and pens. Why not a data pad and a thumb print?”

He took a drink and let that bit of news to linger. Honestly he did not know what to say. Still there was that wall that blocked any real healthy communication from happening. The only thing still left to do was to bury it all and be damned what it does to your soul. What did she want him to be a emotionless robot? “I’m sure a courier would have been easier for you. No names, no numbers, just catch and release”, ok now he was just being snarky. Truth is Bad had not been doing well and this meeting was just a reminder of why.

 

[Delila Castillon]

[member="Brad Solo"]


"Depends. I've been to some rather technologically slow systems. Sending a courier for a datapad and thumbprint scanner is highly feasible. Everyone has their own way of doing things I suppose."


Eyebrow raised at his attitude. Apparently Mr.Solo still had some hurt feelings related to their divorce. Normal people did have such reactions, although it was odd to see him break his typically stoic attitude to make these small jabs. He was hurt. Delila could make the situation incredibly worse by fanning the flames and encouraging such behavior. Or she could sip her wine and simply grin and bear it. Either way seemed to be making him angry.


"A courier would have been easier for you. Having to take a great deal of time off to come out to the Corporate Sector. This is quite a haul from Corellia. I was merely thinking of the benefits of sending a third party over such a distance. I assume that you are much in the same in terms of having work to do. You've never been one to miss a day at the office so to speak."

 

[Brad Solo]

Here it comes someone always had to be right. Brad did not want to be right he was just doing what was asked.“If you think this was some subtle way to get to see you, please don’t”, he sat his glass down upon the table. “If I could have used a courier I would have”, a live fire fight was easier then this, he thought.

“If I could have saved you and I precious time I would have. God forbid we had to take a little time for work and actually have a meal”, he was unsure who he was upset at. Him for coming, the bank for asking him to come, or [member="Delila Castillon"] . Where was their food?

 

[Delila Castillon]

Well, the redhead could only hold her tongue for so long. She was a redhead after all. It was in their genes to get all angry and upset over the slightest of issues. However...this was different. Delila didn't appreciate the remarks from [member="Brad Solo"] . Was he drunk? Insane? Did he seriously want to be knocked out in a public forum? Dells had hit old lady Eldorai before and men certainly weren't any exceptions.


"Perhaps if you had taken more time out to stop your work and have a meal with me we would still be married. Sorry you have to do it now sweetheart but thats just the way the cookie crumbles."


Yes, Delila had just went there. Icy silence fell between them her eyes pierced into his. Now she was a little upset. Nothing serious but she wasn't going to tolerate his actions. It wasn't until the waitress set down their food that the atmosphere grew slightly warmer -- most likely due to the presence of the other person.


"Thank you, looks great. " Delila popped some of the cremini into her mouth. "Oh honey, you just have to try this. To die for"

 

[Brad Solo]

Not drunk, most likely a bit insane, for actually coming. Rational? When is married or divorced couples ever rational, or sane? Sadly for Brad, he was nether when he was around Dell. Sadly it stems from the fact he has always cared and never dealt with his emotions properly. A common text book example of most failed marriages.

Did he want to get hit, or thrown out of a classy restaurant? Place your bets on he most likely was not even thinking about it.

Yes icy silence, locking eyes, this was not going well. This was not how he wanted it to go.

“Yes, thank you”, with verbal cues and a forced smile, Brad was polite to the waitress. After all it was not her fault Dell was, well she was [member="Delila Castillon"].

“Yes dear”, why not, lets get snarky, “I can see from here, it looks lovely.” What he really almost said is, That is to die for and on your hips it will look even better. What's size are they now?

Yes he did not say that, nor did he even think there was anything wrong with her hips. People that are hurt just do crazy things. People who repress their feeling tend to hold on to their feelings for to long.

 

[Delila Castillon]

[member="Brad Solo"]


If he hadn't fallen so far Delila would find this little display amusing. Brad was acting if she had signed the papers yesterday and not years ago. Did things still hurt for her? Of course. One never expected to get divorced. Well....Dells expected she wouldn't be the easiest person to live with. Yet they had lived together before marriage! Dated for quite some time. It was hard to predict the future and it was best to leave such things fuzzy and in the dark.


Glancing at her chrono, Dells would have to head back to work soon. There was really no set time she had to be back but sticking around with Brad made her eager to get moving. He really needed to just scream and shout and her and get it over with. Truly some pressure may be released.


"You're more than welcome to go. You've gotten what you needed from me."

 

[Brad Solo]

What [member="Delila Castillon"] said next slightly took the edge off Brad. There was no hidden line in what she said that could have been a backhanded complement or something out of a police integration movie. Then again was that line you’ve gotten what you needed from me, was it cynical.

No maybe he was just being cynical. Damn did he hate this. “I could at lest finish the meal with you”, ok why did you not just leave when you had the chance? Yes that was a question he just asked himself quietly.

 

[Delila Castillon]

Delila arced an eyebrow. Carefully she took a sip of wine as she surveyed [member="Brad Solo"] and his actions. One minute he wanted to rip her head off and the next he was staying for the meal. Briefly she wondered if he was having some type of man-period. Man PMS. It was hard to tell, her swung so wildly in either direction. The anger she could completely and totally understand. It was most likely warranted in some cases. But the swinging back to Mr.Nice Guy was the kicker. It was something she didn't want to understand.


"Do you need to talk Brad? Are you okay? Do you need an intervention? Do you need to lie down or something? Its like you are having a war with two different personalities."

 

[Brad Solo]

Do you need to talk, most likely... Do you need a intervention, most likely. Do you need to lie down, most likely. Are you suffering from multiple personalities, it would make things so much simpler if he was.

Brad quietly cut some of his meat when he thought about those questions. The truth was he knew he was not ok but has not told anyone. This anger was never really him. There was just so much hurt he was just saturated with anger. Not just at [member="Delila Castillon"] but with himself. Brad would have not just got married with anyone nor even just date anyone. Such a thing ever happened it would have had all of his commitment. When the marriage fell apart so did he. He was so emotional unstable so was his control of the Force. He feared what he would do with it in this condition, so he opted to not use it unless he had no choice, or just use it in such low level and never when he was feeling emotional.

Still there was that darkness, that anger that kept trying to influence him.

“Are any of us truly ok Dell”, to just say he was not ok was a little bit to much for him to say, or maybe say in public. “My connection to the Force has been unstable”, he just said it, someone should know. Who else was he going to tell he would trust?

 

[Delila Castillon]

[member="Brad Solo"]


Delila remained silent for a long time. It was quite the internal debating raging on within her. There wasn't much she knew about the Force -- she really tried not to pay attention. Jedi and Sith always had seemed overrated in her opinion. Unstable was never good on both sides if you tended to ask her. Unstable implied someone was about to jump off a roof. For a Force User it most likely meant something slightly different but the meaning and intent was still there. Delila had no better analogy to piece together in her head about the situation.


"Look Brad...I don't live far from here, on a quiet side street. Maybe you need to relax a bit." Quickly, she held up a hand to stop him from protesting prematurely. "I have to go to work. I won't even be there so you don't have to worry about that."


"At least get yourself right before you head back to Corellia."

 

[Brad Solo]

She did not quite understand. That is what he deduced from her comment that he get himself right before he headed back to Corellia. It was not like he was drunk and just needed to sleep it off. He was emotionally broken, that is a dangerous state to be for any Force User.

Still Dell had requested something. It came from a place Brad knew to be honest and for her it was her way of showing she cared. It was just Brad to think of others before himself. For her peace of mind this was something he could do. Also she maybe right, maybe he did not some quiet time to relax.

“Alright, if you think it is best”, he had to admit this whole ordeal was making him feel a bit tired. “Thank you Dell.”

[member="Delila Castillon"]