The Disillusionists cont'd...

The third night was always a test. Patience tried. True colours flown. Laziness called to account and odd smells investigated. They were all crammed into the motorhome doing last night's dishes. Mike had recovered from his half-hour tirade about fuel consumption and how long it had taken them to return from the lake. Jay claimed to have won the swim challenge on a technicality and felt he should not have to take part in any meal preparation. He lay on the couch, fiddling with a tiny portable television. If he had to dry some plates he was at least going to do it lying down. Mike and Alexis went outside to try and get the fire going. May said to G quietly, "Sometimes it's just easier to agree with Mike no matter what..."

Jay seemed to take offence. He blurted, "I don't know if you realize that we are on a payroll. I happen to work for him okay? So don't expect me to answer a lot of questions, no wait a minute..." May was trying to interupt. She had no idea what sparked this outburst. Jay continued, "The thing is, this isn't some kind of nine to five existence. This is what we do."

"At least you said we."

For once there was no response. Jay lapsed into a habit born in high school. He composed songs inside his head, a soundtrack to block out whatever was bothering him at the time.

May was running out of places to stack clean dishes. Any attempt by her to convince Jay to forget about the television fell on deaf ears. Soon no-one was talking. The only sound was the static from the t.v. as Jay tried to tune something in. Cutlery clinked in the dish rack. An atonal drone... It was unbearable.

Gunther was the first to break, "Look, I'm sorry if we offended you somehow."

Jay did not respond.

May leaned on the counter, "Gunth, look... I am not on the payroll. I'm doing this because I like what Mike is trying to say... If he's a little difficult to get along with, then fine."

"I certainly don't deserve to be treated this way." muttered Jay.

May propped herself further on the counter. The will to live slowly drained from her body. Alexis came on board to see what was keeping everybody. She stopped in the doorway like she had interupted a mugging. Jay started bashing the top of the television with his fist. May finallt snapped.

"HEY! That is not your television!"

"Fuck off you fucking dishrag!" Jay stopped bashing the television long enough to give her the finger.

May lunged at him, trying to grab the t.v. Gunther held her back.

"Give it a rest Jay." said Alexis from the relative safety of the doorway.

"Well how much longer do we have to put up with this slut?"

The camper creaked with tension. Everyone looked at May. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing May." Alexis tried to pave over the situation.

"Put up with me?" May wasn't about to let it go that easily. "Fuck you buddy... This is my camper and I want you to get the fuck out of it now!"

"Fuck you."

May threw a plastic coffee mug at Jay's head with her left hand. It bounced off the wall above him. Jay took a swing at her while still prostrate.

"Fucking bitch!"

"Fucking fuck off..."

May pulled Jay off the couch. Gunther tried to get between them but Alexis got in the way.

"Don't touch me!" Something in Jay's voice said molestation.

Mike burst in. A soon as he did Jay stood up fast and threw the television at May's head. She stood for a moment, said "Shit." and fell down. A trickle of blood rolled over her forehead and into her eye.

Mike turned on Jay, "You fucking dickhead!"

"Fuck her. She was going to get it anyway..."

Gunther looked up from May's side where he was trying to stem the flow of blood. What the hell did that mean? The other three looked at him oddly. A sudden, primeaval reaction compelled him to spring up and dive toward the door. They almost caught him as he pushed through and fell out onto the ground. He kicked wildly at anything that moved and struggled to his feet. Alexis jumped on his back and sank her teeth into his neck. Mike tackled both of them. A twig ground into the bruise on Gunther's back and sent a twinge of electric agony down his leg. He punched Mike twice in the face. Jay came at him, swinging the television by it's power cord, screaming - "Aaaieeeiieee..." Gunther planted a foot in his crotch. Jay fell openmouthed, with a thud.

Gunther ran, sputtering, adrenaline pumping, branches tearing, into the woods.