runningwild

Luke sighed, "And I don't expect you to know..but I'd like to know if you ever figure it out.." This little moment was ending fast as Luke squeezed past Bo and Cassie exiting the house. Heading to the General he put both hands on the hood and hung his head. Bo looked at everyone in the kitchen, "Should we just let him go?" Leave it to Bo to break a silence.

"This is the only thing I knew before Abby," he sighed toning down a little bit. He was opening up and the emotions weren't running as high. "Georgia I didn't know what to do..so I brought my kids to the only place I knew. I'm just as human as you are..and I'm sorry that I've ruined your life..I'm sorry that Abigail died..I'm sorry that I couldn't be there for you.." Bo and Cassie stared at Luke as they watched a helpless man break down and it was a heart breaking sight. Was this really how both of them planned to spend their day getting caught up in a rift between father and daughter.

"Them make a name for yourself! Don't live in my shadow!," they were actually screaming at each other. Somehow it might've felt good. "You won't even give it a chance so how do you know that there's nothing?! Why do you have to be so da-- hard headed?" As he stood toe to toe with his daughter Luke wondered how this was going to turn out. "STOP! feeling sorry for yourself and live a little!" By saying this Luke somehow became a hypocrite.

Wiping her eyes she braces herself as the car handled the offroading, "You guys are commiting suicide." Shaking her head Cassie didn't know if she could let them do that. Daisy was still comforting Cassie, "Oh don't say that.." she was still huggin her. Luke didn't want to say anything and Bo had clearly ignored her, "Where we heading Luke?" He steered through the terrain. "Still 4," he said wondering why Bo hadn't thought of that. "Good idea," Bo put his foot all the way down to the floor and flew over the countryside. In a matter of minutes he'd pulled the General to a slide behind a bush and everyone climbed out. Coming out behind Bo he helped Cassie out as she looked around, "How long will we be safe here?" She asked him while Luke was grabbing the CB and radioing Jesse. Bo assured her, "For a while." "Lost Sheep to Shepard..Lost Sheep to Shepard," waiting for a few seconds a familiar voice was heard over the radio. "This is Shepard." "Shepard we've got a package and need you to pick it up at Still 4." Jesse didn't question was Luke meant, "Alright..I'll be there." Hanging up the CB he smiled, "Let's go up there and wait on Uncle Jesse," his hand instinctively went to her back as he showed her into the woods. Bo gave Luke a look of jealously and competition. "Was now really the time to be quartin' the same girl?"

Luke took in everything thing she was saying and actually found that he really did already know that. "I don't think it was your decision!" He didn't know what to say to her. "What's so bad about Hazzard? You won't even give it a chance!" His emotion was rising, "Is this some way to get back at the world because your mama died?! Because if it is then you need give it up right now. Your not getting anything accomplished by being difficult."

Luke lead the way into the house of which he knew the layout so well. Coming through the kitchen doorway he stood there staring at his daughter and mother-in-law. "What in the he-- were you thinking?" It was obvious Luke wasn't going to hold back on his anger. Edward had followed behind Luke which left Bo and Cassie to follow. Standing so each of them could see Cassie moved infront of Bo for a better look knowing that he could easily see over her head. No problem.

Luke got out of the General and helped out Cassie from his side. "Hey Dad.." It must have been a surprise to see him there. "You remember Bo and this is our friend Cassie." "Nice to meet you," she held out her hand. "Has Georgia been by here?" Luke asked forgetting his manners while Edward was being introduced to Cassie.

Cassie wanted to give Luke the bright side and somewhere inside of her knew that she couldn't. "Well..maybe when you catch her you'll finally get her to open up?" Great. That was the best answre she could come up with. Luke shook his head, "I hope so.." Considering Bo's words he sighed, "Yeah, that would be the best thing to do. I want them to keep her there if she shows up. Because so help me when I catch up with her..." Ringing with rage he didn't finish his sentence.

Luke shook his head, "Well I knew that it's just I keep trying to let her have her space. I don't want to smother her.." Cassie laughed, "Sorry guys." Both men had turned to look at her, "This just seems like a soap I watch on TV..." Leave it to Cassie to blurt out the most awkard thing possible. "Luke..there's got to be a bright side to this, Honey." Her hand found his and she gave it a squeeze hoping that Bo wouldn't notice.

Cassie smiled, "I knew you were happy and that made me happy." She was talking about when Luke got married and left Hazzard. "Now..I can look at you and your not the same.." Bo burst into the diner, "Luke!" Both pairs of eyes in the booth shot up. "What is it, Bo?" Luke was surprised at Bo's entrance. "It's Georgia she's heading for Atlanta with a stranger." Bo was sorry that he had to interupt Cassie's favor to him but this was more important. Luke's eyes got wide as he grabbed Cassie's hand, "We've got to stop her.." Pulling her with him as he followed Bo to the General Lee with a swift motion he picked the woman up and slide her inside then put himself in. Bo slide in the driver's side and cranked the orange car and sent it roaring down the road towards the Boar's Nest. "Why does she always have to pull stunts like this?" Luke asked to no on imperticular.

Cooter knew he wasn't suppose to say anything about Georgia but he had to let Bo in on the owner of this sweet ride. "I ain't suppose to tell anybody..but I ain't about to keep you in the dark." He paused. "It's Georgia's. She came earlier and asked me to work on it." --------------------------- "Honey, there's lots to talk about you just can't put all of it in words," she smiled. "And as for handling your daughter..I can't really tell you how to do that. I ain't her Mama..but I am willing to talk to her if you ever need me to." Sighing she saw the waitress come over, "Two coffees please." Without looking at Luke she stayed silent for a few seconds, "It's funny how things turn out.." She said randomly. ---------------------------- "I know," he grinned and paid for both of their beers as they passed the tender telling him to 'keep the change'. Exiting the Boar's Nest Dean lead Georgia over to a red Corvette. Opening the passenger side door he waited for her to get in.

Cooter had his head underneath the hood of Georgia's car when he heard someone enter the garage. Sticking his head out he caught sight of Bo, "Well if it isn't ol' Bo Weevil." He smirked and and set down his wrench picking up his rag to wipe his dirty hands. "What can I do for ya?" ---------------------------- "Spill it Lukas," she said. "I can tell that your eatin' yourself alive in there," Cassie wasn't much for being casual about approaching a subject. "And Bo tells me you won't talk to him or anybody. I'm worried about you." ----------------------------- "Well then Little Lady let's go," downing the rest of his beer Dean stood and held out his arm for Georgia to take. "I wouldn't want to keep you waiting."

Hearing the plea in Bo's voice was something that Cassie couldn't say no to, "Okay. You go pay and I'll find him." Bo nodded. Walking down the isle she turned and started looking for the elder Duke cousin. After a few empty isles she spotted him staring at none of than the boxes of nails. "I didn't know it was this hard to choose nails?" Luke looked up, "Well it ain't I got sidetracked." "Oh really?" standing beside Luke she smiled, "You can get the nails before you leave town. Let's go get some coffee." Giving her a confused look he had to give in, "Okay. Coffee sounds good." --------------------------------------- "I'd really appreciate the company," he smiled halfway through his beer. "Just let me know just as soon as your ready to get back on the road and we'll be heading to Atlanta." Picking up his glass he took a long drink out of it.

"What makes you think he'll open up to me over you?" Cassie wanted to help Bo help Luke but she was skeptical. "I mean your his kin and I'm just me." It wasn't unusual for Cassie to doubt herself and this time was no exception. ------------------------------ Dean grinned, "I just might if your lookin' to tag along." Not only was he allowed to sit with the pretty girl but she wanted to go with him to Atlanta. "What's in Atlanta?"

"Bo I've already picked out your microwave what more do you want?" Cassie winked, "But I think I could do one more thing for you." -------------------------- Dean smiled, "Well Georgia I happen to be passing through Hazzard on my way to Atlanta and it's just Dean." He nodded sitting back in his chair taking a sip of beer. "What has you sitting here all by yourself?" It seemed only fair that she share something of the nature with him.

Cassie had to laugh, "I just wanted to see you think about." It was a hobby of hers to give someone a hard time. The only thing was it had to be someone she was good friends with. Looking at the choices before them she concentrated. "I think..this one," she pointed to a white one down at the bottom. "I'm almost positive that Jill will appreciate this one." ----------------------------------- The stranger grinned, "I just might be, Darlin'." While the waitress was bringing his beer he extended his hand, "Dean Wallace." Georgia was very beautiful to him and he didn't even know her name.

"Oh I know," she grinned. Since they'd walked a little more down the sidewalk it wasn't long until they found themselves outside of the hardware/appliance store. "What color is your kitchen?" Cassie asked as she lead both men inside and over to the microwaves. This detail was very important. Luke followed without saying a word, "I think I'm going to go look for some nails," he disappeared down another isle and left Bo and Cassie standing there. ---------------------------------- Just as the waitress had left a young man looking about twenty entered the Boar's Nest. He was just passing through Hazzard on his way to Atlanta, "Can I get a beer?" His order was placed as he passed the bar and spotted Georgia sitting all by herself. Smiling he joined her, "What's a pretty little thing like you doing sitting alone?"

Cassie shrugged, "I'm a woman of course I know about microwaves." She sounded playful in her tone. "Direct me to the hardware store and I'll pick you out the best." Smiling Luke looked at both Bo and Cassie each seemed so cheerful and happy. "Are you sure I wouldn't be a third wheel in this microwave buying date?" Of course Luke was teasing about this. Ever since Cassie had arrived back in town so many years ago she'd slipped back into Bo and Luke's mold with ease. Being easy going and easy to talk to; never had she let either man down at being that. ----------------------------------------------- The waitress gave Georgia a look, "Coming right up." Disappearing behind the bar the girl had the bartender mix up a drink and in a matter of minutes she was placing the cold glass infront of the customer. "Here you go," she smiled kindly.

Cassie smiled, "See nothing to worry about," she grasped Luke's shoulder and gave it a squeeze of reassurance. "Thanks Bo," he paused, "Makes this set a bit easier on my mind. So now what about that microwave." The change of conversation and setting might make him feel better. ---------------------------- A waitress at the Boar's Nest came over to Georgia, "Can I get you something?" The girl didn't look much older than Georgia but did look more cheerful.

Luke sighed staring at his cousin, "Yeah and I can't help her.." He sounded so defeated. "It kills me to see her like that so, yeah could you please have Jill check on her.." "Luke...don't get down on yourself," she wanted to hug him but, didn't know if it would be out of line or what not. Cassie was at a loss for words as she stared at him. He looked helpless.

Luke just stared at her, "I..umm..yeah if that's what you want to do." He nodded unsure of what to really say to her. "Do you need someone to drive you?" Cassie felt sorry for Luke he was struggling with this and just wanted to make his daughter happy.

Everyone had stopped and focused their attention on Georgia. "Where are you planning on going?" Luke asked concerned. Cassie frowned and Bo let his arm drop off of her shoulder. "Yeah Georgia?" He to was concerned about her, his neice.

Cassie shrugged, "I was going to see Cooter about my car but, I think you boys could look at it just the same." She smiled and looked at Georgia giving her the 'what could it hurt' look. Bo grinned again, "Well great both of you can help me pick out a microwave. Jill swears we need a new one." "She nagged and nagged knowing that you'd run out and get her one," Luke smiled, "I know how that is." There was a moment of silence, "Well come on let's go," Cassie dropped back and linked arms with Georgia, "Come on." They all started down the sidewalk and passed a cute little boutique, it was Cassie's. "Maybe if you quit givin' your Daddy a hard time we could arrange for you to get whatever you wanted out of there?" Grinning she thought about what she was doing. Luke opened his mouth to protest, "I don't think.." Cassie quickly cut him off, "I know Lukas," she smirked. Everyone had a laugh over it. As Luke reddened in the face slightly he tried to speak again, "So you finally got back into designing?" Nodding Cassie knew she hadn't finished college but was very successful, "That I did. I'm one of the best. I just don't put myself out there." She didn't mention that her line ran through shops in New York and California. She was a simple girl and didn't like all the flashy couture that was out nowadays. Bo put his arm around her, "That's what we love about you. High class, high maintence but still a Hazzard girl at heart."

"I guess you've got a point," Cassie snapped back in a calm way. At the sound of tires squealing her heart jumped and she turned around to see the General Lee behind her. "Bo Duke are you trying to kill me?" Bo stuck his head out and let his body follow as he sat on the window, "I would never.." He grinned. Rolling her eyes Cassie responded, "Riight.." Luke in the same fashion as Bo sat on the passenger's side window of the General, "I see you've found my delinquent." Looking back at Georgia Cassie smiled despite the girl's attitude, "More like distracted away from school." Shrugging she went on, "I saw her admiring a few things in my store window so I invited her in. She introduced herself and we got to talking. Then I invited her to breakfast but, she refused saying she was going to be late for school. Being the hard headed thing I am insisted and now here we are." There was no way Cassie could see Georgia's expression but, Luke could. "That was nice of you." He smiled, "I guess I'm not too mad just a little disappointed." Bo laughed, "That's something you'll have to get over Luke," lifting his feet out of the car he put them on the ground. Luke shook his head and laughed slightly, "Your right." Putting both feet on the ground he leaned against the car. "So Georgia..I guess you won't be heading to school at all, then?"

"If your from the city then I can understand that,' nodding she agreed and crossed her arms. "So your skipping school and giving your daddy a hard time?" A part of her was disappointed in Georgia, "What would your mama say?" Everyone knew that Luke's wife had died and there was a lingering silence about it around Hazzard. --------------------------------- Straightening the curves and flatting the hill Bo and Luke were racing nothing but the countryside. Each boy was remembering the good times they had way back when and enjoying a ride in the General Lee. "I don't think we've lost our touch," Luke said proudly. "Yeeeehaw!" Bo hit the horn as they jumped a dip in the rode. "Of course not...it's like riding a bike you never forget." Nodding Luke grinned enjoying every bit of the outing, "For once I think your right." "Cute, real cute Luke," he shook his head as the first houses in town came into view.