Dylan wonders what that must be like. Having a mum. Someone who nurtured you so kindly throughout your life. A saint heâd called her. The closest Dylan had to a mum was Ines, and just like her real Mum, Inesâ left without a second thought. She still has her Dad but Dylan couldnât help the ache that filled her when others talk about their parents. Even her Dad was so busy he couldnât come to things, needing to provide for three kids all on his own. Sheâd been lucky for her brothers, Ace most of all.
âThe best teachers were the ones who actually wanted you there. There were so many shitty ones at that school. Five minutes late because you were peeing? Detention. Family name has a reputation? Oh Iâm going to treat you just like them.â Dylanâs experience in high school was more negative than positive, she was so happy to be over it. The idea of going to college had been something sheâd struggled with, thinking it would all just be the same again. Her family ultimately convinced her and she was lucky things got better. But, if you asked her to go back to school today sheâd rather jump into a box of hungry snakes and wriggle around. Unless Felixâs mum was teaching every class.
âI think I might get in a little trouble for that oneâ she laughs. God it was tempting, she wasnât going to lie. Working at a bank being that close to just making her life so much easier was hard. A decimal point change here, a quick slip of the hand there, and she could be living her life in some beach far far away from Bradford Spings. But sheâd also be on the run, never get to see her family again, and life just would suck if either of things became true. Dylan didnât have it in her to be a fugitive. God helps her if Finnâs finances ever get looked into - Dylan was surely doing time for what she covers up for him.
âMm I just, guess I never really applied myself that much? Until now? I think itâs a good start, the bank. I donât really know where I want it to go yet. Never really a planner until lately.â She felt shy admitting it. At 28 Dylan had no life goals except to be stable in life, enough so to have a family one day. But everyone, or least most, wanted that too. Jobs? Dreams? Dylan never let herself think so much, it only made her upset when she realises she couldnât achieve them.
Dylan accepts her beer and holds it up out of habit, clinking the cup to his. She brought it to her lips for a sip as she listens to how his life was different. âWeapon designs? Like guns? Or knives?â She asks, wanting to hear more. It wasnât something you heard about every day, and already she knew a few boys who would probably love the end results. âCould you do that here? Whilst youâre at home with your mum?â Dylan didnât know what was needed for his mothers health, but if both him and his sister were at the rodeo there must be moments that Felix gets a break. Maybe he could follow his passion here in Bradford. âWell, you mentioned darts right? Thereâs a game with balloons and darts. You throw them and get a number. Bigger the numbers add up bigger the prize. What do you think?â
Felix smiled and nodded, remembering school with a not-so-fond memory. âOh yeah, I know what youâre talking about. School was just awful. The teachers mainly. And I was bored all the time.â He mused. Felix often skipped classes despite his own mom being a teacher at the high school. There were many times heâd gotten in trouble and spend weeks grounded, but his mind was never satisfied with school so he and his friends went out and did whatever they could to get their adrenaline going. âI was good at math and science the most. But the school system is just so stupid and not made to help the kids specifically, in my opinion.â He shrugged. He knew sometimes teachers could be hard to come by but they also needed to hire people who actually liked the students.
âI bet it would be pretty easy where youâre at, working at a bank and all. I mean, the after math wouldnât be easy, but the actual act.â He shrugged. He couldnât imagine being in charge of that much money for that many people. Not that Felix would try anything.. So he thought. You never really know until youâre in a sticky situation and needed it. But luckily he didnât have to worry about that with his job. The temptation wasnât there. He looked over at her with a curious look, âI mean, you did apply yourself though and thatâs what matters. I know people who are still living with their parents and jobless. I think youâre doing well, working in a bank isnât that easy.â He nudged her a little as they walked. âAnd youâre young, youâve got so many years to even just think about going to another step.â He added.
Felix took a long drink of his sour beer and nodded as he tasted the flavor in his mouth. He loved a good sour. He shrugged, âYeah, I do all sorts of weapons for contractors or the government. Thatâs why I went to D.C.â He told her. âI do private orders too, like a few people in town here need specific items and Iâll make it up for them.â He added. He had friends who always ordered knives or specific gun parts or something. Felix began heading into the direction of where all the games were, taking another drink. âI could, yeah. I would probably stick to the designing over the computer because itâs easier then making a prototype and going through the hassle of shipping it or traveling with it.â He chuckled at the thought. âI just havenât thought that far, you know? Welding is easy, something I donât have to think much about so I just went back at it. With everything going on with my brother also, I just havenât had the time to just think about my own future.â He realized he was sharing a lot and knew she probably didnât care for a story but it just slipped out.
âAlright, I like a good game of darts. Letâs do it.â He agreed, moving on to a different subject. âYou play darts often?â He asked and walked up to the game, eye the board and the positions of all the balloons and what prizes he could potentially get.Â