Letting Go

Hello everyone, I'm back. Yes it has been awhile but assure you it will be worth it. Now the story I have brought you today is a little..well how do you say a gut wrenching, tear jerking, flinch maker. And as you all know the stories I have an interest in are NOT for the faint of heart. Though I will not tell anyone to not read my stories, only merely take precaution...Now on with the show:)

P.S. I do not own the show Recess or any of the characters involved in the animated series

Chapter 1: The Last Day and Familiar Faces

The hallways were bursting with energy as the end of the school year came closer with each passing day. Some kids were cleaning out their lockers, others were cramming last minute notes and study sessions for the upcoming finals and some were busy planning their whole summer vacation. In the lunch room people were either eating or catching up on some needed sleep. But at one table one group of friends were sitting in their usual spot. A table next to the wide long windows looking out into the student parking lot next to the football field.

"I can't wait to get these finals over with, my parents are up my ass about choosing which college to enter" Vince said looking over his acceptance letters. He was wearing a dark green beater with a button up white flannel with the sleeves rolled up and dark washed jeans with a pair of black and green Jordons to match. He grew to the staggering height of 6'2". He was slim but muscular. His constant training and practicing in basketball had earned him several grants and scholarships to many different schools around the country.

"Well, which one do you like better" Mikey asked. He had on a white shirt with blue stripes throughout the whole shirt and said 'Why wage war on our own world", with loose khakis and white flip flops. Mikey lost some weight, but is still the fun loving giant of the school. He stood at 6'4" so it was hard to miss him. He was sitting across the table from Vince next to Gus.

"All of them, This one is close to home, but this one offers all my equipment already paid for by the schools, and then there's this one.." "Why don't you pick the one where you know you'll exceed at every course your taking without draining yourself" Gretchen interrupted "and pardon for the interruption"

Gretchen was a taller girl, standing at 5'10", she was wearing a light blue summer dress similar to the one she wore as a child. But this dress was just above the knees and had a yellow ribbon tied around her waist and a cotton light summer jacket that stopped under where the ribbon was tied. Her hair was in a side braid that went past her size cc breasts and to finish it off a pair of small shoes that resembled the ones she had at 3rd st. school.

"That's easy for you to say you, Mikey and T.J already been accepted to the colleges of your choice. And besides you're a genius." Spinelli said eating the rest of her lunch. She still had her orange beanie on top of her grown out hair that reached down her mid-back. She had on a red tank top underneath a black mid-drift leather coat with the sleeves stopping just above her elbows. Her boot cut jeans hugged all her curves and with her black combat boots. She was the shortest one out of the group at her height of 5'3" but she was still tough as nails.

"You'll have to include me in that count Spinelli" Gus said.

"What do you mean? Where are you going?" Asked Mikey

"Joining the military like my father. After boot camp I'm off to a special school to become an officer. It takes place in different colleges all over the country, and I get to get the everyday classes out of the way like English, Math, and Science while I'm there" Gus said putting both hands behind his head. He had on a gray shirt and blue jeans. Matching Gretchen's height at 5'10" he started building muscle tone when he asked to join Vince for some training exercises.

"Ugh, so that leaves me and Mikey. At least we're not alone." Spinelli said looking towards Mikey who just smiled and chowed down on some pizza and wings he brought from home.

"T.J you've been silent this whole time what's up?" Vince asked. T.J was starring out the window deep in thought. His hat long gone letting his hair go lose every which way it pleased. His head was supported by one hand that leaned on the table. His over sized plain white t-shirt was hidden by the light green button up jacket with the number 11 sewed on the back of it. His faded blue wash jeans and white and black Nikes were still as he seemed not to hear anything that was said to him.

"Hey" Gus yelled

T.J jumped in his seat "What?"

Everyone just tared at him "You alright man" Vince asked looking concerned and confused

"Yeah just thinking, come Friday we may hardly ever see each other. With everyone going away for college it'll be so different" He pouted. Everyone stared at him then looked around at each other and then out towards the cafeteria.

Mikey looked at everyone and smiled "Even though we may be far away physically, our hearts and minds will always be close." He got up and threw his trash away and came back but did not sit down for the bell for last period was about to ring. " And remember T.J we are luckier then most. We still and always will have each other"

"Mikey is right, we can't be sad for what we do not know is too come, but should be embracing and celebrating that we have made it this far together" Gretchen said

"Speaking of celebrating my parents want to throw a congratulation party for us at my place this weekend and everyone is invited" Spinelli said

"Hey, that's awesome. We'll e able to see everyone from 3rd st. school one last time before college." Mikey said happily

"Yeah, even Bob and his crew are coming" Spinelli added

"Didn't they graduate like two years ago though" Vince asked getting up as the lunch bell rang

"Yeah, but I kept in touch with some of the guy over the years and invited them. And they all said they'd come." Spinelli said following the group out

"Hey the more the merrier I always say" Gus said

"No you don't" Vince budded in

"Yeah but still, it's going to be a great weekend. Partying, sleeping in and the best part is no more homework" Gus said throwing out his vitamin water bottle

"Well let's get this day over with" T'J said as they parted ways onto their last class of the school day.

Days passed and Friday finally arrived and the clock was ticking its last minutes. Every single person students, faculty and staff was either looking at the clock hanging on the wall or on their phones. Spinelli couldn't keep still, her legs kept twitching, her fingers tapping on the desk sporadically and her eyes kept going back to the clock. "Come on, come on" she muttered she swirled her no. 2 pencil around her thumb.

"Now class remember to have a safe and fun summer, AND don't forget to study and get plenty of rest for the upcoming finals next week." The teacher said collecting her work and putting it back in her desk. As soon as the teacher pack his stuff the bell rang. "Remember to stay safe and have fun at college or wherever you chose to go in life."

Spinelli grabbed her bag and shoved her stuffed her bag trying to make it to the door before everyone else. She went to her locker to collect the rest of her belongings that she didn't already throw out or already brought home when she heard her name being called out.

"Hey Ashley" an unmistakable voice was heard behind her

"Butch, what a lovely surprise. What's up" She asked closing her locker for the last time.

"just coming by to make sure the party is still on for tonight" Butch asked

"Yeah it is 8 o'clock or anytime after that." Spinelli said swinging her bag over her shoulder..

"Got it, I'll update the others" he said smiling and left

Spinelli's phone went off "Yo"

'Hey, it's T.J'

"I know who this is" She laughed " What's up"

'The guys and I were wondering if you needed so help setting up tonight's party'

"No I'm good, thanks though"

'You sure we got nothing better to do'

"Nah, I'm good. Though if you guys want you can come early and get some t.v action going on before everyone starts showing up, just the six of us" Spinelli offered

'Sounds like a plan, I'll tell the others see you soon' And with that T.J hung up and Spinelli walked to her '01 black Jeep Wrangler. Tossing all her stuff in the back she started it up and headed for home. She passed my familiar faces on the way home. The Ashley's were jamming in Ashley A's pink hummer, hustler Kid was leaning against the school wall talking on his cell phone, and upside down girl was walking on her hands talking to swinger girl. She looked around at everyone she grew up with and thought about just how much has changed.

"This is going to be the best party anyone around here is going to remember" She said to herself

She drove passed many blocked and saw the old 3rd st. elementary school still with old rusty and newly paved blacktop. She drove passed all her old friends house getting more and more excited about tonight party. She pulled into her driveway and jumped out of the car grabbing her bag. She stopped when something or rather someone grabbed her attention.

"Lawson?" She asked the man walking by "Erwin Lawson is that you?!" She said surprised

The man stopped walking and turned to look at her. He was wearing full black Adidas, black baggy combat pants and a plain dark blue long sleeve shirt underneath a brown zip-up hoodie. And he was carrying a small backpack over his right shoulder. The tall man was standing at 6'3", his hair short hair was a dark brown, his eyes were bright green. His thin face stared in confusion as he slightly tilted his head showing the defined muscles in his neck.

The man looked at her for a few minutes then smirked "Well, its been awhile Ashley Spinelli" Lawson said resettling his bag on his shoulder

"Oh my gosh. Awhile?! No one has seen or heard from you in six years! Where the hell have you been and how are you?" Spinelli asked walking towards him

Lawson laughed at her expressions "It's nice to see you too. And in order New York and good thanks for asking. How have you been?" Lawson asked still with a smirk on his face

"Don't be an ass" Spinelli said crossing her arms then an idea hit her "Hey I'm having a party at my house tonight you should come, everyone we grew up with is going to be there it'll be fun" she offered

Lawson looked at her and frowned "I wish I could but I can't"

Spinelli looked confused "What? Why not?"

Lawson shook his head "I got work. I was on my way until a little kitten stopped me in my tracks" Lawson said smirking once more

"Lawson, there is nothing stopping me from kicking your ass this time and come on, even Bob and his crew are coming. Your old crew is coming they'd be thrilled to see you" Spinelli said growling

Lawson put his hands up in defeat and laughed again "I give, I'm sorry. I don't feel like going into work bruised up today please. And seriously I can't I have to get to work" He laughed "And it's Erwin" He finished

"What do you mean?" Spinelli asked

"My name, I go by my first name these days" He looked at his watch and sighed "Well I better get going if I'm going to make it to work on time. I'll see you later" He waved starting to walk away

"Hang on" Spinelli said pulling out her android "Give me your cell"

"What.." "Just do it " Spinelli demanded. Erwin pulled out his iPhone and gave it to her. He watched her as she toyed with both devices and finally smiled handing him back his phone.

"There now we've exchanged numbers" She said

"I guess I'll keep in touch then" Erwin said leaving

Spinelli waved back at him "Have fun at work"

"Don't get too drunk" Erwin yelled

"Pfft, as if. That's the whole point" She said grabbing her gear off the ground and heading inside her house.

Hours later Spinelli, T.J, Gretchen, Gus, Vince, and Mikey were all sitting in the living watching When Zombies Attack , they were half way through the movie when Spinelli received a text message. She read and sent a quick reply back setting it back down on her lap. Another 10 minutes go by and she receives another text, in which again she replies.

"People arn't canceling on you are they?" Gretchen asked curious

"No, it's just Erwin" Spinelli answered not looking up from her phone finishing the text to Erwin

"Erwin?" Gus asked

Spinelli looked up in confusion for a few moments and blinked "Oh" she laughed "Erwin Lawson"

"LAWSON?!" Everyone shouted. Spinelli just looked at everyone and nodded and went back to texting

"The Lawson that disappeared years ago?" Mikey asked

"The basketball star of our middle school? The only one to best Vince" Gus asked

"Hey, the guy got lucky. One rematch and I'll beat him." Vince said smiling

Gretchen set down her drink. "He got lucky at every single game you two played? And Mikey he didn't just disappear, he simply transferred schools"

"In the middle of the school year? Sees kinda sketchy to me" Gus said

"Guys come on, it's Lawson we're talking about. His mom or dad probably had a big promotion and had to move that's all" T.J said taking finishing his drink "Anyway why don't we just ask Spinelli. I'm pretty sure she knows" After T.J finished everyone looked at Spinelli

"What makes you say that. I only saw him today on his way to work" Spinelli shrugged

"Really? How long has he been back in town?" asked Gretchen

Spinelli shrugged her shoulders again "Didn't say and I didn't think to ask. I invited him to tonight's party but he passed because he had to work."

"Pity, it would be nice to see another familiar face before everyone leaves." Gus said

"Hey we'll be back. This is our home and nothing is going to change that." T.J said

The doorbell rang and as Spinelli got up to get the door the others turned the television off and headed towards the kitchen for the food and drinks. Spinelli opened the door and all the Ashley's, swinger and up side down girl were all standing together with their dates ready to party. Spinelli let them in and saw Butch and Hustler Kid walking up the drive way with a girl under each arm. Spinelli just shook her head and let them in. Soon everyone from Bob and his gang to the Diggers, Freddy,Teresa aka Cornchip girl, Bradley or otherwise known as Cryer kid, Eddie, Jimmy the Guru Kid and more people Spinelli cared to count.

The music was pumping throughout the house, people were either dancing in the living room or on the stairs, food was in every room in the house, the punch bowls, soda, juice and alcohol were in coolers in the kitchen and back deck next to the pool. People were in the pool dunking each other, playing chicken and just playing around. In the back of the shed kids were passing joints and passing pills and shrooms.

"Spinelli, great party. Got to be honest never thought you'd be the person to do it" Bob said grabbing another beer out of the cooler nest to Spinelli

"Thanks, glad your enjoying it." She said taking a sip of her drink

"Yeah, the guys and I are having a blast, even if it is just a high school party."

"Just a high school party?" Spinelli asked raising an eyebrow

"Yeah, the party's we've been at in college are insane. But this one, this one's not bad" Bob said

"Glad to know I have your approval" Spinelli said laughing followed by Bob. "Hey speaking of which, did you know that Lawson is back in town?"

Bob looked into his drink "Uh, yeah. We've never really lost contact when he left town."

"What, really?" asked a shocked Spinelli

"True story" Bob said

"Well, why didn't you or him say anything about it? I saw him today and invited him to the party, but I guess he was on his way to work" Spinelli asked

"No one really asked. It was just where did he go and that's about it. And besides he didn't really leave in good terms with your buddy Vince" Bob said leaning on the wall watching T.J and Vince play beer pong against Randle and Butch.

"That was years ago, and it was only a stupid game. No one would hold a grudge for that." Spinelli said

"You'd be surprised" Bob said finishing off his beer and Spinelli passing him another one "Come on wanna beat everyone at pong?"

Spinelli smirked "Hell yeah" They made their way to the table and started to dominate. Hours rolled by and people started to leave because they were about to pass out of their friends already beat them to the punch and they had to drag and drive them home. By 3:30am the few stragglers stayed behind to help finish cleaning up.

Spinelli opened up the garbage bag she was holding for the kids to dump their trash in "Hey thanks for the help guys"

"Like anytime thanks for the invite it was one of the fun I've had in ages" A girl said that was in Spinelli's' English class

"Seriously I think half the people who were here are going to have a hangover that lasts them a whole week" A guy said that was helping Bob and Gus

"Man that would suck. Oh well, sucks to suck" Gus said

Spinelli laughed "Got that right"

After everything was picked up and thrown away everyone said their goodbyes and left Spinelli's. Spinelli hopped in took a quick shower and jumped in bed. Looking at her cell to see if Erwin had texted her back yet. To her disappointment she didn't see a message from him. She hooked her phone onto the charger and decided to pass out to tired to dream.

When Spinelli woke up she didn't know what time it was. She looked on her phone and it read 1:13pm, she unplugged her phone seeing how it was 100% charged and rolled over onto her other side snuggling down lower into her covers and closed her eyes to get more sleep until her phone decided to go off.

It was a message from her mother, 'The plane was delayed for 2 hours, won't make it back home. I'm sorry dear'

Spinelli read the message and rolled her eyes she warned her parents about traveling during hurricane season but they insisted 'Ok, just make it home safe, love you'

'Love you too, sweetheart' And with that Spinelli snuggled back into her comforter and dozed off once more.

Elsewhere an alarm was going off with men and women running around trying to find the cause of the emergency. Everyone stopped what they were doing and ran over to the sound of shouting. Underneath of a Jeep was Lawson and an elderly man who looked more worse for wear. Lawson was busy shouting for help as he held up the transmission from falling on top of both himself and the man next to him.

"SOMEONE GET FRANK SOME HELP, AND HELP ME WITH THE DAMN THING" Lawson ordered. He was irritated beyond belief. First he was working a second shift because someone called in sick and no one else was eligible to fill in their position. Going on 16 hours of work and only a 30 minute lunch break tends to make people a little irritable. Second was the fact that the older man next to him was half asleep while they were taking apart the Jeep and managed to unscrew the bolts to the transmission and nearly knocked the man unconscious when it came lose and having Lawson barley managing to hold it up on his own.

"GOD DAMNIT HURRY UP!" Lawson's arms were shaking and he started to sweat. He saw from the corner of his eye Frank being helped and pulled from under the vehicle and two other that worked in their bay jumped under with Lawson. One helped hold up the transmission while other quickly placed and tightened the bolts down.

When the everything was in place Lawson and the guy next to him slowly released the transmission making sure that the bolts were holding. When they saw everything was fine they dropped their arms and panted. "Thanks Chris, thanks Andy" Lawson said crawling from under the vehicle.

"Way to start off the day, huh mate?" Chris asked following Lawson and Andy from under the Jeep.

"What do you mean start? It's been four hours into the work day, we're not even half way done with the day, and we don't even leave until everything on today schedule" Andy said putting the tools back in the toolbox where he found them

"Oh the joys of being flat rate" Lawson said stretching looking at the clock "I don't know about you guys but it's noon and I'm going on break" Lawson went into the break room and signed out.

"What ya bring me for lunch mate?" Chris said putting his arm on Lawson's shoulder. Lawson yawned and looked at Chris

"A 30 minute nap and a life time of misery" Lawson said sitting down and setting an alarm on his phone. He leaned back in his chair and passed out

It seemed like seconds before Lawson hit dream land. His eyes flickered back and forth under his eyelids all he could see was flashing lights, hear screeching and screaming and then nothing. His eyes flew open and his body stiffened. He looked at his phone to see the time. 12:28, two minutes before his alarm. He got up and shook his head turning off the alarm and went back into work.

"Thank god I only have to finish that damn Jeep." Lawson muttered. He crawled back on his creeper and went back to work. 'This is gonna take twice as long now that Frank is gone, damnit' Lawson thought

Hours went by and Lawson was finally done with his work he collected his tools and put them back in the proper places and locking his toolbox shut. He went into the break room to go punch out until he was paged into the managers office over the intercom. He sighed and turned right out of the room and went into the front.

He reached the mangers office and knocked on the door. He heard a slight 'come in' and he entered and shut the door behind him. There sitting behind the desk was Mr. Kin. Everyone knew him as just the manager, but Lawson only knew him as his dear uncle's watch dog. Every time he was called into this office it was more news as to what his uncle wants from him.

"What is it this time?" Lawson asked tiredly

"Your uncle asked me to keep you here until your shit ends tomorrow morning" Mr. Kin said

"WHAT?!" Lawson got up from his chair

"Now calm down.." Mr. Kin was stopped by Lawson

"Calm down? Lee I've been here for 18 hours working my ass off. And you call me in here to tell me my 'dear' uncle wants me here for another 17 straight. You two are out of your fucking minds. I haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon"

"People around the world go days without food Lawson, consider yourself lucky. And it only a mere suggestion" Mr. Kin said crossing his arms

"By suggestion you mean order, or I get another 'lesson' for being a disrespectful pain in the ass" Lawson said clenching his fists

"Take it as you will, but this is coming from the boss personality" Mr. Kin said picking up a dust speck and flicking it off his person.

Lawson sighed in defeat. He knew the consequences for going against his uncles wishes but he was exhausted. "I'm going home to eat and shower I'll be back in three hours"

Mr. Kin frowned "He won't like that"

"I know. And I'll take the consequences when the time comes" Lawson said leaving the room, while Mr. Kin typed away on his key board most likely emailing his uncle of his actions. Oh well he'll pay for it later. He took his phone out and hit speed dial and put the phone to his ear.

'Yo'

"Hey, I need a favor" Lawson said sighing out

'Sure what do you need' The voice over the phone said

"I need you to pick me up from work and drop me back off in three hours" He said scratching his head

'You're still at work?!' And you going back are you fucking insane?! Bro you just got out of the hospital'

"Bob I know, trust me I know. Just help me out" Lawson said. He heard a sigh on the other line

'I'll be there in five' Bob said ending his line. Just like Bob said he was there in exactly five minutes, Lawson jumped in and the car screeched down the road. The drive to Lawson's place was a silent one. Lawson nodding in and out of sleep as Bob drove the car. Finally Bob sighed and broke the silence

"You know at this rate, that guy is going to drive you to your death" Bob said not looking up from the road

"I know" Lawson said with his head leaning against the window and his eyes shut

"And something has to be done about this before that happens" Bob said

Lawson didn't say anything instead just sighed. "Lawson!"

"What Bob?! I know, I know. Something has to be done, but it's complicated. He has people everywhere. At work, the store hell even some of the postal workers, work for him. I wouldn't be surprised if he had men in the police department, and when I go and make a report, his men take it delete it tell him and its my ass they'll be beating. Probably take a few limbs and put them on the black market" Lawson sighed

"We both know why he's doing this" Lawson said looking out the window "I'm reminded every damn day" Lawson finished as they pulled into his drive way. "Thanks for the ride, I owe ya"

Bob nodded and sighed looking at his phone "I'll be back to pick you up, but I got to jet, meeting up with someone" Lawson nodded and shut the car door heading inside his house. When he made it inside Bob pulled out of the driveway and Lawson locked his front door.

He passed the kitchen and went straight towards the bathroom for a much needed shower. He started the water and stripped down to his birthday suit. He opened the medicine cabinet and took out five different pills and swallowed them in one gulp and stepped into the shower. 10 minutes later he stepped out and walked to his room and dressed in another work uniform and passed out of his bed.

"ERWIN, WAKE UP MAN" Lawson jolted up to find Bob standing in his room. "Come on or you're going to be late" Lawson jumped up grabbed a peach and left with Bob back to work.

Soooo what do you all think I know it's a bit confusing but everything will make sense later in the story I swear. R&R ;)