Chapter Text
Bittersweet Candy Bowl: Valentine's Night - Chapter 1: The Afternoon
By Almultimavenger
The following is a T-rated story only suitable for ages 13+, and depicts vulgar language, and a vague reference to a sex between an older teen and young adult.
There's little that can be said about the quiet and still form of an every day suburban house, and its surroundings. The same can't be said about the individuals within them, who must navigate through the chaotic rush of life. The residents of the houses on the street away from and down Roseville High was no different. No matter how calm the wind and the swaying grass, nor tranquil the bird's songs, chaos seemed to erupt. Particularly when that chaos stemmed from one's mind, and the one in Lucy's was just fueled by the preexisting stress of pairing with the noise, making what would normally be a tranquil and calming breeze both sound and feel ominously foreboding. Her steps slowed, legs shook, and heart raced as she and Mike approached the front door.
'They can't truly hate me, right? They know me, they've always loved me.' she thought. But there was a an almost oxytocinergic sensation to walking with the boy she was head over heals enamored with, as a portion of her heartbeats could be credited to delighting in his company. Other than Mike, they were the ones who always understood and tolerated her temperamental and violent side. Her mother and brothers understood yes, but often let it slide, unbeknownst to the harsh consequences it brought on her peers. Augustus was quick to call it out quickly, taking no shit as they may say. But Michael? He saw through her, and she regretted how that would bite him back. He didn't like how she treated him, and to both his and Lucy's regret they didn't change their dynamic for years, with her viscious temper pushing him away. But he saw through her as someone insecure, barricading her sensitivities, sorrows, worries, and vulnerabilities behind a robust yet transleuscent wall. Time and again he would tap into her sensitive side, seeing her for who she really is. Someone who wanted to be loved, who had tremendous difficulty expressing it, hiding her true feelings behind aggression to avoid the detrimentally vulnerable aura she feared would break her down. Lucy's head raced with these thoughts with sorrowful regret as she turned to face Mike. His warm smile expressed support and sympathy. Now Lucy's heart freely fluttered. She thought everything was over, that she was too far gone, too broken to be saved. Yet here he was. She felt like her mind and heart were screaming back and forth as to whether or not it was worth accepting, specifically due to whether or not she deserved it. Her temperament didn't change Mike, even after everyone else gave up on her and in the great irony that Mike's prophecy came true, Mike still wanted her back in his life, despite the ferocity with which she pushed him away, all over the envy of love she didn't think she deserved to begin with. Sandy didn't treat him with the bitterness she did and Lucy wasn't even his girlfriend, yet Mike stood by her like a partner with such dedication that they might as well have been soulmates.
Lucy didn't think her mind would ever be at peace with this, forever clashing over whether or not she deserved kindness from this angel of a classmate and, friend. But she loved this feeling, after all this time, a year of turmoil, alienation, and resentment on both sides, they were at least giving each other a chance. It's a small victory that would take building and repairing, but it was a start. She wanted Mike in her life again and Mike wanted her. She smiled, and the smooth and silky, snow white fur of her cheeks flushed red in response to Mike's encouraging smile. This is nice, everything's going to be fine with him around. Nothing could go wrong. This happiness was a temporary joy, as it had been significantly overshadowed by anxiety when Lucy turned towards the door. A combination of dread at having to confront her family mixed with a sense of hope from Mike accompanying her swirled through her head, but now she was determined. This was happening sooner or later. Mike made the effort to pull her up to the rather unpleasant hole she dug, but she would have to do her part in climbing out.
"You can do this." she heard from Mike say from behind her. "I'll be right with you."
Lucy knew. His pleas for her relief of anguish back at the tree made that abundantly clear, still the reassurance was more than welcome.
'What a sweetheart. Why does he have to be so damn caring, especially to me?' Lucy thought, not remotely out of contempt but rather, more out of concern and admiration. Her friends, well, at least former friends had a determination to see good in everyone around them that wound up doing them wonders. Not so much for Mike back during the days of Lucy's frequent violent episodes, and a part of Lucy's mind still haunts her with the omen that it won't even now. But she can't. No, Lucy wouldn't stand for it. She loves Mike, and even though she knew and regretted that that ship had sailed and sunk, she didn't care. She would give him anything, all the happiness in the world if she could. If Sandy is what it took to give him that, then she was alright with that. She cringed looking back two to three months ago, knowing how defensively her past self would've disapproved, but was content with it now.
Lucy grabbed the knob on the door, gripping it with her right hand. She inhaled and exhaled a few times with stress, but managed to deepen an exhale, inhale greatly, and exhale a breath of relief. She was going to do this, if not for her, then at least for Mike. The concerned korat looked at her with partial concern, hoping that she was alright in the moment. He guessed right, the mix of emotions still plaguing Lucy but now with more forceful determination and hope that she'd be understood by her family to as much of a degreeas by Mike.
'I'll be fine. Mike is right there, everything will be fine!' Lucy's hand turned the knob, or at least that's what her nerves signalled, but rather the knob turned her hand and the door swung open to reveal the older male siamese who had a worried expression. Lucy froze in place, her previous determination now being replaced by biting fear of judgement, only to be swiftly replaced with relief at Augustus' gesture.
"Lucy, where have you been?" he asked as he grabbed her by the shoulder. His knowledge in Lucy's inherent discomfort with being touched was overridden by his concern. He pulled her into a brief hug, to which Lucy didn't physically gesture a reaction to but still welcomed it.
"Are you alright? Your, aoh- your mother was worried. That is, not that the rest of us weren't, we were all concerned. Are you alright?" he asked, though internally he cursed himself for asking a question with a blatantly obvious answer. As much as Lucy wouldn't want to admit it, she wasn't alright, especially given her behavior in the past weeks. Seeing that Lucy was physically fine and unhurt was a relief on its own, though it didn't omit her psychological state.
"I'm fine Gus, really. I'm, actually feeling happy, well, er. Better than I have in weeks." Lucy replied. Despite Augustus' visible concern he seemed to partially buy it. It wasn't exactly a lie, but not completely true either. Lucy was relieved that Mike wanted her friendship, that was a gift of a revelation. But the rest of her peers and family, she wondered if they would be so quick to accept her. While lost in thought, Augustus's attention was captured by the surprising appearance of Mike, who stood a few yards behind Lucy.
"Oh, um, would you like to come in?" Augustus asked Lucy. Lucy nodded in a gesture of approval, gently stepping in past him and quickly walking to her living room. Augustus stayed at the door as she did, turning his attention to Mike. He had a lot of opinions about him, and in retrospect they may not have been the most judgement free. He decided to get directly to the point.
"What happened to her?" he asked. Mike rubbed his right shoulder with his left, hand, feeling partially guilty at showing up at Lucy's family's doorstep. But he knew that he owed an explanation for both his and Lucy's sakes.
"She, I saw her run away from the school and found her at the tree in the park. She was crying, and I didn't know if she'd want to talk to anyone. She said she was sad and scared. Our friends were avoiding her and, well I knew but I was too worried at what she and you'd think if I tried to talk to her. But I couldn't just leave her like that, so I brought her home." he explained. Augustus looked at his feet and to the ground. He didn't have strong sentiments for Mike, but he couldn't deny that he did the right thing.
"Thanks." he said sternly, but with sincerety. He looked up at Mike, and then behind him.
Lucy found her family right there in the living room, Jordan and Agatha seated on the couch facing the T.V that was off. Lucy could only guess but didn't know with certainty that her immediate insinuation, that they were momentarily concerned and content enough to sit and await her return, was correct. Jordan's relief wasn't visibly shown on his face, though it filled his thoughts. Agatha however briefly smiled, relieved that her daughter was back.
"Lucy, are you alright?" she said concerned, her smile disappearing as her relief was turned to concern. "You didn't come home at the usual time, I thought something happened." A thought crossed Lucy's mind, that her simply coming home late may have alleviated potential anger her mother would harbor. Could it be that her not returning immediately might have softened her for Lucy's benefit? Did that really matter now that she was here?
"I'm just, I know you don't want us to worry but I was, we all were. But, now that you're here, we're fine. I don't want to pry." Agatha concluded. Lucy immediately felt guilty. Did she really cause her mom so much stress and anguish that she was scared to inquire her daughter's wellbeing? This isn't okay.
"I'm sorry." Lucy said, a little louder than she would've wanted to. Agatha raised her head and listened intently, and Jordan sat back, relaxed but also surprised at Lucy's words. This was the first time she said something to them in weeks that wasn't an angry response to one of their concerns. Lucy lightly trembled, but the sight of Augustus escorting Mike inside restored composure. Agatha and Jordan were momentarily surprised at seeing the familiar face in their house after a whole year, especially due to the widened bridge between him and Lucy.
"I'm sorry I didn't come home." Lucy continued, speaking quicker but with regained confidence. "I'm sorry for everything. I was rude and cruel to all of you." she said while scoping the room, proceeding to speak even quicker. "I'm sorry, I, it wasn't fair to any of you. I know you were all so concerned but I bottled myself up and pushed you all out. I just, I didn't want, or at least think I didn't want any help with anything. I said and did so many terrible things so everyone I cared about and they didn't deserve it. I kept thinking I didn't need them, that I didn't need anyone to fix my problems cause…" she paused, but continued. "I just thought I didn't need anybody in my life, and, it was wrong. It was selfish and wrong!" she exclaimed with tears.
"I didn't think I deserved anyone, I'm just a broken machine and all this time I didn't want anybody to think I needed to be fixed. I thought I didn't need anyone but I was wrong. I made a mistake. You've all been so good to me and I don't want to live my life without all of you. It's not a weakness to be surrounded by people who love you, and I wish I realized that sooner. I want all of you in my life." she said. Jordan's surprise compounded, but her words were very much welcome. He looked at his mother, who didn't look as surprised, yet still relieved as if she forsaw these words coming. Agatha still stood and listened quietly and intendly. She produced a smile as she walked up to Lucy, wrapping her daughter in a tight hug.
"I'm so sorry mom." she said tearing up. Relief swept through her. She couldn't believe what was happening. Even after all her tantrums, her mom welcomed her back. Agatha wanted nothing more than her daughter to be happy and safe. Lucy could tell this was the case, regardless of how much mental pain she caused her. The warmth of Agatha's cotton shirt certainly helped with the newfound comfort. Lucy saw Jordan walking up to her, joining in and hugging both his mother and sister. Mike and Augustus couldn't help but smile.
___
Lucy and Mike both walked out the door, turning back to Augustus who stood at the door frame after walking them out.
"That went out better than I thought." Lucy admitted. Despite her hope she wasn't completely sure. "Hehe, maybe I should've stayed gone a bit longer." she joked morbidly, though she stood by that she was secretly glad she didn't worry them further.
"Hey Green Eyes." Augustus said, in obvious reference to Mike. He paused for a moment before continuing after Mike gestured attentively. "Thanks for your help. For talking to Lucy, and bringing her back of course."
Augustus had come to distrust Mike months ago, now remembering the ironic contrast of their interaction at the bleachers in December. Mike didn't speak to Lucy like he promised, and now he broke it, but only after seeing Lucy in an emotionally desperate and dire state. Augustus couldn't flatly condemn him for it.
"Look, I'm not gonna go as far as to brand us as best friends or anything, but I am grateful. Thank you for helping Lucy." he said, looking back and fourth between the two, hoping that Lucy would approve of his gratitude for the korat. "If Lucy's willing to fully accept you, we all will. We'll take it slowly, but you'll be welcome here." he said. He hoped his words would convey that his invite's permission rested with Lucy. It was her house and her past quarrel with Mike after all. Lucy looked at Mike with a beaming smile and blush, blinking and nodding her head once in approval towards Augustus. Mike understood this gesture when she turned back to him.
"Ah, thanks. Happy to help, it's nothing really." he said. Lucy exhaled a sigh. Typical Mike modesty. This guy was just too nice sometimes. She momentarily got lost in his bright emerald green eyes as he continued to speak to Augustus. "I would've done it for anyone, it's not a huge deal. Honestly it's the least I can do, I have much to make up for how I treated her." he continued. Augustus gestured understanding.
"Take care of her." he said on a final note. "Or, you're gonna have to feel all of our wraths." he said with more seriousness. Mike gave a worried frown when Augustus glared at him. The tense moment lasted for five seconds before Augustus broke it with a chuckle. "I'm kidding Green Eyes, if she's cool, I am too. Just bring her back before dark." he said before closing the door.
Mike stared at the door for a few seconds after it closed. Suddenly and moments later, Lucy rushed over to hug him, and to his surprised, she planted a peck on his left cheek. She squeezed her own left cheek to his as she hugged him, realizing a few seconds too late what she did. She jumped back with a brief squeal.
"Oh, I'm so sorry." she said, holding her hands up in worry. "I just, I was so happy. You were being so sweet and, I, I wasn't thinking in the moment. I'm sorry."
Mike recovered quickly from what he considered merely surprising. "Ah, it's okay. I was just surprised. It's alright, I'm flattered." he replied. "But we probably shouldn't complicate this by telling Sandy."
"Too late." called a soft and higher pitched voice from behind them. Sandy was walking up the driveway. She donned her casual blue shirt and dark gray skirt, along with her long and soft waving hair. She looked elegant and graceful simply walking down the driveway, putting as much passion into it as walking down a runway. Despite her initial worry, a part of Lucy couldn't help but silently admire Sandy's beauty. Mike on the other hand looked flustered and worried.
"Oh, Sandy! I'm sorry, it's not what it looks like. She was just happy, we just talked to her family."
"It's okay Maishul, I heard. It's quite alright, I know you're both close. Besides, it's not that big of an issue. I, shouldn't be upset, I have a lot to make up to you after, what happened." she replied. Sandy guiltily looked down at the lawn next to her, not wanting to elaborate on what came close to severing Mike from her. The thought made her instinctively rub her belly.
"It's alright." Mike said with determined reassurance. I meant what I said, that I'll stand by and support you." he said, walking up to her and taking her arms hands in his. "I do love you, and I've always been grateful that you chose me. You made me so happy for the past months, and it's all I've wanted."
Mike kissed her on the cheek, and she smiled as her worry was reversed for the time being.
"Thank you Maishul, but I still want to show you more. You've always been my light at the end of the tunnel, and made my life brighter. My job, mom, and school are so stressful but talking you always takes that away." she said with sincerety, pausing before continuing. "I wish I never hurt you the way I did. I want to take it tall back, I keep thinking about how much pain I must've caused you." she said, her voice quivering in guilt. "I'm so sorry, I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you." she said as she cupped Mike's cheeks in her hands.
"I want to be the best girlfriend possible, and you know what? I'll start today." She was now smiling. "I'll pay for everything at the resturant! It'll be on me."
"Oh. But, you don't have to. It's fine, I saved up a whole two months allowance for this."
"And you can keep them. They're the fruits of your hard work. I make like a hundred for every hour I model. I promise you, I got this. It's the least I can do." Mike smiled after a few seconds, appreciative of the gesture. This was nice, he could use his allowance to buy her some kind of special gift later. Though he knew she'd insist on buying something for himself.
"Aww, thanks. That's sweet of you, I appreciate it." he said, scratching his head. His thoughts then shifted when he noticed the limousine she walked out of. "Hey wait, how did you know where to find us?"
"Well your mom said you lived just down the street." she said, pointing in the direction of Mike's house.
"Oh, that's right. We should also get ready for tonight. The resturant is pretty far away, but that's the price for a fancy date. I can't wait. Oh, and when we're done, we'll split the bill."
"Maishul…" Sandy groaned in concern.
"I'm fine with it, believe me."
"It's alright, I want to do this. I know for certain you've worked way harder to earn your allowance. I pay for things like this almost every other day, I'll handle it." Mike wanted to insist that he was fine with paying, but ultimately decided not to reject his girlfriend's generosity.
"Okay, but just once or twice. After that we're equals, fifty fifty."
"We'll see." Sandy said teasingly. Lucy popped up beside them, hugging their shoulders with her arms.
"Come on lovebirds, the longer you stay here yapping, yer gonna miss out on your fancy date."
"Hehe, yeah she's right." Mike said in agreement. "We still have time but the drive is over an hour away so we better get ready now if we don't want to miss our reservation."
"Of course." Sandy agreed. "Oh, and Lucy." she said, turning her attention to the khao manee. "I know the circumstances that we got to know each other in weren't particularly good."
Lucy listened with concern, having to acknowledge her past treatment of Mike. "I have trouble being honest" Sandy continued. "But you should know that I didn't like what Maishul said, I mean the way you treated him. But I don't want to judge you severely, not now. I haven't exactly been a model girlfriend." She put her hand on Lucy's shoulder. "But I do want you to know that I want us to have a fresh start. Any friend of Maishul is a friend of mine, and I'll accept you." Lucy smiled. First her family and now Sandy was giving her a second chance too? She couldn't be more happy. Not only would she get close to Mike but also with one of the other most important people in his life.
"That's great! I'd love that!" Lucy said with excitement.
"Lucy, why don't you go back to Roseville High? I think our friends are still hanging out there. You could talk to them while Sandy and I get ready." Lucy put her hands back to her sides, stepping back and looking hesitant at the suggestion.
"You'll be fine. Like I said, they'll listen." he says with reassurance, placing his hand on her shoulder. Lucy contemplated this for a good ten seconds. It's not like she could make things worse, and her family did listen. But would her friends be as receptive? They could just shun her, but she also wouldn't know for certainty if she didn't try.
"Okay, I'll try. It's not like I can make things worse." she said, looking down. She inhaled and exhaled, composing herself slightly better.
"Have fun lovebirds." she said with a smile. She turned and skipped down the lawn and then the sidewalk, making her way to Roseville High. Mike and Sandy momentarily watched her in amusement and she skipped down, before Sandy felt herself being pulled into a hug by Mike, her belly and hips touching his. Mike had a a wide smile as he cupped her cheek, his left arm embracing her back.
"Shall we make our way, my love?" Mike said cornily.
Sandy smiled and chuckled, putting her arms on his shoulders. "Oh you flirt!" she said, pulling his head closer and into a kiss. The world around them stopped for a few seconds as they got lost in each other's company.
___
Lucy's steps instinctively slowed as her mind filled with worry at the sight of the Roseville High School building coming into view. She was happy when she was both literally and figuratively closer to Mike, having long since transitioned to ordinary strolling from skipping. Her family may have been forgiving, in retrospect they always have been, as much as Mike if not simply more tolerant and even indifferent. Lucy's footsteps slowed, and slowed before she stopped. Her heart ached, her breathing faster, her fists balled as she thought about how much she erratically and abrasively pushed them away, bombarding them with weeks of vile tantrums, insults, pushes, shoves, and for some like Paulo, a somali boy who deeply loved her, she had the audacity to slap. For many years they couldn't have guessed, but now they truly had a full glimpse at how personally cruel Lucy was to Mike, when she demonstrated that temperament towards everyone around her. Lucy cringed thinking about her selfishness. She saw the boys in her life as nothing more than comfort blankets and trophies to win. She expected Mike, Paulo, and Augustus to be at her beck and call to comfort her through every hardship, yet the only semblance of gratitude they would get were spits in the face. Paulo never looked at her the same way since she slapped him. She guessed but couldn't know for certain that Paulo still loved and cared for her, at least barely. Any form of interaction between them was doomed to end with a selfish disregard for the boy. Lucy hadn't been as close to Amaya and Stacy as the others in their group, and for the past weeks she felt no remorse for insulting them, telling them how annoying and attention seeking they were for simply inquiring as to how she was (through gestures and expressions on Amaya's part). At the time, Lucy thought little of it, as though they were inconsequential obstacles in the way of her life. Though even then, she didn't know what kind of life she was striving to build, she didn't even know now. A life where everyone would worship her, tending to her every whim? A life where everyone did as she specifically pleased with no form of individual desire? And if not that, a life where all left her alone?
Oh, how wrong she was to imagine that she didn't need anybody. She did need them, and even if there was a slight chance that she didn't, despite all their flaws and everything they put each other through, deep down she can't stand ot see them in pain. There's much that can be said about David, he's not by any means perfect, often carefree and ignorant the the problems and struggles of the people around him, often reckless and inconsiderate. But he was genuinely concerned with Lucy's wellbeing, and he did not deserve to be yelled at the way he did. It reminded Lucy of how Mike cast her aside when she made an effort to change herself. Too little, too late it was at the time. She poured so much gasoline on top of an already burning fire that there was no quelling it, this one being Mike's patience and resentment, one she'd been burning over the course of years. Abbey had distanced himself upon seeing her rage from the background, not wanting to risk any form of hostile interaction with his old friend group, especially since he was slowly but surely on better speaking terms with Paulo and Daisy since the harsh break up that divided him from the latter. Daisy was sweet and understanding towards everyone, constantly and unapologetically optimistic; and Sue was her rock through Mike's alienation and endlessly supportive of her. They were her go-to's, and as selfish as it sounded, her backups and last resorts. In honesty, they were her the only ones left who would understand her. But this didn't last. They both wanted nothing more than Mike and Lucy to reunite. Although Sue wouldn't go as far as to force them into a second play, she was willing to let them both gradually come together. But slowly but surely they avoided Lucy more and more as she complained and vented about how terrible the boys were to her. How their concern was condescending, how she supposedly didn't need them. Then it escalated into insults. Demeaning and degrading insults, and even threats made towards Mike for being such a backstabbing piece of shit for choosing Sandy over her. Towards Paulo for having the gall to think he was worth any more than a comfort blanket to her. Towards David for having his head in the clouds. Although hard to believe at first, Paulo avoiding Lucy with such determination made him confess and describe how he broke his heart (and more literally his face).
Watching Lucy scare David off didn't do her any favors, and despite still loving and caring for her, Daisy and Sue couldn't tolerate Lucy's bitterness towards the boys in their lives whom they loved and cared about just as much. Another factor was Mike's life brightening up as a result of Sandy honoring her promise to text and call him more. Lucy's old friend group's attentions slowly but surely shifted to the life of their nice, popular, and athletic friend and his fairy-tale love life with his rich, moderately famous, and childhood crush turned girlfriend. Although not perfect, she was Mike's comfort, happiness, and love for a significant portion of his life, bringing him more joy than Lucy could've imagined. Lucy's dependencies, insecurities, violent temper, and resentment would push her into the background and instill fear into her classmates and friends. It was the point of no return where nobody loved her, or so she thought, till he came back. He really had to have lost is mind to think she of all people was worth saving. He couldn't believe what he saw in her. Someone who just wanted to be loved? It seemed like an understatement to describe Lucy's actions, yet he knew her too well. That's what it had always been, and she didn't do him any service through how she expressed that supposed desire. Even after everything she has done, he still gave her a chance, and it's all led to this. There they were.
Lucy was so caught up in her thoughts while instinctively walking towards the front entrance of Roseville High. She was surprised her good ear didn't pick up on the noise before the sight, probably caused by her being distracted in her thoughts. David, Paulo, and Amaya were scating up and down the sidewalk while Sue, Daisy, Abbey, Stacey, and Haley cheered and laughed, entertained by the trio's competitive back and fourth racing and stunts. Paulo being the proud center of attention by barreling down the sidewalk while performing flawless kickflips. Everyone cheered, with Sue, Daisy, and Haley cheering with more passion and vigor than Stacy and Abbey, who were both entertained nonetheless and happy to be there. But his fifteen seconds of fame were shifted to Amaya and David, who were both racing just behind Paulo while lying ventrally on their skateboards.
"Sorry chica, I'm crossing the finish line first! Victory is mine!" David yelled. The line in this case being one of the sidewalk lines Paulo was racing towards. Amaya wasn't exactly in the the most appropriate position to gesture how David had an unfair advantage in height.
Paulo, who was skating down Lucy's direction, was the first to catch glimpse of her many yards away. This didn't distract him outside of a worried frown at the sight of her. He pressed his right foot into the back of the board, causing it to scrape the concrete and lift up the front along with his left leg, breeaking to a halt. Paulo swiftly hopped off his board, turning back to see Amaya and David barreling down towards him and Lucy. Without a second thought, and not wanting to see Lucy get ran over by the two, he ran over and wrapped his arm around Lucy's belly, picking her up with great strength and pushing them both out of the way as the tabby and chocolate lab raced past. Lucy stumbled back as Paulo let her go, just gently enough for her not to fall. Down the sidewalk, David and Amaya started to slow down, both using the technique they shared, somehow bouncing up on their feet while in motion to break. Lucy turned to Paulo, her face forming a smile as she walked up to thank him.
"No, stay back!" he yelled, as he took abrupt steps back, holding up his board like a defensive shield in front of her face. Lucy stopped, not taking long in acknowledging and feeling guilty about his fear. Amaya and David have gotten off their boards, with them and the others now walking towards Lucy and Paulo. They all had almost identical expressions of surprise, not fully expecting her to show up. Paulo gulped and put the skateboard down when the slap or punch he fully expected didn't come. Although having grasped that Lucy didn't appear to want trouble, he still glared at her distraughtly, his left hand squeezing the board it was holding. David stood back the farthest, behind Amaya with the most dissatisfied expression. Everyone else shared similar expressions of concern. Everyone stood in a long and uncomfortable silence. David's and Paulo's expressions softened in the fifteen or so seconds till Haley broke the silence.
"So, are ya'll just gonna stand here starin at each other like goofey statues, or ya'll gonna actually talk this out? Cause this, isn't really doing much." she said sarcastically, waving her finger in circles at Paulo and Lucy non-verbal stand off. Although sarcastic, she was right. Paulo, Stacy, and Abbey turned to look at Haley, who nodded in insistence. Haley smiled and walked up to Lucy, standing beside her to address the rest.
"Look, I know I'm pretty new to this whole "Table" deal ya'll got goin on." she said, gesturing with air quotes. "And I've seen my fair share of ya'll turning on each other, heard quite a bit from Abbey and big bro too. But ya'll know what I hear happenin afterwards? Forgiveness. Ya'll are so attached to one another ya might as well be superglued. Mike talks about ya'll as much as he complains and vents. Ya'll might as well be married to each other. No matter how much ya'll piss each other off, he still loves you." she says, turning to Lucy. Though her statement went for everyone.
"Hey girl!" she said to Lucy, who looked up attentively. Haley lightly punched her in the right arm. "You got this, I know you didn't come all this way without your Romeo insisting." she said teasingly. Lucy smiled at in response to her supportive and encouraging speech. Haley briefly and playfully jogged in place, then backwards, before turning around and running down the street in the direction of her house. "Well, I gotta go nerds! I got a big date to prepare for tonight with the cutest nerd ever, so yeah, imma bounce byyyyeeeee!" she exclaimed as she jogged down the street. It was clear to Lucy that a great deal of kindness ran among the Scotts. Lucy turned to her friends, who tried to appear casual as they looked away from her. She was now once again seperated from someone to root for her, having to resolve the predicament on her own. The uncomfortable silence persisted for a good thirty seconds.
"How have you been Lucy?" asked Daisy. Lucy inhaled to relieve the lump in her throat. Thank God someone broke the silence. Lucy's last fond memory with Daisy was being invited to the the optimistic ragamuffin rex's study session and sleepover at her house, in which she got to let loose ranting about the boys. It initially sparked Daisy's amusement before drawing her concern. She couldn't deny that Mike, Paulo, and David have frustrated her, but she also played her part in upsetting them. Now she certainly didn't want to imagine harm among the friends she deeply loved and cared for. Lucy's expression of love and care had always been a sarcastic, rude, and abrasive aura, accompanying almost every gesture of altruism. Daisy's concern for Lucy never faded however, she was happy to make the initiative to break the wall. Daisy swallowed after the question, hopeful but worried about whether or not it was the right move. Paulo momentarily glanced at her with a little more anger in his eyes than he would've wished. He had nothing against Daisy. Paulo's glare redirected to Lucy, both of them now feeling unsettled that for once it was Lucy who was fearful of him. There existed an ounce of concern for Lucy's wellbeing, a sentiment that pushed through Paulo's cluttered throughts, struggling to swim through the sea of contempt that drowned it. The months of anger resulting from Lucy's blatant selfishness and alienation towards him. Lucy quickly turned to Daisy, momentarily escaping Paulo's judging demeanor.
"Yeah, I'm doing fine. Better, now actually." Lucy replied. That was the first time in a long time that Lucy has been open and honest with someone in weeks, hell maybe even months. It felt like the bottled rage and bitterness Lucy had trapped within her were magically cleansed the moment Mike embraced her. The thought swept through her mind, filling her with gleeful hope. "Thank you for asking" she said after a pause. Lucy turned her attention back to Paulo, who was very visibly upset and starting the ground below her feet. She then turned to look at David, whose expression resembled that of a strict parent with a mixture of concern and disappointment. For a moment Lucy could've been fooled into thinking David was her dad, as he looked quite ready to ground her for a week and send her to her room for the attitude she gave him. She didn't want to dwell on how she felt David was an annoyance in many aspects. None of that matters now, especially when she lashed out at him for simply trying to be helpful. An ironic reversal of Mike's treatment of her back during December of 2007. Lucy took a look around, taking in everyone's stares. They didn't say anything, but she felt like she could read all their thoughts. A mixture of concern, curiosity, disappointment, and determination from all of them. Her mind was flooded with the possibilities of how much these emotions would vary in capacity among all of them. Her heart raced thinking about how she was supposed to handle this. She began to involuntarily inhale and exhale, her breathing bordering on hyperventelation. She clenched her fists, her eyes shut, and gritted her teeth with overwhelming emotions of guilt. She felt like she would break down under the weight on her shoulders, but didn't. Mike's voice rung within her. They'll listen. They always did, no matter how troubling she was, if they truly loved her they'd listen. Lucy quickly crouched submissively, sitting on her left knee with her right knee still up. "I'm sorry!" she blurted out. "I'm…" She said, taking a few seconds to compose herself.
"I'm sorry Paulo. I'm sorry I pushed you away." she said, now facing up to look at him. "I know you were trying to help me, and it wasn't fair of me to use you the way I did. It's true." Paulo's expression barely changed, his eyebrows relaxing slightly. Lucy knew in her heart that she was being direct and honest for the first time in a while. She couldn't stop, not here.
"I took advantage of your kindess, and hospitality. I was selfish and arrogant, and I spat in your face when, all you wanted was the best for me. "Paulo, I won't lie to you again. I won't lead you on by claiming I love you. I mean, I just mean romantically. Like I still love you, I never truly stopped valuing any of you!" she said, turning to Abbey, Stacy, Sue, and Daisy on her right. "I really thought I didn't need anybody in my life, that I could do everything and take care of all of my problems myself. But I hate it. I've never felt so alone and unwanted and helpless and it fucking sucks! she exclaimed. Her friends watched patiently as she continued. Lucy put her hands together in a praying gesture.
"I want you in my life, all of you! Just please, please give me one last chance!" she pleaded, switching her faced direction between Paulo in front, David and Amaya on the left, and the others on the right. Sue and Daisy had been most invested in Lucy's admission. Stacy and Amaya being curious at the outcome, and Paulo and David being more or less reluctant but ultimately willing to listen. Paulo now looked her in the eye, indicating a degree of willing attention. Another uncomfortable silence persisted for what felt like an eternity. There were knots in Lucy's stomach, as if she was watching a thrillingly scary movie just waiting for the tense scene to transition. But this time she was in it, and the sight of Paulo's eyebrows tightening in an expression of anger didn't help. But there was something else. He was, tearing up? The direction of his glare from the ground remained unchanged. Paulo's mind was in a similarly conflicted state between outputs of reaction, similarly to Lucy's. The speck of empathy and nostalgic recollection of love for her was drowned by the recollection of her months of unconcern, abrasiveness, and what he firmly felt was an utter betrayal of friendship when she said that she had no need for Paulo or any of the friends he held dear. In retrospect, Paulo felt that his determination to see the best in Lucy blinded him to her hostility, which led to him constantly excusing it. He didn't like how she treated him, yet that was a small part of him overridden by his sheer desire for approval of her love. Looking back, he didn't deserve it. Needless to say, he took his shot and spilled the love he had harbored for Daisy for years, but that didn't mean a part of him still didn't want to care for Lucy. But was there any genuine remorse to her words now, or is it just yet another ruse for her own gain just like before?
Lucy's inability to telepathically read these thoughts racked up her fear to an even greater level. She was so caught up in Paulo's reaction that it she only just registered everyone else's expressions. David's vigilant glare softening, but everyone else, especially Daisy and Amaya donned ever so slightly growing smiles. Daisy walked up to Lucy, grabbing her shoulders and gently picking her up, turning her head.
"That's all we wanted to hear for a long time." she said.
"Elle." Sue said walking up. "We, well at least I won't lie, it did sting when you started to push us away. But we've all been there. Saying things we regret, Mike did too but look at us now. We just wanted to give you some space." Sue paused to look down. "We went through this quite a bit when you came back and with Mike. We knew that there had to be a reason that you hesitated to disclose. But, whenever you want to tell us is up to you. As for right now, well, I've missed you." she said with a smile.
Lucy briefly returned a smile, but everyone's attention turned to Paulo who suddenly and briskly walked away, stomping down the street sidewalk. Daivd looked at him with a sense of understanding and pity as he did. A part of him still wished Paulo would stay behind. Sue looked at him with the same pity, reaching her hand out and beginning to step forward. She wanted to talk to him, but Paulo wouldn't listen, not to her of all people no matter how much she wanted him to. David turned around to see her make eye contact, she signaled with approval. David's eyes widened slightly upon notice. He'd learned some cues from her over time, and knew that he had to try talking to Paulo. David slowly turned to face Paulo who continued to walk away, and followed him when he realized the somali showed no signs of changing his mind.
"Hey, wait up best bud!" David said as he ran down the sidewalk in pursuit. He caught up to Paulo and walked alongside him. After observing Paulo's expression for many minutes he breaks the silence. He puts his hand on Paulo's shoulder.
"Hey man, she sounded serious for real to me." he said. The unconvinced Paulo exhaled, put his hands in his pockets, and maintained his stern demeanor. He didn't want to come across as ignoring his best friend, and for that matter pretending that Lucy truly didn't matter to him was next to impossible. He turned to David.
"Look, it's not like I don't want to give her a chance. But you know how stubborn she can be. She's done stuff like this before. You know she slapped me at the fair when I took her out?"
"Oh, I, well no." replied David. "I thought she was like, a whole brand new improved Lucy but, that's totally not cool!"
"I know, and it's not like I don't care, but I don't want to get hurt again cause of that." David stopped walking, contemplating as he looked at the ground and sighing. "I'll give her a chance, I really want to. I guess I'll just, take it slowly and observe her, like when we're eating lunch or somethin."
"And I'll be right there with ya, for moral support of course!" David exclaimed cheerfully. Paulo's heart warmed at this.
"You really always see the best case scenario in everything, don't you?"
"I guess it rubbed off on me from you, bestie!"
Paulo hugged his arm around David's, and the walked the short distance back to the school entrance. They got to where they started, watching Lucy at the bench surrounded by her friends warmly welcoming her back.
"I can't wait to have more sleepovers at my place!" said Daisy. "But no more mean stuff about the boys."
Lucy giggled in response. "That's okay, believe me I owe a boy a lot recently. That's the last thing on my mind, or at the least I can tone the sarcasm down a bit."
"I'll gladly set up study sessions with you Elle, I know you've been having trouble with schoolwork recently, I can tutor you for all the classes we share." said Sue.
"Count me in." said Abbey. "Though you'll mostly have to credit Jasmine. We sharpen each other like iron, and to be honest I'm not sure if I could've gotten through some of my classes recently without her. She's helped me through a lot of hard times, she and I could do the same for you," Lucy briefly smiled in approval at the gesture before seeing Paulo and David walk up the sidewalk together. Paulo walked up with a warm smile.
"Hey Luce. I know this is awkward but I think we have a lot to talk about."
Lucy's response was a look of guilt.
"Yeah, I know we do." she said, her heart feeling like it was tightening. "I know talking was the last thing I've wanted to do for the past week, but I will now. I want to. I have a lot to apologize for to you, all of you."
___
Mike's House
Sandy felt her heart flutter with excitement. Her imagination ran wild simply from just watching Mike open his front door. It felt like so much more to her. Her beloved Prince Maishul, who was charming, kind, considerate, and pouring her with endless affection. He gently took her hand and escorted her into his humble abode. It was but an ordinary suburban house, certainly not as rich and luxurious as her family's mansion. Sandy knew this much as she's been here quite a few times, but from the passionate attention that Mike has shown her, to the warm smiles of his mother, sister, and even his baby brother, topped off with the cleaned and neatly arranged decorations and furniture and family photos made her feel all the more happy to be there.
"Welcome home Michael. The guest room is right upstairs before your's." said Ellen.
"I know mom!" Mike said eagerly before turning to Sandy, taking her hand in his as he addressed her "Oh, you can go right ahead, I'll meet you upstairs. I'll go ahead and grab your bags."
Sandy simply stared at him with a blush forming on her cheeks that Mike didn't seem to catch. He frowned a bit in worry when she didn't react. "Um, Sandy?" he asked worried. She snapped out of her trance.
"Oh, I see. I'm sorry, you don't have to do that. I don't want to burden you like that."
Mike giggled in response and carresed her down her left cheek. "Hehe, don't worry. I want to, I have no problem with that. I'll be right back!" he said, running out the door with a smile. Sandy didn't protest, not just because she didn't have the chance to do so in the time that he dashed out of the door eager to haul luggage for her stay. He didn't change one bit. The nice, sweet, caring boy she loves never left, even though he had every reason to. Sandy realized that she was instinctively caressing her belly. Why was he so nice to her? She knew he loved her, and she loved her just as strongly. Now. She didn't deserve this. It wasn't very long ago when she turned a blind eye to him, completely naive to how greatly she hurt him till he snapped and furiously vented. She definitely would've deserve that. She was also extremely grateful that he didn't break up with her when she announced the pregnancy, even more grateful that her past self didn't hide this from her. Any ounce of trust he had in her would've been shattered if she did, and it was extremely tempting. It's not like she could hide it from him for long. Francis knew how to show a girl a good time, but Mike was the one who made her feel special. Sandy had to stop clenching her belly to avoid potentially hurting the baby or herself, no need for her guilt to make things worse. Her mind also flashed memories of their last date during the summer, when she'd done nothing but blabbering what was on her mind and had lost her temper enough to yell at him. She snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Mike rolling in a wheeled luggage bag through the door.
"Hey, I got your makeup kit and clothes, I figured they'd be the most important, but I'll go back for the-" Mike stopped when he acknowledged that Sandy staring at him, breathing more audibly and tearing up. Mike quickly set down the kit and luggage bag's handle. "Sandy, are you okay?" he said, putting his hands on her shoulder and cheek. Sandy wanted to cry, but could she bring herself to? What would that accomplish? She felt guilty, but didn't deserve Mike's sympathy. She let her instincts take over and much like Lucy earlier, she grabbed Mike's shoulders, quickly but passionately kissed Mike's left cheek, and wrapped her arms around his neck in an embrace.
"What's wrong? asked a concerned Mike. Sandy proceeded to spill everything that was on her mind in a depressed vent.
"I'm sorry Maishul" she concluded minutes later. "You have every reason to hate. I don't deserve you." She pulled back to look him in the eyes, but kept her hands on his shoulders, her grip involuntarily tightening, but Mike didn't mind. He just listened. "But I don't want you to leave me." she continued. "I know it's selfish of me, but it's the truth. I love you so much, more than I can say!" She looked at the floor, her heart aching with the strain of guilt. "You, care about me so much, even after I cheated on you." she said before covering her mouth with her hands. She put her hands to her sides and looked at her boyfriend with determination. "I want to make it up to you. I want to be the best girlfriend you can ask for! I swear, I'll I'll do whatever it takes!" she boldly declared. Mike reciprocated her gesture, embracing her with his arms around her back. Sandy blushed when he pulled her closer to his face.
"You don't have to do anything. I already love you, and I don't think you realize just how strongly I do. I know I can't see the future, but I want to spend the rest of my life with you in it. I want it all. Marriage, kids, retirement? Your family moving back here is the first step to all of that, a new life and a second chance! I'll spend it all with you. I'd even die for you." Mike said. Sandy's ever so widening, gleeful smile wound up causing a brief feedback loop where her's and Mike's smiles grew wider just by looking at each other, before the two burst into laughter.
"Hehe, that was so corny!" Sandy exclaimed.
"But it's true, I meant it! Mike said, still laughing with her. They didn't let go of each other, Mike having to hold Sandy up to make sure Sandy didn't roll on the floor in laughter. When it died down, the two got lost in the glimmer of each other's eyes. The two drew closer in their embrace and shared a kiss. Sandy wrapped her arms tighter around Mike, who wrapped his tigher around her back, escalating into a brief makeout. The two became so invested, until the click sound of the phone camera went off next to them, causing them to pull apart. They turned and looked up to see Haley, who had snuck past them to the stairs.
"And this is going straight to the school Facebook page! Thanks lovebirds." she said, giggling as she sprinted upstairs.
"No no Haley get back here!" Mike said, quick to follow, but just as quick to stop. "Uh, Sandy I gotta, um take care of the- oh wait, you still need your bags." Sandy giggled in amusement.
"Don't worry Maishul, I'll ask the driver to get the rest."
"Okay!" Mike replied, proceeding to sprint up the stairs. "Haley get back here!"
Sandy shook her head and walked outside. She told the truth, but still wanted to help the driver anyway. It was high time she learned to be more considerate again. Upstairs, Mike managed to corner Haley in her room, who was waving the phone around.
"Give that back!" Mike said, more amused than frustrated.
"Too late, it's sent! You'll have to try way hard-" Haley said, but her athletic brother swiftly grabbed her right hand. In a split second of instinctive reflex, cornered Haley did the first thing that popped into her mind.
"Oh, nononononono!" Mike whined, as she grabbed the phone with her left and quickly stuffed it down her shirt, She felt a yank at the bra she was wearing underneath, causing her to help momentarily, but now it was safe.
"Come on, seriously?! I'll get you back for this!"
"Sure you will." Haley replied with a victorious smile. Mike dramatically walked backwards out of her room, pointing two fingers in a V shape at his eyes back and forth between his face and her's, in a "watching you" gesture.
"Ow" he said as he bumped into the partially open door. Mike quickly turned and ran to escape the awkward situation. Haley waited till he was for sure out of earshot and sighed in satisfaction.
"Have a good time big bro." she said softly under her breath.
"I heard that, thanks!" called Mike from down the stairs. Haley's eyes widened.
"Damn it!" she whispered. She felt a sudden tickling sensation when her phone vibrated on her chest. Someone was calling her. Haley quickly pressed the phone to her chest with her left hand, desperately making sure to grab it before it fell through her shirt.
"You might wanna pick that up, Jasmine said she'd call you today to help her with dresses and makeup." Mike yelled.
"Wha- why would she tell you that first?" said Haley, finally fishing the phone out. She saw Jasmine's profile displayed and pressed the answer button. "Jazzie, we have got to talk about our friend group confidentiality!" she said with a dramatically serious tone.
___
Three hours later..
Sandy stood in front of the wall mounted mirror brushing her hair for what felt like the thousanth stroke.
"Ow." She jerked at the pain of yet a few more hairs being pulled off. She thought this was enough as she watched them gently fall to the ground. She wanted to make sure everything was perfect, not merely for herself, but to Make sure she was sufficiently presentable for Mike. She knew she had to be worthy of his love, and make him happy with what he was looking at. A part of her tried to reject this mentality. Along with her school friends and parents, Mike was one of the most important people. He'd shown her so much love and care, especially with the revelation of the pregnancy of last month. But that's also why she couldn't fully forsake this thought. After everything she put Mike through last year, the least she could do is put effort into hygene, grooming, and oher aspects of her looks to show him she was passionate about doing anything with him. She thought back to Lucy and how she fell out with Mike. Michael had disclosed their incident in December of 2007, how after years of mockery and violent abuse, how he snapped. He said that he hated Lucy, that he wanted her out of her life, and yet, that clearly proved to be false. During both last month and this month, Sandy acted as his rock and shoulder to cry on when the memory of both the pain he inflicted and the pain he recieved haunted him. He didn't truly mean what he said, he failed to give her a second chance since he initially only saw the worst in Lucy, a mistake Sandy had made too and also made clear that she regretted when she got to meet Mike at her fashion show for the first time in seven to eight years. Sandy saw him at the tree today, lifting Lucy up when she was at one of her darkest hours. They may not have been a couple but were still thick as thieves, inseperable they were. Scarf and bow, a beautiful match. Mike paid Lucy the same kindness that Lucy did when she lifted his spirits this prior December after Sandy had…
She really was a screw up. Mike was already hanging by a thread and she cut it without shame. Her heartbeat increased as she filled with anxiety at the thought. She thought what they had was too lost to repair, and hung up on him when he needed her most. At first she thought it would be okay, Mike would forget about her. Why wouldn't he after turning a blind eye to him for months? She enjoyed what she had with Francis, but looking back on the memories with him filled her with disgust at the thought of not even hearing, and straight up ignoring the vibrating of her phone. She began to cry, but composed herself and after many minutes she woke up her mom asking for time off from her modeling job to tend to an emergency. She had really fucked up big time, and had to make it right. She loved Mike more than words can say, and that much became abundantly clear when her mind screamed at her to call him back, her head spun and her thoughts piled up and fell apart at the thought of never being able to see him again. She wanted him back, and she wanted to convey how sorry she was. There was no excuse. She was frequently busy, but frequently free as well, so starved for the attention of a man that she chose infatuation with an attractive colleague over the love of her boyfriend. She would do anything for him. She didn't want to prioritize her job, not even the vicarious dreams of her mother over him. Her mother had always been angry with Sandy for initially giving Mike more attention than her job, but she didn't care, that is, until she slowly started to forget about him after their date during the summer. What was wrong with her? How could she be so quick to throw away someone so precious? When she called him back she was direct and honest with him for the first time in months, and asked her mom to clear slots in the week for her to call and text Mike regularly. She swore to Mike that she would change, and had never felt more confident and sure of anything in her life. By some miracle or stroke of luck, Mike accepted her.
The turmoil erupted again mid January when she had started experiencing. She missed a period, felt fatigue and nausea, had frequent cravings. It was an agonizing wait of weeks to confirm that she was indeed pregnant from one of her off-work affairs with Francis. With all that was on her mind, and perhaps her being caught up in happiness with him especially from the relief he provided when she was off work, most certainly factored into why the idea of using protection didn't even cross her mind at the time. Her mother grew suspicious and there was no point in hiding it. She was livid when she foudn out and grounded Sandy for days. Sandy however did convince her mom to call Francis to tell him. As concerned as he was, he put it bluntly that he was not ready for parenthood, but would do whatever he could to support Sandy. By this time they had broken up, but Francis was very much concerned for Sandy, just not in a position for where he could raise a child. The anxiety Sandy felt in January was a thousand times worse than in December. She remembered calling Mike one day, basically pestering him to make sure he was in a right state of mind to know. For a while Mike hadn't been eating or hydrating well, but Sandy stood by and listened to the troubles on his mind. She made sure that he was sitting down that day, that his homework was completely done, that he had no immediate troubles or stresses before letting out the sensitive and delicate news. Mike was speechless for several minutes, yet surprisingly, he wasn't angry like Sandy had thought. Sandy couldn't deny that a part of her was hoping to keep the baby a secret, but what would be the point? How could she possibly hide that from Mike? He picked her apart for cheating on him, she sure as hell would figure this out and never trust her again. So she came clean, and despite fear of the tremendous burden, Mike promised to stand by and support her. She couldn't read Mike's thoughts, but Mike knew that the last thing Sandy needed right now was for someone she cared about to leave her in her most desperate time. Sandy knew she had made a dumb, reckless, and stupid mistake. Mike wouldn't tell her directly, but would admit that that was the case. He was hurt, but not angry, and he knew that if he punished Sandy for this that she would never recover. He understood her better than anyone.
The idea of parenting a child at his age terrified him, but the thought of Sandy having to bear this all alone with the scorn of people who loved and cared about her (like Mike and her mother) terrified him more. He agreed to help her and support her the whole way through, but this was a critical even that shouldn't remain secret. Fortunately Mike's parents were both home and Mike was able to talk Sandy into discussing this with them. Mike sat his parents down and explained the situation, begging them not to blame her or be upset, and that she was sorry for her recklessness, which Sandy would later tell them directly on the call. About three to four months in and there was barely a visible bulge, But Sandy knew it would be time now. She didn't stop modeling, but her mother agreed to have her shift and session hours decreased to accomodate for this new development. Mike's parents, while upset, chose to understand her by trusting their son. It was clear that goodwill ran in the family. In the present, Sandy looked at herself in the mirror after prolonged contemplation. She was a real piece of work, and seriously lucky to be here after everything she caused. Everything could've gone south. Francis, her mother, and Mike had every reason to shun her. She could've been kicked out of her luxurious and privileged life, her and her unborn baby being forced to live on the streets, doomed to defend themselves, and if they couldn't…
She felt broken. The people in her life did love her, but she didn't deserve it. She wanted it, but it was nothing but selfish. It was truly just a stroke of luck that they haven't forsaken her. Sandy turned around, looking away from her reflection in disgust. She hated herself. But Mike and everyone dear to her were worth living for. She didn't believe that she deserved that kind of love, but it was still there. The undying love Mike had for Lucy, that his parents had for him and Mike's siblings, it seemed that Mike had for Sandy too. She had to change, and it all started today. Every stroke of the brush, every drawing of the eyeliner, every attached artificial eyelash, applied makeup, and especially as much kindness and empathy as she could muster. She needed all of it, because Mike was worth it! She had to live up to being worthy of his love, and that was the bare minimum. She couldn't afford to led Mike feel saddened, disappointed, or angry with her again. She had already committed, but was ready to put in two hundred percent more. She was going to show Mike how much she loved him, become a new Sandy. She had her whole life to show him the true extent of her love, but the best time to start is and will always be.. now.
Sandy's thoughts were interrupted from the knock at the door.
"Sandy dear? Are you there?" said Ellen. "Michael is ready. I don't want to rush you but the resturant is far away, you don't want to miss your reservation."
"Oh, uh, I'm sorry Mrs. Scott, I'll be right there! I'm almost ready!" Sandy replied in worry.
"Okay dear, I'll be downstairs with Michael. In your own time." Ellen said before walking away. Sandy wasn't ready, or at least didn't think she was enough. She was still in her undergarmets, and didn't even start to pick out a dress. Her heart raced yet again in anticipation, worry, and burden of having to impress Maishul, and having to look her best for the date in general. She threw on the first decent looking dress in sight, an elegant burgundy one with a hem shorter on the left side, and diamond button decorations. Getting the dress on quickly messed up her hair quite a bit, but there was no turning back now. Sandy threw herself out of the room almost with the same vigor she yanked the dress out of the closet, and stuffed the makeup back into her kit bag.
"I'm coming Maishul, sorry I'm laaaeeee!" she wailed as she barely caught herself after stepping on the dresse's right hem with her right foot. She stumbled and hit the wall, but quickly readjusted, running down the stairs more carefully than before.
"I'm here, I'm here guys. Sorry I'm-" Sandy paused at the sight of Mike, who sat patiently on his couch. His attire was a relatively cheaper suit, a simple black one with a tie contrasting from the white collar and chest part. Simple and humble, and he looked no less handsome when he wore it. He also wore his signature ocean blue colored scarf.
"Wow." Mike said, gently getting up. "You look, beautiful!". Sandy let out a sigh of relief. That was at least reassurance that she looked adequately prepared. Sandy maintained her flattered, flustered state as Mike walked over take her hands in both of his.
"Ready to go?"
Not being able to help herself, Ellen giggled as she snapped a photo of the two lovebirds.
"Mom!" Mike whined, surprised and emberrassed.
"What? This is a treasured memory Michael, I just have to capture my son and future daughter-in-law taking their first steps to planning out their future together."
"Moooommmm…"
All Sandy could do was giggle along with Ellen, who now donned a grin, over how corny this was. But Sandy couldn't deny it. Other than her insecurity regarding regarding Mike's acceptance of her, she could almost forsee nothing but happy memories with him. She would honor their "game plan", as he'd call it. Her dad choosing to move to Roseville was influenced by both finding a lucky opportunity, in addition to needing close proximity to the child's desired father in order to make caring for them smoother. She and her mother would work as hard as they could to both earn job money, and spare existing savings in support of the baby, while Mike and his family would watch over him or her. But she would be burdened with having to contribute her fair share of care when off work. The burden scared her, but she reaped what she sowed, and had to take responsibility and own up to the consequences of her actions. Sandy could see that Mike and his family would never leave her side, and she owed it to them to contribute. She was determined to make the most of this and enjoy herself, and be the best mother possible. She knew there was potential for happy memories ahead. If she proved herself with the child, Mike would be all the more apprecative of her, and recognize her dedication and commitment through her actions. The baby may be a burden in their own right, but they were also a symbolic mark of the start of a new era in her life. A symbol of her change, her union with her true soulmate, her chance to be a better person, and all of life's struggles that would come with it. She will cherish every minute of the child with Mike, and they'll be the happiest family they can be.
"Remember guys, try being back here before ten o'clock. I trust you both to look out for each other, and to stay with the driver whenever you can." said Ellen.
"We will mom!" Mike replied. "Ya ready?" he asked Sandy. Sandy smiled, feeling excitement and happiness that this was finally happening. She was ready for this. As long as Mike was by her side, there wasn't a force on Earth that could truly suppress her.
"I'm ready!" she said, taking Mike's hand. Her smile widened and she squeezed Mike's hand with a little more pressure than she intended. She couldn't contain herself, a sentiment Mike quickly picked up on and fully shared. He was also fairly strong and resilient, a testament to his years of martial arts training, athletic activity at school, and recent months of persistent training with his track team. He allowed the squeeze, honestly flattered that Sandy was this happy to be by his side. Still, deep down he knew she was insecure about being with him, blaming herself for the mental and emotional stress he felt in the many months she had her affair, combined with the attention Lucy got when she returned. The inner demons weren't truly dead, but he was genuinely happy now, so much so that they were barely noticable. Everything was going well for him. The girl he loved, his family, and best friends were with him, and he felt endless dignity and pride with being able to care for them. He wanted to help Lucy out of her isolation, to spend as much time as he could pleasing his friends and family, and especially helping Sandy slaughter her own demons. She had no idea how greatly he was willing to be by her side in support, every step of the way. They would share teach other's happiness and sorrows.
The two merely walking through the house door felt like they were stepping out of a royal palace and into a world of destiny and promise. They situated themselves in the limousine, Sandy making sure to straighten her hem so that she didn't sit on top of the fold. Mike was a little hot in his layered suit but the cool February atmosphere countered it. The limo ever so smoothly rolled from the side of the road wiith little to no bumps, roughness, or friction. Mike and Sandy romanticized the occurance like they were in an elegant, royal carriage whisking the couple away on their adventure, not just to the fancy resturant but down the path their lives would take together.
"You know, this is really what I'd like our inevitable future honeymoon to feel like." Mike said. Sandy giggled.
"Hehe, that is quite far ahead Maishul, but yes, I would like that a lot too." she said. "I just hope I didn't make us late for our reservation. I kind of got, carried away how I looked.
The cost of the five star resturant wasn't just money, it neighbored the downtown region of Roseville City and would take over an hour just to reach there.
"It's alright Sandy, you're already beautiful. You don't need makeup or a fancy dress to prove that. Heck, you don't have to wear anything and you'd still look beautiful!" Mike said. There was an awkward silence. Only when Sandy covered her mouth blushing did Mike acknowledge his Freudian slip. Like Sandy he blushed in emberassment and covered his mouth and eyes with his cheeks.
"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" he said, putting his hands out in a surrender gesture. "That totally came out wrong!"
Sandy giggled, taking no offense. She got up, carefully holding the car's side rests to prevent falling. She nearly stepped on the hem again, but seated herself next to Mike, putting her arms around his left one and resting her head on his shoulder. She put her left hand on Mike's right cheek to turn him to face her.
"It's okay Maishul, I think you'll get your wish pretty soon." she said, sporting a suggestive grin. Mike giggled and planted a passionate kiss on her forehead, then rest the side of his head on her's. Tonight was the start of a promising life ahead...
Adaptation of the literary story and webcomic Bittersweet Candy Bowl, as well as the characters in it created by Veronica Vera "Taeshi".
Chapter End
Sentients, Factions, and Characters
Michael "Mike" Scott (A male 16 year old anthropomorphic korat with dark blue fur and green eyes. He's known for being smart, kind, and understanding but with occasional moments of anger and frustration due to grievences with his friends and life struggles. He's an atheltic, a skilled and reflexive taekwondo combatant, and a fast runner with great endurance and stamina.); Lucy Rose (A female 16-year-old anthropomorphic khao manee. She dons a pink bow and has two long tuffs of cheek fur. She's wrought with insecurites and prone to an aggressive and sometimes violent temper that overshadows her sweet and compassionate personality. This leads to her getting on the bad side of people who care about her since she's unable to control her explosive urges. She's codependent, bipolar, and has intermittent explosive disorder. She has enhanced strength so great she can break bones with a squeeze and kick enemies of her size several feet away with ease.); Sandra "Sandy" (A 17 year old female anthropomorphic Turkish Angora. She's known for being sweet, lively, and social. She's Mike's childhood crush and later girlfriend, but they seperate when her family moves for a job offer. Pressured by her vicariously living mother Sabrina, she becomes distant from Mike and pressured to keep up with her school work, good grades, and modeling job at a young age. The overwhelming pressure of her work makes her lonely, causing her to cheat on Mike for months with her hairdresser Francis in order to alleviate isolation. After a tearful, remorseful apology she commits to Mike, leading to their relationship becoming stronger during January 2009.); Augustus (An 18 year old male anthropomorphic siamese cat with black and white fur. He's raised in the run down region of Roseville with negligent drug abusing parents, later joining Alejandro's gang. He joins Lucy's friend group taking a romantic interest in Daisy, but forms a rivalry with Abbey and grows distant after trying to forcefully kiss her. He since becomes Lucy's friend, despite being secretly tasked to spy on her for Alejandro. He later reforms and becomes protective of her, vowing to reform her violent nature. He's known to be sarcastic, witty, intellectual, brutally honest, and cunning, despite not being as physically strong or as athletic as the other male characters.); Haley Scott (A female 15 year old anthropomorphic korat. She's Mike's younger brother and acts sassy and sarcastic, taking amusement in teasing him. She's confident and yet not as social as her brother, not even wanting romantic attention till she gets to know Jordan. She deeply cares about and admires her brother underneath her external demeanor.);, Jordan Rose (A 17 year old male anthropomorphic khao manee. He's Agatha's second born and Lucy's older brother, an athletic basketball player with poor taste in women. He dates Tiff, an anthropomorphic dog who only uses him for his money. He becomes Haley's girlfriend after she gets him out of the toxic relationship. He's often well meaning, optimistic, protective, and naive.) Paulo (A male anthropomorphic somali with orange fur all over his body and white fur on his bottom jaw and chest. He's known for hiding his vulnerabilities and insecurities behind a macho persona, is a prankster, troublemaker, has trouble in academic studies, but is athletic. Despite having a history of being a player and seeing girls as trophies to collect for pride, he respects them deep down and becomes fiercely protective of their safety, especially those closest to him. He was raised by a toxic and egocentric mother who would neglect and berate both him and his dad, influencing him and leading him to crave validation from female figures in his life. Later on he becomes bisexual. He exercises and is decently strong, athletic, and sporty.); David (A 15 year old male anthropomorphic chocolate lab dog. He's known for being a troublesome prankster, often clueless, dumb, and naive. However this is just as oten a ruse to hide actual moments of intelligence and cunning. He often speaks his mind without fear or shame, leading to unintentional negativity or judgement due to saying the wrong things at the wrong times. He's bisexual, often openly affectionate towards boys and lovestruck for girls; is autistic and has difficulties with socializing, picking up social cues, and focus. He also acts immature, adopting a more child like personality. Like Mike and Paulo, he's physically fit and athletic, is a faster runner than Mike, and often displays great strength and agility.); Susan "Sue" (A studious and educated student known for her academic honesty, knowledge, and determination. She's a hard worker and a passionate amateur social, political, and environmental activist; and a fan of fantasy roleplaying in Swordsvale.); Amaya (An 16 year old anthropomorphic tabby cat. She's known for being silent, quite, and moderately social. Although able to speak she prefers not to, and often smiles to display as much positivity as she can to get through life's worries. She has a crush on Mike that she's had to suppress since he had feelings for Lucy and Sandy.); Stacy (A 16 year old female anthropomorphic cat. She's known to be socially awkward and shy, unable to properly confess her crush on Mike. She's till close friends with him and Sue, and a part of their Swordsvale roleplaying group, although she often changes herself to fit in with the popular groups like Katie's clique.); Abbey (A male anthropomorphic Abyssinian cat. He has good intentions and a traumatic past of witnessing his mother Charlotte's abuse and finding out about her death at the hands of his father Abraham Sr. This leads him to be distrustful of people who take advantage of women in any way and to look down on them as vulnerable, despite his concern for them. He's known for his irritable temper and cynacism on the outside but is concerned and protective on the inside. His last name was made up by JebberJabber.); Daisy (A 16 year old female anthropomorphic selkrik ragamuffin rex hybrid cat. She's known for being cheerful, positive, and academically studious. She had to suppress her crush on Mike which she held for years, and a close friend (and later boyfriend) of Paulo.) She's a fit school cheerleader with great physical strength.); Ellen (An adult female anthropomorphic korat. She's the hard working, strict, but ultimately caring mother of Mike, Haley, and Chris.); Agatha (A female anthropomorphic khao manee in her 30s. She's the mother of Samuel, Jordan, and Lucy. She's sweet and caring, but often oblivious and permissive to her kid's flaws (such as Lucy's temper).); Christopher "Chris" Scott (A 2 year old male anthropomorphic korat. He's Ellen's youngest child and Mike's and Lucy's brother, is playful, and is deeply fond of his family members.); Alejandro Sanchez (A 21 year old, male, anthropomorphic cat. He grows up poor in a rundown region of Roseville and becomes a small scale mugger with a gang consisting of dog Toby, cat Melanie (his ex girlfriend), and Augustus. He's unempathetic, cruel, violent, and abusive towards Melanie, who escapes him with Augustus' help. He vows revenge against Mike, Lucy, and their friends for humiliating him in a physical confrontaiton. He's physically stronger than all of them and is an amateur grappling combatant. His last name was made up by Tony "Glencoe47".) Toby (A 20 year old male anthropomorphic dog who's Alejandro's best friend and companion.); Lola (An adult female anthropmorphic cat and Daisy's mother. Named by Ai_4875.); Sabrina (An adult female anthropomorphic Turkish Angora. She's Sandy's mother and lives vicariously through her, pressuring her with a job in her teenage years. She often dislikes the attention Sandy gives to Mike over her job. Despite her strict nature a part of her cares greatly about Sandy's wellbeing. Named by Ai_4875.); Lois (An adult female anthropomorphic European Burmese cat. She's Susan's mother, a successful lawyer, and hard working academic. She instills desires for perseverence and hard work in her daughter. She was named by Ai_4875.);
All created by Veronica Vera "Taeshi".
Universes
Almultimavenger's Bittersweet Candy Bowl Universe
Bittersweet Candy Bowl: Isolation; Bittersweet Candy Bowl: Valentine's Night;