Disclaimer: I don't own DBZ. Period.

A Cruel Joke

"Here ya go, sweetie. I'll see ya after school, right?"

"Yeah, thanks, dad." The sixteen year old girl replied, as she got out of the air car, mentally thanked kami no one heard that. As her father drove away, the blonde pigtail girl stood before her school that she'd been attending for the last three years. Orange Star High School. Marron, the blonde pigtail girl knowing very well what was in stored for her, proceed to her first period before the last bell rang and immediately sat down.

"Okay class, take out your assignment and pass it down to the person in front of you. I should have all the assignments when I come by to pick it up," the teacher, Mr. Sluggish said, nonchalantly. His name fits him perfectly because he was a large, apathetic man, who shouldn't even be given a class room, but due to his lack of talent and his brother-in-law, being the vice principal, who was able to pull a few strings, got him to where he is today.

"Here you go, Moron!" snickered a guy, Lucius, who abruptly shoved the papers to her, plummeted the papers on the floor. "Geez, Moron, you can't even handle to pile up a couple of papers? Man, you're so useless."

"I would have, if you didn't stuffed the papers in front of my face," seethed Marron, who was now gathering the spilled papers.

"Ooh, I think she's angry. What are you going to do? Run up to your mommy?" laughed one of his friends.

"And what's with your nappy hair and your fading clothes? Where did you shop? K-Mart? (A/N: Please, don't be offended. I have no resentment towards K-Mart, but I needed a shop and that name was the first one that just popped into my head. ) Another one of his friends joined in. This was constantly getting on Marron's nerves and they knew it, for they always cornered her with endless insults.

At first it was just Lucius, being the class clown, slacking off with his assignments, and joking in class with his buddies. Then, as the school days progressed, his grades never did improve so Mr. Sluggish thought if he read off the grades, he'll do better next time. Big mistake. He got so sick of hearing Marron getting an 'A' in the class, he decided to target her. Seeing as the first couple of times that he bugged her, she tried to ignore him and no one stood up for her, he decided to let his friends on the fun. They even nicknamed her 'Moron,' which was given to her first by Lucius and now passed on by his friends. Lucius, a name that she learned to hate and she vowed that if she ever give birth to a child, it wouldn't be name 'Lucius.'

Marron hurriedly picked up the last sheet of paper and placed it above Mr. Sluggish's stack. He only gave a can-you-be-any-clumsier look and proceeded to the next desk. He, of all people, wasn't any help. He only attended the class to get paid. He didn't bother with Lucius or any of the students, unless the principal punish him if the students, especially Lucius, didn't bring their grades up and that was it.

Unfortunately, Lucius and his friends had seen the look the teacher had given her and began to laugh hysterically, reenacting the whole scene to the people who missed it, which gave off more laughter as the rest of the class joined in.

'Obnoxious pigs.' Marron, in the other hand, who was getting tired of this ridiculous routine, wasn't at all embarrassed by it. Instead, like any other times, wished that this dreaded day be over. She glanced at the clock, 'great, twenty-five more minutes with these pompous assess.'

~*~

When the bell rang, indicating that the class was over, she thanked Kami repeatedly, as she quickly walked off to her next class, which wasn't as dreadful as her last one. The whole day went by well, until lunch came. When she sat down in her usual place, the table in the corner, she overheard a conversation carried on by some hyper, giggling schoolgirls. One of which was none other than Bra, her childhood friend. She didn't know how they became strangers, all of a sudden. All she knew was that she missed her and wished that they hadn't grown apart.

"I guess that's a wishful thinking," Marron said, as she unintentionally, continued to eavesdrop their conversation. She couldn't help it because the group was loud and she wouldn't be surprised if their conversation reached the watchtower.

"So, are you going to the Junior Prom?" Alyssa asked the group. She was Bra's new best friend, as everybody knew they were the popular girls in school. She had past shoulder-length, a little wavy brunette hair; with bangs, long enough to touch her right ear, covering her corresponding eye. (A/N: I'm not good at description, so if anyone's confused, just picture Mariah Carey's old look in the video with Boys II Men, 'One Sweet Day.') The group wore the latest fashion, since they were rich, but not as rich as Bra, of course.

"Yeah, of course. Guess who asked me?" Giselle beamed. "Brian, the football quarterback!" she squealed, momentarily joined by her friends. Giselle, as you've probably guessed, came from Paris and had straight, dirty blonde hair resting on her back, which reached just above her hips.

"Oh my god, you're so lucky. You're going out with the handsomest guy in school!" Bra finally spoke. "I'm so jealous."

"No, I have a different person in mind, who I think is hot!"

"No one is hotter than Brian, Alyssa. Who's the guy?" Bra wondered, going over the 'Cutest Guys in School' list inside her head. She mentally scanning her list twice, while her friends continue talking about their dates or whom they were planning to go with. Just as she thought, no one was cuter or could even be compare to her all time crush, Brian, who knows how to work the crowds. He had light brown hair gelled to the back, with a little streaked in the front. He was very muscular and took pride in keeping in shape, which was obvious since he always shows off his tight abs by wearing tight t-shirt with baggy pant.

"So, aren't you going to tell us, or what? Who's the guy?" Bra inquired, very curious as to who had surpassed her crush's good looks and charms.

"Um, well…this guy just caught my eyes one day and-"

"WHO! Don't keep us in suspense?" Bra asked as she was at the edge of her seat, leaning forward, eagerly awaiting the name of this mysterious fellow, who had somehow elude from her sight.

"I'm sorry, Bra, but it's your brother, Trunks!" Alyssa said, while she kept her eyes close, nearly announcing this to the whole students sitting in the cafeteria.

"WHAT!" Giselle and Bra said in unison, shocked clearly stated in their voices. "M-my b-brother, Tru-unks? How- why? Eww…" Bra stammered, after recovering from the shocking news.

"Bra, you may think that because he's your brother, but personally, I love being in the same room with him," Alyssa began sternly. She hadn't expected this reaction from her friends, maybe from Bra, but surely not Giselle. She thought, being their friends and all, they would support her or play a little matchmaker. Guess she can only rely on herself.

"Sorry, but it's just weird knowing that one of my friends like my brother, ya know?" Bra began, as the group started to clear away to proceed towards their next class. As the distant of their conversation gradually disappeared, Marron sigh as she, too, started evacuating her area.

~*~

"You know Trunks, chemistry and people have a lot in common. They are both bonded with their counterparts." Lisa said, as she began flashing her eyelashes.

'Not again, what a ditz,' Trunks thought. "Really? Wow, that's…. real something," he smiled, "Is there something in your eyes?" He knew very well that she had a crush on him, but didn't want to approach the subject.

"Why no, Trunksie. You're so funny," she giggled.

"Lisa what are you still doing here? Class is over. Now, get to your next class. I'm about to start mine and I don't want any disruption," Mr. Ecneics roared. (A/N: That's science spelled backwards. Sorry, but I didn't know what to name him.)

"Yes, sir," she said, while quickly walking out the door and turning to Trunks, "I guess, I'll see you later. Maybe at the dance this Friday?" She giggled again, leaving before the instructor could yell at her. Marron passed her just before she entered the room. Right on time. Giving off another sigh of relief, she headed towards her seat in the corner. The instructor in this class was probably the strictest teacher she had to face. In fact, he was the total opposite from Mr. Sluggish. At one time, she chuckled when she realized whom he resembled. Dubura, except without the pink face and the blue clothes.

She started to read a book, while waiting for the class to began. She hadn't noticed anyone advancing towards her, until he spoke.

"Hi, Marron. What'cha reading?"

She recognizes that voice all too well, as she showed the title to the guy and placing it down once he nodded. "Hi," she said, barely above whisper.

"So, have you heard about this dance on Friday?"

"Not if you don't count the whole student body, who couldn't talk about anything else besides that."

"Then, are you planning on going?"

"What do you want, Trunks?"

"Well, if no one has asked you, would you like to go with me?" The lavender boy flashes his cutest smile; any girls would fall heads over heels for. The smile quickly faded when she replied.

"Why?"

"Why not? We're friends, right? I mean we have known each other since…. Forever. Don't you trust me?"

"It's not that I don't trust you, it's just-" Marron sigh. Trunks was giving his puppy-dog eyes a try. "Okay, Trunks I'll go with you." She, too, smiled back as Trunks made his way back to his friends. She didn't know why he suddenly decided to talk to her, or even asked her to the dance, not that she'd mind.

~*~

The whole day went on like that. Unanswered questions rummaged through her head as to why one day she was totally ignore, and the next, the cutest guy asked her to the prom.

'Maybe this isn't going to be a bad year after all.'

BEEP, BEEP

"What…. Oh dad, you scared me." She entered the air car, while her father, Krillen smirked.

"Daydreaming again, I see."

Marron averted her gaze from her father, trying to hide the blush that wouldn't disappear. Looking out the window as if somehow she had a sudden interest in them, she replied, "You know me."

"Mind telling me what it was about?"

"I was just…. thinking about stuff."

"Well, don't think too much. That's unwanted stress there and girls your age shouldn't worry too much."

They drove in silent until they reach Kami's House. Marron, went inside the house, searched for her mother, 18 to share her wonderful news. It wasn't long before she found her threw the perverted turtle hermit, Master Roshi into a wall. A mark was left in remembrance to 'lay off' her after he collapsed to the ground. 18 smirked at a job well done and looked up to see her daughter running up to her in delight. Before she could say anything, her daughter pulled her into her room, and reenacts her day during school. They gossiped throughout the rest of the day and giggles of excitement could be heard from upstairs now and then.

~*~

Friday came by rapidly, while 18 helped prepare Marron for the big day, Krillen gave his daughter the 'my baby is growing up so fast' look. His two favorite ladies just rolled their eyes (like mother like daughter, eh?) and told him that this was going to happen sooner or later.

A few hours later, 18 came out into the living room and announced, "She's ready. Come out Marron and show your father your new dress."

Slowly, the graceful Marron entered the living room, smiling proudly at her mother's creation. She wore a blue sleeveless dress that showed her perfect figure, it reached just above her knees. The neckline of the dress had a subtle 'v' shaped design, with a matching collar. The ladies were eagerly awaiting Krillin's comment.

"Well, what do you think?"

"Wow, you look amazing. Are you sure you want to go, sweetie?"

"Dad, this is a prom not a wedding," joked Marron.

"So, who's the guy that's taking you? And where is he? Isn't the dance going to start in half an hour?"

"The guy's name's Trunks and I'm suppose to meet him at the dance," Marron said, while getting ready to leave the house.

"What, he's not going to pick you up? What kind of a gentleman is he?" Krillen's smile turned into a frown in a matter of seconds. This made her nervous. If her dad didn't let her go because of Trunks' lack of manners, he would think she stood him up and that wasn't going to be part of her agenda tonight.

"Dad, don't think too much. That's unwanted stress there and guys like you shouldn't worry too much." She paraphrased, earning her a smirk from her father, who knew very well where she got that. Before she left the house, she realized she had no way of getting to her destination. Reaching for the phone in the kitchen, she dialed some numbers.

"Moshi moshi?" ß (I love that)

"Hi, Goten. This is Marron, can I ask you a favor?"

"Sure, ask away."

"I'm going to my prom and don't have a ride so can you give me a ride to my school? You can be my escort if you like."

"Sure, I'll be there in a few minutes."

"Thanks, bye!"

"Bye, Mar!"

Marron departed her house and patiently waited for Goten to arrive. Truth to his words, he landed on the island just seven minute after they hung up.

"Wow, Mar, you look awesome," gaped Goten, while picking her up and flying towards her prom.

"Thanks, Goten," blushed Marron. "You look great. I'm surprised that you didn't rip your tux while rushing to escort me. Sorry, if this was in such a short notice. I hope I'm not intruding or anything."

"Don't worry. I wasn't busy or anything and you know that whenever you need a favor just ask. Besides, as long as there's food, you know I have to be there." After a couple minutes of silent, he decided to ask the question that had been nagging him in the back of his mind since she first called. "Hey, Mar?"

"Yeah?"

"I don't mean to pry, but where's the guy that's taking you?"

"We're supposed to meet at the dance." Marron sigh when her friend gave her a skeptical look. "Okay, we never did set a place to meet. I guess I got so caught up by the fact that the guy that every girls are dying to go with to the prom, asked me instead. Plus, he was swarming with girls as the day of the prom approached, which didn't give us a lot of time to plan out where we were going to meet," she said, while casting her gaze away as if in shame.

"Hey, I'm sure once he sees you, he'll be ashamed he didn't pick you up." Goten gave her a reassuring smile. He had been one of her childhood friends, but unlike those others, he had always kept in touch with her. While living away from civilization, he knows how it feels to be isolated from the outside world. Sure, he didn't attend the same school as her, all the more reasons why they were still friends. They had plenty to discuss, and he always took care of her, like an older brother whom she never had.

~*~

Inside the gymnasium, the students had already begun dancing, while some were standing by the food and refreshment table. Once Goten stepped in, he left Marron's side and proceeds to the food section, scaring off the remaining people who saw the demi-saiyan devour the food. Marron chuckled to herself and began searching for her date. She spotted Trunks at the dance floor with none other than Alyssa. Gathering all her confident, she walked up to the pairs and tapped on Trunks' shoulder. He growled, before looking at the intruder, and felt himself drooling at the sight before him. This angered Alyssa.

"Trunks!" Alyssa hollered, gathering more attention to them, but to no avail. Trunks had stopped dancing and wasn't even paying her any mind.

"M-Marron? W-what are you doing here?" Trunks gaped at her, not realizing what he'd just said. Dumb question. At that point, he could only see Marron and him together at the dance floor.

"You asked me, remember? Or did it happen to slip your mind once a beautiful girl asked here?" Marron seethed, giving him her best death glare she inherited from her mother. Unlike her mother, however, she was human and sensitive. "Now I know why you asked me to come here," Marron started, feeling a lump in her throat. "You asked me just in case you didn't get a date for tonight, didn't you? Or maybe it was a bet." She could feel tears started to form in her eyes. "Why did you use me, Trunks? Why?" By now tears were sliding down her cheeks even though she had vowed never to let people see her cry.

"What a loser."

Everyone turned their heads toward the speaker, Lucius.

"Did you really think that Trunks was serious? The only reason he asked you because it was April's Fool Day. I guess you really are a fool," Lucius chuckled, earning an icy glare from Marron, who couldn't take it anymore.

Alyssa saw her chance and joined in, "you actually fell for it? You're pathetic, you know that?" She knew exactly what buttons to push when it came to making girls jealous, and unfortunately for Marron, that was exactly what she was doing now. She wrapped her arms around Trunks' neck, while laying her neck on his shoulder, giving him a seductively kiss on his cheek. Trunks, as soon as he felt that kiss and her touch, hastily thrust her away without injuring her, but she was relentless and wouldn't let go.

Marron felt like her knees would buckle any minute now and she didn't want anyone see this side of her. They had all known her as the quiet, mysterious type, who only kept to herself. They didn't know the real her, nor did they care to find out. At that moment, she'd rather have them ignore her, as always than to see her shatter and prove to them that she was weak.

"Leave her alone, you two, cut it out! Mar-" Trunks began, but was cut off as he realized that she'd left. He tried chasing after her, but Alyssa still had her arms firmly locked around him and wouldn't let him do what she knows what he was going to do.

~*~

"Hey Marron, wait up, will you!!!"

Marron stopped for the owner of the voice to catch up. She had run halfway away from the school without anyone noticing her, until now. She cursed her high heels for slowing her down. She didn't want to be impolite, but at this stage, she didn't want anyone to see her like this.

"Marron, you okay?" he carefully asked, which she nodded in reply. Goten, at that point, felt ashamed for not getting to the scene on time or for protecting her. Both pairs averted their gaze from each other and stood in silent, momentarily interrupted by the sobbing Marron.

"Goten, please. I want to go home now. Please, just take me home," Marron managed to say between sobs. This only made Goten's heart ache and he nodded in reply. He picked her up and soars towards home.

~*~

While gazing at the scenery being unfold before her, she finally broke the awkward silence. "Hey, Goten?"

"Hm?"

"Do you mind if you'd stop somewhere," Looking down at the endless islands passing below her, she randomly chose one. "Like there. I-I want to wait a while before heading home. Please, Goten?"

"Sure, no prob," he said, as he started to descend towards the small island that was almost a replica of Marron's, except there were no houses. The two lay back onto the trunk of a tropical tree while watching the moonlight in complete silent, each one caught up in their own thoughts.

'A joke. I'm just a joke to them. They're probably still laughing their heads off back there.'

'I can't believe it. Why didn't I watch out for her? Instead, she was made into a laughing stock in front of the whole student body. And Trunks, he was in it too? Of all people, he was the last person that I would suspect of hurting Marron. I can't believe he would do such a thing. What happened to us? We used to be best friends,' Goten thought as questions kept popping into his heads. He looked down at the now sleeping form of his pain stricken friend whom has her head on his shoulder. At that moment, it felt as if time had stopped for him.

'Marron, I promise you, I promise you that I won't let anyone else hurt you like they did today.' He solemnly swore, as the two rested on that island to what felt like centuries, while observing the moon and feeling absolute peace.

The End.

~*~

A/N: Please R/R this fic. Tell me what you think. Everything is welcome, except flames. This is, actually my first fanfic that I published or better yet, uploaded. I had started on another DBZ fic before this, but I was subconscious on receiving bad criticism so I never did finished. I might start working on that if this turns out great.

I want to dedicate this fanfic to the many authors that have inspire me to write. I'll tell you this, it wasn't hard to get this story, alone, out before the first week of April ended. To the authors, I take my hat off for you! Well that's enough of my rambling, but don't forget to R/R!!!!