There's some non-sexual situations in this chapter that may not be suitable for younger eyes.
Ch. 1
My hands fidget as I pace the length of my bedroom. It was getting late, and I was beginning to think she wasn't going to come- Mom rarely stayed up this late. The deep purple polish on my pointed nails reflected the light from my lavender-scented candles. Trying not to get frustrated with her, I closed my eyes and went over the my words for the millionth time in my head. Finally, I heard the long-awaited knock, a heavy, flat sound. Another deep breath, my heels clicking against the wood as I strode to it. The metallic handle was cool against my hot skin, calming me in a way. Pulling the heavy wood toward myself, I plastered the best smile I could muster on my face. My nerves were starting to get the better of me.
"Hey, Mom. I was starting to think you weren't coming." I forced my voice to be steady as I took in her frazzled appearance. The loose, blonde strands of hair that framed her round face; her tilted crown; the bags under her bloodshot eyes; she'd had a long day, and despite being obviously exhausted, she still came to talk to me. My heart lightened, wrapped in something I couldn't quite recognize, but it put my soul to ease. Being a priority for once felt nice.
She smiled at me, her red-stained lips thinning against her teeth. "Hey, Honey. I'm glad you're still up." She hugged me, momentarily shifting all her weight on me before pulling back and making herself comfortable in the overstuffed armchair next to my bed. Crossing her legs, her hands rested on her poised knees as she slumped back against the soft material. "What did you want to talk to me about?"
Taking a seat on my bed, I mimicked her pose, keeping my back upright. "You know my birthday was recently; I'm fifteen now, older than you when you went to Earth and began experiencing everything life had to offer." Though I'd rehearsed them, the words began escaping me suddenly. Mild panic arose as I fought it from making an appearance on my face.
Her eyes squinted some, her kindness persisting. "Yes, that's correct." Freeing one of my hands, I sought out my wand, seeking the comfort of it in my grasp to help me through this next part. I wanted to sound mature and confident so she would take me seriously… I wanted her to trust me for once.
Summoning all the courage I had, her eyes glossed over with thin patience she reserved for the sake of her children, my words vomited out, "I feel as if though my abilities have surpassed what I can learn here, and I'd like to continue my training elsewhere." My voice creaked with every other word; so much for sounding mature and confident.
"Oh, I see," Mom thought for a moment. Her face, even now, was youthful. She didn't look like the thirty-year-old Queen of Mewni; she barely looked twenty-five. When we went new places together, most thought we were friends, sisters at the most, considering I look nothing like her. The only thing she managed to pass down to me was her magic, and eventually, her kingdom. "I think going to Earth would be a fantastic idea. Though, we'd have to discuss it with your father-"
"No, Mom, not Earth." I held my hands up defensively to show that I wasn't intending to cut her off, but I didn't want her to get ahead of herself. She didn't seem to mind at all, and stopped talking so I could explain myself. This was harder than I thought it would be. "I… I want to move in with Dad." My eyes darted just to the left of her head, focusing hard on an old stuffed animal collecting dust on my shelf. I couldn't bring myself to look at her face right away, and I mentally berated myself for it. How was I suppose to be taken seriously when I couldn't even look her in the eye for something as simple as this? It was obvious that I was nervous, anger beginning to boil in my guts as worst-case scenarios began to play themselves unwillingly in my head.
She remained quiet. Braving a quick glance, I saw her face was placid. I finally made eye contact with this woman, my mother, whom I did not fear but was trying to have her understand me in a situation I worried wasn't understandable for her. My argument was long built, a brick wall of solid points and strong foundations; there was no need to be angry when I have logic on my side.
Or at least, that's what I was trying to tell myself.
I could feel my face become hotter. Why was she quiet? A little slip up, and a pinch of anger washed over me. I huffed, my jaw clenching in protest. I knew she wouldn't agree to it; her silence was her trying to figure out creative ways to fight me on this. It would be another loud, sleepless night in the Butterfly Castle. Annoyed with her, I opened my mouth to speak.
"I think it's a good idea." She cut me off, plucking me from my words and setting me down in a cool bowl of water. With nowhere to go, my anger fizzled out in her lukewarm words, leaving me feeling somewhat dissatisfied. "Have you talked to your Dad about it?"
I nodded. "He says it's fine. They have plenty of room, and he already has someone in mind to help me." I may have lied a little bit on the part about a teacher, but I was really trying to sell the idea to mom. She'd left me flabbergasted that she'd even considered it. I didn't want her to change her mind now. "He says I can move in whenever I'm ready, too, just to let him know so he can have my room ready and pick me up."
She looked sad, but her smile held strong on her face. "When will you be ready?" Instinctively, I nudged my packed bags under my bed with my heel, making sure they were still there.
"As early as tomorrow." Her face visibly fell. "But I can wait it out a few more days, if you want me too!" I backtracked a little. We may not always get along or see eye-to-eye, but I still hated to see her disappointed or upset with me.
"Tomorrow is fine." She was an awful liar. "And Marco has to travel tomorrow morning too, he won't be back until tomorrow night. Leaving tomorrow will save you from those waterworks."
"Will you talk to him for me, please?"
"Of course." Mom stood up, and I followed behind her. "I'm gonna go ahead and go to bed, ok?" I nodded, hugging her tightly on the way out.
"Mom?" She looked at me over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling.
"Yes, Dominica?"
"Thank you." I closed the door behind her. That was the first, entirely mature conversation my mother and I ever had. There was no screaming, no arguing, no tears; everything went all too smoothly, and completely how I wanted it to go. It was almost surreal. Hurriedly, I grabbed my phone to let my Dad know.
I'll be ready tomorrow morning.
Hesitating, I read it over.
I'll be ready tomorrow by noon.
Satisfied, I sent the text. I wanted a little longer in my dear castle. I flopped back on my bed, kicking the heels off my feet, across the room. They hit the wall, landing with a soft thud. "Whoa, watch out!" Marcus hopped through my window. "You almost hit me."
I rolled over onto my stomach, facing him. "Well, maybe if you'd learn to use a door for once." He looked around the room, examining everything.
"There seems to be no sign of a struggle. How did things go with your Mom?" He sat down on my papasan chair.
"Really good, actually! She's letting me go!" His face perked up.
"Seriously?! I can't believe it! Did you enchant her?" I rolled my eyes.
"No, I didn't enchant her. I was just really straight forward with it, and she just agreed. She even said she thought it was a good idea. I'm as surprised as you are." He took his shoes off, wiggling his toes in the fresh air.
"So, when do you leave?" His arms crossed over his broad chest; his soft, dark tresses resting on his shoulders. Marcus was a handsome guy, and my absolute best friend.
My phone buzzed underneath me. I pulled it out, knowing it was a text from my Dad.
See you then. Love you.
"Tomorrow at noon." I put my phone down. Marcus was frowning.
"How am I gonna throw you a going-away-party if you don't give me more notice?!" He scoffed, pulling out his phone. "Don't worry, I'll throw one together. It won't be too big since it's already sort of late, but I could probably get about fifty or so people to meet up." His fingers pressed the buttons feverishly.
"You really don't have to do that, Marcus. And honestly I'm kind of tired-"
"Done!" Putting his phone down, triumphantly he smiled at me, his broad lips giving him an innocent face. "Everyone will be arriving in about forty-minutes."
"What? Where?!" I didn't really want to go, but I did kinda want to go. I couldn't be seen in this Princess getup, though, and I had to be quick about sneaking out. Quickly, I pulled my gown off as I stumbled my way to the closet.
"Ooh, la la. Those are some nice undies you got there." Marcus whistled at me.
"Shut-up!" I rolled my eyes as I sorted through my nearly-empty closet. Finally, I came to a neon dress, covered in buckles and chains. It was from my Earth punk phase last year, but it would have to do. I unlaced the corset backing and stepped into it, realizing that I may have grown some since then. "Hey, make yourself useful and come lace this thing up!" Marcus groaned, but got himself out of the chair to come help me.
"Risque, I like it." The dress was really short, and enhanced parts of me way more than I was use to; I was a little uncomfortable, but I didn't really have any other option, unless I wanted to unpack my bags trying to find something… and I didn't. As soon as he tied the top off into a bow, I rushed to my vanity. Glittery perfume, thick eye makeup and bright lipstick. I left my bangs down, put pulled the rest of my hair into a high and tight ponytail.
"Done!" I checked myself out in the mirror. I looked good, but their was something missing. I looked around the room, spotting a pair of thigh-high boots I'd bought, but never had the nerve to wear.
Marcus looked me up and down, taking in my appearance, and laughed, "Your parents would murder you."
He was right. In no way did my getup exude princess demeanor, but I didn't want to be recognized- and truthfully, I was kind of digging it. I was taking all sorts of risk tonight, so why not this one, too? I turned to him, my painted lips spreading in a wide, wolfish grin. "So, where's this party at?"
The way he smiled would have melted anyone else's heart. He was a charmer in a way that could seduce the most headstrong of girls; but for some reason, it didn't work on me. Perhaps because I could see through the charm, a thinly laid veil of pleasant to cover his depraved nature. Wrap it up in tall, dark, and handsome, and he was a weapon of mass destruction. "In the Musty Mountain Caves."
"Damn, Marcus, that's going to take forever, even on Cloudy!" I crossed my arms.
"On Cloudy, yes. But not with these." Out of his pocket, he pulled out a pair of dimensional scissors, his name inscribed across the blades. I rolled my eyes.
"And this whole time, I thought you were just really happy to see me." I inspected them closely; they were the real deal, not some of the cheap knock-offs that were becoming popular lately.
"Don't flatter yourself. And don't act like you aren't impressed." He handed them to me, the smug look on his face making me want to slap him. Instead, I turned the scissors over, taking in all the details. The blades were onyx, black and shiny. Hekapoo was changing the game up in recent years; I admired her extraordinary attention to detail and her signature stamp of Hekapoo, the H loosely enclosed within a lopsided circle, that rested on the inside of the handle. "So, I bet you're wondering how I got these."
"Not particularly, no." I handed them back. Despite my response, he swayed his hips and dry-humped the air. I made a gagging noise, sticking out my tongue. "Gross! I said no!"
"You know you aren't exempt from hearing of my sex-capades." With a swift motion, he cut open a portal. "After you, milady." I punched him in the arm. He winced a little, but didn't dare break his posture.
"Unfortunately." How many times could I roll my eyes in a span of ten minutes? I grabbed my wand before stepping through, Marcus closing the portal behind him. We were still fairly early, and thus, the only ones there. The caves were dark and foreboding, but we'd scavenged them enough to know they only looked sinister. Other than a few bats, we'd be fine with some lights. I conjured some up quickly, enough for everyone to see where they were going, but not too much to kill the mood.
A DJ arrived directly after us, Marcus and I helping him to set up. It was one of his many connections he'd made, probably through all the partying and debauchery he took part in. The DJ was a monster covered in tattoos, and despite being polite enough I still got a weird vibe from him. When we finished, I pulled Marcus aside.
"Is that guy legit?" I smiled, putting my hand on his shoulder so he wouldn't suspect I was validating his trustworthiness.
"He's alright. His name is Charlie, and I know him from back in the day. He wasn't my first, second, or even third option, but he's all I could pull on such short notice." That didn't really make me feel any better, but I nodded anyway, letting it be. I'd just be sure to keep my eye on him; the people Marcus knew from 'back in the day' usually weren't the most upstanding in character.
"Hey hey, is this where the party is at?" The voice of a guy echoed, officially ending our conversation. He was leading a medium sized group of people, all of which carried varieties of recreational substances.
"Yeah, man, you came to the right place!" Marcus clapped, announcing the beginning of the party. Charlie turned the music on, a remix of Mewni and Earth songs. The group dispersed, some dancing, some drinking, and some finding a darker part of the caves to go do who knows what. People started filtering in at this point, more and more, until it was comfortably crowded, and loud enough that casual conversations were shouting two inches away from each other's faces.
It wasn't long before I found myself tipsy, a nice buzz off of Earth whiskey someone had graciously left unguarded. After continuously keeping an eye on Charlie, I felt confident enough that he wasn't going to cause trouble; taking the bottle to the head, I chugged down what was left of it. "I saw that!" Marcus wrapped his arm around my shoulder. He was holding a blunt, the smell enticing. He took a long drag and, grabbing my face, pressed his lips against mine to let the smoke into my mouth. I sucked it in, holding it for as long as I could before coughing it all out.
"Dude, that's some good shit." He was smiling, his eyes already bloodshot. Taking it from him, I took a long, deep drag before handing it back. I could feel everything starting to slowly take effect, my vision somehow sharpening and my senses dulling at the same time. I wanted to make my last night in Mewni memorable, even if that meant not remembering a thing that happened.
"Just be careful. There's some sketchy people that just showed up. I don't know them too well, but I know them well enough to know that they can't be trusted. If you need anything, you know where to find me." He wiggled his brows suggestively, pointing to a gaggle of mewman and monster girls who giggled when he noticed them. I gave him a dismissing thumbs up, and started to dance, losing myself in the rhythm.
The door creaked open slowly, Star careful not to wake Marco; but to her surprise, he was waiting up for her. "Hey," she smiled at him, a tired smile. "You didn't have to wait up for me."
"I wanted too." His voice was pleasant to her ears. She went to the bathroom to get ready for bed, rushing so she could finally feel the softness of the sheets against her skin. As she crawled between them, her body thanked her, instantly relaxing and sinking deeper into the plush mattress. "What did Dominica want to talk about?"
'Oh, right.' Star smiled at him sweetly. "Marco, there's something I need to tell you, and I don't want you to overreact, okay?" He raised a brow at her, but allowed her to continue. "Dominica is going to move in with Tom." Marco's face changed instantly.
"What?! But you and I haven't even talked about it, yet!" Worry presented itself on his face as the lines that crinkled at his eyes on along his forehead. "Star, I don't think she's ready."
"Marco, she's much more mature than I was when I first came to Earth, not to mention a year older."
"And look at all the trouble you got yourself into! Not to mention, the boys in the Underworld are just…" Marco cringed, his upper lip curling in distaste.
"I met you on Earth, though, so it wasn't all chaos…" She traced tiny circles with the tip of her finger along his bare chest. Marco crossed his arms, obviously defeated. "Besides, she's going to be with Tom, of all people. You know he's not going to let her do anything. And truthfully," her tone changed as she let her full hand rest on her husband's chest, "we've done all we can for her here. Her magic is beyond anything I could have comprehended at her age, and there's no teachers on Mewni that can help with her other abilities." Marco thought about it for a second, before pinching the bridge of his nose.
"I'd honestly feel more comfortable if we all talked about it, together. When does she move out?"
Star's eyes coyly stared into his. "Tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?! So I won't even be able to say goodbye to her?"
"She didn't want to see you upset, like this." Star motioned with her hands. "But I'm sure she'll still visit. Besides, we have that visit to your parents coming up next week. You know she loves being on Earth, I doubt she'll miss it." Marco didn't seem satisfied with that answer, but didn't protest.
"I wonder how Nova and Atlas will take it." He scratched at the peach fuzz on his face. "Nova should be fine, but you know Atlas takes things to heart."
"I was worried about that, too." She bit her lip. "I'm not sure if I should warn them about it tomorrow morning at breakfast or not. I don't know how to handle a situation like this." Marco put his arm around her, leaning her into him.
"Our babies are growing up, Star. We just gotta handle things the best we can." He kissed the top of her head. He wasn't fully satisfied with the situation, but he had an early start in the morning. "Let's get some sleep. It's late, and we both have big days tomorrow." The king and queen made themselves comfortable on their pillows, Marco turning off the lights before resigning to sleep.
Star could hear Marco start snoring almost immediately, envying his ability to fall asleep so quickly. She turned away, his breath hot on her face. How would her moving effect the kingdom? How would it effect their family? Would Tom be as careful with her as they were? Anxious thoughts ran through her mind, keeping her from relenting to the night. 'I'll talk to Tom more about it tomorrow… at least I know she's at home safely tonight.'
I stuffed my face with food from a buffet, that I'm not entirely sure how it got there. That didn't really matter, though; I had a craving for bread and cheese that no amount of pizza was satisfying. "Hey, there." I jumped, startled by the voice from directly behind my ear. I turned to see a guy, towering over me, four eyes and one big horn in the middle of his forehead. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. My name is Clive." He held out his hand. I took it, shaking it awkwardly. He said something to me, but I couldn't hear him.
"What?" Again, his mouth moved and I couldn't hear a word he was saying as the beat dropped. I motioned to my ears and shrugged. He laughed, and motioned for me to follow him. Inhibitions foggy, I did, passing Marcus, girls draped over him like a blanket. I don't think he noticed me, as he was really busy tongue-kissing one of the girls.
We made our way just beyond the mouth of the cave, where the music could still be heard, but it wasn't so loud. A few people had come out this way too, enjoying the view of the cliffs, scattered about, some with their legs dangling over the edge. "Sorry about that, the music was really loud." I tried not to slur, but was sure I was doing a terrible job at it. I sat down on the ground, legs outstretched, to stop myself from stumbling. Something about the fresh air made it feel like I'd just down triple shots back to back. "What were you saying?" Another bottle in hand of I don't even know what, I took a swig.
"I was saying I haven't seen you at any of Marcus' party before, and I asked what your name was." He sat on the ground, too, crossing his legs. He was dressed in a button-up shirt and slacks, his hair trimmed neatly in a professional cut. He didn't really look like he was going to a party, more like a business meeting.
"I use to go to his parties all the time, but they started getting out of hand, and my mom started getting more strict." Words made me thirsty, and tonight I was a bottomless well for anything I could get my hands on.
"So why are you here tonight?" His four eyes blinked at me in unified anticipation.
"Well, you know what they say. Strict parents make sneaky teens. Plus, this is in my honor, anyway. Tonight is my last night in Mewni before I go live with my dad, so it's like a little going away party of sorts." One of the bystanders violently vomited over the side of the cliff, while a couple of his friends clapped and cheered him on.
"You must be an amazing friend for him to pull something together like this for you." His voice was milky smooth. His eyes kept darting from mine to the bottle, and I got the sense he was going to try and take it away from me. I set it behind me for safety.
I shrugged. "He and I go way back. Our families know each other, so we've basically been friends since birth."
"Just friends?" He raised a brow at me. I nodded, leaning back on my hands, careful not to knock the bottle over. "That's surprising. He's such a womanizer, I figured you would have been one of his girls." I cut my eyes at him sharply, the alcohol in my blood turning to anger.
"I am not one of his tramps!" I hissed at him. He held up his hands defensively, chuckling.
"No, no, I didn't mean it like that. I just meant he has a way with the ladies; you must be someone pretty special to see through his antics." My eyes still narrowed, I let myself relax a bit.
"Like I said, I've known him since birth. We have no secrets and he can't hide anything from me. I know all his games and pickup lines, so I guess because of that I can see through his bullshit. It just doesn't work on me. Plus, no secrets; he's totally gross." He really wasn't gross, but I just wasn't attracted to him in that way. If he had a better personality, maybe, but not with him being so pervy. My hand sought out the bottle, the cool glass against my hot lips a nice sensation. I rubbed the bottle against my face, accidentally clinking it on my horns a few times.
"So, is there a boyfriend in the picture then? I don't want to upset anyone."
"Even if there was, nobody owns me! I'm the fucking princess of Mewni!" I didn't realize until it was too late that I'd let the words slip from my mouth. Clive sat up straight, a smile spread from ear to ear.
"So, you are the Princess. I thought so, but I didn't want to ask, since it seems like you're trying to keep your cover… though I have to admit, you're doing poorly at it." He winked at me with both of his left eyes.
"Ugh, yes, I'm the Princess. Just don't tell anyone, okay? People tend to treat me differently when they know and I'm trying to have fun tonight." It was less of a request and more of a demand; still, he nodded graciously.
"Don't worry, Princess. Your secret is safe with me."
"Don't call me Princess, please." I suddenly really wanted more pizza. I started to think of ways to get out of this conversation so I could go get some more, or to have this Clive guy go get some for me.
"So, you're moving to the Underworld, then?"
"What?" I'd been caught up in thoughts of cheese-stuffed crust. "Oh, yeah. Tom Lucitor is my dad, and he's King of the Underworld, so, that would make sense." I wasn't trying to come off rude, but damn I really wanted some pizza.
"That's where I'm from, too."
"Well, I'm not really from there. I grew up in Mewni, actually. But I can tell you're from there, you're a demon, like me."
"Am I?"
"I'm pretty sure you are. You look like one, anyway. Are you not?" I raised an impatient brow at him.
He laughed again. What was this guy up to? "No, I am. And I actually currently live there, but my job is in Mewni."
"Yay?" It didn't look like the mental signals I was sending him to get me pizza was working, so I attempted to stand up. I stumbled, tripping over my feet as the world began spinning around me. Clive caught me, though my lack of being able to hold my own weight, I ended up in his lap; luckily, my bottle was unscathed. Embarrassed, I tried getting to my feet again; this time, I bit it pretty hard in the dirt.
"Let me help you, Dominica." He was standing over me now, his arm outreached. Reluctantly, I took his hand and got to my feet this time. "I don't think you need anymore of this." He reached for the bottle, and I jerked it away; though, my reflexes weren't that great, so he ended up grabbing it anyway.
Resigning to defeat, I declared, "I want more pizza!"
"The two entire ones you inhaled weren't enough?" I punched him in the arm. "I imagine if you weren't drunk, that could have left quite a bit of damage." He walked with me back toward the opening of the cave, my arm draped over his shoulders. As if on cue, a pizza truck pulled to a stop to deliver a stack of pizzas, one of which I hoped was meat supreme with double extra cheese.
"Hey, gimme one of those!" The guy handed me one and continued on inside. I fell to the ground, the hot box of pizza inviting on my lap. I took a deep breath in, allowing myself to savor it before the first bite. I opened the box slowly, the pizza heavy with cheese, though nothing else. I grabbed a slice, the melted concoctions clinging to its box mates for dear life as it neared my mouth. I took a huge bite out of it, a wave of satisfaction washing over me. At this moment in time, there was no party, no drunk people, no thumping music; only me, and my undying affection toward this pizza I was about to demolish.
That is, until a scream pierced the air.
I opened my eyes. The music stopped, everyone outside of the cave now paying attention to what was happening inside. The few staggering outside began to make their way in, and I shoved the remaining piece of pizza into my mouth so I could see what was going on. I got to my feet fine this time, pizza box in hand, staggering a bit back to the party.
A group had closed around two girls who appeared to be fighting. They were yelling at each other, though I couldn't understand what they were saying. I pushed my way through the crowd until I found an opening. One of the girls was Princess Arabella Spiderbite, and the other was Princess Jolie Ponyhead. Jolie had Arabella's hair in her mouth, yanking her around, while Arabella swatted at the air, trying to connect to any part of Jolie. "What's going on?" I asked the guy next to me.
"They're fighting over Marcus." Oh, of course. Should have guessed that.
I'm not sure was made me think I needed to be the voice of reason; I'm not sure if it was because it was my party being disrupted by a cat fight between princesses, if it was because I was cross faded, if I just genuinely felt in my heart that I wanted them to be friends. Regardless, I took steps forward, pizza in hand, urging them to stop. "Ladies, talk it out. He's totally not worth it." As Jolie swung Arabella around, I could see nothing but hatred in their eyes as the shifted toward me. I'm not sure if they saw me as a threat, or if they truly just wanted to duke it out. All I know is, Arabella swung at me, knocking the still hot pizza out of my hands.
As I watched the love of my life fall face-down onto the floor of the cave, the rage inside me unleashed all at once. My hands burned with hot, pink flames; I'm sure my eyes and cheekmarks were glowing, too, as the group around us took several steps backward. I lunged at the two princesses, neither of which had noticed, but was stopped midair by a pair of strong arms around my waist. "Whoa, there, Dominica. Calm down!" It was Marcus.
"Someone called the fuzz!" A voice called over the crowd. At that, everyone began to scatter. I was still foaming at the mouth while Marcus carried me, willing to tear into anything I came into contact with. Sirens screeched as they got closer, a sign that anyone who wasn't already gone at this point would be caught. In an instant, I realized we weren't at the mountains anymore; we were in the stillness of my room.
'Oh, right. Dimensional scissors.' He sat me down on my bed. I was beginning to calm down now, but I was still heartbroken over pizza I'd never get to eat.
"Dominica, you have got to be more careful. What if you mauled one of those girls?" He lectured me. I only rolled my eyes.
"Sure thing, Dad." I kicked my shoes off and began to undress. The clothes were beginning to feel like a hindrance now, and it was unseasonably warm inside my bedroom. Ignoring my nakedness, he continued.
"I'm being serious, Dominica! People had their phones out. What if they recorded you, too? Your third eye was starting to open when I grabbed you. The last thing you need is some sort of scandal to deal with." I looked at him, squinting.
"Are you sure?" I glanced at myself in the mirror. It was closed now, but I was a little out of control back there. Could it have opened without me knowing, or noticing?
"Yes! If it hadn't, I would have let you have a go at those girls. You know I love a good lady fight." He sat down on the bed with me, nudging me. Shaking my head, I laughed, my anger a distant memory now.
"What were they fighting over, anyway?"
"Oh, get this," he started, overly proud of himself, "I told them both I wanted to be their boyfriend, right? Then I broke up with them, and told them it was for the other one."
"Marcus, that's disgusting! What the hell is wrong with you?" He shrugged, still smiling. I kicked him, but my legs were heavy so it was more of a nudge.
"Like I said, I like a good lady fight. I couldn't resist. It's not a party without one." He winked at me. I went to tell him what a piece of crap he was, when a soft knock came to my door, followed by my name.
"It's Marco! Hide!" Marcus dove under my bed, and I hid under the covers, pretending to sleep. My door opened slowly, Marco taking his own invitation to come into my room. He sat on the bed next to me, shaking me gently.
"Dominica, wake up." I pretended to wake as if I wasn't blusteringly drunk, blinking and rolling over to him, the whole nine yards. He bought it.
"Marco? What time is it?" Really, I didn't know what time it was. I tried not to breath, so he wouldn't be able to smell the remnants of party on my breath. I hoped the room was dark enough to conceal my makeup, and I hoped whatever he needed didn't require me to get out of bed, as I was down to underwear.
"It's five in the morning. I was just heading out for the day, but I wanted to stop in to see you. I know you're moving in with Tom and I wanted to say goodbye."
Five in the morning? Damn, I didn't realize we'd been out for so long. He was indeed fully dressed in King's attire, a backpack in hand, probably full of documents. "Oh, well, thanks." I tried to sound sincere, but I really wanted him to leave as soon as possible. "You know I'll still come back to visit, right? And you can visit me anytime, too."
"I know, I know. It just won't be the same without you here, around the castle, all the time." He smiled at me. I loved my step-dad as much as my real dad; Marco had taken me in and treated me like his own. He also paid way more attention to me than Mom, who was always busy with some sort of problem in the kingdom or twins. "Also, I wanted to say that I'm proud of you. You're turning into a smart, responsible, beautiful, young lady, and one day when you rule your kingdoms, you'll be the best Queen we've seen."
It was probably the whisky and all the pizza, but I was starting to feel nauseous. My heart swelled at his words, and I wanted nothing more to hug him; but the room was shifting, my bed floating on a turbulent cloud. I didn't want to puke, and I didn't want him to see me naked. "Thank you, Marco, that means so much coming from you."
He smiled broader, and I almost felt guilty for sneaking out and getting wasted. Almost.
"Well, I better get going. I'll see you next week for our Earth trip, then?"
"Definitely."
He stood and let himself out, closing the door behind him. Once I was sure he was gone, I relaxed. "Ok, you can come out now, Marcus." The nausea passed, though the urge to hang my head off my balcony remained. My body felt so heavy now, though, I didn't think I would be able to make it out of bed by myself
"I'm so proud of you, Dominica." He mocked as he crawled out.
"Shut up!" With all the strength I could muster, I kicked him back off the bad as he laughed quietly. "That was a close one. Marco would have killed you if he caught you in here!"
"Don't have to tell me. He makes it very clear he doesn't like me." He got back on the bed next to me. "Mind if I crash here for the night?"
"Kind of." I nudged him. "I gotta be up in like, three hours, dude. You don't want to stay here anyway."
"Three hours? That's bogus. Later." In a swift motion, he was up and out of my window. Too tired to care, I let my head hit the pillow and my eyes closed. Had I really opened my third eye? I tried to recall the event of the night; it was all a blur of dancing, food, and emotion. Before I could sort it out, I was asleep.