The Amazing World of Gumball
'' Abusive Love ''
Written by Joshua Cyrus
Let's start at the beginning. It was a year later. Gumball and Darwin were now thirteen years old. Their little sister Anais was five years old. Gumball and Darwin were headed to eighth grade soon, their last year of junior high school. Anais was also moving up a grade, to sixth grade. Wait. A five year old in sixth grade? Anais was ultimatly the youngest and smartest Watterson. Nicole had quit her job at the Rainbow Factory and was now a cashier at a local fast food resturant. Richard,on the other hand,remained the same. He had no job, he was still overweight, and was as lazy as ever. The Watterson's lives were pretty normal otherwise. Except for one hot summer day, when all that was about to change.
Chapter One: Gumball's Breakup
Gumball and Darwin were enjoying their summer vacation off from school. They were sitting on the living room couch playing their favorite video game. Anais was making sure all the school supplies she needed were taken care of. School would start in a total of about two weeks. Nicole was in the kitchen humming along to the radio as she prepared breakfast. Richard was sitting on the front porch watching the neighboorhood kids at play, enjoying the last of summer vacation while it was around. The family continued to enjoy themselves. The sun was shining brightly above the town of Elmore. A beautiful day was headed their way.
'' Dude, you stink at this game! '' Darwin teased as he shot his brother's character repeatedly, earning victory for himself. Gumball rolled his eyes. '' So what. It's just a dumb video game anyway. '' He mumbled. Darwinl laughed. '' Whatever! You're just saying that because you're a sorry loser! '' Darwin laughed mockingly. Gumball's mood brightened. '' Oh, yeah? Says the one who dosen't have a girlfriend!'' He shot back. Darwin's eyes widened. '' You're still going out with Penny? '' He asked with a shocked expression. Gumball rolled his eyes. '' Dude, we've been dating for the past month. '' He reminded him. Darwin burst out laughing. '' I know! '' He replied. Gumball chuckled. '' Ha, shut up dude! '' He began to laugh along.
''Gumball,Penny's on the phone for you! '' Anais called from the kitchen. '' I'm coming! '' Darwin gave Gumball the thumbs-up symbol. Gumball punched him in the arm playfully and ran to answer the phone. '' Hey, Penny. '' Gumball said cheerfully. Penny was slient for a moment, then she softly said ,'' Hey, Gumball. '' Gumball could tell by the tone of Penny's voice that something was wrong. Over the past month, Gumball had been able to tell when Penny was upset or angry just by listening to the tone of her voice. '' Penny, what's the matter? Did someone hurt you? '' Gumball asked kindly. On the other side of the phone, Gumball could hear Penny sniffling in the background. An empty feeling dropped into the pit of his stomach as Gumball listened to his girlfriend crying. '' Penny? '' He tried again. Penny sniffled again before speaking. '' Gumball ,this isn't easy to say. It breaks my heart. Gumball, I'm moving away. ''
At first, Gumball didn't know what to say. He stood there, holding the phone up to his ear. '' You're moving? Like, to a new house in Elmore? '' Gumball asked, dreading the answer. '' No. We're... '' Penny sniffled again. '' ... We're moving out of the Elmore area. '' She gasped. Gumball began to smile. '' So, we can have a long-distance relationship.'' He suggested. Penny sighed. '' Gumball, those long-distance relationships never work. I think- I think we should break up. '' Penny said. Gumball's heart sank. Did he hear her correctly? He hoped not. '' You- you want to- break up? '' He stuttered. Penny sniffled. '' Yes. I'm sorry Gumball. '' Penny said goodbye and hung up. Gumball stood there, tears welling up in his eyes. Penny? Moving? But why? These questions floated inside his head. He hung up the reciever and locked himself up inside his bedroom to be alone.