Disclaimer: No no no, I do not own anything!
Author's Note: Thanks to all my super cool readers and reviewers and favers! So glad y'all are liking this! C:
Just a note, but there will be a little POV shifting in this chapter. Just one scene though, so I think y'all can do it.
Well, enjoy!
...
I steadied my breathing as I pulled out my keys and shoved one of them into the lock on our apartment door. As it clicked open, I quietly slipped inside the place, tossing my clutch purse on the table and kicking my heels to the side. I softly tiptoed inside, hoping to make it my room before bumping into my sisters.
No such luck.
Buttercup was sprawled on the couch, probably combating a hangover and Bubbles was in the kitchen flipping pancakes. I sighed. I guess I would have to answer their questions about my whereabouts the previous night. As I stepped into the adjoined kitchen and living room, I gave them a quick smile before sitting down at the table.
"Breakfast smells nice, Bubbles," I started awkwardly.
"Thanks!" she giggled. Bubbles was always the best cook. She turned the stove heat on low and faced me, "So, where were you last night?" she asked, her eyes wide in curiosity.
"N-Nowhere," I stuttered. "I was, um, just on a walk..." I added lamely.
"In the same outfit you wore last night?" Buttercup grinned, walking up to the island table and crossing her arms over her chest, "Spill! We want details!"
I swallowed.
"Omigosh, was it that cute redhead you were at the bar with?" Bubbles exclaimed. I flushed. "It totally was!" she squealed. "Congrats, sis."
"I don't even remember most of it to be honest," I rubbed my forehead, "I was so drunk," I berated myself. How stupid was I? I had no business going around and flirting and sleeping with random strangers! For all I knew, Brick Jojo could've put two and two together like I did. How awkward would it be facing him in court? It would totally be a conflict of interest. "Ugh," I groaned, hitting my head on the table.
Buttercup softened, "Okay, what happened?" she asked, uncharacteristically gentle. "You don't look so good," she noted, taking a seat beside me. Bubbles sent me a sympathetic glance before returning to her almost-burnt pancake.
"I just..." I started. How was I supposed to tell my sisters this? "That guy was an attorney who's suing me for malpractice," I blurted. I looked up at my sisters who had an amused glance on their faces. "What?" I exclaimed. What were they so happy about?
"Damn, Blossom, you are getting sued by one fine lawyer," Buttercup smirked. I had to let out a groan of agreement. I wasn't going to lie, he was gorgeous.
"It's alright, Bloss," Bubbles said soothingly, "I bet he'll drop the case since it was you," she giggled.
"Well... He doesn't exactly know he's suing me..." I started. I groaned. Again. "Okay, whatever. I'm done with this. I need to take a shower and completely forget this ever happened!" I exclaimed, standing up and making my way to my bathroom.
"Don't be too long! Breakfast's almost ready!" Bubbles called out to me as I walked out.
...
It had been about a week since my irresponsible little evening and I hadn't gotten any word from Brick. He didn't seem to drop the case, thankfully. Not that I wanted to get sued, but if he was still after me, that meant he probably didn't realize it was drunk Dr. Utonium he slept with a week before.
"Doctor?" my secretary shook me from my thoughts. I finished signing the files she was waiting on and I handed them to her with a smile, "This is for you," she said, handing me a bright red folder. "Mr. Jojo's office sent them over last night," she finished before scurrying off.
My eyes widened and my hands shook a little bit as I opened the file. What did he send me? I let out a sigh of relief when it turned out to be two more malpractice claims. Never before was I so happy to get sued!
Was I being absolutely ridiculous? Perhaps. Even if that moronic attorney did connect the dots, so what? I was clearly overreacting. Why should one little one night stand with some cretin affect my career? ...But still. A part of me had to know if he knew or not.
I shouldn't have picked up the phone and called him, but against all logical reason, I did.
"Hello, is Mr. Jojo there? ...Sure, I'll hold."
...
(Brick's POV)
I groaned as I heard my phone go off. I stirred in bed and muttered some swear words to myself, deciding that I'd just ignore the call.
"Brickie-Boo," a squeaky voice cooed beside me. Oh yeah, I brought some brunette home last night. What was her name? "Do ya want me to get that for you?" she held up my Android phone.
"Whatever," I muttered, burying my head back in my pillow.
"Brick Jojo's phone, Astrid speaking," she answered. Right, that was her name. Astrid. "Oh, hello, Dr. Utonium!" I groaned. Not this old hag. She had this crazy idea that she would never make a mistake ever. She thought way too highly of herself and it was high time someone knocked her down. She was probably calling to whine about the two cases I filed against her last night. Heh. "Yeah, just one second," the brunette said, holding my phone to her collarbone. "A Dr. Utonium wants to talk to you," she whispered to me. As if I couldn't figure that out.
"Wow, thanks. I had no idea, Ashley," I said acerbically. She narrowed her eyes in anger. Oh, this would be good.
"It's Astrid, you ass, not Ashley! It's not Blossom either! I don't know who that is-"
"Get out," I ordered lowly. "Now."
"Ugh, gladly," she scoffed, dropping my phone and grabbing her clothes as she left. Not before sending me a nasty scowl though.
Blossom... She was this girl I met at a club and hooked up with like a week ago. We were both drunk, but for some reason... I couldn't get my mind off her. She was gorgeous, funny, intelligent (or as intelligent a person can be when wasted) and for some reason, we automatically connected. ...Wow, okay, I almost sounded like Boomer, my pansy of a little brother. Never mind.
Just then, I realized Utonium was still on the phone. I paled. Crap, wasn't her name Blossom too? It would've been awkward if she heard that. Well, whatever. Blossom's a common name, right?
I picked up and phone and, "What do you want, Utonium?" I groaned.
"Not a morning person, I see?" I rolled my eyes.
"Did you just call to small-talk or do you plan on whining about those cases filed against you?"
"Whining? I do not whine! I called to see whether or not you were serious about these two. In fact, I had a hard time finding evidence against me, so I wasn't sure if it was a joke." That presumptuous bitch. I had had it. I wasn't wasting my time talking to her.
"Why don't you save it for court, Utonium? That is, unless you're scared," I taunted.
"Hardly. I'll see you in there, Jojo."
"Bet on it," I growled back before hanging up.
I threw my phone across the room in frustration. It wasn't the stupid doctor, it was the gorgeous redhead I met a week ago. I have never been so hung up on a girl... What was it about her that made me so... weak? And why did I let it bother me so much?
...
(Back to Blosom's POV)
Two weeks had passed since I had called Brick and his gruff demeanor meant he surely didn't know. After that weight had been lifted off my chest, I was free to resume my regular work at the hospital. I didn't really care about the lawsuits since the hospital had the best lawyers and I had gotten back to my regular routine.
I had all but forgotten that night three weeks ago. Part of me was absolutely disgusted that I had let myself get drunk and go home with a complete stranger, but part of me couldn't deny that it was one of the best nights I had had in a while. I pushed my thoughts to the side as I finished signing the file and handed it to my secretary.
After she stepped out, my stomach let out a loud rumble. Ugh, I was so hungry! I hadn't eaten anything all day. And anything I had eaten the night before, I threw up this morning. A few days ago I got this nasty bug and I've been so nauseated. I've vomited every morning and I've had trouble eating. Except, I was hungry all the time! It was awful.
I decided I could hold my food down for a little while, so I stepped out of my office. I was feeling rather warm, so I left my white-coat there. As I walked to the elevator, I had to tie my hair back in a ponytail. Normally, I left it down and it didn't bother me, but in the past few weeks, it had grown super fast! I needed to schedule a haircut.
The elevator dinged and I exited it, deciding at the last minute to skip the cafeteria. There was a Starbucks across the street, so I could grab something there. I straightened my black pencil shirt and smoothed the ruffles from my pink satin blouse, the clacking of my heels sounding as I crossed the road. I entered the coffee shop and joined the line.
The really, really, really long line. That was the one thing I hated about Starbucks. I let out a small groan and impatiently blew at my bangs. Great, just fricking great. I was starving and I would have to wait in line for half and hour before I could eat. I pulled out my phone to check if I had any missed messages. Just one from about three hours ago.
Bubbles (received at 11:29 AM)
Omigosh, I just had the BEST staff meeting in the WORLD! I can't wait to tell you about it! AAAAAAH! :DDDDD
I couldn't suppress my laugh. Bubbles always had her way of over-exaggerating. But still, I wonder what happened...? I pulled out the keyboard and was about to text her back, telling her to calm down, until-
"Blossom?"
My almost-pink eyes widened and my jaw dropped. What was he doing here? I ignored him. Maybe I just imagined it?
"Okay, that's cool. Ignore me," he said, nonchalant.
I spun around, "I-I didn't hear you," I started slowly. I forced a smile, hoping he wouldn't see through it. I looked at the redhead, who in his black slacks, red collared shirt and black tie did not look unappealing. "Well... Brick... I'm not sure what people say in these kinds of situations..." I said carefully.
Brick shrugged, "Me neither. Small talk?" he suggested, a twinkle in his eye.
"Okay," I nodded, trying to keep cool. How was this charming, attractive guy who made my legs wobble the same infuriating attorney who keeps trying to sue me? "What's... up?" I asked.
"Not much. Slow day at work, decided to take a break," he responded, "You?"
Slow day at work, my ass! I had gotten yet another lawsuit from this guy! I bit my lip, not wanting to blow my cover. He obviously didn't realize I was Dr. Utonium and I planned on keeping it that way. "Same here," I shrugged, "So-"
"Can I take your order, please?" the cashier interrupted. I was thankful, because I had no idea what else to say to Brick.
"I'll take a venti vanilla bean frappachino and two of those glazed donuts over there," I replied.
"And for you, sir?" the cashier asked Brick.
Hey! It was my order! Did we look like we were together or something?
Brick seemed amused at my large order and simply said, "Just a tall latte for me." He pulled out a card and my eyes narrowed. Did he think I couldn't pay for my own food? "I got it," he told me, handing his card to the cashier.
"No, it's alright," said tersely, stopping him and shoving my own American Express to the cashier.
"Uhh," the cashier looked to both of us, not sure whose to take. Brick must have scared the guy with his fierce-looking eyes because the cashier took his card. I growled. Lately, I seemed to get upset over the smallest things. Ugh, I hate PMS. I narrowed my eyes at the cashier before putting my credit card away. "One venti vannila bean frap and a tall latte for the couple, here!" he called to the lady across from him.
Whoa, whoa, WHOA! Couple! We are not a couple! We are the farthest thing away from being a couple!
I gave the cashier an icy glare. He meekly handed me the bag of donuts and grabbed it and sat down at a small table. Brick followed me.
"Hungry?" he raised an eyebrow. What? Like every little thing I did amused this guy? What a loser.
"Mmhmm," I replied, chewing the large bite of donut in my mouth. I swallowed. I hated it that he followed me and was making me keep conversation, but I... I kinda liked being around him. "I haven't eaten anything all day," I defended myself as I finished off the first donut. I didn't really want to divulge my odd digestive patterns of late, so I left it at that. And I didn't care if I looked like a pig- I was hungry!
He smirked, "I gotta say, Blossom, you're one of a kind. In fact, you might be the only- No wait... I know another Blossom. She's this stuffy old doctor lady who needs to get laid. But, uh, nothing like you."
I fumed! I am NOT stuffy! And I did NOT need to get- Okay, whatever. Not wanting to blow my cover and have him connect the dots, I lied, "She sounds lame. I wish I could say I knew another Brick, but I don't. Guess you've got a unique name," I shrugged. The second part wasn't really a lie, since he was the only Brick I knew.
"Listen," he said, leaning in closer, "Are you doing anything Saturday night?"
Uh oh. I could see where this was going... No. No. Hell, no! I choked on my bite of donut, coughed, then swallowed it. "Um," I started, "I-Um.. Brick-We-You-I-" I stuttered. I stood up and looked down at him, meeting his eyes, "Brick, let's not... Can we just leave what happened between us at that- just a one night stand?"
He frowned, his eyes suddenly looking scarier than before, "Bloss, you don't-"
"Don't call me that," I turned away from him, holding in a shudder from his glare, "Better yet, can we just completely forget any of this ever happened?" I asked, shaking my head. I grabbed my frappachino from the counter and walked out, leaving a confused (and angry!) Brick in the wake.
...
I ran back to my office, locked the door, sat down in my ergonomic chair and cried. I sobbed and choked and let tears fall down my face until it was a mess of dripping mascara and red blotches. I pulled out a few tissues and sobbed into them until they were soaking wet. My body shook as I cried my heart out until I didn't have any more tears. Then, just suddenly, I stopped. I didn't feel like crying anymore.
I sniffled and took a tissue and wiped my face clean of makeup and tears. I sniffed as I pulled out my compact mirror and fixed my hair. I straightened out my clothes, put on my white coat, grabbed my things and walked out the door.
I have no idea what came over me. I flat out rejected a guy, so why was I so upset? I couldn't logic it through. Sure, Brick was attractive, charming, funny, intelligent (well, that's debatable), successful- Wait, where was I going with this? Oh right, I didn't want a relationship right now. I didn't want to put my heart on the line, only for it to be shattered into a thousand tiny little pieces. I was tired of that. Was I, Blossom Utonium, taking the easy, scaredy-cat way out?
Maybe. Possibly. Probably. OKAY, FINE! I was. But what? I was probably just saving myself the heartache. I'd go out a few dates with this womanizing loser, get attached to him, but then some hotter woman would come along and I'd be alone. We had a great night together (that I'm slowly piecing back together). And we've both got careers. I bet if he knew I was really that 'stuffy old doctor', he wouldn't be interested in the first place.
I was looking into this too much, that's what it was. I had a one night stand and being the analytical, reasoning Blossom I am, I had to look into it. It didn't mean anything and I can chalk up my outburst to PMS.
God, I really hated PMS.
I pulled out my car keys, hit a button and my pink Prius unlocked. I tossed my bags into the trunk and hopped into the car and drove home, keeping my emotions in check the entire way. Once I got to the building, I parked, stepped out of the car, walked up to the fifth floor and before I had the chance to unlock the door, Bubbles pulled me into the flat and into her room.
"Bubbles!" I exclaimed, "What happened?" I asked, looking around at the state of her room. Clothes were sprawled everywhere; I could barely see the floor!
"OmigoshBlossom! I just met the cutest guy and he was super cute and nice and I'm so excited because he asked me out and we're going out on a date and he's so nice and perfect and wonderful and I think I'm in love and it's awesome and I just can't-"
I gripped Bubbles's shoulders, looked her square in the eye and said, "Calm the hell down, sis. Take a deep breath."
She followed my advice and let out a deep breath, "T-Thanks, Bloss. I needed that."
"Okay, so," I smiled, "What are you so excited about?" I asked, insanely curious. I wonder if this had anything to do with the staff meeting she texted me about...?
"Alright, I met the sweetest guy at our staff meeting today," she started. See, Bubbles worked in the Townsville City School system, Pokey Oaks Kindergarten to be exact. That was actually where the three of us went to school. Ms. Keane, our teacher, ended up getting her doctorate (Dr. Keane now) and became in charge of the entire school system. She also fell in love with our dad, The Professor, and they've been married for more than ten years. Anyways, after high school, Bubbles pursued a degree in education, specializing the development of young children. She's been teaching kindergarten for a few years now and I can't think of anyone better to teach five-year-olds than her.
"Continue..." I prodded.
"So, staff meetings are for all the teachers and staff in the entire system," she explained, "There, I met this super cute blonde guy who teaches high school English! He was sooo cute! And sweet! And sensitive. Blossom, I talked to him for like fifteen minutes and I felt like I knew him my entire life! We just connected!" she gushed.
"Great," I smiled. Bubbles always got along well with guys, so not that I doubted her, I just-
"Bloss, I know what you're thinking. But this is so different from every other guy I've ever been with! I think he's the one!"
"The one? How long have you known him?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Since this morning," she mumbled.
I nodded, "Alright, I am super happy for you," I grinned, "So, was there anything you needed from me?" I asked.
"YES!" Bubbles exclaimed. "Help me pick something to wear!"
She needed fashion advice? "Bubbles, you're the fashionista, not me," I reminded her.
"You're always so classy though! I don't want him to think I'm a slut!" she cried.
I rolled my eyes at her irrational fear and rummaged through some clothes from the massive pile all over her room, "What about this?" I held it up.
"Perfect!" she squealed. Just then, the doorbell rang and she paled, "It's Boomer! Quick, Bloss! Stall him while I get dressed!" she pleaded.
"Alright. You are going to be fine," I reassured her before walking out to the front door.
I peeked through the little hole in the door before opening it and inviting the tall blond in. I scanned him and he looked innocuous, with a bouquet of blue irises in hand. He had shaggy blond hair and deep sapphire eyes, and wore a striped blue button-up and light-washed jeans. I couldn't help but feel I had seen him before somewhere...
"You must be Boomer," I crossed my arms, giving him a hard, intimidating stare. He visibly shrunk away. At his reaction, I laughed, "I'm just kidding! Don't be scared of me," I said lightly. "I'm Blossom," put my hand out for him to shake, which he did.
"Boomer," he replied.
"I know. So, I heard you teach high school," I started conversation.
He nodded, "Yup. Literature and Composition," he said, clearly nervous. I had to assuage him.
"Don't be nervous," I said gently, "Bubbles really likes you. You've got nothing to be afraid of," I smiled reassuringly, "Unless you hurt her, that is," I said lowly, almost growling.
He vigorously shook his head in response, "I would never do that. I know I just met her this morning, but I really like Bubbles," he assured me.
"Good," I nodded.
Just then, Bubbles stepped out in a sky-blue sundress with dark blue swirls on it. The dress fit her nicely and her white shrug, white sandals and white jewelry accentuated her beauty even more. She wore her blonde hair in pigtails, looking young, but not childish. Boomer flushed, clearly at a loss for words.
"I-Um-You-" he stuttered.
"Are these for me?" Bubbles asked sweetly. Boomer nodded and handed her the flowers and she blushed. "Thanks, Boomer."
"Well, have fun you two," I said, urging them out the door. If I didn't say anything, they would've stood there for hours, blushing and avoiding eye contact. I waved them away, then shut the door behind them. I was happy for Bubbles. I really hoped things went well with her and Boomer, because I kinda liked him too. They looked like they'd be good together.
I stepped into the kitchen and put a frozen pizza into the oven. Buttercup wasn't getting home until much later, but I was really hungry, so I could finish off an entire pizza. With the apartment to myself and nothing else to do, I pulled out my phone and went on Facebook. I opened up my News Feed and went through it, looking for interesting statuses or pictures.
Bubbles Utonium is now friends with Boomer Jojo.
Boomer Jojo? He couldn't posssibly be related to Brick... Could he? I clicked on his name and his profile popped up. His picture had him with his arms around a black-haired guy and Brick. I went to his info to see if he had listed any siblings and sure enough, he was brothers with Brick and some guy named Butch. Aw, great.
Out of all the men in the world, my little sister has to fall for his little brother? Just great.
...
It's been a week since I ran into Brick at Starbucks and I still haven't been feeling better. I've thrown up every morning and I've had cravings for the weirdest foods. My hair won't stop growing and I've had all of these ridiculous mood swings (seriously, one moment I'm yelling, the next I'm crying!). And to make matters worse, I've been super stressed. That's probably why I missed my period.
...Wait a second.
Nausea (in the mornings!). Cravings. Hair growing longer and shinier. Mood swings. Missed period.
Holy crap, I'm... I'm... I'm.. PREGNANT!
"Dr. Utonium, you wanted these?" my secretary handed me a stack of files.
"T-Thanks," my voice got stuck in my throat as I took the files. "C-Can you do me a favor?"
"Sure, what can I help you with?" she asked.
"Get me a few pregnancy tests," I told her. At her surprised countenance, I hastily added, "For a friend! But still, be discreet." She nodded understandingly and exited the office. I let my head hit the desk.
How could I? How could I be pregnant? I haven't even slept with- Oh no. No. No no no no no no! Not Brick! Brick's the last guy I slept with! But it was a month ago... It couldn't be!
But it could. He was the only guy I've been with for a while... And come to think of it, I might have been drunk, but I couldn't remember using protection. I felt hot tears well up in my eyes, but I told myself I couldn't cry. Not here in the hospital. I'd have to save them for home.
A quick knock on my door was followed by my secretary walking in with a package, "The package you requested, doctor," she winked at me.
"That was... quick..." I said lamely. She nodded her head before leaving and I was left staring at the white box in front of me. I popped it open and there were about ten tests. I bit my lip, nervous to test myself. Since I had finished my work for the day, I decided to wait until I was home. The last thing I needed were a bunch of nosy nurses peeping around in my business. I quickly gathered my things together and before I knew it, I was back at my place.
I tossed my things aside and made a bee-line to my bathroom, the white package in hand. I ripped open the packaging on a test, pulled it out and followed the directions. After what felt like eons, the result was back. I looked at the little plus sign, mocking me. No. No, it couldn't be! ...Many tests weren't accurate. It was better to double check.
So I ran it again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
And again.
And again. Seventh time's the charm, right? But unfortunately, the result was no different from the six before it.
"I'm... pregnant..." Saying for the first time aloud made it seem real. It was real. I was having a baby. I was... having a baby. Right now, a little clump of cells was dividing and in eight months, it would be a little baby.
It would be a baby. My baby. Brick's baby.
Suddenly, the world went black and I lost control of my balance. The last thing I heard was the sound of my body hitting the cold tile floor.
...
D'aww, poor Blossom! :(
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Oh, I need a name for Blossom's secretary? I can't keep calling her 'secretary'. Ideas?