A/N: This story will alternate, every chapter, between Bubble's and Butch's POV.

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I walked across the lawn. The grass, short and neatly trimmed, was soft against my bare feet as I walked away from the crowd of looming adults. All the women smelled of thick perfume and had fake smiles and the men smelled of expensive cigars and their eyes were greedy.

I was relieved to be away from them, to be far from their watchful eyes and catty talking.

"Bubbles, don't go too far," I heard and I turned in time to see my father turn back to the conversation. I smiled and nodded although he was no longer paying attention and I continued before my nanny saw me and called me back.

I stepped quickly around a carefully trimmed bush in order to disappear from sight and then stopped to look at the expanse of grass before me. All the bright green leaves led up to the rod iron fence that blocked me in. I stared at the barrier from a distance, watching it as if it would melt with my glance.

Outside the fence were other houses, just as big and extravagant as my own. But a few miles, past the country club and the gated fences, I knew there was a city. A big one, with tall buildings and loud noises. A place without gorgeous lawns and buildings without extravagant parties every night.

I sighed and walked towards the fence, towards the cage and one of my hands came up to grip the bars, my small fingers wrapping around the cool metal. My other hand held fast to my ratty teddy bear, its stuffed limb indented by my tight grip.

"Bubbles, don't go too close to the gate," I heard my nanny's voice but I didn't turn around, my face remaining pressed against the metal bars. "Bubbles, you know you're not aloud to go off the property without your father's permission."

I looked away from the brick house across the street and down at the ground, my bare feet suddenly interesting and the dirty hem of my dress catching my attention. I blinked, wondering if the woman behind me would go away but knowing she wouldn't.

"Bubbles!" I spun fast, my free hand swiping at my eyes and stopping the tear trailing down my face. My nanny just sighed, used to the sight of me crying. She always told me that for a four year old I'd already cried enough for ten lifetimes.

A baby, that's what she always called me.

"What now?" She asked, reaching out her hand and I took it out of habit, clutching it and sniffing slightly. She pulled me along behind her, back to the party, back to the looming parents.

I didn't know why I was crying but for some reason I couldn't stop. I buried my face into the back of her worn dress in an attempt to stop. A futile attempt.

"I want to go the city," I mumbled to her, my blonde hair falling into my eyes but I didn't have a free hand to brush it away. My teddy bear dragged against the grass.

"You're not allowed to go to the city," My nanny said without hesitation, used to telling me what I could and couldn't do.

"But I just want to see it," I said, my voice getting excited and my tears stopping. "I've only seen it once."

"You aren't allowed in the city," She said again and I just gripped her hand tighter, trying to get her to look back at me. Trying to get her to understand.

"Please, I just want to see it," I said. "The tall buildings and the yellow cars. I want to go there, just one more time. There were trains underground there, did you know that? Trains you can ride underground!"

My nanny stopped and I collided into the back of her legs, not expecting her to stop, not really thinking she had been listening. She turned and let go of my hand, her knees cracking as she knelt down before me. Her dark eyes met mine squarely.

"If you love it so much, maybe one day you'll live there," She said and I knew that she wasn't serious. She never for a second thought I'd ever set foot in that city unless given permission. Girls that lived where I lived, girls with money and backgrounds like mine, they never lived in the city. My nanny knew this, and she smiled at this.

I was the daughter of the richest, most famous scientist in all of Townsville.

I would never live in the city.

"Bubbles!" Blossom called, her pink dress and pink bow blowing in the wind from where she stood with the rest of the young children. She waved at me and I waved back, my nanny standing back up to guide me back to the other children.

"Maybe someday I will live in the city," I said.

"Hmm?" My nanny asked, sending a questioning look back at me over her shoulder. She looked away when I didn't answer, immediately forgetting that I had spoke.

"I will," I promised myself. Why? Because I was young and my dreams had no limits.

----

I woke up, feeling better but still sick.

My fever made me sweat. My sweat made my skin slick and I felt disgusting. I moaned and shifted against my mattress, my body finally fully waking up and my eyes opening to the dreary morning light.

I had been up late, very late, on a medicine search but it had been worth it to feel my headache fade and my nausea to ease away. I sat up and realized that my virus must be finally on its last stretch because my body was less drained.

I stood and stretched a bit but when I went to take a step I fell flat on my face. I had to laugh a bit at my own stupidity. I kicked the box that I'd tripped over a bit from where I laid on the ground.

"Three more boxes," I said happily, tugging at my damp shirt to keep it from sticking to my back. I rose to my feet and smiled. I'd been unpacking sense yesterday and still I hadn't finished but I was almost done.

I gazed around at my new apartment. My new home.

The walls were a dreary gray and thin enough so that I could hear the neighbor's muffled talking on one side. But in the apartment on the other side, the neighbor seemed to be quiet or not at home because I hadn't seen anyone go in or out of the door since I arrived yesterday. And there wasn't any sounds coming from the apartment. Maybe it was empty?

But I didn't mind the thin walls. I didn't mind the noises of the city. And I didn't mind my cramped new home.

I didn't really mind any of it.

My sisters, both of them, said I wouldn't make it on my own. They said I'd move back home with my father before then end of the week.

But they were wrong.

I could be by myself. I could. Even if the living arrangements were less then desirable I would do this on my own. I'd get a job, pay my rent, and have fun doing it! Who says being broke had to be dull?

The phone rang as I stood looking at a certain dirt stain on my ceiling and I quickly jumped over a box to get it. The apartment, my apartment, was small so I reached the phone in a few short steps.

"Hello," I said giddily. "Congratulations on being the first caller at my new home!" There was a snort of laughter on the other end.

"You're so weird Bubbles," Came a calm, humor laced voice.

"Blossom!" I smiled to myself, flopping down onto my small couch.

"How's moving in going? Do you need any help?" My sister asked and I twisted my hair around my finger while contemplating.

I could say yes and then she'd come over and I'd have company…but then she'd see my new apartment and she'd freak. She would drag me from the building like a kid throwing a tantrum and I'd never see my new home again.

I sighed. "No, everything's practically done," I breathed into the phone. "The movers helped with the heavy stuff and I'm about to put the dishes away now." I paused. "It's actually pretty nice here."

"Sure it is," Blossom laughed and then her tone turned serious. "Bubbles, you're basically in the slums. I'm worried about you, something could happen. Just come and stay with me for a while." She offered and I was already shaking my head even though she couldn't see me.

"No," I replied, my tone firm but still friendly. "I'll be fine, I swear! Dad offered me the same thing and I said no. And then he offered to get me an apartment uptown but I have to do this on my own, you know? Besides, I want to live here."

"But it's dangerous," She tried to reason.

"No, it's not. Well…no more dangerous than anywhere else," Her side was quiet for a moment. "Blossom, I have to do this. I've lived at home my whole life. You and Buttercup have been moved out for a year now and it's my turn."

"But you could've just taken Dad's money," Blossom said, her tone resigned but she still continued. "That way you'd be on your own and have a decent place to live. I mean, there are other places in the city to live besides there."

"But I have to do this on my own. I've depended on Dad my whole life, now it's time to depend on myself," I heard her begin to say something but I quickly cut her off. "In a few months I'll be married, Blossom. And then I'll be out of here and under the support of Andy. Don't you see? My whole life will be other people taking care of me. For once I need to take care of myself."

She was quiet. And finally: "Fine. But if you ever need something I'm only a phone call away."

"I know," I laughed. "Don't worry. I'm going to a job interview later today and then I'll be set. The rent here is practically nothing so I'll have plenty extra cash for food and other necessities."

"Just be careful, you aren't used to living in anything but luxury."

I pouted. "I'm not spoiled, I can take care of myself!"

"I know, okay? I love you." Blossom said and I could hear her boyfriend come in and call out her name. "I got to go." She said and I heard his voice again and smiled. They were adorable together.

"Okay, bye!"

Click.

I put down the phone and looked around my apartment again. No, it wasn't what I was used to but that was okay. It was only temporary and I'd be fine. I'm always fine. Bsides this is what I wanted.

I moved to the bathroom. The other boxes would have to wait. I needed a shower and a new change of clothes. After all, you can't show up all sweaty and gross to a job interview.

---

"Bubbles Utonium?" The man questioned, his bald head gleaming with sweat.

"Yes?" I asked politely. He looked me over with interest.

"Are you here for the interview?" He asked. I nodded but before I could talk he began again. "Congratulations, you start tomorrow."

"W-what?" I asked, confused. He seemed bored with me already though, and he looked down at the clip board in his hands.

"You're the only applicant, congratulations. You work from eight in the morning to seven at night and you'll get about four dollars an hour," He recited mechanically, not even bothering to look up.

I gaped at him. Four dollars? "Do I get tips?" I asked and he looked around the small diner we were in, looking at the ratty booths and the ancient jukebox. He smiled mockingly, his eyes laughing.

"Honey, if you get a tip you can keep it, but don't expect any. People around here a pretty tight for money," He explained and I blinked slightly. "So, how about it? You still want the job or not?"

"Y-yes," I said quickly.

"Good," He sighed. "What size are you? For your uniform I mean."

"Oh, a large I guess," I said with a shrug. He looked at me, a bit startled. I was smaller then most but I hated to wear clingy clothes and usually tried to get a large size. "Do I get more then one uniform?"

"You get two, so keep 'em clean," He replied. "You'll be servin' a lot so wear comfortable shoes too." Here he eyed my black ballerina flats. "I'm just going to go get you your uniform."

He disappeared back into his office. I sighed and looked around the small diner, slightly apprehensive. A waitress? What was I thinking? I was a natural klutz and this was just pushing my luck.

My thumb messed unconsciously with my engagement ring as I waited, the diamond was rough against the pads of my fingers. After two weeks of wearing it I still wasn't used to the feel.

The man, my boss, came back out and shoved a handful of tan cloth at me. I looked at the retro outfit carefully and bit back a sigh. The material was rough and worn and I knew I'd look horrible in it.

Oh well, I'm not trying to impress anyone.

"There you go," He nodded. "Make sure you pin your hair back and…here." He handed me a nametag, small and cool against my palm. I looked down at it and blinked with confusion.

"This says 'Betty'," I said, staring down at the name on the tag.

"So?" He asked, obviously done with me.

"My name isn't Betty," I tried to explain but he was already writing something on his clipboard and walking back towards his office.

"There's no point in making a new name tag until I'm sure I'm not going to fire you," He said before his door shut behind him, leaving me alone in the diner. I frowned at the closed door and shook my head.

I looked down at the nametag in my hand and sighed.

So, until I prove myself….I'm Betty.

I laughed and walked out of the diner, my uniform in my arms and my new name on my mind.

----

"I wish you would've just moved in with Blossom," Andy said as we sat in the center of Ginza Sushiko, Andy's favorite restaurant. I looked up from my menu and smiled at him. "I'd feel better."

"I know, but I'll be moving in with you in a few months," I laughed, giving him a teasing glare. "Once we're married. Until then I'm going to try the adult thing and live on my own."

My fiancée smiled at me. He looked dazzling in his nice Armani suit and shiny watch, surrounded by the lavish furniture and nice lighting. His blonde hair was parted and he'd obviously just got out of work. His hazel eyes watched me ardently and made me smile at him. He was a winner, a really cute guy.

He was just so sweet. So considerate. He was the kind of guy who favored opera over a football game, wine over beer, pink over red, and fine cuisine over take out. And no, he wasn't gay. (Although Buttercup said otherwise.) He was raised by one of the most classy, elegant women in town who drilled manners and the importance of self image into his brain at a young age. Things such as that were important in life.

And I knew Andy was considerate because he had a strong bond with his mother. I sometimes didn't understand their relationship because I didn't have a mother of my own. Sometimes I felt out of place when they were talking.

But he never meant for me to feel out of place.

And I was lucky to have him.

At times I wondered what about me caught his eye. He was just so nice, so safe. And soon we'd be married and the calm, comfortable life I was raised to have…would be ours.

And that's what I wanted.

Really.

"So today my boss called me in to see him," Andy said as he pushed the bowel of burnt food away from him. "He wanted to ask me something."

"Did something bad happen?" I asked, only half-listening while I scanned the menu. I found myself doing a lot lately when Andy talked about work, which was bad. I was raised to listen intently when people spoke but most of the conversations growing up had been so boring I'd always zoned out. I guess it had become a habit.

"He asked me to play tennis with him at the country club this Saturday," Andy grinned, obviously very proud.

I beamed, happy at his achievement. I'd lived around people like Andy and his boss my whole life; I knew how good tennis at the country club sounded to the rest of the co-workers.

"Congratulations!" I said, smiling wholeheartedly. My eyes were trained on his perfect face. "That's great, maybe you'll get promoted to the vice-president like you've been talking about."

"I'm hoping so, but he wants you to come as well." I sent him a questioning look. "He's bringing his wife and it'd look nice if you came as well. I think he wants to meet you. You are the daughter of the most famous scientist in all of Townsville."

I blushed and looked down at the table. I knew how much appearances meant, but I didn't want to ruin this promotion for Andy. What if I said something stupid? Or accidentally beamed the boss's wife with a tennis ball?

As if reading my thoughts, Andy sent me a sympathetic look. Andy always handled me with the utmost care, sometimes even treating me like a child when he wasn't paying attention to his tone of voice. A lot of people treated me like a child though, so I was used to it and had learned to ignore it.

"You'll be fine," He assured me. "Gee whiz Bubbles, you're the nicest girl I've met. Just dress nice, be polite, and remember to pay attention. You'll be fine. You've had all the proper training when it comes to luncheons and things like this."

"I know," I laughed, speaking over my nerves. I remembered my governess and the years of manner lessons I'd had. But was that enough? "Who knows? Maybe I'll even win the tennis match."

Andy stood up, leaning over the small table to place a kiss on my forehead. I felt his cool lips and leaned my head back to receive one on my lips as well but he had already pulled back and had placed his napkin gently next to his spot.

"You know you can't beat him, dear," He said as he smiled. "That would look bad."

"I know."

"I have to use the restroom; I'll be right back okay?" He asked, his tone airy like I was child. I ignored this and nodded. "I love you."

I nodded again.

"I love you too," I said, avoiding his eyes suddenly and looking back down at the menu. I always felt awkward saying this. Blossom said it was because I was afraid to let him close, but I wasn't sure. But Blossom was usually right so I went with it.

I mean, I was slightly nervous that each time he said he loved me, he would realize it wasn't true and then he'd leave me. And I'd make my father the laughing stock of the country club.

But most of the time I was afraid I wasn't the one who meant it when I said it. I mean, how can you be sure if you're in love or not?

I sighed, who cares? I was in love, I had to be. Andy was perfect and we'd be happy together, for the rest of our lives. We both liked the same things and enjoyed being with each other. It'd work out. We'd be married in a classy church and be talked about as the perfect couple for years.

When he came back we ordered and our food came shortly after. The meals were expensive and not quite my taste but I bared it for Andy's sake. I knew he loved eating there.

"I'm learning to cook in my new apartment," I informed him after a lull of silence.

"That's okay pumpkin, when we're married we'll have cooks," He assured me and my grin faltered slightly.

"But I want to learn to cook…" I trailed off and looked at my plate, feeling childish.

"Maybe one of our cooks will give you lessons," He assured me. "You know, once you have this all out of your system."

The 'this' he was referring to was my new apartment. My recent move.

I knew what he thought. I knew what everyone thought.

They thought I was a silly little girl who wanted to play house for a little while. But they all knew the moment anything went wrong I'd pack up and move back in with my dad. My little brave fantasy wouldn't last long.

But they were wrong.

I could live on my own. I could stand on my own two feet. I wasn't a little girl anymore and I was out to prove it. I was going to show the country club and the rest of the upper-class world that I wasn't going to roll over so easily. I was going to endure.

"So this Saturday…" Andy began and I had already tuned out.

I thought about tennis on Saturday and I closed my eyes in annoyance, not looking forward to having to make small talk with the boss's wife the whole time.

I grimaced, that was a horrible thought. I should be more supportive of Andy. I owed it to him as his fiancée to be at all his work functions and things such as that. It looked bad if a man went somewhere public like a dinner party without his future wife. It made people talk.

And people that talked was a bad thing. Especially rich people. Because from my life's experience, rich people's talking was usually gossip, which was usually mean, which usually leads to people being shunned from the social scene.

"Tennis on Saturday," I said to myself like a chant. "Fun."

---

A police siren went off nearby as I sat on my bed, my hair wet and my clothes baggy and clean. My window was open and I sighed as I listened to the siren as I whizzed by my new apartment building and faded into the night.

I rested my chin against my knees and I looked down at my toes as I wiggled them.

"Hush, little baby, don't say a word.
Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird,"

I sang the words softly, my tone hesitant and my voice cracking with my bad singing voice. I imagined my father's voice when I was a child, his low tones singing to me as I drifted to sleep.

"And if that mockingbird won't sing,
Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring,"

I looked around my apartment, feeling slightly lonely but at the same time…free.

"And if that diamond ring turns brass,
Papa's gonna buy you a looking glass…"

I stopped, my body becoming still. I sniffed the air and immediately stood up from the bed, walking quickly to my kitchen area.

"Oh, no!" I moaned as I pulled the oven open and smoke pooled from the inside. My brownies still remained in the furnace and I cringed as the smoke hit my eyes, making them water. "Oh, no."

I grabbed a rag and waved it in an attempt to spread the smoke away. "Come on!"

My first meal in my new apartment was…a disaster.

It seems I might need those cooking lessons after.

A knock sounded at my door and I groaned, looking with distrust at the smoky oven. I'd never cooked before, and I'd never had to deal with a burning, well, anything, so with slight hesitation I turned and ran to my door. I hoped whoever was there had knowledge of how to handle brownie fires…and maybe had a fire extinguisher too.

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"To stand still is to lose, To move is to gain, To change is to grow."

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Boring? Yes. But it's all for the sake of the building story, I promise.

Next chapter: Butch's POV!!!! That's my favorite for some reason. I love his character, he has so many possibilities.

Yes, this is a present to myself for finishing BWD! I hope you don't mind.