Chapter 2.
Early the next morning, Disgust walked cautiously into the main room to join the other Emotions for her morning duties. The green Emotion rubbed her tired eyes with her hands and in doing so, ended up smearing her eyeshadow rather unflatteringly across her face. Normally this would have bothered her deeply but not this morning...
Disgust stared at the smudged makeup on her hands and gave a resigned moan as she took out a facial wipe from her makeup bag and started cleaning her face listlessly. Now she was going to have to reapply all her daily makeup again! But as inconvenient as this setback was, it seemed trivial compared to the other problem that had kept her awake all night…
Disgust had hardly managed to shut her eyes, let alone sleep last night and that was at least in part what led her to so carelessly smudge her makeup in the first place! The green Emotion couldn't stop thinking about her performance yesterday and the harsh words she aimed at her coworkers…
Especially Sadness.
Although she would never admit it to the others, Disgust had been racked with guilt ever since she took out her frustration on her blue colleague, and that guilt had prevented her from getting a wink of sleep last night. Looking back on it now, she knew that her words had been full of bite and that she came across as more critical than she should have…but deep down she meant everything she said with the best of intentions!
It's just that the girl is in desperate need of an image overhaul! Disgust thought to herself with mounting irritation as she flicked a stray bit of hair out of her face edgily.
And as unlikely as it sounds, maybe Disgust was actually trying to do Sadness a favor by pointing out the painfully obvious flaws in her behavior (and appearance… the green Emotion couldn't help thinking with a petulant sigh as she took out her portable makeup mirror and started putting on a fresh layer of eyeshadow), when she said those harsh things yesterday!
Sure. Disgust had noticed the looks of disapproval she had received from the other Emotions when Sadness had run off and shut herself in her room for the remainder of the day. In fact the others refused to have anything to do with her following her little tirade that morning, and if there's one thing Disgust can't stand above all else, it's being ignored!
It's not that she was insensitive and that she didn't care about the impact her words had had on the little blue Emotion…Sadness was naturally so sweet and gentle that no one would intentionally say or do anything to hurt her!
The truth was that Disgust had felt awful and angry with herself for reacting the way she did and she knew deep in her heart that she needed to apologize to Sadness. But another part of her mind couldn't help feeling annoyed that the others had made her out to be the villain in Headquarters just because she had the audacity to speak her mind when they were all carrying on so immaturely about the delayed moving van!
I mean, it's not my fault that the other Emotions just don't get me! She mused irritably as she ran her fingers through her shiny green hair briskly.
I only try to do what I believe is the right thing by Riley and the others! If they can't see eye-to-eye with me on certain things, then that's their problems!
These thoughts were going through Disgust's head as she headed down the ramp leading into the main room and she was so wrapped up in her own mental reflections that she failed to notice Sadness walking towards her as she prepared to leave the room and retire to her private sleeping quarters after taking Dream Duty last night.
The two Emotions nearly collided with each other as Disgust stepped off the ramp, her attention fixed on her makeup mirror as she did a final check to make sure everything looked perfect and that there wasn't a strand of hair out of place, that she almost bumped into the short blue Emotion as she was about to go up the ramp.
"Hey! Watch where you're going you clumsy…" Disgust started to protest, then she looked up from her mirror and saw that it was Sadness that she had almost walked into. She caught herself and her expression fell as the guilt from yesterday came flooding back.
Forcing a smile, the green Emotion looked apologetically at her blue coworker and began stuttering like Fear as she offered, "Oh…um…Sadness it's you! Listen…I didn't mean what I said just then…I thought you were Anger or someone else…"
Sadness looked at the floor miserably and deliberately avoiding eye-contact she mumbled, "Don't worry about it…"
"Oh…well…okay then…" Disgust replied uncomfortably, kneading her fingers together and unsure about how to proceed.
Sadness made no attempt to step around her green colleague and just continued staring dismally at the floor, as if waiting for Disgust to say something more. (Either that, or she expected Disgust to move out of her way…?)
But seeing as how Sadness is so gentle and courteous towards others, Disgust decided that it must be the former of the two possible scenarios. So seizing the opportunity to make some amends, she tried to give her blue companion a friendly smile and leaning forward, took a deep sniff of Sadness' glossy blue hair.
"Ummm…your hair smells great Sadness!" Disgust commented as she ran her hand through the little Emotion's smooth, silky hair.
Sadness looked at her with a confused expression but remained silent as Disgust tried to put on her most convincing smile.
"No, seriously! I mean it! Did you use a different type of shampoo recently?" She admired as Sadness looked away forlornly again.
"No." she sniffled.
Disgust waited for her to say more but apparently Sadness had no intention of elaborating on her answer.
The corner of Disgust's mouth twitched slightly as she fought back a twinge of irritation at her companion's lack of interest in her attempts to be nice to her, but she tried to remain impassive as she offered sweetly, "Well if at any time you decide that you want to do something different with your hair, feel free to come to me for some tips!"
She gave Sadness a gentle squeeze on the shoulder and encouraged, "Don't hesitate to ask! I'll be more than happy to help!"
"Okay…" Sadness mumbled with disinterest whilst still avoiding eye-contact.
Then without another word she stepped around Disgust sluggishly and shuffled off towards her room.
Disgust stared blankly at the spot where Sadness had been standing for a few seconds after the blue Emotion had gone. Finally she shrugged dismissively and continued making her way over to the console.
Oh well…she told herself mentally. I tried.
In her mind, Disgust believed that she truly did make an effort at apologizing to Sadness just now and already she felt some of the former guilt being lifted off her shoulders. Whether Sadness decided to accept her apology or not, was up to her but Disgust was feeling rather pleased with herself as she passed by the kitchen on her way to the controls and saw Fear and Anger talking inside.
It was pretty unusual for those two to be having a conversation with each other that didn't involve yelling and random objects being thrown around the room…so with her curiosity piqued, Disgust decided to make a little detour and find out what they were gossiping about.
As she strolled purposefully towards the kitchen, Fear glanced up and saw her approaching. He promptly elbowed Anger to hush him…unfortunately his elbow happened to be eye-level with the short red Emotion and Anger ended up getting elbowed in the eye, much to his contempt as he gave Fear a threatening growl and raised his fist menacingly as if to punch him in the guts.
Fear flinched instinctively and indicated with his head in Disgust's direction. Anger shot a quick look at the advancing green Emotion and his face went slack as he instantly averted his gaze and pretended to study his feet.
"Oh hi boys!" Disgust said innocently as she walked up to them.
"Did I interrupt anything?"
Fear rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Oh n-no…not at all…" he stuttered and quickly looked away from her probing eyes uncomfortably.
Disgust nodded slowly and stared at the other two Emotions intensely. She was testing them to see if they would crack under her persistent gaze, but so far they were both doing a pretty good job of keeping their secrets…
Anger's eyes remained fixated on his feet almost as though he was hoping that if he ignored her, Disgust would lose interest and go away.
Oh boy…talk about being caught red-handed! She's onto us! Little Miss Snobby knows that Beanpole and I have been talking about her! He thought frantically as he hesitantly glanced up and confirmed that she was indeed still standing there, looking as smug as ever.
Disgust waited a few seconds more before shrugging nonchalantly. "Well whatever."
Then she fixed both Emotions with her most sincere look as she stated apologetically, "Look guys, I know that I may have overreacted and said some really harsh things to all of you yesterday, but I just bumped into Sadness on my way here and I kind of apologized…"
She batted her long eyelashes at them in a flirtatious way and added, "I mean, I don't think I really offended you guys' right?"
Anger and Fear shuffled their feet uncomfortably and refused to make eye-contact with the green Emotion as she probed deeper…
She turned her attention to Anger and addressed him with a hint of admiration in her voice, "Anger, I know I said that you should work out more, but I meant it in a good way! You misunderstood my point! With a bit of exercise you could really tone those muscles and end up looking quite handsome!"
Anger grunted noncommittally. Yeah right! He could see through her act and fake charm! She plainly insulted him yesterday and she was doing it again right now!
But even before he finished thinking those thoughts, he was already picturing himself looking buff and toned…
Maybe I should try incorporating some work-out time into my daily routine…? He thought as a sly smile crept across his face.
Disgust couldn't help smiling to herself in satisfaction. Convincing Anger of her innocence had turned out to be a piece of cake! Now she just had to work on the others…
She focused her attention on Fear, who was fiddling with his hands nervously and fixed him a sweet smile.
"As for you Fear…" her brow creased in thought before she shrugged dismissively, "I don't recall saying anything to you actually…"
Despite the obvious relief he felt that he had dodged Disgust's criticism, Fear couldn't help feeling slightly miffed that she had so blatantly overlooked him.
As usual no one ever pays attention to me… the purple Emotion mused dejectedly.
Disgust was feeling rather pleased with herself that she had gotten some of the guilt of her chest, and she gave the other two Emotions a small nod of approval.
"Great! I'm glad that's settled then!"
Fear cleared his throat softly and said, "Its all well and good apologizing to us Disgust but I think it was Sadness' feelings who you hurt the most yesterday."
He looked up timidly into her intense emerald-colored eyes and ventured, "You know how gentle and shy she is…maybe you shouldn't have been so harsh on her?"
Disgust threw up her hands in exasperation and declared with more hostility in her voice than she intended, "But she always cries! Don't any of you find that as frustrating as I do?!"
Fear gulped nervously and muttered guiltily, "Well she does…"
A slightly cross look appeared in his gray eyes as he confessed, "The other day she asked to borrow my honey when she was making her tea and she started crying for no reason and her tears fell into the jar and made my honey salty!"
"Yuck!" Disgust stated whilst pulling a face. "You see? That's what I'm talking about! She always ends up getting her tears on everything and causing a mess!"
She gave Fear a sympathetic look. "She even ruined your honey…"
Fear shook his head and chuckled, which took Disgust by surprise. Was he laughing at her?! What was the meaning of this?!
Narrowing her eyes questioningly at the purple Emotion, she pouted petulantly, "What's so funny Wise Guy? Do you care to let me in on your little joke?"
Fear waved his hand dismissively and explained in a light-hearted way, "It turns out, I actually like the taste of salted caramel! So having Sadness cry into my honey jar wasn't such a bad thing after all!"
"Urgh! That sounds revolting!" Disgust exclaimed as she turned a shade greener.
Fear shrugged and insisted, "No really! It's actually really nice! Even salted honey! So you see, I don't really mind her crying that much!"
Now Anger stepped forward and glared at Disgust threateningly.
"And you shouldn't pick on her weight either!" he demanded protectively.
"Not everyone likes stick-thin girls you know! Sure, Sadness is a little plumpish…"
A confident smile spread across Anger's face as he gestured to himself and proclaimed, "But personally, I prefer my girls to be soft and cuddly!"
"Oh, you two are impossible!" Disgust huffed indignantly as her voice went up an octave in her irritation.
"Say whatever you want if it makes you feel better, but personally I am so sick of Sadness' cry-baby attitude!"
Suddenly the three Emotions were interrupted by a loud sob followed by the sound of shattering ceramic coming from the entrance to the kitchen. All three turned just in time to see the edge of a white sweater disappearing beyond the doorway and into the main room.
About two seconds later, Joy's concerned voice echoed around Headquarters as she gave chase to her blue coworker, "Sadness! Wait up sweetie! What happened?!"
Disgust, Anger and Fear looked at each other uncomfortably and all three hurried to the doorway, where they found the remains of Sadness' shattered coffee mug on the floor. Looking up remorsefully, Disgust saw a yellow streak dash across the room as Joy ran after Sadness, calling desperately as the little blue Emotion headed for the Recall Tube.
XXX
Joy caught up to her just as Sadness was about to step into the Recall Tube leading out of Headquarters.
"Sadness stop! What happened?" Joy cried out as she put a hand on the blue Emotion's shoulder and gently pulled her away from the Recall Tube.
Putting herself in-between Sadness and the Tube, Joy knelt down so she was eye-level with the shorter Emotion and gazed into her teary blue eyes pleadingly.
"Come on sweetie. Tell me what's wrong…" Joy crooned softly as she gave her friend's shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
Sadness looked away from her caring gaze in shame and blubbered inconsolably, "Oh Joy! I can't go on like this anymore! I'm just a nuisance to everybody! I better go and lock myself up in the Subconscious with Jangles the Clown! Everyone hates me anyway…!"
She trailed off into a long wail of misery and only Joy's quick reflexes prevented her from face-planting on the floor as she her feet slid out from under her and she prepared to launch herself into one of her major crying fits.
"Whoa there! Hold your horses young lady!" Joy exclaimed as she gently slid her hands under Sadness' arms and propped her into a sitting position in front of her.
"You know that's not true! I am your friend and I love you! And don't forget that Riley needs you in her life too! You are important!"
Joy took the blue Emotion's hand in hers and gave it an encouraging squeeze. "Take a deep breath and tell me what happened okay?"
Sadness glanced up at Joy's warm smile with her puppy eyes before looking back to the floor in misery as she sobbed, "The others were talking about me again! Fear said that I cried into his honey jar and turned his honey salty! Anger said that I'm plump and Disgust said that my crying makes her sick!"
With that Sadness let out another heartbreaking wail and slumped forward limply onto Joy's chest.
"I'm awful! All I do is get in everyone's way and make a mess of things! I deserve to be in the Subconscious!"
Joy rubbed Sadness reassuringly on the back and let her cry onto her dress. "Shhhhh…It's okay."
Within no time, the little blue Emotion's tears soaked through her dress and Joy gave a gloomy sigh.
"You're not awful Sadness." She whispered softly as Sadness' crying slowly subsided into a few deep sobs. Some of the sobs turned into hiccups and Sadness moaned pitifully.
"You're gentle and sweet and caring…and sometimes just misunderstood!"
A glint of determination appeared in Joy's eye and she announced defensively, "You know what? Let's go talk to the others about this right now!"
"No Joy!" Sadness begged as she grabbed the yellow Emotion's arm desperately.
"I'd rather be by myself right now…"
The hard, angry look in Joy's eyes softened once more as she looked back down at her little friend compassionately.
"No chance! I'm not leaving you." Joy stated firmly.
Then she offered Sadness a welcoming smile and said, "We are going to spend the rest of the day together and do anything you want! You deserve to have some fun! Just tell me where you would like to go or what you want to do and we'll do it!"
Sadness was silent for a while as she stared questioningly into Joy's caring blue eyes. Why was Joy being so nice to her all of a sudden? Everyone else seemed to hate her but Joy wanted to go out of her way to make her feel better? Sadness couldn't decide if Joy was genuinely feeling sorry for her or if she was just acting out of nature – seeing as how her role in life is to make Riley and everybody around her feel happy…
Whatever the reason, the blue Emotion felt grateful for Joy's companionship right now. It didn't really matter if she was doing her a favor out of the goodness of her heart or simply out of duty, it made Sadness feel better knowing that she has at least one friend looking out for her!
With a weak smile, Sadness asked timidly, "Has the Train of Thought arrived with the morning deliveries yet?"
Joy looked in the direction of the loading zone and shook her head. "Not that I'm aware of…why do you ask?"
Sadness felt her cheeks blushing as she offered shyly, "Well…I suppose…if it isn't too much trouble…I wouldn't mind taking a ride on the Train of Thought today…"
Joy nodded and gave her a wide smile. "Well if that's what you want, then that's what we're going to do!"
She took Sadness by the hand and eased her up onto her feet as she stated excitedly, "We are going to ride that Train around the Mind World all day long and I'll be holding your hand until you've calmed down…"
"Wha…what about Riley?" Sadness asked with concern as Joy led her to the delivery loading zone to wait for the Train of Thought to arrive.
"Oh don't worry about Riley…" Joy assured her with a sly smile.
"Disgust, Anger and Fear can take care of Riley for the day since they created this mess! Meanwhile you and I are going to spend some time together and get you sorted out!"
Joy stopped and looked at Sadness with a kind expression on her cheerful yellow face. "And if you're not feeling up for it, I can take your next shift of Dream Duty!"
"Oh no…I really don't mind doing Dream Duty!" Sadness said with open honesty.
"That's the only time I ever really feel calm and peaceful…you know when Riley is sleeping soundly and everything is quiet and still."
Sadness smiled fondly and admitted, "I especially enjoy those nights when there's a full moon and I can see the stars clearly. I love watching stars! Sometimes I even get to see a shooting star and I feel like I can almost catch it in my hand…"
Suddenly they heard the sound of a horn alerting them that the Train of Thought had arrived to drop off today's deliveries. Smiling warmly at her blue companion, Joy walked over to the conductor and told him what they wanted to do.
She returned to Sadness after a few minutes and gave her an elated nod and a thumbs up sign. Sadness smiled back and it was the first genuine smile she had managed for as long as she could remember!
Then the two Emotions boarded the Train of Thought hand-in-hand…
To Be Continued…
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This chapter is actually still in progress, but I decided that I was going to have to split it into two parts because it would have ended up way too long…(what else is new?)
So there's good news for those of you TearBrick fans who are reading/enjoying this story so far…Even as I posted this first part, I'm already working on the second part and it should be ready in a few days' time! Once again I know there wasn't much Anger/Sadness interaction in this chapter but I promise that FINALLY we'll get to see some TearBrick in the next chapter :)
I know a few of you have been wondering if Disgust was going to apologize to Sadness, so I devoted a large section of this chapter to dealing with Disgust's attempt at an apology and the rest consisted on some sisterly love and friendship between Joy and Sadness…
So be sure to stick around and I can promise some TearBrick action in the next chapter as well as fun and tenderness in the following chapters!
Once again I would like to thank the following people for your wonderful reviews:
Orangebird124, HollyAnne1084, Tripledent and Justin Bonesteel :)
And thank you to everyone around the world for reading! Now I am taking my final bow and I'm off to write the second part…
For now Hasta La Vista (I'll Be Back!)
Svinorita