Chapter 12: Saturday morning events.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. Mature reader's only, strong language
A/N I have come to realise that I haven't introduced Bulmas dad! So I will in this chapter.
Bulma sighed with happiness as turned around and opened the door to her house. She hung up her school bag and started to make her way upstairs when Bunny came through from the kitchen.
"You're home late honey? Were you out with friends?" Bunny smiled at her daughter, she is growing up so fast, I'm happy that she is making friends.
"Hey, erm yeah I was out with Vegeta," I have to tell her the truth, lying has never got anyone anywhere! "We went to the mall and stopped at the café for food so I won't need dinner." Bulma smiled warmly at her mother, she was so laid back about everything.
"Ok dear, are you and Vegeta an item now then?"
"Hmm…" Bulma gazed up at the ceiling in thought, "I'm not too sure mum, but, hopefully!" Bulma turned and walked up the stairs she wanted to avoid an awkward conversation. When Bulma entered her bedroom she sprawled out on her bed thinking about the afternoon she had just had, Vegetas kiss had erased all the miserable emotions that Yamcha had caused, she didn't care about them anymore all that was there was a warm fuzzy happiness. She got off her bed and walked over to her laptop and decided to look up the weekend's weather. What am I going to do this weekend? The forecast is hot, very hot. I could go shopping, maybe the beach if dads finished with my car? Or maybe see Vegeta? Bulma's head was spinning with possibilities for the weekend ahead. I haven't seen dad all week… I've slept or been out for all the dinners. Maybe I should go say hi-
**ring ring**
Bulmas phone was playing a tune in her pocket, she got it out and looked at the caller id it was ChiChi.
"Hiya Chi!" Bulma grinned as she spoke to her it felt like ages since they had spoken.
"Hey B! I missed you after history, where'd you go? And what are you doing this weekend? What happened to the plan? What did Vegeta hand to you? Oh hold on a sec I'll make this a 3 way with 18!" Bulma was gobsmacked, where on earth do I begin?! So many questions! She ran her hand through her fringe.
"Hey B, hey Chi!" 18's voice rang through the speaker.
"Ok B, spill!" Chi sounded so excited.
"Ok the answers to your questions. 1. Vegeta took me to the mall, we had a run in with Yamcha then when I got home he kissed me!" Bulma paused listening to the other two girls gasp.
"HE DID WHAT?!" they said in unison.
"Yeah but I'll go into details later. Number 2, this weekend I have nothing planned but have some good ideas, number 3. Oh yes the plan, well, it was harder to do than anticipated so I made my own up. And finally the last question, it was a note asking me to meet him outside art in our free." Bulma finished and breathed.
"Explain the whole mall situation B." it was 18 to speak.
"Well I convinced in to take me to the mall in return for food, we shopped around for about an hour and went to a café to eat, and boy he sure has an appetite! The waitress was flirting so I was sort of rude to her and Vegeta asked why, and then Yamcha popped up out of now-where and called me a whore, I just lost it, and ran out crying and Vegeta followed I don't what happened to Yamcha... Anyway Vegeta intercepted me in an alley and comforted me with his words and then we made our way back to his car and he drove me home. Once we were at my door I thanked him for the trip and the help and he said, I quote 'Woman…I…Ahh screw it.' And kissed me, it was the best kiss ever! So soft and passionate, it made me feel all dizzy and happy." Bulma smiled at the memory. "Then he turned and drove off in his car."
"Wow." 18 was gobsmacked, that was some whirlwind adventure.
"Geez B, so much happened in such a small amount of time. You must be shot mentally! Get some rest me and 18 will pick you up at 10am tomorrow and decide on something to do and discuss your cover story for next week with your after schools!" Chi felt bad for the new girl. Her life seems like a book, yes it had its ups but boy are her downs down! "See you B." her voice was soft as she hung up the phone leaving 18 and Bulma.
"Yeah B, rest well girl! See you in the morning!"
"Yeah bye guys." Bulma said but they'd both gone. She really was tired, the adrenaline from the events that had happened had been fuelling her on. I must see dad first before he thinks I've been abducted or something. Bulma made her way downstairs and into her father's lab. She sighed this would be a company she'd be running when her dad retired, but right now she wasn't that interested, sure in a few years when life settled down a bit she would she loved inventing, but right now she wanted to live her younger years. "Hey dad." Her dad spun around, he still looked the same; grey hair, white lab coat, glasses accompanied with a grey moustache, he had a very friendly face, he had worked ridiculously hard to get to where he was today – one of the richest men in the world. "Sorry I have been distant lately, school is, hard work." She bit her lip at the twisted truth. Bulmas father smiled at her.
"It's okay Bulma, I am glad that you are taking your studies seriously, I was afraid that high school drama may set you off track, but nope not my little girl." Bulma smiled at her dad, she had been and always will be a daddy's little girl. She turned to walk away when he spoke again. "Although over Christmas I will need a hand building some robots, if you could spare some time."
"Sure dad." She promised and walked back upstairs to sleep.
Vegeta pulled away from the Capsule Corp slowly, his face plastered with a massive smile. I have never felt so happy. As he drove to his own house he kept replaying the kiss over and over again, it was soft and sweet but held so much emotion. He thought about Bulma's reaction towards the sloth. She used to be stronger than that, but then I guess this week has broken down her barriers piece by piece, she'll be back to normal soon. He came to a red traffic light so he glanced out of the window; the evening seemed cool and calm like nature was in balance, he grunted at his random thought and hit the accelerator at the light turned yellow.
Vegeta as normal pulled up outside his house, he parked his car and made his way up the steps to the porch where a butler awaited his arrival and swiftly opened the door. Why do we have random butlers and maids?! As he walked in his mother came through.
"Vegeta dear!" her voice was strangely happy, "You're father… he… he has changed, he seems to have gone back to the man I first met." She clasped her hands together and happily stared into the distance. My father has gone back to being good? But how long for this time? Last time it lasted a week, but mum seems certain he has made a break through. Vegeta grunted and made his way to his room, purposefully avoiding any places that his dad may be residing. It was only 6 o clock, half an hour since he had kissed Bulma. I actually did it. I gave in to everything I've been fighting, the emotions I held in. All gone in one kiss. It's only been half an hour but it feels like an eternity.
**Capsule Corporation…**
Bulma got up after what felt like ages of just lying on her bed and made her way downstairs for dinner. She sat down and ate, it was strange sitting down and eating dinner with her parents instead of crying herself to sleep, and to think she used to do this every night was odd. No one said a word for the whole meal, there were only the odd glances exchanged between her parents, cutlery clattering and bunny humming to herself.
"So school was good today honey?" bunny striked up a conversation as she popped some broccoli into her mouth. Bulma nodded,
"Yeah it was great thanks mum."
"Everyone's being nice to you? You're keeping up in lessons?" it was her dad to speak.
"Yeah everyone is really nice, I have made some wonderful friends who I am seeing tomorrow, and yes dad I am keeping up with my lessons." Bulma smiled at him, he's so protective.
"Good-"he began.
"Oh and she's met a lovely handsome young man! He is just the bee's knees!" bunny giggled.
"Mum!" Bulma groaned. She wanted to avoid 'boy talk' especially with her father around.
Her father went rigid. "A handsome young man eh?" he rubbed his moustache. "What subjects is this boy taking?"
"He is taking Drama, History, English, Engineering, Advanced Math, and Advanced Science, aswell as the odd lesson of P.E, art and music." Bulma finished.
"Hmm, I see, very good. Now I have to get back to the lab for an hour, excuse me." He got up and left leaving bunny who was loading the dishes into the dishwasher and Bulma sat at the table. Bulma got up thanked her mum for dinner and went to bed.
The next day Bulma awoke refreshed and for the first time in a while, smiling. She rubbed her eyes and rolled over to look at her clock, it was Saturday and 9:35am…. She was wide awake, that means I have 25minutes to get showered, dressed and do my make up! Bulma raced out of bed flinging her clothes off as she let the shower heat up. As she passed by the mirror she stopped and looked. The bruising on her neck was going down but it was still there. She felt a pang of sadness and fear, but she swallowed it and got in the shower. Today is a new day all that with Yamcha is long gone. He won't hurt me again, I hope he straightens out, he seemed like he could be a nice guy. After a short refreshing shower Bulma wrapped herself up in a dressing gown and put a towel on her head whilst making her way into her bedroom. She remembered that the forecast was hot so she chose to wear a white flouncy skirt and a pink strapless top. Bulma glanced at her clock, 9:50, she had ten minutes to do her makeup and check that she was ready to go. Bulma carefully applied her mascara and foundation making sure not to smudge anything; she then brushed her hair and her fringe before finally applying some lip gloss. She rubbed her lips together before giving herself a final once over in the mirror. She got up from her seat popped her sunglasses on and grabbed her clutch bag, she placed her makeup, phone and purse in it just as a horn blew from outside, they must be here early! She shot a look at the clock 9:58 not too early. She hurried downstairs, vaguely telling her mum where she was going before grabbing the door handle and flying out the front door.
"Hey Bulma! Come on! Hop in!" Chi was waving at her from the passenger seat, 18 was driving.
The sun was beating down on Bulma as she made her way to the red convertible, phew! Today is going to be hot! She opened up the door of the car and got in.
"Okay B, so how about shopping and then going to the beach? I mean it's the end of September we are not going to get weather like this in a while, we need to get our tan on!" Bulma nodded, "and besides me and 18 need new bikinis!" Chi giggled before facing the front and turning up the music. The drive to the mall wasn't that interesting to Bulma, she sat staring (I would say out the window but it a convertible :L ) at the houses, people and parks that they passed by whilst Chi and 18 were engrossed in a conversation about social studies and advanced English. Once the girls arrived at the mall Bulma sprung into life, she'd been too gloomy and dull recently, the guy she really liked had kissed her last night! Life was looking up. Bulma grinned earning weird looks from 18.
"What has you so smiley all of a sudden?" 18 said whilst smiling.
"How have you forgotten 18! Mr I hate people kissed her last night!" Chi made it sound like the biggest news to ever hit the planet. "So B, what was it like?" Chi asked Bulma.
"Well, it was like no other kiss before! I kind of get all warm and tingly and I saw fireworks!" Bulma gazed up at the sky hands clasped together as she recalled the moment. Gosh I really am starting to sound like a stereotypical teenager!
18 glanced at Chi and they both giggled. "Wow you really are in deep Bulma!" 18 grinned at her. "I've never experienced that before but it sounds like you're in loooove!" 18 flicked some blonde hair out her eyes as she taunted Bulma, who was blushing profusely.
"Yeah I get the warm tingly feeling all the time with Goku but not the fireworks…" Chi trailed off as she realised neither girl was really taking much notice.
"Hey erm guys, shouldn't we get out the parking lot?" Bulma giggled nervously as the three of them made their way into the precinct. As they walked to various swimwear and clothes shops almost every guy they went or looked their way was checking them out. After two hours the girls finally found bikinis they liked. Bulma chose a deep red, Chi chose a midnight blue and 18 chose a baby blue bikini. As they exited the precinct Bulma spread her arms wide took a deep breath in and sighed. The day was perfect. The sun warmed the world aswell as the people in it, everyone seemed happy. "Hey guys, how about stopping at a café before hitting the beach?" 18 and Chi nodded and they picked a café on the river front, they sat outside on a paved area. The waiter came and took their orders; Bulma had an iced coffee and a ham sandwich, 18 ordered a fruit salad and a smoothie whilst ChiChi ordered a chicken sandwich and a glass of water. "So where is Goku today?"
"Oh well, Goku is with Raditz doing rugby practise… I will hopefully see him tomorrow." Chi gazed off into the distance.
"What about Mar, Launch, Tien and Krillen?" Bulma thought that as the group were a 'clique' that they'd spend the weekends together to. Chi snapped back into reality. I haven't filled B in.
"WELL. THAT. Is another story B! Oh my gosh! I haven't spoken to you in ages! Krillen is at Marron's house helping her study, L won't answer her phone and Tien is taking his little sister out for the day. Launch is going to a baseball game with Tien tomorrow so we won't be seeing them tomorrow-" the waiter arrived with their orders and the girls thanked him. Bulma sipped her iced coffee and nodded at Chi to carry on. "I think those two will get together and maybe mar and Krillen to!" 18 looked disgusted and upset.
"I don't think Krillen and Marron would get together I just don't think she his type." ChiChi and Bulma could see the jealousy oozing out of her. "And besides it is no secret that she likes Raditz." She stabbed an apple in her fruit salad ferociously as Chi and Bulma exchanged glanced.
"So uh B, what's Vegeta up to?" Chi was trying to change the subject she had a feeling that 18's fondness of Krillen was more than friendship deep.
"Honestly Chi, I don't know he hasn't called or anything, normally he drives to my house and bibs his horn most mornings, but it's the weekend now and I have no idea what he does on weekends, maybe training or hockey games or something…" she stared at her iced coffee as if it were going to give her the answers.
**Marron's house…**
Krillen took a deep breath before nervously knocking on the door of Marron's house, it was a small mid terrace house, which had taken Krillen by surprise the first time he had come here as her attitude made it seem like she came from wealth and that she'd have a big house. He heard shuffling and muffled voices before the door knob turned, he straightened up his posture and breathed in.
"Hey Krillen!" Marron beamed down at him with a big smile on her face immediately making Krillen relax.
"Hey Mar." he stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"Come on in don't be shy! You've been here before silly!"
"I know, I know, it's just I don't want your parents to get the wrong idea that's all."
Marron looked shocked and confused. "And what would that be?" Krillen mumbled a 'it doesn't matter' and walked into the small hallway and removed his trainers, the house had warm homely feel, the lights were dim and the wallpaper was pale. There was endless clutter but it felt nicer than walking into ChiChi or 18's mansions, they felt cold and vain, Marron's house was cosy. "So do you want something to eat or drink? Make yourself at home!" Marron beamed at him.
"Uh yeah okay, an orange juice please." Marron spun on her heel and headed off to the kitchen to grab Krillen a drink. What did he mean he didn't want my parents to get the wrong idea? Does that mean he thinks I'm unattractive? Marron sighed. Boys are such noobs! She entered the living room in a less happy mood, handed Krillen his drink and sat on the sofa as far away from him as possible. She glanced up at the mantel piece to the small old clock it read 11:30am.
Krillen sipped his drink nervously, sweet move Krillen! Now she's going to hate me! The whole thing came out wrong. He glanced over at the lilac haired girl, she is pretty, not skinny like the other girls, she had a lot of feelings beneath the attitude.
"So what homework was it you needed help with?" he had to break the silence.
"Math. Again. I am hoping that one it'll sink it. But knowing my ridiculous brain it won't." She glanced down. She had no self-confidence.
"Oh Mar don't be like that. You are smart. In your own way. C'mon I'll help you out, it'll be great you'll see." Krillen smiled at her as she got up to get her homework.
**Vegetas house…**
Vegeta awoke at around 11am he felt well rested and happy? Today he would go to the woman's house and, well, he didn't know. They'd find something to do, they always did. Or he could go to practice at 12… Nah. He got up and had a shower letting the hot water relax him when he got out he noticed that the house was silent. It was never silent. He could normal hear his mother humming or the clatter of dishes from the servants. But there was nothing. Have I slept through a fight? What if she's…dead? Vegeta quickly chucked on jeans a shirt before stalking out his bedroom slowly, if there has been a fight I have to keep quiet, especially if my father is still here, I don't want another beating. He tiptoed around the 3rd floor hallway to the spiral staircase, his parents room was on the second floor, quietly and slowly he made his way down the stairs as he reached the second floor he noticed that the door to his parents room was open ajar. He tried to see through the gap but couldn't. He carried on towards the staircase, he crept down, 2 steps to go, he could feel sweat on his head and his heart thumped in his chest. He exhaled as he reached the bottom of the stairs. Vegeta made his way into the kitchen, the blinds were open and sunlight streamed into the room. The upstairs floors had been so dark and dreary but the ground floor was so light and airy, the place had been cleaned, a vase sat on the table with fresh roses in them and a note sat infront of them. Intrigued Vegeta walked over to the delicate plants – and the note. He ran a finger around the rim of the vase and admired the vibrant red of the petals. He looked that the note, it read:
'Dearest Vi
These roses are for you,
And these words I speak are true,
I have caused much sorrow,
But I can promise a better tomorrow.
I am changing my ways
And with every day,
I am getting better
Look out for the next letter.'
They were from his father to his mother Violet, she loved roses especially ones of this red. He had no idea that he father could write poetry. Was he really changing? Vegeta sighed and walked over to the fridge to get a glass of milk. Another note was attached to the door via a magnet.
Vegeta,
I've gone to the store for groceries and will be home around 2pm!
If I don't see you until dinner – or whenever
Have a nice day honey!
Vegeta wanted to vomit, both his parent were being so sentimental his mother never left notes for him and his father sure as hell had never ever brought his mother flowers since Vegeta was 7. When the beatings started. He grabbed out the milk and poured himself a glass before making himself some toast. Where are the servants?! He munched the toast vigorously so much was going through his mind. Something was not right here.
**Launch's house…**
Launch awoke sleepily at 11:02am, she stretched her arms out across the sheets and yawned, she had been up most of the night talking to Tien about Sunday's baseball game. She couldn't wait to see it, and to try and impress Tien. She brushed some brunette strands of hair off her face and stared up at the ceiling. What to do today? She rolled over and checked her phone, 12messages and 10missed calls…. Wow someone wanted to get hold of me. They were all from Chi and 18, Launch frowned she had hoped that Tien may have text her but nope. She checked the last voicemail from ChiChi, it was asking her to come to mall with her, 18 and Bulma an hour ago. Launch sighed and got out of bed she put on her pale yellow fluffy slippers and dressing-gown before making her way downstairs for breakfast and a brainstorm.
Launch smiled as she entered the mansions kitchen, sunlight dappled through the blinds onto the white tiled floor. She grabbed a hair clasp off the side next to the fruit bowl and popped her hair up. Launch made herself some tea and porridge and sat down to eat. Should I call Chi back and meet her and the others at the mall? Or should I do something more productive like start assignments? She sighed and finished off her breakfast. Her tabby cat Mildred wandered into the kitchen and sat next to Launch, she meowed and purred at her hoping to get some food or attention, Launch giggled and stroked Mildred and made a fuss of her. She picked her up just as the doorbell rang
**Ding dong**
Someone was at the door. It's probably mum, she must've gone shopping. Or dad coming back from golf. Launch made her way to the front door and opened it and gasped dropping poor Mildred on the floor.
**The Mall…**
Bulma sat in silence as the two girls infront of her talked about school and the people in it. Bulma had very little interest in who wore what when and who said someone was fat and the fact that Marron and Krillen were together today. It was so obvious that 18 was jealous. She gazed down at the coffee and stirred it aimlessly. She wanted to see Vegeta, to feel that warmth and happiness again, he made her feel really alive. So much for no relationship! Bulma smiled to herself, she had done the imaginable. She had made Vegeta feel.
"And! Launch hasn't answered any of my calls or texts!" Bulma glanced up. Chi was on a rant. What is Launch playing at? First she leaves because they aren't paying her attention and now she's ignoring them? Hmmmm.
"Maybe she is still asleep? It is Saturday…" Bulma suggested.
18 nodded. "Yeah I think you're right Bulma." 18 smiled at her. "You almost done?" she nodded at Bulmas coffee.
"Oh. Yeah I am." Bulma glanced down at the brown liquid in her cup, she loved her coffee it relaxed her but at the same time gave her energy – a bit like Vegeta when he isn't Mr Grumpy.
"Okay then! Let's hit the beach!" Chi pumped a fist into the air and got up followed by the other two girls. They got into the car and drove off for the hour and a half trip to the beach minus the traffic.
**Vegetas house…**
Vegeta washed up his dishes and left the house; he made his way to his car and got in. He drove out the gravel circle and down the long drive. He was at Bulmas house in no time. He gripped the steering wheel tightly in his hands as he sat outside the Capsule Corporation. Why am I nervous? He gritted his teeth as his stomach did somersaults. He got out the car and accidentally slammed the door, he shoved his hands into his pockets as he made his way to the front porch. Vegeta took a deep breath in and steadied himself as he knocked. He heard footsteps growing near and his palms began to sweat. Finally the door opened. It was bunny who answered.
"Oh my it's you again handsome! Are you looking for Bulma dear?" Vegeta grunted at her happiness. "I'm afraid she's out at the mall with her friends. Want me to tell her you popped by?" bunny cocked her head sideways.
"No." Vegeta spun on the spot and stormed back off to his car, he felt humiliated and angry that the woman wasn't there. Once he was inside his car the anger turned into disappointment. He sat staring into nothingness wondering what to do next.
A/N: Not a very productive chapter, but I'm just getting my thoughts together as I have good random ideas that I need to build up to!
R&R