He squeezed her hand hoping she wouldn't be too upset. It was only the worst time for him to come out.
The interviewer's tune changed a bit. "Oh?" she then gave a smile. "Hold on a second, I'll be right back..." she left the room to the two teens.
Dion pursed his lips. "I'm so sorry Sharon but all this talk about 'being yourself'? I'm just, sorry."
Well, she'd lie if she said that didn't hurt. But now wasn't a time to go thinking about herself. She had to worry about Dion here, and how he was feeling. She gave him a supportive hug. "Dion, don't you dare apologize. I am so supportive of your choice and you being comfortable in your own skin and I... am very proud of you. Although, I have to thank you..." she trailed off with a soft smile.
He quirked an eyebrow, kissing her forehead. "For stealing your panties the other day?" he guessed with a laugh.
She giggled. "No silly, for teaching me so much about... just being comfortable with who you are. I don't know if I could do it, or take it with me, but you've taught me so much about individuality. I just hope that this hasn't made things awkward between us, and that we'll be friends, for better or for worse. I... love you Dion, best friend love."
He smirked. "Hey, I love you in all ways and though I'm gay, I still got to touch your boobs which according to Adam- is a win / win situation." he joked, tossing his arm around her in a one-sided hug. "It won't be awkward, we'll still watch chick flicks together even though I'm not obligated to. I kind of liked them actually." he smiled more to himself.
The woman scurried back in, smile faded. "Thank you guys for your time, we'll call you."
Dion seemed a bit less excited by this statement, not quite getting the gist of what happened there. They gathered their belongings and left, Dion a bit on the down side. "That was a bust," he said, getting in the driver's seat. Sharon wasn't really sure what was wrong, other than leaving on that curt note.
But then it hit her. "Oh no Dion, I have some business to take care of." She stated as she shut the car door. After taking a deep breath, she marched right back into that fancy dump. She tied up her blond hair and knew what she was about to get into.
"Excuse me, you can't just march in there. Miss DeVil herself is in a meeting." Sharon glared at the woman, which actually put fear into her. Suddenly Sharon shoved this woman right off her feet – by giving her a bloody nose with a quick punch to the face.
"Yeah? Watch me." She trudged through and swung the doors open, each person staring at her in utter shock. "Miss DeVil? Miss unaccepting skank? Miss Top Designer with zero talent? Oh yeah – you're here." Sharon was on a roll and she couldn't back down now.
"What is this doing in here?" The millionaire designer asked coldly, looking the teenager up and down with a disgusted face. That only made Sharon get in her face. Literally.
"I'll tell you what I'm doing here. You just refused an amazing future designer because your head is too far up your ass! You won't get it past your small, closed little mind, to get over the fact he's gay, and do this article on him because he has talent! How many of you moron designers can turn recycling into beautiful, gorgeous clothing? Not you I bet! Seriously, grow a pair and deal with the fact that he's more amazing than you could ever be." She finished with a little less breath than she'd taken account for.
A man from across the table watched Sharon yell at one of his female co-workers. He smirked, "Little Miss Hot Head? Would you be meaning to talk to me?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
Sharon's eyes widened and her face turned red. "Who me? Oh no... just passing through. I always yell at people, it's this... uh, condition. Yes! That's it. P. P. M. S. - Permanent P.M.S." She answered with a sheepish smile. Now would be a great time to drop dead.
The man smiled. "Well, I'm no doctor... But I am an international world famous, millionaire designer... Not to gloat. I'm Miss DeVil." he waved. "Sorry, you probably couldn't tell because I had my 'head so far up my ass' but it's alright because I 'grew a pair' and took it out.". The people at the table chuckled.
The woman from earlier walked in. "I'm sorry ma'am would you like her removed?"
Miss DeVil shooed the woman away. "No no, someone this bold must have some sort of reason... Other than PMS."
Sharon who could almost feel the sensation of tears, willed them away for now. But she shifted her gaze downward. "Well I thought... everyone in the fashion industry was cold, vile and mean... and that you were rejecting someone who worked so hard to get this article, just because of sexual orientation. He pretty much pretended to be with me, because I guess he was scared that if he wasn't straight, he'd have never gotten the chance. That lady asked him about his line, to quote him... he said, 'Being unique and standing out- but most importantly being comfortable in your own skin. I guess I feel like you can wear anything, as long as you like it. And not everyone should dress the same - they should dress how they feel instead of dressing like everyone else. It's also about saving the environment one jacket at a time,' and so right there... he admitted that he, was gay. He said that all of that talk about being comfortable in his own skin, he figured now was the best time to live it. I just... I didn't want his talents to go unnoticed because of some cold hearted people. He's worked so hard, long hours... I could even go get his sketch book," She looked back at the angry female, trying to subtly kick her out. "Or just... y'know, leave it at a desk or something... but no one deserves it more than him. I hope my foolishness hasn't made your decision. I was his 'model' but I'm replaceable, talent like Dion's – is not." She spoke much more humbly now, but with such passion in each word.
At that moment, Dion strode in. "Sharon, what are you- Miss DeVil?" Dion smirked.
Miss DeVil bowed. "That'd be me. Now gimme your designs and both of you go out to eat or something, and pick up some tampons for Miss P. P. M. S. and I'll make sure you get the credit you deserve."
Things seemed to be straightened out once again. They were just friends, Sharon and Dion, and he actually went out and treated her for a day. If it's one thing Dion will not let you do – it's refusing the offer of his treatment. Sharon tried it, and there was no way in hell he was going to let her go home without being treated. No way. So she waltzed through the door with bags on each arm. Happy to be home for once.
There was a bit of shuffling and crashes heard in the kitchen before Adam came out with a sheepish grin. "Hey, Sis... How was the interview with the boyfriend?" he inquired softly.
"It... uh, went." She blurted, not wanting to let him in on things just yet. "What have you been up to? Nothing mom will chew us out for I hope." She joked, but took a moment to think about what might've been done while she was gone.
He shrugged. "Nothing. Why don't you go... have sex at Dion's house or something- I don't know." he resisted the urge to face palm, he wanted Sharon to stay far away from here for at least, the next half hour.
"Adam Spitz, just what are you hiding?" She asked, diligently placing her hands upon her hips. Knowing he was up to something. But was it a good something, or a bad something. If she inquired, he'd probably reply with something about washing his 'collection'.
He smiled innocently. "Nothing that you need to worry about- now leave so I can finish up and get her out of the kitchen closet."
She chuckled, "Who out of the kitchen closet?" Adam was so horrible at keeping secrets, or just trying to lie his way out of something in general. Sharon herself could lie a lot better than he ever could, even with intensive training. It was rather sad. Sad but true.
A small voice was heard from the kitchen. "YOUR BOYFRIEND! I still think he's gay..."
Adam face palmed - he was doing so well at keeping the secret, he couldn't believe she just blew it like that.
"He is. Now Maria, it's time to get out of the closet. You can come on out too y'know." She said with a laugh, but shifted her gaze over to her brother. "And Adam – you suck at keeping secrets. You suck more than a Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner."
Maria stumbled out and found her way to where the siblings were standing. Much to Sharon's surprise, and Adam's delight, she wasn't the Maria that they remembered. She was a whole new Nina clone.
She wore a strapless leather top that ended right above her navel, corseting in the front with a silver lace, between the ties the skin was apparent. She wore with that, a short and tight jean micro-mini skirt that was sprinkled in glitter. On her feet weren't her usual converse, but a pair of high, strappy black and silver stilettos. What made a real difference, had to be her hair. Instead of two buns, was half-tied back in a curly high ponytail. And Sharon couldn't help but notice Maria's makeup, consisting of deep red lipstick, smokey cat eyes, and shimmer - not glitter.
Sharon's mouth dropped. "Oh... my... Maria! Are you alright! Are you alive! Were you smothered to death by Nina's glitter!" Of course she was being purposely over-dramatic, but that was allowed here. It was a real shocking difference.
Maria slightly gaped. "Uh, you just told me your boyfriend came out, and you're asking if I'm alright?" she tapped a designer shoe against the glossy wood floor. She then turned her brown eyes to Adam. "Sorry, Adam. I think Sharon and I need to have a girl's night."
Adam quirked an eyebrow and gave a cheeky smile. "It's fine. I have.. a thing to do in about an hour anyways." he then winked and grabbed Maria's ass on his way out, causing her to jump a bit in surprise.
She rolled her eyes as he left, guys were such pigs. "Oh, yeah... no I'm alright. Really... it just hurt a bit, but it's not about me. It's about him, it's Dion being true to himself. If he's happy, so am I." She believed it, she did... but there might be a tear or two because she in a way, felt a bit used. She wasn't going to voice that though.
Maria shrugged. "Meh, Either way... not gonna brag but... I was so right, I was almost left... That didn't make sense but I TOLD YA SO!"
Sharon shrugged and gave a chuckle, "As long as it makes sense to you..." she trailed off, putting her bags down on the floor. "he treated me."
She smirked, "It makes complete sense to me. But meanwhile, Nina treated me. So I guess we both had rather good days." she then took Sharon's hand in her own and began to tug her out of the house, her plan was to be the next one to treat Sharon that day, and treat her best friend to dinner.
"Maria, what's with the tugging? Has hanging with Nina upped your aggressiveness?" She joked with a chuckle.
She smiled. "We, you and I, are going out to dinner, my treat. To celebrate your article... And my fully signed PETITION!" She ended with a wide grin.
"Your petition is fully signed? That's wonderful Maria! Dinner should be on me then," she giggled, "but that would be assisting you in getting out of paying for dinner, which is something you never do, so I'm down!"
Connor looked down at the redheaded girl cradled in his scrawny arms. "What'd you do all day, my love?" he asked, pushing his glasses higher up on his nose.
She gave a smile and cuddled into him closer, subconsciously wishing it was someone else, but content anyway. "Nothing much really... I... didn't do the commercial." She admitted, awaiting his response.
His eyebrows knit together as he twirled her radiant hair around his finger. "Why not?" Though he was surprised, like a guy, it wasn't something he'd argue with her about because he didn't really care as much as a female would.
"Well... I felt all weird inside. Different than I had before and I just thought, maybe this isn't for me. So I bowed out of it, not quite last minute. I gave twenty four hours notice. But yeah, I guess you could say I chickened out." She revealed, letting out a soft sigh. She hoped that he wouldn't ask what she did instead, but if he did, she'd tell him the truth.
Connor shifted his eyes from her hair to his phone to quickly check his texts. "Why... Didn't you message me? We could have hung out..." he questioned, rather hurt by her actions. Why wasn't she with him as much as before? He was a pretty clingy person - but this time he was positive that it was justified. Just where was Nina?
"Aww hon! Absence makes the heart grow fonder. I'm here now, but I was... doing a bit of bonding. Y'know, trying to fit in with your friends. I don't want to be the enemy anymore. You, know that right?" She asked him, her eyes holding much sincerity.
He thought on it, but Maria's words played through his mind. Is that what she was doing? Or was she out trying to sabotage them? "Yeah," he answered with little emotion.
"Hey, what's wrong Connor? I can tell there's something on your mind." She stated as she curled up to him, planting small, sweet kisses on his lips, jaw, maneuvering down to his neck...
"Nothing..." He pushed the popcorn to her. "watch the movie." he told her rather harshly.
After eating a couple pieces of popcorn, she settled down, hoping that she wasn't the cause for his mood. If she was, well she at least wanted to know. "I don't care if we put on Star Wars and make love, just say something to me Connor. I'll be your Star Whore," She winked with a giggle. Cupping his chin and connecting their gaze. "tell me if you're mad at me, please?"
He shook his head. "Not mad." he spoke, then he thought to himself, I just don't trust you.
"You're sure? … well, see... the bonding I did, was with Maria. Sharon had that article with Dion, but I kinda stole Maria for the day." She revealed. "Just to hang out and get to know one another." She wanted to gain his trust and be a true person to him, even if it meant losing him.
He just nodded. "Mhmm..." but his response was a little too sarcastic to gain her satisfaction.
"You don't believe me?" She asked dryly, looking up at him.
He bit his bottom lip. "Should I? I want you to look me in the eye and truthfully tell me that since we started going out, you have never done me wrong in anyway."
She was a bit taken aback, but she took his hand in hers, shutting off the movie and sitting up to look directly into his eyes. "Connor, I am absolutely smitten with you. That is no lie. But there is something that I have done yes, that I shouldn't have. Could you just, promise me that you won't yell or... hit me?" It seemed strange for her to ask such a thing, but she still awaited his answer, her entire being starting to tremble.
He sighed, letting out a deep, nervous breath. "I won't hit you." he told her, caressing her hand with his thumb, wondering if it would be the last time he held her soft, beautifully manicured hands.
"Okay well, the night of the sleepover... Maria and I, got a bit hot and heavy. I knew I really shouldn't have drank, it puts my hormones in overdrive but if I didn't, I would've been in your bathroom throwing up all night. I wouldn't want to ruin your bathroom." She shifted her gaze away, "I don't expect you to forgive me and this is no pity party – I'm just saying, Maria and I... well, I gave her oral. And she gave me oral. But you don't have to worry about payback because she's avoiding me like the plague, which again – can't blame her. I wanted to test her feelings, so I kissed her recently, nope. Still hates me. But Connor, that is the only thing. I swear it." She took a breather and made herself look into his eyes. "You deserve someone who treats you with everything you deserve and nothing less." After that, she was waiting to be cussed at and kicked right out of the home completely.
Connor dropped her hands onto his lap. "Yeah. You're right. I need someone who treats me right..." he began, a glimmer of a certain idea in his mind.
She brought her hands to herself, he probably didn't want to be in the same room as her. "Is that an idea in your mind?" She gave a small smile. "Don't you ever get tired of being so smart? I mean seriously, it's tough work, right?" Small talk was better than no talk.
He raised an eyebrow, continuing his train of thought. "I need someone to treat me better. You've never treated me nicely, Nina! I should've known not to trust you. Maria was right... she probably just had sex with you to prove to me that you were no good." he stood up, a large smile now gracing the lips she once kissed. "She was right, and I yelled at her! She's... a great friend." he then turned to see Nina and he remembered their situation. He gestured toward the door. "Uh, leave?" he stated, as if it were obvious.
"Yeah... the only reason." She stood up and just before leaving, she gave a gentle kiss upon his lips, even though he didn't kiss her back. "I wish you nothing but the best, and all you de...serve." Her voice cracked at the end and before she could leave the tears began flowing. But he was right. Everything he said was right. How could he like … such a monster? She exited the home, not sure where she was headed, but she knew it was somewhere away from here before Connor filed for a restraining order.