Kuki huffed angrily cursing Wally under her breath ripping the top of a mop off and sitting in front of purple material.
"Mama am I gonna be Scary Boo for the dress up party tomorrow am I, am I, am I? Gabriela asked excitedly with Kuki forcing a smile.
"Sure Princess you're going to be the cutest and scariest Boo ever but you've got to let mommy work right now" Kuki said calmly hoping it convinced Gabriela she wasn't mad.
"OK I'm going to ask Leone to put Monster's Inc. on so I can see how Scary Boo acts. After her and I can watch Spongebob".
Kuki saluted Gabriela who scurried off and the door to Kuki's office opened with Rachel and Fanny walking in knowing something wasn't right.
"Kooks what's up with you today my friend of the girl variety? I sent you ten texts and you never responded back which is so unlike you" Fanny said with Kuki wiping angry tears from her eyes.
"Nothing I just have a lot on my plate right now and that includes making a Monster Boo costume for Gabriela who is suddenly obsessed with her" Kuki said picking up a needle and purple thread.
"Kuki there's something wrong we can sense it Honey we've been friends for too long so tell us or we'll keep asking until you break" Rachel said as Kuki looked out of her office to find no kids around then she closed the office door and locked it.
"Wally and I had a big blow up today and the jerk throw's the D word at me in front of Leone who I think has mentally shut down ever since".
"I know this doesn't matter much in this conversation but who is Boo and why is Boo so scary with a mop top and purple drapes by the look of things?" Fanny asked as Kuki chuckled for the first time that day.
"Monster's Inc. Fan in that movie was a girl named Boo and she dressed as a monster to sneak onto the scare floor to find her door and well I guess you have to see the movie".
Kuki made holes for Gabriela's arms, legs, and googley eyes as Rachel and Fanny sat down next to her aware that their friends marriage might be in trouble.
"So back to the fight how did it start and did you hit him after he said the D word in front of Leone? I mean the fight must have been bad for him to mention divorce".
"It started because the jerk has a daughter he's been keeping secret since his ex got pregnant and he left Australia to be with me".
Fanny and Rachel's jaws hung open in surprise with Kuki nodding confirming what she said was true which made her cry.
"Five years and he goes and mentions divorce as if five years was nothing to him and that's what pains me most. He has a family and he'll just as easily leave us if he got the chance".
"Kuki he would never leave you because for two reasons one he loves you and two if he hurts you he's not getting too far" Fanny said hugging her as Rachel did the same.
"So Rache what do you think Scary Boo or what? I know Monster's Inc. is like Roscoe's bible so you would know" Kuki said showing Rachel the finished costume.
"I say it looks amazing now let's see if it fits her and then talk into drinking a bit because after this fight with Wally you earned it" Rachel said the front door slamming and Wally walked into the kitchen Leone acting like his shadow.
"Gabby come here and let mommy try your Scary Boo costume on you and then you can get back to Monster's Inc.".
Gabriela ran into the kitchen seeing her costume and squealing excitedly with Kuki putting it on her to see it was a perfect fit.
"Lee baby I know you love daddy and all but can the adults maybe talk to him alone for a while? After we're done you can have him all to yourself I pinkie promise".
Leone slowly followed Gabby back to the living room and Fanny closed the kitchen door guarding it with her life and Rachel made drinks for everyone.
"I suppose you're here for your stuff then it's back to Australia right? Well I'm not letting you leave Gabby, Lee, and most of all me behind Wallabee Greggory Beatles so good luck with that plan" Kuki said taking a swig from a vodka bottle.
"Listen Kuki I know I made mistakes in my life and today they-they-they-my God they affected you and Lee How could I even mention divorce in front of her or even direct it at you for that matter?" Wally asked tears streaming down his face.
"Wally we were fighting and most times in the heat of the moment we say things we don't mean and today was just a bad day for both of us".
Kuki hugged and kissed Wally as a pre-teen girl dressed in green capris, a cut off the belly shirt, sandals, and a belly button ring walked into the kitchen snapping bubble gum.
"Today just got a whole lot harder Kuki this is Naomi my daughter her mother was going to leave her at an orphanage and I wasn't hearing that".
Kuki could only stare at Naomi and knew Wally did the right thing taking her in as Naomi spit her gum out and made to light a cigarette with Kuki swatting it out of her hand.
"Naomi the name's Kuki pleasure to meet you beautiful. I can see your father didn't get around to the rules so I will rule one consider this whole house a no smoking section and that includes outside, rule two curfews 11:00 11:30 the latest, and rule three absolutely no drugs or underage drinking allowed".
"Whatever Captain Buzzkill I was looking for a reason to quit anyhow. As for the rest of the rules you aren't my mother so you can't make rules for me nice try though" Naomi said grabbing a beer and Kuki snatched it from her.
"Listen Naomi she may not be your mother but I'm your father and she's my wife so you'll treat her as though she is your mother got it?" Wally asked as Naomi nodded never being talked to like that.
"Good now come on I'll show you where to put your things and introduce you to your new sisters and brother".
Wally led the way upstairs as Kuki, Fanny, and Rachel followed not wanting to miss Wally being a father figure.
"This used to be our son's room but he lives with his fiancé now so it's yours now Naomi sweetie. Unpack then we can talk about what you like eating".
The closet door to Matty's room flew open and Gabriela jumped out screaming boo in her new costume making everybody jump including Naomi.
"Ha I scared all of you this is the scariest Boo costume ever and it may even win first prize at the costume party tomorrow" Gabriela said with Kuki snatching her up.
"Naomi this is your little sister Gabriela or Gabby and as you can see a big fan of Boo and Monster Boo from Monster's Inc.".
"I think she looks like Boo from her head to her toes. So who made her costume because it has got to be the most authentic costume ever" Naomi said as Kuki raised her hand beaming.
"Come on we'll go meet Leone who deserves an apology from your father and an ice cream sundae with Wild Cherry Pepsi to finish his apology" Kuki said leading Wally to the kitchen with Naomi shaking her head at Wally's pathetic sundae.
"Rules for an apology sundae are simple one decide what you did, two don't I repeat D-O-N'T skimp on the hot fudge the more the merrier in that situation, 3 gummies and candies are a must no sweets equals a sourpuss, and four sprinkles in all colors of the rainbow".
"Fine if you're a genius in apologetic sundaes then you make the sundae and I'll pour the drink unless there's a new apologetic drink law too" Wally said with a bowl of vanilla ice cream meeting him.
"Alright dad tell me what you did and I'll make the sundae accordingly for Leone was it? If you don't tell me I'll just fill the whole bowl with fixings".
"H-H-H-H-H-H-He said a very bad word that made Mama scream and cry, he left me by myself screaming for him to come back, he told mommy he was never coming back, then he slammed the door and sped away the meanie jerk face" Leone bawled sitting next to Naomi.
"Aww there, there Leone he came back didn't he? I'm sure the word he said wasn't so bad and try not having him in your life for twelve years then tell me how you feel".
"It was too bad because mommy smacked him and I only got smacked by her once because I said cruddy and apparently daddy says that's bad to say. His word was divorce and don't treat me like I'm dumb I know what it means Mr. I'm leaving my family".
"Lee I know the word I said in front of you was wrong but Naomi's right I came back didn't I? And I don't plan on leaving anytime soon I was just mad this morning".
Leone looked at Naomi's sundae which was piled high with everything and realized she never met this pre-teen before in her small, little, tiny life.
"Intro's are good here I think so I'm Naomi your big sister and I've heard so much about you. So what do you say we eat these sundaes, drink our sodas, and get to know each other better?" Naomi asked with Leone nodding grabbing a spoon.
"So before daddy found you where were you living and was it someplace exotic like Florida? Wait Florida's not exotic but it could be I don't know" Leone said hot fudge on her face.
"I was in Australia when daddy found me my mom was going to leave me at an orphanage which is when daddy said absolutely not I'm coming to live with him and his family".
Leone watched hot fudge drip off her spoon and fall on her sweater lapping it up like a dog until the smudge was a light brown.
"You sure are full of questions little one but that's good because like me you'll question everything and that's always a good thing" Naomi said as Leone giggled seeing Monster Boo stroll into the kitchen her eyes as big as half dollars at the ice cream sundaes on the counter.
"Monster Boo wants ice cream too and make her's as big as both of yours trust me I'll know if it's not made right" Gabriella said with Naomi sliding her a bowl impressed with this three year olds vocabulary.
"So what kind of music do you like Naomi? I like One Direction, Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato, and Maroon 5".
"I'm into Muse a lot nowadays their style and sound is nothing like music today and their lyrics speak to me so any other band Iheart radio tells me to like besides Muse is definitely on my Ipod playlist".
Leone was glad to have a cooler older sister to shadow so when she got to be Naomi's age she could be like Naomi in every way.
"Girl's where are you? Wherever you are I hope you're clean and aren't spoiling your dinner because Matty and Elizabeth are coming over to eat tonight" Kuki said opening the kitchen to find three very messy faces and she couldn't help but smile at them.
"Look mama Scary Boo is now Scary Boo with a hot fudge face and a little cherry syrup on her lips. Plus the hot fudge and cherry syrup look is all the rage in Paris".
"Yes well we live in America not Paris and as luck would have it clean little girls are all the rage in America".
A fussing Gabriella was led upstairs and the sound of two tubs being filled was heard from the bathroom upstairs.
"Come on Lee you too I want everybody looking pretty for your brother and Lizzie's first dinner here since forever and your dad's even taking a shower for this joyous occasion".
"I'll take a shower soon I want to finish my sundae first and then learn more about this Matt that dad said was my new brother".
"Matt's actually a really nice boy Lizzie his girlfriend hoping to be his fiancé soon and him are expecting and we hardly see them what with all the baby shopping they have to do".
"Just how old is Matt because dad says fifteen but what fifteen year old has a baby with a girl unless their mega, ginormous, responsible?" Naomi asked as Matt walked into the kitchen Elizabeth close behind with grocery bags.
"Naomi this is mega, ginormous, responsible Matt. Matt this is your new sister Naomi so I'll allow you two some time to get acquainted while I wash two very dirty little girls" Kuki said walking off as Elizabeth, Matt, and Naomi took each other in.
"Hey my dad told me all about you and I'm sorry to hear about your mom and all. You'll really like it here though because my dad and mom know all about raising kids into responsible teens and you look responsible already" Matty said as Elizabeth nodded unpacking the grocery bags.
"It's fine about my mom I mean she wasn't exactly mother of the year or even the century so I was more than glad to be rid of her as much as she was glad to get rid of me".
Elizabeth unpacked the last bag walking up to Naomi glad to have another teen girl around to shop with, get makeover's with, and talk about Matty with.
"The name's Elizabeth and your brother and I are kind of like a packaged deal because I'm having his baby even though it's not his but he adopted it so all's good" Elizabeth said shaking Naomi's hand.
"How very cool of you to adopt her baby Matt most babies are fatherless and the dad goes back to their old ways becoming a deserter at heart".
"Yea the guy she's having a baby with is a total tool and he thinks since he's the starting football quarterback he can do whatever he wants with no consequences".
Elizabeth sat down at the counter and a sundae was slid to her by Naomi who laughed at Elizabeth catching it her reflexes being extra fast.
"Cool huh? I found any kind of food in my peripheral vision gets caught no matter what it is. Just last night I caught a whole bucket of hot wings and a box of pizza without breaking a sweat".
Naomi slurped the rest of her ice cream and headed off to take a shower Elizabeth following her hoping to get Naomi in her good graces.
Brother, brother, brother, brother, brother I'm so happy you're here I was Scary Boo but mama won't let me wear the costume until tomorrow for the dress up party in the Kids Next Door she's mean but I'm happy to see you" Gabriella said hugging Matthew getting him damp.
"Gabs you need to dry off and I'm not mean I just want your costume to stay clean and pretty for tomorrow's party and knowing you it'll get mustard, ketchup, Kool-Aid and other messy stuff on it before the night ends" Kuki said rubbing Gabriella's hair with a towel making it stand up like static cling.
"There all dry now come on I need to brush your hair and then make it into a pretty ponytail before the other's get here".
As if Kuki called them Rachel, Nigel, Roscoe, Fanny, Fanny II, Mark, Brandon, and an all-black wearing Ariana humming Boom Clap by Charli XCL loudly walked in and both Nigel and Rachel looked about ready to strangle her.
"Boom clap
The sound of my heart
The beat goes on and on and on and on and on
Boom Clap
You make me feel good
Come on to me come on to me now
Boom clap
The sound of my heart
The beat goes on and on and on and on and on
Boom clap
You make me feel good
Come on to me come on to me now" Ariana belted with both Nigel and Rachel screeching at the words.
"Kuki thanks for inviting us and as you can see our middle child has taken to being the happy song Goth thanks to Mark, Elizabeth, Nigel, and I forbidding her to see Mark for a while".
"Rachel glad you could make it and Arianna's not really Goth if she's singing songs of love. I mean she does know that doesn't she?" Kuki asked as both Nigel and Rachel stared at Ariana with an I told you so look in their eyes.
"Yea well I think it's about time Goth's did sing about love because in all reality that's why they're Goths they're unloved and singing about a total darkness certainly doesn't help" Ariana said pushing play on her Ipod and humming to Boom Clap again.
"She's been like this for a week now and we're close to tearing our hair out I mean I was never like this around a guy so why is Ari?"
"Your parents never told you who to date Rachel no matter how bad the guy was. Granted you dated later than Ari but she's still moonstruck over Mark and telling her she can't see him well you see the results".
"I think Mark and Ari taking a break is for the better I mean they're still young and have their whole lives to fall in love with each other" Fanny said chopping vegetables for a salad.
"I hate to agree with Fanny and trust me when I say I really hate it seeing she was a bully at Ari's age but she's right on this one. I mean she's still too young to know what love is and if I hear Boom Clap one more time I'm going to Boom Clap her butt" Nigel said rubbing his temples.
"Fine I'll turn my music off if you promise to give Mark a chance just one and you'll see why I love him so much. If not then Boom Clap is going to be blasted and sung all through dinner" Arianna said applying black lipstick to her lips.
"Fine we'll give him a chance but even if we do like him because we already do seeing we watched him grow we still think taking a break from dating is a good idea".
"That's all I ask is one chance I mean the poor kid didn't even get to explain himself after my sleepover. He tries to call you two but you ignore him like he's a bad to the bone biker guy or something".
"OK Mark you have our undivided attention so how's about telling us what you were doing at Ari's sleepover which was supposed to be no boys allowed?" Nigel asked and Mark gulped looking at Nigel and Rachel.
"Well- uhh- umm- I- I- I- I- I- I wanted to see her and Fanny II said Leone had the best idea to get us in the boys just had to impersonate pizza delivery men and it was easy as pie" Mark began with all the girl's looking at Fanny II and Leone who gulped at their hard stares.
"So John's dad work's at a pizza place and he gave us shirts and pizza's for free, A driver from the pizza place drove us to the house, and we did the rest me being Mario, John being Luigi, and Roscoe being Yoshi which was stupid I know but those were the names they picked".
"OK and exactly how did you get pass Mark and Elizabeth? I mean they didn't just let you walk passed did they?" Rachel asked as Mark nodded and the stares shifted to Elizabeth and Matty.
"We had to give them two boxes of meatlover's pizza and two liters of Wild Cherry Pepsi and Mountain Dew but it was a small price to pay to see Arianna even if she did totally ignore me to break up the three person band in the living room".
Rachel and Nigel felt bad for chasing Mark out without getting the full story as he hugged them and they hugged him back looking at all the culprits.
"Mark Honey I'm so sorry Uncle and Nigel ignored you it's just that Uncle Nigel seems to think you're corrupting Arianna's mind being a boy, a Fullbright, and finding your courage plus your fighting nature" Rachel said as Mark unclung from Rachel and Nigel and walked up to his mom.
"It's fine my Mama said Fullbright's don't find love until much later but she also told me that she knows one day Ari and I will be a couple, go to Prom and Homecoming together, go to College together, then get married and have a family of our own" Mark said with Rachel and Nigel looking at Fanny.
"What did I do? I mean just because you want to break his spirit doesn't mean I have to do it too does it? I'm his mother and I'm supposed to be supportive and all that junk" Fanny said putting her salad into a large bowl.
"Granted you are supposed to support him Fan but how could you encourage two seven year olds to continue loving each other? I mean what could they possibly know about love their still trying to figure out times tables and division".
Fanny set the bowl in the middle of the table and stared Nigel and Rachel down the both of them knowing they struck a nerve with Fanny.
"You know this feud reminds me of a little play called Romeo and Juliette where the families were feuding and Romeo ran off with Juliette getting married to her. Well long story short does anybody know what happened to Romeo and Juliette?"
All the kids shrugged as the adults and teens nodded knowing the play well and Fanny slammed bowls on the table.
"They killed themselves to prove their undying love for each other kids. Rachel, Nigel, teens is this something you really want for them? Because I know I love my son and wouldn't want him killing himself because of his love for Arianna".
"Fanny one they were teenagers, two it may have seemed real when written but it was a story, and three that was in like the 1800's and there was a lot less kids loving each other back then" Nigel said with Rachel nodding agreeing with him.
"So what are we supposed to do tell Arianna and Mark that love doesn't exist? Who are we to tell them what love is anyway? Love can't be explained it's just an emotion we feel and nobody can stop it".
"Exactly Fan people do crazy things for love trust me Nigel and I know all about that. Do I need to remind you of the streaking incident when Nigel thought I loved Wally because I was tutoring him?" Rachel asked.
"No you don't need to remind me of that I have videos and photographic proof of that incident girlfriend. What exactly are you getting at here Rache do you think Mark is going to streak for Arianna or something?"
"No but what's to say he doesn't do something crazy like blow something up, jump in front of a bullet for her, get another girl to show interest in him, or fight a boy because he show's interest in Arianna?"
"Rachel you certainly don't know Mark as much as you think you do because if you did all those things you suggested would immediately be struck from the record. He'd never do any of those because he's a saint".
Little did Fanny, Rachel, Kuki, Elizabeth, Matthew, Wally, Hoagie, or Nigel knew there was a princess in distress and this princess was going to put a big wedge between Mark and Arianna.
Well peeps that's all for now so TTFN I'll write more soon I promise so R&R and I'll hit you all with the best chapter in this ff thus far. Cindy'sboy93