(A/N: Brief M part…but you'll understand why. Robbie's gotta work some things thru in his head. Thanks for reading.)
The chaos behind the stage is a stark contrast to the calm, peaceful serenity on it. Sikowitz has the easy job.
At least Tori, Cat, Beck, Jade and Andre have been on stage before.
I'm back here behind the curtains, up to my neck in barely controlled chaos. Due to the Sinjin incidents, not only Sinjin ended up getting kicked out of Hollywood Arts, but all of his co-conspirators.
And as a result, I'm the only person that worked in production first semester remaining. So, Sikowitz was basically forced to throw 9 or 10 freshman into the fire and fill the void. They're going to be really good when they are juniors. Heck, probably even sophomores.
But now, things are about 100 mph, with me directing everything.
They probably aren't having much fun; it's probably going too fast for them to even try to understand.
It's all instinct at this point.
I know, it sounds like I'm describing something much harder than behind the scenes work and set changes, but we are. It's actually hard work, and thankfully it's going ok.
They won't like what comes up in a few minutes after they leave.
The clean up.
I'm going to try and make it a bit easier on them by letting them listen to music while they are doing the work. I already asked Sikowitz, and he didn't have a problem with it.
His class today was not very fun. You couldn't have cut the tension between Cat and I with a chainsaw. She tried sitting next to me, I moved. She moved to me, I moved again. Finally Sikowitz ordered her to sit on the opposite side of the room, allowing me to sit in my normal seat.
Cat being Cat, basically threw a fit and caused people to look at us weird for the whole class.
I know I look strange, both of my cheeks are bruised from where she slapped me. What I didn't realize is that she did it with her rings out. I first noticed it from looking in the mirror this morning after trying to apply shaving cream only to feel a massive sting in both of my cheeks.
I look like she grated my face.
Second thing that showed me was when Cat sat next to me; I glanced down and saw my skin on her rings. Looked gross, and definitely was.
She didn't even notice and wash it off.
Hearing her tug on my arm, asking to talk to me, practically begging.
I just blocked it out and moved.
Suddenly Sikowitz poked his head out and said "Ok everyone, thank you for doing such a good job today. If you don't mid doing some quick clean up, you'll be done for today. See you all later."
He waved and exited.
"Ok everyone." I spoke up, and everyone snapped to attention.
That's the awesome thing about freshman. So eager to please.
"This stuff is the easy stuff. Some people need to wipe down the stage, other need to dry it. I need a group of four to five to gather up cords and the rest can just pick up, that'll be great." I say, to rapt attention.
"What are you gonna do?" Some guy in the back said, throwing in a little attitude.
"I'm going to be shutting down the switchboard and making sure the electronics don't blow up. Is that good enough for you?"
He didn't reply, but someone else did speak up.
"After we're done, can we leave?"
"Yeah, just be sure to let me know. Oh, and by the way, you can listen to music, I don't care. Just get everything done please."
Most of them smiled and I said "Off ya go then."
They all scattered, pulling out headphones out of their pockets as they went to work.
Buzz Buzz.
"Taking Cat home. She desperately wants to talk to you. Tori and Beck are coming in shortly, wanted to let you chat with your minions. Hope they aren't driving you nuts." –Jade
"Ok, don't let her call me please. I will ignore it. And I think they have a new nickname. My minions."
I put my headphones back into my pocket, knowing it would be pointless to listen to like 45 seconds of a song, then have them come talk to me.
"Will do. Sounds like she screwed up."
"Long story short, I never loved her and the shooting was one big accident. She had to be held back by my mom otherwise she would have slapped me more."
I sit down at the switchboard and started running thru my checks before I can shut everything down.
"She slapped you? Is that why your face is all scratched up? Because Cat told us at lunch that you got a puppy."
"We did, but the damage was done by Cat. The puppy is nothing but energy and love."
Example: This morning, my mom shut off my cell phone alarm and sent him in to wake me up. According to mom he gently made his way up to my bed, where I was passed out, and started licking my face sweetly.
I just remember the part that puppy kisses woke me up. Best way to wake up ever, other than having your girlfriend snuggle into your chest.
Speaking of Amber, she should be coming home today.
Thank goodness. I need a good hug and knowing that at least she loves me for me.
Mom I know loves me regardless.
As for the extra curricular activities…I don't want to say I need them, but I need to blow off some steam.
Ok…audio system is good…and shut down.
A small click and I know that all the mikes are dead, along with the speakers.
Then a tap on my shoulder made me turn around.
"Hey!" Tori said peppily as I turned around.
They're holding hands.
"Hi, how are you guys?" I asked, jumping up and offering Tori my seat. She shook her head, but Beck did take it.
Upon seeing my odd glance at him he explained "I was playing basketball with Andre over the break, and I hurt my hamstring."
"Oh. You ok?"
"Yeah…just a bit tender." He said, cringing as he straightened his leg.
"Ok. So what's up?" I asked.
"How about you explain what's up with Cat?" Tori requested.
"Again." Beck sighed.
"It's not my fault. She's being ridiculous and making it hard for me to not strangle her."
"Explain please?" Tori asked.
"Ok…so she came over to my house to talk to me about what happened, and it started out fine, but then she said Trent shooting me was a accident."
"That wasn't a accident. No way. It's not possible." Beck said.
"I tried telling her that, pointing out that he knew how to shoot it and that he knew how to shoot because he's in a gang. She refused to believe the gang part, and I emphasized how close he came to killing me, she said I was jealous of Trent, screamed some stuff, slapped me and then Mom made her leave."
"Ouch. So that's the scratches, not the new puppy?" Beck asked.
"Nope, did Cat say it was the puppy?" I asked curiously.
"Yep. Even had a picture of him. Very cute."
"I wanna stop by later if you don't mind." Tori smiled.
"Sure." I said. "Not today though, Amber's back home today."
"That's fine. Sounds like we need to talk to Cat today anyway." Beck said, typing something on his keyboard.
"What are you typing?" Tori asked.
"Asking Jade to take Cat with her to the mall later. You, me and Andre can meet them there and have some semblance of a conversation and try to bash reality into Cat's head." Beck said, not sounding pleased.
"Guys…I don't think that's going to work." I tell them.
"Why not?" Tori asked.
"I think she has to hit rock bottom. I think its one of those things. She can't see reality until it hits her in the face." I explained.
"I hope you're wrong. And I still think we need to at least try." Beck said, putting his phone away.
"I hope I'm wrong too. Just please keep her away from me. I get to be grouchy when my painkillers start wearing off." I tell them.
"Are you in much pain?" Tori asked.
"Just the ribs."
"Ribs?" Beck asked. "He hit you in the—" he cringed as I lifted up the side of my shirt to show them my bruised ribs.
Tori looked horrified. "Are you sure that's ok?"
"Uh huh." I nodded. "Completely normal."
"That looks bad man." Beck shook his head.
"It doesn't hurt unless I lay on it at night. Which I accidentally did last night. So in that way, today isn't very fun."
"Ooh. Well, we'll let you finish up here then." Beck said, getting to his feet gingerly.
"Ok, one question though?" I asked.
"Sure, what's up?" Tori turned around.
"Are you two an item?"
Beck quickly looked nervous and Tori went pink.
"Umm…yeah." She replied.
"Please don't tell Jade dude." Beck said quickly.
"I won't. See ya."
They waved and I turned my back on them. The spiteful side of me wants to just text Jade "Beck and Tori are dating."
But I need to let that slide. Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you.
In essence, be a bro and keep my mouth shut.
Just like they did to me.
I quickly throw my earbuds in and blast hard rock while I finish my checks.
I lock the door behind me and speed home, taking the back ways to avoid the cops.
Again, I pull into the driveway, smiling at the sight of Amber's indestructible looking Mustang parked on the curb and leave my backpack in the car.
I can see Mom talking so someone, looking towards the couch and TV when I open the door.
"Hey! It's the man of the house!" Mom joked, as I evaded the screen door and closed both behind me.
"No, that privilege would belong to the puppy Mom." I smile, as she hugged me tightly.
"Maybe. How was your day?"
"Long. Got stuck with the fishies in theater."
I hear two groans and turn to see Amber in one of my shirts, frowning.
"That shirt is familiar Mrs. Stranger." I joke.
Amber laughed, and Mom shook her head. "Oh my god. Sugary to the point of gagging. Eech!" She jokingly said, cringing for laughs.
Which she got.
"Why are you wearing that?" I asked.
"Because, I helped your mom bake some cookies and I got some of the bleach stuff your mom uses for dishes on my shirt. So I grabbed this one. You like it?"
"Better on you than me, that's for sure." I say, and both laugh.
"Where's Cosmos?" I turned and asked mom.
"I dunno…COSMOS!" she yelled towards the living room. A moment later we heard rapid footsteps coming downstairs then saw him sprint to my mom.
"You named him Cosmos?" Amber asked me.
"Cat did, and I need to talk to you about that."
"Ok. He's a cutie by the way. Been hanging out in your room all day." She smiled at me.
Mom is being all affectionate with Cosmos, and I noticed she had some treats for him on the floor near the pantry.
"Cool. Hold on, I need to buy his attention…" I bent down and got a treat. "Cosmos!"
He turned, took a second to recognize me then sprinted to me and jumped to lick me.
"Hi…nice to see you too… Treat?" I said, extending it to him.
He promptly ignored it and started climbing to reach my face.
"Aaah! Easy!" I laugh, as Amber and my mom are almost crying.
"Who cares about the treat? I got Robbie!" Mom said.
"He's got that part right for sure!" Amber smiled.
I stood up and suddenly he decided it was a good time to notice the treat.
Probably because he can't get to my face now.
I slide past amber and get a paper towel and start wiping off the dog slobber.
"Let me get some water, I'm pretty sure you don't wanna kiss this stuff." I say, going to the sink.
"Probably a good idea. I'll go take a walk since the cookies are done."
"Mom, that isn't necessary." I say, exhausted.
"I know. But you guys need to talk about Cat, so I'll take Cosmos for a walk. See you." She waved as she grabbed a leash from a bag. "C'mon Cosmos! Let's go for a walk!"
He galloped to the door as Amber followed me upstairs.
I opened my door and turned around to make sure she was coming in here, but Amber was nowhere to be seen.
"Amber?"
"Bathroom! I'm not kissing you until you have mouthwash!"
"Probably a good idea." I say, walking into the bathroom and taking the bottle from her.
She left the room as I took a swig, swirled it around and spit into the sink.
I walked back into my room and called out "I don't know why this makes it any better, it's still gonna be gr—"
She quickly shut the door and kissed me, all while forcing me to my bed.
From there we made out for like 5 minutes then she broke from me and said "I couldn't wait any longer. And you taste delicious."
"Great. I need to talk about Cat before you go." I tell her.
"Do it…after we kiss more." She said, shimmying out of her shirt and yanking on mine.
"I think you missed me." I said, finally getting the shirt off, and having her right back on me.
This time the pace was much slower, and I actually got to have a chance to make her shudder by…I'm gonna leave it to the imagination.
"Missed you? I did a lot more than just miss you…" She said before kissing me again and finally slipping under the covers with me.
We made out for what felt like forever until the downstairs door closed.
I groaned as she cuddled up to me and we started to hear Cosmos's tags clinking up the stairs. I didn't even notice that we never completely closed the door until he slipped in.
"I closed that door!" She said softly as he made his way onto my bed and towards us.
"Hey boy…c'mer—OW!" She yelped and grabbed her bra.
I scooped him towards me and asked "Are you ok?"
"Yeah…just pawed my boob. That hurt!" She smiled at him, sitting up.
"Smart puppy." I joked, and she whacked my arm.
"Shut up! You wouldn't know anything about that! You're the only guy that's seen me topless that hasn't done anything."
"Well, do you want me to do something?" I asked.
"Sure, but it might be good to get Cosmos out of here."
I hopped up "C'mon boy…you're too young to see this." I joked, and Amber laughed.
"That's funny."
"We'll see what's funny." I said, crawling next to her and kissing her. She happily reciprocated and steered my hands to the back of her bra.
She smiled into the kiss when I figured out how to unclip the damn thing.
"About time." She smiled as I took it off and threw it aside. "if it took you longer I was gonna just do it myself."
"Well, I've never done that before."
"And now you ha—have….oh Robbie…" She moaned as I started working her, and kissing her neck.
"You're gonna tease me…damn youuu!" She said as I started trailing down.
I stopped briefly only to say "You wouldn't want it any other way."
She didn't say anything and just let out her various noises of satisfaction.
When I got to the business area she basically forced my face into it.
"Suck me please…Ohhhhh yeah…"
She obviously liked it, because all her tension went to her pants and she leaned her head back.
"Robbie…go…GO!" She yelled, and then started to get off on me.
The longer she went, the more she gripped the back of my shorts, then grabbed a pillow and shoved her face into it and became louder with her moans.
Not long after, she tensed up and groaned for a long time. I let her down gently and kissed my way back up to her lips.
"…I missed you so much." I whispered, and then kissed her neck.
"I missed you too Robbie."
"Hey…can I ask you something that's been bugging me?" I asked.
"Sure. Now's as good a time as ever." She smiled, looking ecstatic.
"Um…I've been thinking…are we doing this stuff too much? I don't want this to be just a physical thing. That isn't fair to you." I said.
She sighed and propped herself onto her elbow. "Robbie…thanks for being concerned, but I'm pretty sure this isn't just a sex thing, which is good I'll admit."
I opened my mouth to retort, but she covered my mouth.
"But…all boys need sex. Especially ones that have just been shot and are putting their hearts back together."
"Are you sure? I don't want to realize one day…I just want you for sex." I ask shyly.
"Hey, if that day comes…tell me ok? We'll go from there. But I know this. I love you. And you love me, otherwise you don't have the courage to ask such a stupid question." She said, ending with a smile and a kiss on the forehead.
"Good…thanks." I smile.
"No problem…now let's go and buy Cosmos some doggie toys. He needs some and we need to say sorry for kicking him out like that. And you can tell me about whatever the heck Cat did on the way ok?"
"Sure."
We both quickly get dressed, with me changing all my clothes and her grabbing a new shirt.
When we started downstairs, Mom poked her head up. "Good, I don't have to separate you two with the Jaws of Life."
"Mom!"
Amber being Amber, giggled and covered her mouth.
"Cosmos is very upset with you. He wanted to learn from you guys."
"No. Absolutely not. He's just a puppy." Amber said simply.
"We're getting him some toys as an apology gift." I told Mom.
"Oh! Can you also buy a dog whistle? I forgot one."
"Sure, we can do that!" Amber smiled as I held open the door for her.
"Ok! See you kids later then! And don't eat there! I'll have dinner waiting for you guys!" Mom said, smiling.
"Thanks mom!"
"Thanks Mrs. Shapiro!"
"No problem kids…bye."
We both hopped into her mustang and she started the behemoth.
She then frowned and turned to me. "Now what in the hell did Cat do?"
Cat POV
"Why won't you tell me why we're going to the stupid mall? I already work here, isn't that enough?" I said angrily.
"Cat, hold your horses ok?" Jade told me darkly.
"Why? I feel like I'm being kidnapped."
"Because, it looks like you and Robbie have a problem with the truth." She told me, parking the car.
"What? Robbie's a compulsive liar! And what did I lie about?"
"His puppy, for starters. C'mon." She said bluntly.
"I didn't lie about his puppy…Butterfly!" I say, seeing one float by.
They're kinda cute for a bug. And have pretty wings.
Jade growled and dragged me towards the food court by my wrist.
"I can walk you know." I tell her.
"Then do it." She said, entering the food court.
Oh no…
It's everybody but Robbie.
This reminds me of what Jade told me when they confronted Robbie about lying his parent's divorce trial.
And now I'm Robbie.
"Hey Cat." Beck smiled as Jade sat down, leaving the chair in the middle for me.
"Hi. I don't like being interrogated like this."
"We aren't interrogating you. We just want to hear what you have to say about the screaming match with Robbie." Tori said evenly, then sipping on her drink.
"And why you said his new puppy scratched him, but when I asked him, he said it was your rings!" Jade said
"Because he's being stupid! I know what happened over the break was bad, but Trenny didn't do that on purpose! It was because he was drunk!" I protested.
Everyone looked at me like I was stupid or something.
"You seriously can't believe that can you Cat?" Andre asked.
"What? It's the truth!"
"No it's not Cat. Your boyfriend beat the absolute crap out of him, then the next time he sees him, shoots him!" Jade retorted.
"Robbie didn't get beaten up by Trent. Trent was home that night. He left my apartment around 6."
"To go beat up Robbie for what happened Prome night Cat. He did it because he was close to you!" Beck said definitively.
"You guys don't like Trent do you?"
"No! He's a thug and a gang guy!" Tori said.
"What's there to like besides the steamy sex you guys have apparently been having?" Beck said, then clapping his hands over his mouth.
"WHAT? How'd you know that?" I yelp.
"Simple." Jade monotoned. "When you start screaming about wanting more sex when you're drunk every time you leave a party with no bra on, it's pretty damn easy to connect the dots."
"You guys are being ridiculous. He's a good guy. Better than Robbie. At least you can trust Trent."
"I'm not so sure Cat. He can't even take out Robbie without getting arrested."
"And that doesn't give you a reason to slap and scream at Robbie." Jade said.
"What are you talking about Jade?" I ask defensively.
"Cat, stop playing dumb. Seriously. I talked to Robbie and he said that you went to go talk things over, you started talking like you are now about how Trent is innocent, Robbie said he did it on purpose and you exploded." She snapped.
"But he's jealous! He still hasn't gotten over the fact that I ended us at Prome and seems to think that if he tears Trenny down I'll go out with him. Which won't happen."
"That's ridiculous."
I jump out of my skin and turn around to see Amber, or whatever her name is standing right behind me.
"Where'd you come from?" Beck said, sounding surprised.
"Well, Robbie and I were buying some toys for his new puppy and I saw you guys and came over. Sorry to startle you." She said.
"It's ok….what did you hear?" Tori asked.
"A whole lot of crap from Cat and some sense from you guys."
"Hey!" I called out.
"What? It is. You seemed all remorseful a couple of weekends ago, and now you and sticking by the guy who shot him."
"How is he?" Jade asked.
"Angry. But he's been like that ever since I met him, and apparently before that too, thanks to some previous extracurriculars."
"See Cat, your case is just not true." Andre said.
"Yeah it is." I replied.
"Guys, she's blinded by love for Travis or whatever his name is. She can't see sense."
"I can too!"
"Oh really now?" She suddenly looked at me, looking angry and scary. "So it's true then that he wants to break you and Travis up then get back with you?"
"Uh huh! It's the truth!"
"Two issues. One, he kind of hates you after all this crap you've caused. And secondly, he's dating me."
Oh.
Didn't think about that.
"So he's just going to dump me coldly and run back to a girl he despises because of her insanity? Yeah, that makes complete sense."
"Despises?" Jade asked.
"Basically. He can't stand the sight of her, and the fact that the last two times he's seen her, he's gotten injured. By the way Cat, I appreciate you scratching up my boyfriend. Next time, maybe leave it to me?"
Ouch!
"Hey, no need to be so mean." I pout.
"Well I don't know how else to make you see sense! Like it or not, you are important to him. He's trying to get you out of his heart, and you're only making it easier."
"He still wants her?" Beck asked.
"No, but he's so conflicted about them being friends that it's tearing him apart at the seams. And it's probably going to break us up!"
"What?" Everyone, including me shouted.
"We're probably going to break up soon." She stated.
"Why?" Jade asked.
"Because, when I first started dating him I thought he loved me. Now I see he's trying to work thru his issues and just needs somebody to help him out in other ways if you get my drift."
Sex.
"It's not his fault, I just think he needs to get thru this on his own and not have to deal with a bad breakup afterward. That'll just send him spiraling again." She finished.
"So it's a preemptive breakup?" Tori asked.
"Yeah, and keep it quiet. Especially you missy." She looked down at me.
Before anybody else could speak her phone went off. "Hello?...Hey baby, I found it, I'm about to come back in…ok…bye."
"I gotta go back to the store. Sorry." She apologized.
"It's fine." Andre waved her off.
"Thanks…Cat?" She asked, and I looked up at her.
"Please don't come over and inflict bodily harm on him ok? And since you're so snoopy, please look at the police report of your boyfriend's arrest. Maybe that'll shake the blonde out of your brain. See you guys later."
She turned and walked away.
"Shake the blonde out of your brain…that's a good one!" Tori said.
"Shut up Tori!" I snapped.
"No Cat." She simply replied.
It's all part of his plan. He wants to break up with her to get me.
I'm too smart for him though. He won't be able to break me and Trenny up. That's real love.
As opposed to the made up love Amber and Robbie share.