Townsville High
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Chapter 53 - We're All Out Of Lies
Last Chapter - Buttercup encouraged Bubbles to confront Boomer and find out what he is hiding. Mitch went to extreme lengths to get the money his family needed. Blossom's worries grew once she heard that Bubbles had applied to a Performing Arts college..in New York. And Butch and Buttercup decided to plan a massive good-bye party as exams and graduation grew closer.
AN; Sorry again for the wait. I've been working on my new story that will be up shortly, it's very time consuming. This chapter may seem a tad rushed. I have no excuses for that. Sorry. Please, enjoy the chapter and thank you for reading :)
"Damn it," Butch cursed as he speed-walked towards The Cove. His spiked black hair - which took him a whole twenty minutes to perfect - was now a dull mop of damp hair on top of his head. The second that school had finished, the rain started, ruining what started out as a perfect day.
His leather jacket was soaked and all he could seem to hear was the noise of his shoes sloshing along the wet pavement. It was rare for it to rain so much in Townsville, which was what set Butch off so much. If he had known just how bad it would get, he would have dressed better for the occasion.
Butch pulled back the sleeve of his jacket momentarily to check the time. He let out a sigh of relief. He was just on time to meet Buttercup, therefore he could avoid having a fork stuck in his hand. Butch knew better than to be late to meeting Buttercup twice in one week. That was a suicide mission waiting to happen.
As his pace quickened, Butch could see the double glass doors that led to The Cove. He could see Buttercup's silhouette sat at their favourite table. A small devil-may-care smile tugged at his lips as he got closer and closer to her. He could see Mitch and that Hailey character breezing by tables, placing steaming cups of coffee and tea on the oak coloured tables.
Butch caught Mitch's eye as he slipped through the glass doors. The tall brunette looked sharp this evening, wearing his trendy black and red stripped polo shirt and black jeans, followed by the plain white apron tied behind his back. Aside from the clothing, he was also wearing his usual friendly smile that made most girl's knees go weak.
Mitch strolled over to Butch, the customary spring in his step absent.
"You look positively drenched, dude." Mitch commented, looking his friend from head-to-toe. He practically washed the floors as he walked inside the small cafe. Butch chuckled at the brunette as he began to strip himself from his soaked leather jacket. Mitch instantly took the jacket from Butch's grasp and walked over to the door, proceeding to hang it upon the coat rack.
"It's hell out there," Butch said. "You're lucky you get to spend all your free time in here."
Mitch smirked. "I wouldn't exactly call myself lucky," He wandered back over to Butch. "I'll get you a coffee, on the house. Go see Buttercup, she's been waiting for quite a bit."
The dark-haired boy strode past Mitch, his eyes setting on his girlfriend. Buttercup was sat in one of the tables near the back of the café, her foot tapping as she looked down in thought. Her gaze was set on the small green notepad sat on the oak table in front of her. As soon as Buttercup heard the sound of Butch's combat-boots stalking towards her, she jerked her head up to look at him. Sweet lime green eyes met dark. A casual smile lit up Buttercup's face as Butch slid down into the seat beside her.
"Hello, girlfriend." Butch teased as he planted a kiss on her cheek, causing the lovely old couple sat one table away to smile sweetly. Buttercup cringed as Butch's arm wrapped around her, causing their bodies to come in full contact. She shrieked and shoved Butch back.
"You're soaked!" She exclaimed loudly, pushing herself as far into the wall as possible. Butch chuckled at her as he ran a hand through his sleek damp hair. He ignored Buttercup's cold stare and glanced down at the notepad she had been pondering over, only to notice it was blank.
He remembered their conversation a couple of days earlier.
"Planning for the party?"
Buttercup nodded. "We have a lot of planning if we want to pull this off. Usually Maxine plans the parties and they're always perfect, but she's been too busy with the whole being-pregnant fiasco to help me out."
A soft chuckle escaped Butch's lips. Buttercup wasn't lying there. Maxine was known for her amazing parties, but of course, she couldn't spend all of her time planning for a party now that she spent most of her time in bed, at school or in a doctor's office. This whole thing came down to Butch and Buttercup. They wanted it to be a night to remember - the perfect way to say their goodbyes - which meant that the whole thing had to run smoothly.
"Well, Brick said we could throw the party at our house," Butch informed Buttercup. "As long as we promise to clean up afterwards." He added with a small chuckle.
"Awesome." Buttercup began to write something down on her small notepad, scribbling the words in her usual messy handwriting. Her eyes lit up as she imagined how it would be. It seemed like the perfect idea. None of them wanted a big emotional scene after graduation as they all parted ways, so what better than to say good-bye during a party? Something that they do best is party. Buttercup was adamant that this was going to go well.
"It has to start at around eight," Butch announced, causing Buttercup to look at him in question. "Mitch will be off work by then."
Buttercup sent a nod Butch's way before scribbling something else down onto her pad. Butch watched her, curious amusement in his dark green eyes. He had never seen his girlfriend so determined to make something perfect. It occurred to him that this meant more to Buttercup than it did to him.
"Buttercup," Butch started, watching as Buttercup glanced up at him. "Why is this party so important to you?" He pried.
Buttercup's face fell blank, deprived of all expression. "It's just a party, Butch. Don't read too much into it."
"Don't do that. Come on, why is this so important?"
"It's not important," Buttercup drawled, her gaze switching from Butch's eyes. She shook her head slowly. "This is the last party we're going to have before people head off to college. I just want it to be perfect. Is that so bad?"
"You just said, "Before people head off to college," You aren't going to college, are you?" Butch asked, curiosity lacing his voice. He watched as Buttercup's expression fell. A sad frown took over Buttercup's face and Butch mentally slapped himself. He hated whenever Buttercup was sad. It physically hurt him.
Buttercup tensed all of a sudden, lowering her gaze to the table. She began playing with her hands nervously. Butch's stare continued to burn into the side of her face. He waited less than patiently for Buttercup to explain herself. Buttercup glanced back up at him, her emerald-green eyes darting between his eyes.
"College was never a plan for me. I never thought that I'd have to get a job and make a life for myself so soon. I didnt-I didn't think that my dad would be gone before graduation. But he's gone, and I have no plans. So, yes, Butch, this party does mean a lot to me. Because while you're all saying good-bye to each other, I'll be the only one who will still be stuck in Townsville when you leave."
"What?" Butch blinked. "Nothing on this earth could make me want to go to college. I'll still be here, trying to find a mediocre job and living in a studio apartment."
A small laugh escaped from Buttercup's pursed lips. "Don't you want to be a boxer?"
"That's the dream. But sometimes you don't get everything you want."
"When did you become so deep, Butch Jojo?"
"Since I met you, Crazy girl."
Buttercup chuckled.
Bubbles' POV
You know, ever since I was a little girl, people always thought that I was naïve. Maybe I was. Maybe I still am. But that ends now, on this day. I can't just sit back and pretend that Boomer isn't lying to my face every day. There's a reason that he's doing this, and if I don't find out why, then I'll forever be the naïve little girl that trusted too easily.
I always had the feeling that Boomer had never really gotten over the accident. We never talk about it any more. I mean, he blamed himself, and so did Brick and so did everyone. But Boomer? He was so determined to believe that it was his fault, he literally went crazy because of it.
People say that the accident is the most scary part. But for me, it was the aftermath. It was scary when the car crashed. It was really scary. My heart was thumping and I couldn't breath. Everything hurt because I knew in seconds I could be gone. It all hit me at once, I couldn't think straight. All I could seem to wonder was, "Is this it?" It was terrifying. But waking up to Boomer, acting the way he was, that was worse than anything I felt in that car.
That moment was the scariest moment of my entire life.
Boomer and I have such a complicated relationship. When we first got together, we were lying to all of our friends, but I refuse to go out the same way. I refuse to go out, period. I won't let Boomer's stupidity and my naivety ruin what we have. Because what Boomer and I have? It's the only thing that has kept me going through all of this.
"Bubbles?"
A voice pulled me out my Boomer-filled daze. I glanced towards the cracked door of my bedroom. Blossom was standing there, looking at me with that concern filled stare she always sports around me. Blossom is sort of special that way. She can tell whenever something is amiss, just by the look in my eyes. That is why I learned to act happy, all the time, even when I didn't feel like it.
She looked beautiful - even more so than usual. The first thing to catch my eye was her short, white pencil skirt, which seemed to frame her figure nicely. Her top half was covered in a loose-fitting camisole shirt with spaghetti straps. The shirt was a light beige colour that was closely similar to her skin tone. Beige high-heels - that were strapped, tieing around her ankles - added to her mid-length height.
This outfit could only mean one thing. She had a date with Brick tonight.
"Hey, Blossom," I beamed with fake-happiness, a wide grin stretching across my lips. "You look gorgeous. Hot date?"
Blossom's rosette pink eyes seemed to study mine, as if spying for deception. Her head titled casually to the side, allowing her long flowing auburn hair to fall to one side. My poker-face did not fade, I simply stared back at my sister with a tight, unbreakable smile on my face. After a moment of pure silence, Blossom smiled back at me. I had to hold back my sigh of relief.
"Yes, actually. Brick is cooking me dinner tonight. I suggested we go out to a restraunt, but you know Brick." Blossom said with a warm smile as she took a step closer to me, her heels clicking along my floor.
I chuckled at Blossom's comment.
Brick really was something. He could be so romantic sometimes, most of the time actually. It was a quality that made me sure that he was perfect for Blossom. They are so alike yet so different, a bit like Boomer and I. What worries me is that Brick and Blossom are going to have to part ways after graduation, and I don't think that Blossom nor Brick is ready for something like that.
"Brick is very sweet to do that for you," I responded with a smile. "I'm assuming you're here so that I can do your hair for you?" I watched as Blossom slyly smiled before sending me a nod.
I rose from my bed to my feet. Blossom began to walk over to me as I wondered what I could possibly do to her hair. She usually wears it up in a bun, but I prefer variety to routine. She stood in front of me, her back facing me. My hands raised to scoop up the mass of dark auburn - almost red - hair in both of my hands. I began to pleat her hair neatly, letting it fall carelessly down her back.
"So," I started to speak as I continued to pleat her long hair. "Have you forgiven me yet?"
I could practically feel Blossom tense all over. She moved her head a little to the side, the tension thick in the air between us.
"Forgive you for what?"
"You know what," I said carefully. "If I get accepted to St. Valentines then I'll be moving to New York. Blossom, I know you aren't okay with that. None of you will be. I haven't even told Buttercup and Boomer yet, they won't be happy about it. Maxine and Brick are my best friends, they won't be happy about it. Heck, even Brody and Tyler won't be happy about it. But out of all of them, you're the one that I was most worried about telling. Because not seeing you everyday is going to kill me."
Blossom instantly spun around to face me.
Her eyes were lit with an emotion I couldn't recognise. Just as she was about to speak, her bottom lip trembled. I looked down towards the floor - refusing to see my sister look so hurt. It's always been Blossom and I that had each other's backs. We always help each other and trust one another with out very lives and worst secrets. Without Blossom, I wouldn't have gotten through this year. And I think she's just as scared as I am.
"Bubbles," My sister spoke softly, her voice flowing like silk. I glanced back up to meet her glassy pink eyes. "I could never be mad at you. Okay? Never. I was just upset because I had decided to stay in Townsville. I didn't want to leave this all behind, but I can't stop people leaving. You're going to go to college and be happy, so is everyone else. And it's me that has to deal with that. But I will never resent you for being the first to go."
I closed my eyes, willing myself not to start crying. If I started crying I knew that I wouldn't stop. My eyes finally opened again to see Blossom, smiling brightly at me. Everything she had just said seemed to stick in my mind. I didn't want to leave Blossom, I never wanted that. But hearing her tell me that it was alright? That seemed like just the thing I needed to get myself out of the door.
Before I could stop myself, I felt a single tear rolling down my cheek. Blossom coughed out a small, shaky laugh through her own silent tears. She stretched forward and wrapped her arms around me, pulling me into a tight hug. I eased into the hug, snaking my arms around her neck.
Blossom pulled away and smiled at me, wiping the tears from my face.
"You really do look beautiful, by the way." I laughed, muffled by happy sobs.
She laughed back.
"Thank you, Bubbles. Oh, and if you don't get into St. Valentines, I will be writing a very offensive letter to the college." She said, her glossy red lips stretching into a humourous smile.
A small grin tugged at my lips. "How sweet of you."
She sent me a final smile before spinning on her heels and walking towards the door. I caught a glance of the pleated braid hanging down her back and beamed. She really did look amazing. As she closed my door behind her, I suddenly felt alone again. Truly alone. Usually, I would call up Boomer and meet him for lunch or something, but now? I can't stand to hear more of his lies.
Maybe if I just knew what he was doing in Doctor Russell's office without asking him directly, I could feel at ease. I don't want to confront him. I know Buttercup said that I should, but God, it would hurt so much. I would see it in his eyes, that look when he realises that I don't trust him. It would kill me.
Reluctantly, I reached into the pocket of my baby blue jeans, hunting for my mobile phone. If I remember correctly - I had saved Doctor Russell as a contact in my phone during Boomer's recovery. He wanted to know if Boomer began to relapse or stop taking his medication. He wanted to know if Boomer started seeing..me, or that version of me that used to plague his mind. Luckily, he made a full recovery once returning home - or so I thought - but I still kept Doctor Russell's office number just in case.
I hesitantly clicked on Doctor Russell's number, pushing the call button. I pressed the phone to my ear. My eyes darted around the room as I waited for our Doctor to pick up. After a couple of seconds, I could hear Russell's smooth voice ring out.
"Hello?"
"Doctor Russell? It's Bubbles Utonium."
"Bubbles? What can I help you with?"
I chewed my lower lip, unsure of how to go about this. "Um..last week, I was at the hospital with Maxine Slater. She left her purse in the examination room. Well, I was walking over to your office - I wanted to thank you for everything you did after mine and Boomer's accident. But when I got to the door, I saw Boomer though the window. I guess..I guess I'm just wondering what he was doing there."
There was a stiff silence.
"Hasn't he informed you that he's been meeting with me to discuss his health? Mr Jojo told me that he had already told you all about it."
I blinked.
In that moment, I didn't know what to feel. Worried, shocked, panicked. It all seemed to hit me at once, and I couldn't focus. My eyes darted around my small bedroom, desperately trying understand what Doctor Russell was saying. His words just didn't seem to register in my head. I could feel my heart rate quicken drastically, unable to breathe.
"Miss Utonium?" Russell's velvety voice asked after a long muteness.
I opened my mouth to speak, words seeming at a loss. My mouth snapped shut. I swallowed the harsh, burning lump in my throat. I finally found my voice, although it seemed to come out with a dry rasp, barely audible.
"W-What is wrong with Boomer?"
"Miss Utonium, maybe you should ask Boomer about this. It's a delicate situation."
My mind raced. I could barely keep up with all of the horrible predicament's that Boomer could be in. It just didn't make sense. If Boomer was ill, he would have told me. It had to be something else, something more dire. Buttercup was right, I had to confront him. The lies had to stop.
"T-Thank you." I stuttered before yanking the phone away from my ear. I ended the call and stuffed the phone back into the pocket of my jeans. My eyes shut uncontrollably. All I could feel was this burning ache in my stomach, the ache that I get when I know something is wrong. I began to regret calling Doctor Russell in the first place, because this feeling? It was horrible.
I strode forward towards my mirror, staring myself in the face. I looked a sight. My eyes were dilated and blood-shot, and my mascara trailed down my cheeks. But for once, my appearance wasn't the first thing on my mind whilst looking into my mirror. I tried to remember what this moment felt and looked like. I tried to remember that this was all because of Boomer and if I didn't confront him, then this would only get worse.
I knew he was hiding something from me, but it just didn't seem real enough to believe. I couldn't grasp the fact that Boomer Jojo of all people was lying to my face. But I believe it now. All of it. He lied, and I sat back and didn't do anything about it.
But whatever it is that he's hiding from me, it must be something so unbelievably horrible. Boomer would never tell a lie to save his life. He has morals, he prides himself on being honest. I have a feeling that this is just the beginning. I'm going to find out what's going on, whatever it takes, but what hurts is knowing that whatever this secret is..it could make or break us.
I just have this feeling that something really bad is about to happen..
Normal POV
"Mitchelson, table five needs that coffee." A less than serene voice called out.
Mitch snapped out of his peaceful day dream. He glanced up from the cash register and noticed his latest flame - Hailey Cloud - staring down at him as he slouched over the counter. Her mysterious blue eyes were dulled, obviously from the lack of excitement. There wasn't many customers this hour apart from a couple of University students, a friendly old couple and three men - all wearing trim Armani suits.
"Huh?"
Hailey glanced from Mitch's cold hazel eyes and over to the lonely pot of steaming hot coffee. She looked back at him, raising both of her eyebrows and tapping her foot in clear frustration. Mitch finally felt more alert, straightening his posture and opening his mouth to speak.
"Oh," He spoke distantly. "Right. I'll get right on that."
"You look half-dead," Hailey commented sarcastically. The tall, seventeen year old raised her eyebrow, looking as stunning as ever in a white ruffled blouse, a thin black pencil skirt and her customary white apron. "Were you up all night again?"
The brunette fought against rolling his eyes at the tone of Hailey's voice. She was starting to act more like his mother than his casual fling. Although considering whenever Mitch was tardy on the job, that did mean that Hailey had to pick up the slack. She had every right to tell him off every now and again.
"I've been working every day this week, Cloud. I'm allowed to be a little sluggish." Mitch said, followed by a frustrated groan. He began rubbing his aching temples in distress.
He heard a soft sigh escape from Hailey's pursed lips. The work-a-day waitress spun on her sleek, black Gucci heels, anxious to take people's orders and get on with her shift. Hailey Cloud was nothing short of a cliché. She worked hard, made less than decent pay and returned home to her studio apartment where she would sleep until her next shift. The only thing that brightened Miss Cloud's day was when her handsome fellow waiter friend would take her out on a romantic date.
"Wait," Mitch called out urgently, causing the blonde to spin back around and stare at him. "Are we still on for tonight?"
Hailey was silent for a moment. She didn't want to come on too eager, Mitch had been rather cold to her all morning. Although, if she turned him down, she would be subject to yet another night of sheer loneliness. She decided against it. No one wants to be alone, and by the looks of it, Mitch could use some company on this cold night also.
"Sure," Hailey smiled warmly. "Pick me up at eight."
Mitch mirrored her expression - watching as she walked away from the counter. Just as Mitch picked up the steaming pot of coffee to give to table five, the bell above the door chimed as it opened. Mitch turned to see who he was about to serve when his eyes locked onto the steel blue-green eyes of Maxine Slater.
She was wearing her usual vintage attire. A flattering pink and white polka-dot dress clung to her body, doing nothing to shield the bulging bump that was her stomach. Her feet were graced with simple white flat-shoes, and her soft brunette hair was pinned up in a messy bun above her head. Almost seven months pregnant, and Maxine still looked as chipper as always.
Maxine began walking towards the counter, smiling gracefully at Mitch as she did so. Mitch glanced back down that the white coffee mug sitting in front of him as he began to pour the delicious brown elixir into the cup. As soon as he was finished, his fellow brunette friend was standing before him, her head tilted and her eyes boring deep into his own.
"We need to talk." She stated firmly, a wild look in her eyes.
"Hello to you too, Max," Mitch replied sarcastically. "Coffee?"
"I can't drink coffee."
"Tea?"
"Gross."
"Do you want anything?"
"Yes. I want to talk to you." Maxine replied dryly. She shot him a bittersweet smile, that usual air of confidence surrounding her form. Mitch almost forgot just how strait-forward Maxine was. It was the only thing that set her apart from her older brother. Mitch raised one of his thin eyebrows at her, wondering what on earth Maxine Slater could possibly want to talk to him about so badly.
He finally broke their intense stare to glance down at the cup of coffee sitting before him. He picked it up with both hands, being careful not to burn himself. Mitch strode away from the bar, walking towards his pregnant friend. She watched his every move impatiently.
"My break starts in a couple of minutes." The brunette told her.
Mitch casually strolled past Maxine and began racing towards table five. He placed the burning hot mug in front the attractive college student. She looked around the age of eighteen and had ebony black hair. She flashed him a small, insignificant smile before he dashed off - not even waiting for a thank you. He wouldn't have gotten one either way, considering the girl had been waiting a full ten minutes for that coffee.
As Mitch began walking back towards the counter, he noticed Maxine from the corner of his eye. She was taking a seat at one of the empty tables for two near the front of the café. Mitch suddenly felt anxious for some reason. Him and Maxine didn't talk a lot - in fact, they made it their life's mission to avoid pleasantries with one another. He realised that this must have been important for Maxine to come all the way down here.
Mitch wandered behind the counter. He began pressing various buttons on the small coffee machine in order to load a new pot. He was sure that someone was bound to ask for a re-fill. His mahogany brown eyes trailed towards his casual fling, Hailey. She was in the middle of taking table four's order - Or, as Mitch would say, she was taking 'The Suit's' order. A small smile lit up his face as Hailey glanced back at him.
Considering Mitch and Hailey practically ran the whole café, they liked to give nicknames to all of the regular customers. Every single day, three men wearing expensive, trim Armani suits came in, ordered a single black coffee, a white coffee with two sugars and a Chai tea latte. Mitch almost chuckled at just how repetitive his days were becoming.
Mitch smiled once more at Miss Cloud as she came over to him, her little white notepad blank. She already memorised most of the regular's orders after working here for a full three months. She stood before Mitch, her sky blue eyes locking onto those of Mitch's.
"The usual, Mitchelson. Oh, and try not to fall asleep this time." The strawberry-blonde female laughed musically before turning to get on with the rest of her duties. Mitch instinctively reached out and grasped her arm to stop her in her step. Hailey glanced back at him, curiosity drowning her stare.
"Can you take this one?" Mitch pleaded, flashing a charming smile. "I need to go on my break."
Hailey rolled her eyes. "Fine, just be quick. I have things to do."
"Thanks, Cloud."
Mitch strolled past Hailey and began making his way towards Maxine. The pregnant brunette was absentmindedly staring at her phone, texting someone by the looks of it. Mitch sat down in front of her, causing her blue-green eyes to travel past her phone in order to glare at Mitch. You could easily cut the tension in the air with a knife.
Boy, she did not look happy.
Mitch tugged on the collar of his polo shirt, suddenly feeling stuffy in this cramped café. He watched as Maxine abandoned her phone on the table and leaned forward, her wild eyes narrow. There was a tense silence that seemed to drag on before finally, Maxine cleared her throat.
"So, what do you want to talk to me about?" Mitch asked cautiously, raising a brow.
Maxine crossed her arms. "I know what you're doing. I know you're stealing."
Once again, Mitch almost forgot just how strait-forward Maxine Slater was.
"I haven't the slightest clue what you're on about."
"Don't lie. I saw you, with my own eyes, stealing out of the cash register." The brunette accused, making sure to keep her tone low enough for only Mitch to hear. Her eyes bore deep into his. She wasn't backing down. Mitch leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. The pair simply stared each other down, neither daring to make the next move. Maxine shot him a wicked smile. "Care to tell me what you're explination is?"
"It's none of your business." Mitch said, narrowing his eyes.
Maxine laughed. "Well, it'll be my business when I have to tell Buttercup that her best friend is a thief. So, Mitch, care to tell me why you're stealing cash, or would you rather take it up with an angry Utonium?"
Mitch swallowed. He weighted his options. Either explain to Maxine that his family was having money troubles, therefore destroying what little pride he had left, and resulting in a telling-off from his pregnant friend. Or get stabbed by a blunt pencil by Buttercup. It didn't take him long to make his decision.
"Fine. I'm stealing. Are we done yet?" He said, a look of fake boredom painted all over his chiseled face.
The brunette's eyes narrowed. She leaned closer to Mitch, tilting her head. "Mitch, I am the second strongest boxer in the entire school. I have worse anger issues than Tyler and Butch combined. Oh, and I'm pregnant. All of that anger is magnified and my hormones are raging. Do you honestly want to test me right now?"
Mitch blinked.
"I have it all under control. You don't need to worry about me."
"You could go to jail for doing something like this." Maxine hissed.
"Not if they don't catch me."
"It's technical robbery."
Mitch shrugged. "Then technically I'm a robber."
"Mitch-" Maxine started, only to be cut off.
"Sometimes you do what you need to do, Max. If you're family was in trouble - including your soon-to-be-born kid, wouldn't you do everything in your power to make sure they're alright?"
"Your family is in trouble?"
Mitch let out a low sigh. "The Mitchelson's are famous for their money problems. This time, it's too messed up to dig back from. So, if robbing my place of work is the only way out, then I'll risk it."
"You could go to jail!" Maxine scoffed, the anger clear in her tone. Even she wasn't sure why this bothered her so much. It was obvious that Mitch had a fighting chance to get out of this, but she couldn't let him risk everything for his family. She wouldn't let him do that, not if the result could mean getting an asbo or worse, jail the second he turns eighteen.
"You don't think I know that," Mitch instantly looked away from Maxine's penetrating gaze. "Look, I know the risks. But you just don't understand. If I don't do something, then my whole family are going to be out on the streets. I'm supposed to be graduating soon. I can't exactly go off to college when my family are hemorrhaging money."
Maxine's once livid demeanor softened. She reached forward and placed her hand over Mitch's, bringing his attention back towards her. Her lips formed a stressed frown, unsure of how she could convince someone so determined not to do something. Mitch wasn't an easy character. It would take a lot more than a simple talk to convince him, but Maxine was prepared to make sure that he would stop risking himself.
"I know that I can't possibly understand why you feel like you need to do this, but you don't, Mitch. Your family can look after themselves. You're the responsible one. You have a job, you're graduating this year, you have your whole life ahead of you. Promise me that you'll stop trying to save everyone. Just..promise me that you'll stop this, before it's too late."
Mitch was silent was a moment. He didn't know what to think. Maxine had a point. He was technically robbing his own place of work, and with the amount of money he was planning on stealing by the end of this month, it would be too much to cover up. He could go to jail and this would all have been for nothing. Mitch bit his lower lip, staring at Maxine with soft eyes.
"I promise."
If only Maxine could see his fingers crossed behind his back.
As the evening rolled out and the sky darkened, Blossom found herself strolling Brick's abandoned living room. Her sleek beige heels clicked along the hard-wood floor as she began to walk towards the adjoining kitchen. As she moved gracefully, the open neck of her pink off-the-shoulder jumper began to slip further down her smooth arms.
She watched from afar as Brick loomed over the stove. Smoke clouded most of his vision as he stirred a large pot filled with pasta. Blossom glanced at the table and her face froze, gaping. There was candles surrounding them, and soft music was strumming. Blossom was sure she had only left him alone in there for a couple of minutes, and yet he had done all of this.
Obviously, Brick took their dates seriously. Blossom was over-whelmed at all of the trouble Brick had went to. Their siblings never saw the need for dates, considering they were already dating, but Brick and Blossom still went on dates, just to get some time to themselves. Blossom often found herself shocked at just how romantic Brick Jojo could be.
Blossom turned her attention back to the back of Brick's head. She watched him in solitude, her lips forming a small smile. Before Brick could notice her there, staring at him, she quietly stalked away.
She remembered how Brick prefered to be alone when preparing for their dates. She never knew why, but she didn't feel the need to question it either. Blossom began to wander up the stairs, deciding to lounge in Brick's room until their date was set.
Blossom always did love Brick's home. It was nicely decorated thanks to the up-and-coming decorator the boy's had hired after moving in, and the furniture was to die for. Blossom often felt envious of how stunning her boyfriend's house was. There was something about, something that just felt homely.
She walked past Butch's room, scrunching her nose in distaste as she noticed how much of a mess it had became. He truly was Buttercup's counterpart. Only someone with a connection to Buttercup Utonium could be that disorganised. She strolled towards Brick's room, smiling as she entered. It was immaculate. Nothing was out of place.
Blossom silently strolled over to Brick's oak coloured bedside cabinet. She began studying the mass of photo's built with frames sitting on top of the small cabinet. She picked up one of the photos, tracing her fingers along the chiseled, tawny frame that adored it. She felt a smile tug at her lips as she stared at the picture of herself and Brick.
Although most of the photo's were of herself and Brick, this seemed to be her favourite. It was taken during their two month anniversary. It seemed like years ago, when in reality is was only a mass of months passed. Blossom put the picture back down onto the cabinet, smiling as she studied the rest.
Beside the first picture was a photo of Maxine and Tyler. Just by their appearances, Blossom could tell it had been taken before she and her sisters came back to town. Maxine's now long, curled brunette hair was short, reaching her elbows. Tyler's silver-green eyes showed frustration as he stared into the camera. This was obviously when the siblings disliked each other, and weren't yet aware of the fact that they were related.
The next photo made Blossom grin uncontrollably. Brick, Buttercup and Bubbles. She assumed that this must have been taken during Brody's birthday party, considering just how dressed up Bubbles was. They were all smiling, each holding a drink of what Blossom could only pressure was cheep beer. But they looked happy. And Blossom missed those days.
Blossom glanced towards the chair stood beside the oak cabinet. She noticed a small red box sat on the chair, almost completely covered by one of Brick's polo-shirts. She discarded the shirt, anxious to see what other photo's were inside of the box. As soon as she opened it, she noticed a mass of unframed photographs.
She reached inside and picked up the first photo, and the smile on her face faded.
The first thing she saw was the poker-strait mahogany hair and the captivating amber coloured eyes of Cordelia Young. She looked the picture of perfection with her high cheekbones, straight nose and full lips. Her brunette hair was flowing to one side to adorn her glowing, porcelain skin.
She was standing beside Brick - who was wearing a smile of contentment. Cordelia was dressed in the most exquisite peach sleeveless dress and stunning white heels. Everything about the way she carried herself exuded confidence and vanity. Blossom couldn't even begin to compare to the air of assurance that surrounded the tall brunette.
Blossom looked back down at the box and her eyes cowered. They were all of her. Cordelia and Brick, Cordelia and Maxine, Cordelia and Boomer. Every single photo contained Brick's ex girlfriend. Blossom was horrified. She stared down at the box, each picture taunting her more and more.
"Bloss, dinner's read-" Brick stopped talking immediately once he was Blossom. She was looming over the box, a mortified look burning into her rosette pink eyes. Brick stood beside the bedroom door, watching as his girlfriend looked up at him with a cold frown on her face.
"I'm sorry, Blossom." Brick said softly, not even waiting to hear her reaction. Blossom put the picture of Cordelia and Brick back inside the small red box before walking towards him. She stood before him with a small, insignificant smile on her face and took his hands in her own. Brick looked down at their hands intertwined.
"Are you sorry that you still have pictures of her? Or are you sorry that I found them?"
Brick's head jerked back up. "I'm just sorry," He said strongly. "I know that I told you I only had a couple of pictures but when I went to throw them out- I just couldn't do it. It felt like, if I got rid of her pictures, then that whole part of my life just didn't happen, you know?"
"You don't have to explain yourself." Blossom said quietly.
Blossom truly believed that Brick was over his ex girlfriend. She wasn't intimidated by the three years that they had been together. She wasn't jealous of Cordelia's naturally out-standing appearance. What bothered Blossom was that Cordelia was actually a nice person. She left Brick, she hurt him, but before that, she was a good person. How could you hate someone that once made the person you love so happy? Blossom hated that Cordelia didn't deserve to be hated. But she had to let it go.
"You really loved her, didn't you?" Blossom turned to look at him, a blank expression on her face.
Brick nodded. "There was a time when she meant everything to me.."
FLASHBACK;
Cordelia strolled into Brick's kitchen, holding her nightdress tight around her cold body. After a long night of watching Brick's selection of action movies, Cordelia decided to spend the night. Brick slept on the floor, like a true gentleman. In one night, they realised just how much they had in common. It was almost uncanny.
The second Cordelia walked inside the kitchen, she caught Brick making breakfast. He was hovering over his oven, making what smelled like waffles. The stunning brunette quietly wandered over to Brick, standing behind him. She slipped her arms around his waist. Brick was startled but soon eased when he heard her sweet voice.
"Good morning, handsome boy." Cordelia whispered teasingly into Brick's ear before sending a lingering kiss on the crook of his neck. Brick grinned boyishly as his girlfriend's arms slipped away and she began to make her way over to the table. It was all set out for two people. Brick really had made an effort.
"How did you sleep?" Brick asked her as he continued to cook them breakfast.
Cordelia sat down at the table, casually grabbing a grape from the bowl of fruit in the middle of the table. She popped the green grape into her mouth and smiled cutely as Brick's gaze fixed on her.
"Amazingly," She said. "What about yourself?"
"Never better." Brick replied with a bright smile on his face. He turned back around to face the stove, his eyes hardening in concentration as he cooked. Brick was not the best cook in the world, but he tried. He made the effort to find out what Cordelia's favourite food was, he got up an hour earlier than she did, and he set out the table perfectly. Cordelia was smitten. She truly had found the perfect boyfriend.
"Do you know what day it is?" The brunette asked slyly, smiling beautifully as she watched Brick turn back around to face her.
Brick smirked. "Tuesday?"
Cordelia pouted playfully. "It's our two month anniversary."
"I know." Brick said, followed by a charming smile. He watched as Cordelia instantly rose out of her seat, making her way over to him. She stood before him with nothing short of adoration in her eyes. She leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek, letting the moment linger between them.
"I love you." She spoke cheerfully.
Brick grinned boyishly. "I love you too, Cord."
...
"She was everything I ever wanted. And then she was just gone. Three years together- and she just left without saying good-bye. So yeah, Blossom, I really did love her. But I could never love her again. Not after that." Brick said, absentmindedly staring at the wall as he blinked away the memories that he and Cordelia shared.
Blossom stepped forward leaving only a sliver of daylight between her and Brick. She placed her hands on his chest, gripping his blood-red muscle shirt in her palms. His attention was suddenly brought back to her as if it had never left. Blossom smiled at him, flashing her pearly white teeth.
"Just so you know, I'd never leave you," She looked at him boldly. "If you want to stay in Townsville after graduation, then I'll try get into one of the awful colleges around here," She laughed slightly. "And if you want to leave, you'll have to take me with you."
Brick didn't reply. He simply leaned forward and placed a soft, sweet kiss on her lips. Blossom smiled up at him, for once seeing an actual future with this boy. She thought about how Bubbles was going to be leaving soon, and how she couldn't deny the fact that everyone was going to have to leave. But a future without Brick didn't seem right to Blossom.
"What if I told you that I didn't know what I want to do?" Brick asked curiously. He reached up and removed a lingering strand of dark auburn hair from Blossom's face, slowly tucking it behind her left ear.
"We'll work it out," Blossom spoke. "Together."
Their lips collided once more, and finally, Blossom didn't feel so lost.
Boomer Jojo was many things. He was an optimist. He was kind-hearted. He was strong. But more than anything, he was an honest young man. Even when threatened into keeping Butch and Buttercup's secret relationship to himself, he told his girlfriend. He didn't like lies, he didn't like dishonest people. So how he became one of those people? Boomer wasn't sure.
He knew that once day his lies would catch up to him. What Boomer didn't know was just how soon it was going to happen.
Boomer was sat on his couch, staring absentmindedly at the white walls of his living room, thinking about all of the things he was keeping from his friends. The silence was welcomed. He enjoyed being able to hear himself think. But that silence was torn from him the second that his door flew off it's hinges; an angry Bubbles Utonium standing behind it.
His whole body tensed up, unsure of what was about to happen. He watched as Bubbles stormed into his home, leaving the front door wide open, not even bothering to close it behind her. She stood there, her palms clenched to fists and a mad look burning into her usually soft, cheerful crystal eyes.
"Bubbles? What's wrong?" Boomer asked urgently, his voice laced with sheer concern.
The blonde let out an uncharacteristic growl.
"You tell me."
Boomer's thin eyebrows furrowed. He instantly rose to his feet, taking a singular step towards his girlfriend. There was something oddly off about her. Sure, she looked angry, but there was something else. She looked ready to attack someone. Boomer suddenly grew nervous, confused by Bubbles' anger contorted expression.
"What's going on?" Boomer asked cautiously.
Bubbles' gaze latched onto Boomer's midnight eyes. "You tell me," She repeated. "I spoke to Doctor Russell today."
She watched as Boomer's whole body seemed to tense uncontrollably. His reaction resembled a young boy caught with his hands in the cookie jar. The tension in the air only thickened as Bubbles' words lingered between the two. Neither dared to break the intense, emotion-filled stare they were holding.
"Oh?"
"Boomer," Bubbles said, her voice raising drastically. "If you don't start explaining yourself right now.." She didn't even finish her sentence. She didn't have to. Boomer was aware of the lengths that Bubbles would go to if he didn't give her the explanation that she well deserved.
Boomer remained silent. He couldn't find his voice. All he could do was watch as Bubbles looked up at him, her usual smile absent. It was a rarity to see Bubbles Utonium so unbelievably livid, but it wasn't rare to see that look of hidden hurt in her eyes. It always seemed to be there, lurking behind the customary brightness, but now Boomer could see it so clearly. And it killed him.
"I can't talk about this right now." Boomer said in a small voice, lowering his gaze to the floor.
"Yes," Bubbles demanded, taking a step forward. "Yes, you can. Just talk to me, Boomer. I-I need to know what's going on. I need you to tell me that you wouldn't lie without reason. So, come on, tell me you had a good reason." She spoke boldly, her eyes filled with hope.
Denial.
Boomer swallowed the lump in his throat. He was devoid of any excuses. Bubbles' eyes cowered in horror. This was why she didn't want to confront him. The only thing that was keeping her together was thinking that Boomer had a good reason to keep something from her. But he didn't. He didn't have any excuses, and he was fresh out of lies.
"You've been lying to me. You've been lying to Doctor Russell. You've been lying to all of us!" Bubbles cried out in anger. Her voice was thunderous, so much that it made Boomer flinch. Her customary caring blue eyes were twisted into some sort of pained glare, narrowing dangerously. Her nostrils were flaring and her teeth were clenched tight. This wasn't the Bubbles that he knew and adored.
"I didn't want to hurt you. I never wanted that."
Bubbles let out a scoff. She laughed bitterly, the sound so foreign coming from her. She tried to blink away the frustrated tears forming in her glassy blue eyes, but it wouldn't work. She took a step towards him. Just one step. And she gave him a look that made Boomer's heart sink in his chest. She looked broken.
"Well you done a great job with that, Boomer. I'm hurt. Nothing can be that bad that you would lie right to my face. You stood there, and you told me that I had nothing to worry about. You told me that you weren't going to visit Doctor Russell because there was nothing wrong with you! So why have you been seeing him?"
There was a pregnant silence.
Bubbles slowly nodded, biting her lower lip. Some part of her knew that Boomer wasn't going to just pour his heart out. But she wasn't leaving until she got some sort of explanation. Boomer wouldn't lie unless it was something dire, something really bad. And Bubbles could see how scared he was, not just for himself, but for her. She couldn't leave it like this.
"I love you, Boomer," Bubbles spoke tenderly, her previous enraged demeanor absent. "Please just tell me why you've been seeing Doctor Russell. Are you ill? I mean, is there something wrong with you?"
"I..I'm fine."
"Don't," Bubbles spat. "Just..no more lies. I know that you've been seeing Doctor Russell behind my back. The cat is out of the darn bag. You're all out of lies. So why are you still hiding things from me!? Why won't you just tell me what is going on?"
Boomer took a bold step forward. He could feel his palms getting clammy and his breathing slow down drastically. All of this stress was too much for him. Boomer's soft blue eyes stared deeply into those of Bubbles'. He sucked in a harsh breath before finally speaking.
"I'm sorry, Bubbles. But I'm not going to tell you why I've been seeing Doctor Russell. And you can't make me," Boomer said quietly. He sucked in a shaky breath and shook his head. "Just trust me on this. There's nothing you need to worry about."
Bubbles' brows furrowed. She couldn't understand why Boomer was so reluctant to just tell her what was going on with him. This wasn't like him. She shook her head violently, the sudden movement causing her long blonde hair cascade around her shoulders.
"No! I'm done trusting you, Boomer. Look where that got me," She cried. "I'm..I'm so angry," Bubbles looked up at him, her eyes glassy, tears threatning to fall. "I knew that I would change when I came back here, but this is insanity. I'm turning into a person that I don't want to be and it all comes down to you,"
She paused, watching as Boomer's whole face contorted in confusion.
"If I'm angry at you for whatever reason, I lash out at anyone who's in my way. When you're upset, I can't stop feeling the unexplainable pain. Whatever we are, it's so destructive. I mean, even Butch and Buttercup have a better relationship than we do!" She yelled.
"Don't say that. Just..don't compare us to our siblings."
"But it's true! Our relationship was built on a foundation of lies and secrets. I don't understand why I'm so surprised that you would start lying to me about something. It's just what we do, right? You and I, we're supposed to be the kind ones, the two that never deceive or hurt people, and ever since we got together, that's all we've done!"
Boomer frowned at Bubbles. He hated this. He hated seeing her like this. Bubbles was supposed to be the happy one, the cheerful one. But she, just like both of her sisters, allowed this year to change her into someone she could barely even recognise. That was growing up, right? Letting yourself change. But Boomer couldn't stand seeing Bubbles change. He just couldn't handle it.
"I don't think I can do this anymore." Bubbles whispered, a silent tear rolling down her cheek. Boomer's eyes grew wide as he looked tenderly at her, shaking his head frantically. This was what he feared more than anything.
"You don't mean that."
Bubbles nodded, her lip trembling uncontrollably. "I tried so hard to believe that you were lying with good reason. But you just proved it. You don't even trust me enough to tell me what's going on. This is the last straw, Boomer, I don't want to be in this relationship if all we do is lie to each other. We deserve better than that."
Boomer closed his eyes, feeling tears pour out instantly. "This can't be over, Bubbles. Don't say it's over.."
FLASHBACK; - Chapter 22 - I'll Look After You
Bubbles stepped outside to answer a call from Boomer, which she couldn't answer around the girls. She couldn't have them finding out before Tyler did. She placed the phone to her ear and smiled at Boomer's voice.
"Hey, sweetness." He spoke on the other side of the phone.
"Hi, Boom. How is your guys night out?" She asked curiously.
"It's pretty boring without you. How's your girls night in?"
"Pretty boring without you." She smiled.
"Good, because I couldn't seem to stay away. Turn around."
Bubbles furrowed her brows before turning around, and finding Boomer standing there with the phone to his ear. Bubbles smiled and shut the phone off before running to him. She threw her arms around him and jumped on him. He caught her and laughed along with her before pressing his lips against hers.
"I love doing that." She whispered against his soft lips. Boomer chuckled and set her down on her feet. He took her hands in his and locked eyes with her. She felt safe with him, like she could face anything.
He smiled. "Every moment without you isn't worth living. I needed to see you, but I guess I should go before I get caught by one of the girls."
Bubbles frowned and held him tighter. "This secret dating thing really sucks. I promise I'll tell Tyler, I just need to give it some time, but until then, dating in secret will have to do." She kissed his lips twice.
"Yeah." He replied before hugging her. He noticed Buttercup walking past the window and he kissed her quickly before vanishing. Bubbles sighed dreamily and smiled as she touched her lips. It felt too perfect to be real.
She grinned and headed back inside.
...
Boomer opened his eyes once more, blinking the memories away. His eyes locked onto Bubbles'. She couldn't stop crying. Boomer wanted nothing more than to run over and hug her until she was alright again, so he did. Boomer rushed forward and pulled Bubbles into his arms, unwilling to let her go.
"I don't want this to be over."
"It doesn't have to be," Bubbles assured him, letting her arms lace around his neck. "Just tell me why you were meeting with Doctor Russell and we'll be okay," She whispered. "We'll be fine."
The silence was thick.
Boomer tightened his hold on Bubbles, hoping that this wouldn't the last time that he could hold her. As the silence continued, he could feel Bubbles slowly pulling her arms away. He felt the need to speak out, to tell her everything, but something was stopping him. He couldn't tell her.
"Boomer, you need to let go." Bubbles said quietly, pulling herself away from Boomer's arms.
Boomer bit his lower lip. "I don't want to."
Bubbles pulled herself away, letting Boomer's eyes meet hers. She raised her hand to caress his cheek, wiping away the lingering tears. She didn't think that this would be so hard. She knew it was coming. She didn't want to be in this relationship anymore. So why did it hurt as much as it did?
"Close your eyes," Bubbles whispered. "Just close your eyes."
Boomer was reluctant, but he did as instructed. His eyes snapped shut. He felt Bubbles' lips on his own, pressing a chaste kiss against them. Then her lips were gone. Boomer took a deep breath before opening his eyes. She was gone. All he could see what the open door.
The blonde stood rigid for a couple of minutes, his eyes wide and unblinking. It was only when his phone began ringing that he finally pulled himself from his trance and returned to the harsh reality. He quickly reached into the pocket of his blue jeans and dug his phone out.
Doctor Russell
Boomer swallowed the harsh lump in his throat. He clicked the answer button before slowly pressing the phone to his ear, dreading what Russell had to say.
"Mr Jojo? I assume Bubbles has spoken with you?"
Boomer closed his eyes at the mention of her name. "I didn't tell her. I couldn't tell her."
"You have to, Boomer. She's going to find out sooner or later."
"I'm not telling her because I want to protect her. If she found out the truth..It would kill her."
"You need to tell her eventually, Mr Jojo. You can't hide the fact that you have a stomach ulcer. Boomer, it could kill you. You do realise that, right?"
"Yes. That's why she can't know, and neither can my brothers. If she calls, don't tell her anything." Boomer instantly shut off his phone, refusing to let Doctor Russell get another word in. He stared out of the open door into the darkness, wondering just how long it would take for his secret to catch up to him.
To Be Continued..
So, the secret is out, and it's a deadly secret indeed. And the Blues are finished :( Stick around to find out what will happen next.
Urgh, I hate this chapter. It's so rushed and overly dramatic. Don't worry, the next chapter will be more realistic, I assure you.
Please read; I don't usually do this, but I strongly suggest you check out Meleex's story. She's a wonderful writer, and a good friend of mine. Her story is currently on chapter three but she updates a lot quicker than I myself do. Please, if you have the time, check out her story. Thank you, angles. :)
Review please, it only takes seconds :)
Allie
