Author's Note: Hi guys, it's been a long time since the last update! I'm hoping that I can get this story knocked out soon, that would be awesome but it's a long time coming! I just wanted to say sorry for the wait and hopefully I can crank out updates much better! Lots of love and candy
- Lily
The Masked Singer
"Dad, did you really move Celia in?" Tai's son gasped.
"Yes, and that was a bad idea for so many reasons! For one thing, you should always probably get to know the girl a little better before you decide to move in together, because you never know what could happen!"
"Did Yolei...?"
"I wish! Whatever happened the next couple of...whatever couldn't compare," Tai said.
"Governor Cuomo has issued a statewide shutdown effective tonight. All non-essential businesses will be closed as of 8pm, with telework being strongly encouraged until further notice. Staying indoors is strongly encouraged, but if you just step out please practice social distancing at a range of 6 feet apart, avoid large crowds, practice regular hand washing, and please wear face masks and coverings when outdoors. We will continue updating you with more information as we receive it, so stay tuned and thank you."
"Sooooo, who wants to throw a social distancing party at my place?" Matt raised his hand.
"The point is here," TK poked the tabletop and jerked his thumb in the direction of the doorway, "and you're way over theeere."
"I hope you're joking, because this isn't a laughing matter. They're talking about having this ordeal wiped out in 2 weeks, but I don't like how the Governor said these mandates will go on until further notice, which leads me to think it's going to take longer than 2 weeks of everyone staying home," Joe winced.
"Speak for yourself, I still have to come to work. I'm essential. Coffee anyone?" Mimi huffed.
"How are you essential?" Sora raised an eyebrow.
"I get it, people don't know how to cook or prepare a cup of coffee for themselves. That makes people like me and Mimi essential," TK nodded.
"I wish they would pay us like so- or at least give us some hazard pay for being exposed to sickos who won't stay home," Mimi sighed.
"That's not right at all, I'm sorry Mimi," Tai shook his head.
"At least you have a job, I lost mine. This sucks," Yolei sighed.
"Hey, you could try going on unemployment! It's not your fault you lost your job, right?" Sora suggested.
"I guess you're right. For once, this time it's NOT my fault! I hope I get approved!" Yolei took in a deep breath.
"So Tai, how's it going with you and your girl?" Mimi raised an eyebrow.
"Uh, well with these restrictions put into place, I guess we'll be spending more time together?" Tai nervously chuckled.
"Why does that sound like the biggest crock of shit to me?" Matt smirked.
"Cause they hate each other, and I hate her too!" Yolei blurted.
"Oh my God, is that true?" Sora gasped.
"No! We don't hate each other! We got in a little argument about something stupid and you know how she is...," Tai grimaced.
"Tai, blink twice if you need help. I know an agency- they mostly deal with women in abusive relationships, but you could be the first male and that could be progress," Joe said.
"I'm not in an abusive relationship, I'm fine...," Tai trailed off.
"If you need help," Sora nodded.
"I've been ready to kick that girl's ass since she moved in, I don't care if she has robot parts for a leg. That girl drives me up a wall," Yolei cracked her knuckles.
"Yeah, about that... I have a suggestion!" Matt said.
"If we fight for money, I'm down! We can stream it on Twitch," Yolei said.
"That sounds like a much better idea than what I was originally gonna go with buuut, no. I was planning to go to Philly and I might as well go tonight before all the restrictions get tight. Like Joe said, who knows when this 'until further notice' will actually last," Matt said.
"Philly? Why Philly?" Sora said.
"Just got some business to attend to down there. I'll need someone to watch the place since I'll be taking TK with me," Matt said.
"Wait, what? Since when did you ask me if I wanted to go to Philadelphia? And I have work!" TK said.
"No you don't, I already went ahead and asked. The waitress with the big boobies said you're good to go and you were worse at your job than she is," Matt said.
"Oh, Jax? She's not a nice person. Speaking of, I do want to stop by their place to see how Madeleine is doing. I'll hopefully see you guys around! We have to learn to use Zoom!" Joe got up from the table and left the cafe.
"What's Zoom?" Yolei raised an eyebrow.
"It's literally FaceTime for boomers," Matt said. "Now since I will be gone, and you will most probably have problems with rent, you're free to stay at our apartment and watch over it until we get back. But no parties!" Matt sternly said.
"You got it, I really appreciate it so much!" Yolei gasped. "But what are we gonna do about Tai? We can't leave him by himself!"
"I'm fine, you guys make her seem like a monster," Tai said.
"Mimi won't even talk to her cause she scares her," TK said.
"Is that true?" Tai looked offended.
"Uh, I have to go and do something coffee related, so yeah...," Mimi bit her lip and trotted off.
"I guess that answers your question?" Sora scoffed. "Look, I'll move in and take Yolei's spot. It'll help you out on the rent."
"But then what about Mimi? I thought you guys were staying together," Yolei said.
"Hey, are you guys looking for a roommate?" Jonesy asked.
"Depends, are you looking for a place? We'd rather room with people we know fairly well," Yolei shot a look at Tai.
"Kinda, I need a place ASAP. My girlfriend cheated on me with her guy 'friend' and they're both staying at my place. I'd rather not be stuck in quarantine with them, along with the reality that I am an essential worker. Look at these t-shirts that they sent out, it's almost like they were prepared for this pandemic!" Jonesy held up a t-shirt that had a soldier silhouette and "American Heroes" emblazoned on it.
"I don't know what's more extreme, comparing you to someone in combat, or the use of the word pandemic. It can't seriously be this severe, can it?" TK asked.
"I don't know, I don't care. As long as everyone does their part, we can get on with our lives soon enough. I can't believe they spend the money on insulting t-shirts but they can't give us a pay raise! You know, my parents were in the Marines, this is disrespectful," Jonesy shook his head.
"Hey, I don't mean to interrupt your rage fest, but would you like to rent out my extra room? I have a girlfriend but she's not as bad as everyone thinks," Tai said.
"So you know the dragon from Shrek?" Matt said.
"Yeah...," Jonesy raised an eyebrow.
"That's basically what Tai's girlfriend is, before she meets Donkey. Just warning you," Matt said.
"Oh," Jonesy pursed his lips together.
"Don't listen to him, he's just an ass," Tai said.
"I mean, it doesn't matter at this point. Anything has got to be better than having the constant reminder of infidelity shoved in your face," Jonesy winced.
"Yikes," Matt winced.
"So TK, we'll most likely be gone for more than a couple of weeks so pack a lot of stuff. Pack your most favorite things that you would never leave behind," Matt clapped his hands.
"Matt... serious question, are we running away?" TK stopped packing.
"No silly! It's just with the restrictions, who's to say if we'll even have an easy time getting back to New York. So pack all of your important stuff, just to be on the safe side," Matt said.
"Is everything okay? Should I be concerned about something? You're kinda freaking me out," TK said.
"I'm fine, but I'm not sure how Izzy's doing," Matt said.
"Izzy?" TK raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah. He came up here a couple weeks back with some chick. He said he was doing okay, but saying and doing are two different things, you know?" Matt shrugged.
"Oh...I didn't know you guys kept in touch," TK bit his lip.
"Tried to. He hasn't responded back to anything in a bit, so I'm gonna drop down to see what's up! And check out the resort that he's staying at too. I think the chick gave him a good rate on it," Matt said.
"That's nice, I guess," TK sighed.
"If you don't want to go, you don't have to. I just didn't want to go alone," Matt said.
"Well, it's not like I have anything planned. A nice escape from the city might do me some good," TK nodded.
"Do you have everything packed up?" Matt asked.
"I think so, I didn't have much to begin with," TK said.
At Tai's apartment...
"Yeah, I shit you not! He had the stupid key in a little ring box like he was gonna propose to her or something!" Yolei made a face.
"Ew, can I still be mad that he couldn't think of something else for a Valentine's Day gift? Whatever happened to chocolates and flowers?" Mimi winced as she sipped at her wine.
"I suggested that to Tai and he said that she wouldn't like it...I tried helping him shop for a present but it was complicated to say at the very least," Sora tugged at her hair.
"Complicated doesn't even begin to cover it... that bitch is like a dinosaur. Growling and stomping, it's like she's on permanent PMS mode. I don't understand how the most impatient man in the world puts up with that," Yolei huffed.
"That's a mystery I'd like solved too," Sora sighed as she tossed her extensions to the side.
"What are you doing to your hair?" Yolei raised an eyebrow.
"I don't think I like this hair anymore. I just met up with Michel for a lunch date and he made a comment about how he liked how pretty and long my blonde hair was. And then that topped with the comments of people saying I look like Tai's psycho girlfriend, it makes me feel icky," Sora sighed.
"Aren't guys literally the worst? They always seem to hit you where it hurts," Mimi nodded.
"Girls aren't much better, trust me. They just ghost you," Yolei scoffed.
"So you still haven't heard anything from Christa?" Sora said.
"Nope. Whatever, she's old news. There's plenty of other broads out there. Kinda sucks that Matt's new eye candy isn't bi. I wouldn't mind having a threesome with her," Yolei licked her lips.
"You'd have to play with Matt too, you know," Mimi mischievously said.
"Crap, you're right. You know what would be perfect? Just an all female threesome...," Yolei smirked.
"It would be a great idea. If only I weren't so hung up on stupid men... I'm so nervous that Michel won't like me if I get my hair back to normal but I don't want to look like Celiac disease anymore," Sora pulled a box of red hair dye out of a bag.
"Celiac disease, that's a good one!" Yolei cackled.
"Hey, let me help you out! I don't want you to have any missing spots!" Mimi excitedly ripped open the box and put on the gloves. "Ginger Spice is making a comeback!"
"Whoop whoop!" Yolei cheered.
*BOOM*
"Who's here?!"
"Oh my gawd, I'm so happy this is my last night," Yolei whisper screamed.
"What are you guys doing here? Didn't you hear the governor's briefing this morning? Social distancing!" Celia sprayed a bottle of Lysol in the girls' direction.
"What the hell is your problem?" Yolei grunted.
"You got bleach in my wine," Mimi made a face.
"Good, drink it. The bleach will help disinfect the germs in your body," Celia scoffed.
"I'm not an idiot. Come on, Sora. We'll finish this up in the bathroom," Mimi shook her head and led Sora down the hall.
"Don't take too long! I'll need it in a bit!" Celia yelled.
"No you don't. It's no wonder you don't have any friends, you don't know how to behave or share. Out," Yolei flashed Celia a peace sign.
*knock knock knock*
"Who could be coming here at this hour? If Tai forgot his key again-"
"Shit, I should go get that...," Yolei opened the door.
"Hey, is this Tai's place?" Jonesy dropped his duffle bags to the floor.
"Why yes it is!" Yolei nodded.
"Wait, who is this?" Celia raised an eyebrow.
"Here is your key! Matt and Tai already helped moved my stuff and the girls helped me clean the room so it's nice and fresh for you!" Yolei handed Jonesy the key.
"Hold on! You can't just move people in willy-nilly without letting people know!" Celia gasped.
"Why not? That's how you got here," Yolei smirked. "And don't worry, Jonesy's a nice guy, nothing like you. Okay, buh bye now. Bye!"
"Hey Madeleine! Are you gonna let me in?" Joe stood in front of the apartment building.
"I'd love to, but I'd rather be safe than sorry! Come back in two weeks?" Madeleine said over the buzzer.
"Okay, how about Zoom?" Joe sighed.
"That's good for me. This sucks, I'd love nothing more than to stay quarantined with you! It sounds like it could be fun!" Madeleine said.
"Well, why couldn't we be? We could be quarantined together alone? It's not like I've been around anyone contagious," Joe said.
"But didn't you just get a fellowship at a hospital? And me and Jax have our cookie business that is taking off big time now! We're getting crazy orders, I don't know how we'll catch up!" Madeleine said.
"I guess we'll figure this out somehow! Do you need help?" Joe said.
"I don't think it's something you can be hands on with, but thanks! I'll reach out if something comes to mind, I have to go now!" Madeleine said.
"Alright, good luck," Joe sighed and shuffled his way back home.
"Are we lost?" TK asked.
"I don't think so. Why?" Matt squinted at the road.
"Because this doesn't look like Philadelphia to me. I was expecting it to look less like the inside of a snow globe," TK said.
"That's because we're staying at Shimmer Falls, population 360," Matt pointed at a billboard.
"I think we had more people in our apartment complex than this town. How small is this place?" TK looked out of the window in awe.
"I don't know, but can you imagine all the space they have? Look, there's actual houses here with big lawns, like on TV. And all the buildings are small!" Matt gasped.
"Except for that one, and even that one is pretty small," TK pointed to a hotel.
"Oh, that's where we'll hopefully be staying! That's the Dragonfly Inn or something like that. Izzy's friend said she could give us the hookup," Matt drove towards the hotel.
"That's good, because it looks like this is the only hotel in town," TK remarked.
"Come on, doesn't this already feel a little more relaxing than the cramped up surroundings of the city?" Matt parked the car and climbed out.
"I guess you're right about that. But it feels like too much space. I feel overexposed," TK said.
"I think you'll get used to it within time. Come on, let's get checked in," Matt opened the door and led TK in.
"Hi, welcome to the Dragonfruit Terrace, do you guys have face masks?" a young girl with dark brown hair sat at the receptionist's desk.
"Uh, no?" Matt raised an eyebrow.
"That's okay, I have some. If you don't mind, our state governor issued some mandates in response to the current event going on, so we're requesting all our patrons wear face coverings," the girl handed masks to the boys.
"Thanks," Matt slipped his mask on.
"Did you have reservations? I don't see anything-" the girl flipped through a book.
"Listen, I spoke to an Adelaide, and she said she could get me a special rate?" Matt interrupted her.
"Oh, that's my mom. Let me go get her," the girl left the desk.
"Mom? That lady only looked like she was in her thirties," Matt whispered to TK.
"Maybe she had her as a teenager?" TK shrugged.
"Hey Matt! Didn't expect to see you so soon!" Adelaide grinned.
"Yep! Decided to come before they started making travel restrictions. I wanted to check up on Izzy," Matt shrugged. "By the way, this is my brother TK."
"Hi," TK shyly waved.
"Hi, I'm Adelaide! I'd shake your hand but considering the climate, I'll hold off for a bit. That girl was my daughter Tori. You'll probably see her around. Anyways, let me get you a set of keys so you can get settled in!" Adelaide rambled on.
"Thanks," Matt nodded.
"I'm not sure if Tori mentioned anything but we've had to make a few changes to our setup. We've had to close up the common areas like the lobby and community rooms, basically anywhere where people congregate for now. We've also had to close our restaurant, but we have room service and delivery available- and don't worry, we don't charge an arm and leg for room service. There's also Duke's diner across the street that's an option. Although he had to close the inside, he's been crazy busy with takeout!" Adelaide said.
"Is that all around here?" TK asked.
"TK, don't be rude," Matt elbowed TK.
"I guess there's not as many choices as compared to where you guys are from, but Philly is only a half-hour from here. And Duke's diner really is good," Adelaide nodded.
"'Cause we could stay at home and watch the sunset/But I can't help from asking are you bored yet?"
"Hey, do we have a musician in the house?" Matt pointed down the hallway.
"Yeah, I hope he's not too loud for you guys. The other tenants don't mind, and in fact I find them louder than him," Adelaide said. "I'll let Izzy know if he's being too loud."
"Izzy?!" the boys looked at each other in shock.
"Are you saying that the singer there is Izzy? Like smart guy, computer guy Izzy?" TK raised an eyebrow.
"Yep. He and Duke's nephew play in a band together," Adelaide nodded.
"Izzy? Our Izzy?" Matt looked at her in disbelief.
"Yeah. Why don't we check up on him?" Adelaide led the boys to Izzy's room and knocked on the door. "Honey, I got something for you out here!"
"Coming!" Izzy stopped playing his guitar and opened the door.
"Wow, I'll be damned," Matt said.
"If it isn't the masked singer," TK remarked.
"Hi, what are you guys doing here?" Izzy gasped.
"Hi Izzy, I'm glad to see you too!" Matt wrapped his arms around Izzy. "And how come you never told me you were in a band?"
"The topic never came up," Izzy turned red underneath his mask. "I'm glad you guys came. How long were you planning on staying? Are you aware of the travel restrictions? What about your apartment?"
"Don't worry, Yolei's got it covered! Tai's new girlfriend is a super bitch so it was perfect timing. We just wanted to check up on you since we missed you so much! We all miss you!" Matt said.
"Everyone misses me?" Izzy asked.
"Of course! It's just been crazy these past couple of months, I have to bring you up to speed. For starters, Tai being the idiot he is, he couldn't pick a good Valentine's Day gift for his behemoth of a girlfriend so he gave her a key to his apartment," Matt shuddered.
"Yikes, and now they're stuck indoors together. What about you and that woman you were with?" Izzy asked.
"Oh her? I haven't seen her in a week, and probably won't see her for a while. She went back to Miami to cover the news but she's been busy. She's literally on TV all the time," Matt said.
"Sorry to hear that," Izzy said.
"It sucks, but hopefully this blows over soon. I don't think they're letting people fly by plane now," Matt said.
"Anything else new with the gang?" Izzy said.
"Joe is hooking up with one of my coworkers. They look nice together, like giraffes. Tall, thin, and smart but also boring," TK nodded.
"Okay, that's an interesting description," Izzy said.
"But kinda accurate. Oh, and Sora is hooking up with our grandpa. That's gross," TK nodded.
"Alright, I'll see myself out. You boys catch up," Adelaide nervously chuckled and sauntered off.
"Wow, I sure missed out on a bit," Izzy blinked.
"Speak for yourself! We missed out on a bit too! Since when did you play music? And pretty decently too?" Matt nudged.
"I dunno, when I moved in, there was a guitar left behind so I just played around with it. Then my boss's nephew found out I played and we threw shows with other bands on weekends here. Just bullshitting," Izzy said.
"So...who's that girl at the front desk?" TK quietly whispered.
"Why? You like her?" Matt teased.
"That's Tori, she's Adelaide's daughter and my bandmate's on-off-again girlfriend. I suggest not pursing anything with her. When I first moved here, he gave me a hard time because he thought I had interest in her," Izzy sighed.
"I wasn't gonna do anything, just say hi...," TK pressed his index fingers together.
"Come on you schmuck. Why don't we get settled in already? It's been a long day," Matt kicked TK in the ankle.
"Ugh, okay," TK whined.
"I'll help out," Izzy said.
"Thanks," Matt grinned.
"No, thank you. I really appreciate you guys coming to see me," Izzy said softly.
"Of course," Matt wrapped his arms around Izzy again.
"Are you my daddy?" a little boy with messy blue hair and glasses waited by Joe's apartment.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think so," Joe looked nervously at him.
"My mom said that my daddy was a doctor and that he had lots of money. I don't know where she went," the boy cried.
"Who's your daddy?" Joe gulped.
"She said Joey?" the boy sniffled.
"Oh boy...give me a second. I gotta make a phone call," Joe pulled out his phone and hyperventilated. "Please pick up, please pick up..."