CLEANSE US ACID RAIN
Co-written with Nosebridgepinch
Thursday
Stan woke up at 6 A.M. He stretched in bed not wanting to get up. He hadn't been sleeping well lately. He would wake up in a panic in the middle of the night for a week straight. He slept well enough over the course of last night and now, the morning. However he still did have some sleep he needed to catch up on. He would get there eventually. After a while he got up and opened the door to his bedroom. He saw his mutt of a dog Sparky lying on the floor right in front of it, his paw must have been touching it. He bent down to give his dog a pat on the head. Silly boy wanted to say hello early this morning! He then frowned when he noticed Sparky's eyes were in slits and almost lifeless.
"Sparky?" he frowned, bending down to sit on his feet now. He touched his body again. It was very cold and stiff. Panic set in. "Mom! MOM!" he screamed.
Sharon stirred in her sleep. She thought she heard… did she? She rubbed her eyes but sat up. Yes. That was the sound of her son calling her. She sighed but wrapped her robe over herself, glancing over at Randy as he snored away to her left. She was only too used to waking up at any hour to the sounds of her kids crying out for her. Randy of course could sleep right through it. He could sleep through anything. She heard Stan calling for her yet again.
"Okay, okay, I'm coming," she yawned and stepped out into the hall to see what her son wanted. She saw him kneeling next to his dog Sparky in front of his bedroom door. "What is it sweetie?"
"Mom, something's wrong with Sparky. Really wrong," Stan's voice trembled.
"What?" Sharon bent down to touch the dog on the top of his head. He was cold. Much too cold for a dog. Sharon felt her heart stop for a half second as panic hit but she did not want to alarm her son just yet.
"Is he dead?" Stan asked.
"I- I don't know"-
"He's dead isn't he?" Stan demanded.
Sharon's heart broke upon hearing this. "Sparky, Sparky boy, wake up honey…" she tried shaking the dog but he did not move.
"Sparky…" Stan's voice was painful as he stroked Sparky's floppy ear, fingers brushing over his signature pink scarf. He touched his leg but it was very stiff. "Mom, what happened?" he sniffed, a tear rolled down his cheek.
"I- I don't know baby. I don't know. Oh baby…" Sharon's heart broke as she looked into her son's grief-stricken face. She went over and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "I'm so sorry sweetie…"
"Was he trying to get in my room?" Stan's voice was tight. "Maybe he was trying to tell me he was sick. Maybe if I left my door open I could have saved him," he barely got out before his body shook with sobs in his mother's arms.
Tears spilled from Sharon's own eyes now as she hugged onto her son tighter. "I don't know baby. I don't know what happened. But sweetie, don't blame yourself, you didn't know he was at your door." She gave him another squeeze. "Sparky wasn't a puppy Stan. Remember when we first adopted him the vet told us he was around five years old? Animals get sick too Stanley. Young animals and old. He was probably sick Stanley." As she said these words Sharon felt a little guilt creep in. It was second nature for her to take her own kids to the doctor when they felt sick and even for normal check-ups, even with this pandemic going on. But the dog? Maybe she should have been on top of Sparky's health as well.
Stan lifted his head out of his mother's arms for a moment. "But he was trying to get in my room. Maybe he knew he was dying and was scared. He must have been so scared and wanted me to comfort him. And I was sleeping," Stan barely got the last sentence out before he buried his face into his mother's chest again and cried harder.
Sharon continued to hold him and tried to offer words of comfort. "Don't blame yourself sweetheart. You didn't know. I know you've been having troubles sleeping lately. And last night you actually were able to get to bed early and sleep. You needed that extra time in bed. You need to look after yourself as well honey. Oh, baby…" Sharon went to rubbing circles on his back now.
Suddenly the door on the opposite side of the hall opened to reveal Shelley. She looked annoyed already at whatever commotion was going on.
"What the hell is going on out here? It's 6 A.M.!" Shelley then took notice of the scene right in front of her. The sight of her brother crying into their mother's arms and his dog…lying there and not moving. "What's going on? Mom?"
Sharon looked up at her daughter now. "Shelley honey… Sparky is gone."
Shelley stepped forward now. "What do you mean 'gone'?"
"It's all my fault!" Stan cried.
Sharon went back to Stan now. "No, no it wasn't your fault sweetie. Don't say that." She looked over Shelley's way again. "Your brother found him just outside his door…"
"He was trying to get in my room. He died out here alone," Stan sobbed.
Sharon continued to run circles over his back before giving Shelley a knowing look, her eyes traveling between her and the top of Stan's head, her head jerking slightly. Shelley frowned her direction before she realized what it was her mother was telling her. Shelley sighed heavily but took a step forward in acknowledgement Sharon dropped her arms slightly from Stan.
"Stan sweetie, I need to tell your father, okay? But Shelley will be right here for you."
Stan let go of his mother's pajama top and buried his face in his hands. Shelley replaced her mother's spot, sitting on the floor next to him. He scooted away from her slightly but allowed a hand on his shoulder.
"I didn't know he was sick. I didn't know he needed me there for him."
Shelley didn't quite know what to say so she just kept her hand on her brother's shoulder. "I'm sorry Stan. I know how much you loved Sparky."
"I feel so horrible about it. He must have been scared and alone and I wasn't there to help him," Stan moaned.
Shelley looked down at him. "Is there anything I can do?"
Stan sniffed loudly and wiped at his face. "Can you help with the burial?"
"Sure thing turd."
Sharon looked over to make sure her kids would be okay before heading back to her bedroom. She closed the door behind her to find Randy still asleep and snoring away. Brows furrowed, Sharon went to shake him awake.
"Randy. Randy! Get up now!"
Randy grumbled, annoyed, turning around on his back. "Mmmm… it's Thursday. Nothing happen' today…"
"Randy, get up!" Sharon shouted again.
"Mmmm. Oh? Is somebody in the mood?" Randy plastered an idiotic smile on his face, half asleep, stretching his arms out slightly.
"Randy! Sparky just died!"
Randy had an arm over his eyes now and let out a snort, smacking his lips. "Who killed him?" he asked sleepily.
Angry now, Sharon roughly shook him. "Randy! Randy our son's dog just died and we don't know why!"
At this Randy sat bolt upright. "Oh crap! You don't think he ate some of my weed do you?" he clumsily got out of bed, not bothering to put on pants as usual, and threw open the door. He saw Shelley's holding Stan's shoulder as he cried into hands, the still form of Sparky four feet away at Stan's bedroom door. "Aww man, Sparky," Randy groaned and bent down to the dog. He tried moving him to get a response as the others had done but nothing. "And you just found him like this?"
Stan wiped the tears off his face and nodded. "Who knows how long he was by my door. I feel awful. But I want- want to bury him by the big oak tree in the back. The one with the pink flowers, his favorite color."
Sharon got to her knees again and placed a hand on Stan's back. "That sounds like a good idea sweetheart. And we will all work together to give him a good memorial. I know I have a few scraps of cloth in my knitting chest. I can make him something really special to be buried in, how does that sound?"
Stan nodded before bending over to Sparky and gave him a kiss on his head. "You were a good boy Sparky and I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I'm so sorry."
Suddenly there was a clap of thunder that made all four of them jump. A few seconds later the sound of rain pounding on the panels of the farm house and windows was heard. It got louder and louder in the span of five minutes before the sound almost became deafening. Sharon walked over to Randy as Stan placed his small hands onto his dog's body.
"Randy, Randy, why don't you store Sparky in that big freezer of yours in the garage until the weather clears up? There's no way we can bury him today if the ground is going to be wet and muddy."
Randy looked uncomfortable but nodded anyway. He bent down to pick the dog up but Stan stopped him.
"Wait! Wait! I'm not ready to say good-bye yet!" he cried.
"We aren't burying him today Stan. You can say good-bye to him tomorrow. I'm just sticking him in the freezer until then."
Stan nodded as he finally got to his feet.
"Hey, can someone help me then? Open the garage door so I can take him in?"
"I guess I will," Shelley shrugged.
Randy nodded, grunting at the dead weight of Sparky the dog in his arms now. He looked to his kids, taking an extra second to look at his distraught son. "I'm sorry kids. Sparky was a good dog. It was just his time to go."
Stan's watering eyes narrowed. "Bullshit. He was still young. He wasn't even ten! It was not 'his time to go' at all!"
Sharon stepped forward, looking annoyed too. "Randy that is not the appropriate thing to say right now."
"Well what do you want me to say when these things happen?" Randy said wildly. "I cared about the dog too."
Cared. About 'the dog'. Tears erupted in Stan's eyes again and he began to cry. This was becoming too much for him to take right now and he hurried to the bathroom, feeling vomit sneak up his throat in an all-too-familiar sensation. He ran to the toilet to hurl it up, Sharon following after. He heaved into the toilet before looking over to see his mother standing there. Was did she insist on following after him?! He wanted to be alone now!
"Stan sweetie, are you okay?" Sharon hesitated.
"Does it look like I'm okay?" Stan shot back before spitting into the toilet again.
Sharon stepped forward making Stan groan. She once again had a hand on his back. This time however he shook it off.
"Mom… Sparky…"
"I know sweetie. Sparky was a very good boy. A very good boy."
"Then why did this happen to him? He wasn't even ten years old! He didn't deserve to die the way he did. Why did he come to my room? Maybe he was trying to tell me something. Maybe he was trying to tell me he was sick. Like he knew something bad would happen to him. And of course on the one night I go to bed early and get a good sleep this happens. A good boy doesn't deserve to die alone," he moaned and shook with more sobs.
Sharon's eyes burned with tears again. She touched her son's cold bare foot in comfort, it usually was something that helped him when he was upset but he shook that off as well.
"It's my fault baby. I should have taken Sparky in to see the vet. That's my responsibility."
Stan turned a cold face towards her now. "Yeah you should have," he said darkly.
"Stan…"
"I don't care how cold the ground is out there. I'll dig the hole myself, I don't care how long it takes."
"Stan…"
"I wanna be alone now."
Sharon sighed but stood up. "Okay, I will be downstairs getting breakfast ready. I love you."
Stan could only close the door on his mother's face as soon as she stepped out.
Friday 9:45 A.M.
Kenny sat on the public bus next to Kyle, bouncing up and down in his seat. Sure the little kid act was getting old but Kenny hadn't gotten this much attention or care from anyone in a while. All his friends let him play on their iPads which was always a treat since he never owned one. He would sometimes look up porn with his Troll headphones on while his friends discussed things. What things, he did not know. But they reassured him it was all for the bro-ship and he was happy enough with that answer so he let them talk it out.
Kyle meanwhile rolled his eyes as he sat in the seat next to Kenny. He turned around to look out the window to the vast fields of marijuana. He had actually not been up here too often since Stan had moved. It was an hour outside of South Park so if he had an actual reason to hop on the bus he would come visit. But then the pandemic hit and so any visits out to see who was once his best friend all had but stopped. Kyle glanced over at Kenny's beat up duffle bag, all packed and ready for the next two and a half days to sleepover at Stan's. He was slightly jealous but it didn't matter, although accompanying Kenny to the bus ride up meant the whole of his own Friday was shot. But Kenny wanted Kyle to come along just so he could spend a little time with him before he went over to Weed County since Kyle's visitations were still a week away. Kyle had agreed. It was Friday which usually meant school but after the insanity that took place days ago with trying to get Covid shots for the residents of South Park it meant the school wanted to reset things yet again. And so class would reopen yet again come Monday. But still… knowing Kenny was going to be having fun with Stan today kind of sucked. His heart ached a little as memories of hundreds of sleepovers spent with Stan came flooding in. but their friendship was over. At Stan's request. And Kyle had to be okay with that.
The bus then pulled over and Kenny and Kyle got off. The next bus wouldn't be arriving for a while so Kyle kind of had no choice but to get off to wait for the next one. Kyle looked up as rain splattered onto his hat and clothes. It was cloudy and chilly back in South Park when they left but it was not raining but as soon as they passed Middle Park the rain began and hadn't stopped since. And he had no umbrella. Rather stupid really. The two boys waited around for a few minutes for Kenny's ride. Kyle was kind of hoping he could duck behind a nearby tree when it came since he was sure Stan was going to be in the car when his mother or father drove up. However both Kyle and Kenny were surprised when the red SUV of the family's pulled up and only Mrs. Marsh stepped out, holding a large umbrella above her. Kyle's fists suddenly curled in angrily. Stan was that pissed off at him he couldn't even face him when picking up Kenny?
"Hello boys," Mrs. Marsh said rather flatly before holding part of the umbrella under Kenny.
"Whoo hoo!" Kenny cheered. He sure was feeling lucky now. He got to ride in the same car as the beautiful Sharon Marsh the next fifteen minutes to the farm.
"Hi," Kyle said politely. He was already feeling awkward, standing there with his ex-best friend's mom but not said ex-friend in sight. And before he knew it blurted out, "How's Stan?"
Sharon turned around to face him. She almost looked devastated by something. She tightened her hold of the large maroon umbrella. "I don't think it's in my place to tell Kyle. According to Stan your friendship is…over. So he doesn't want to keep up with anything concerning the two of you anymore. All I can tell you is Stan isn't in the best mood right now."
Kyle sighed, expecting this but it still sucked. "Okay. Well tell him I'm at the bus stop until one when it comes by again. Since Covid… the bus only runs a few times a day now." He frowned before looking his ex-friend's mother in the eye. "Also, if you can tell him that I still care about him and he's still my super best friend even if I'm not his anymore. I miss him." The words caught in his throat before he could help it. He quickly fiddled around in his backpack to fish out a book he had brought with him to read until the next bus came around. Now all he had to do was keep dry under the bus stop unload zone.
Sharon's heart broke as she saw her son's used-to-be best friend stumble around as if this was their first time meeting. Sharon looked to her left where Kenny was standing at the passenger's side of the car, waiting to be let in. Sharon sighed but stepped over to Kyle.
"Stan might not be happy if he finds out I told you this but… Sparky died. Yesterday morning."
"What?" Kyle whipped his head around. "Oh no. How sad. He was still pretty young wasn't he?"
Kenny sighed as he stood back; he was now losing out on precious Sharon Marsh time. But at the same time he felt bad his other friend would be stuck here in the rain until the next bus came. He thought of an idea.
"Mrs. Marsh, Kyle will be at the bus stop for another three hours. Could he maybe hang out at the farm until the bus comes? He could hide somewhere if Stan doesn't want to talk to him," Kenny offered.
Sharon let out a heavy sigh now. She was really hoping it wouldn't come to this so soon into this new little schedule Stan and his ex-friends had drawn up when it came to Kenny time. Stan currently did not want any part of Kyle at the moment. Could she really keep the two apart the entirety of the afternoon? It wouldn't be fair to Kyle either to keep him away. She still saw him as a second son and she didn't want him pushed aside. She missed having Kyle around. He was so good for her son. Kyle always was able to help pick Stan up off his feet in the past. Always knew what to say or do to make him feel better in any situation. Perhaps he could stay. Sharon just had to be careful and clever about it.
"You can stay at the farm until the next bus comes Kyle," Sharon finally answered. "But you have to stay out of Stan's way. I'm trying to give him space to grieve." She then turned to Kenny. "I don't know what Stan will and won't want to do today Kenny. I'm sorry. But I know he wants to keep up with this schedule you boys came up with otherwise it will screw everything else up. No matter what we need to make sure you two do not cross paths with Kyle. Understood?"
Kyle turned to Kenny and mouthed the words, 'thank-you' to him before looking up at Sharon. "I'll just go somewhere quiet and do some homework. Read. I brought a couple books. Stan won't even have to know I'm there."
Kenny chimed in. "And I'll help distract Stan to make sure he doesn't suspect a thing. Death is never easy," he frowned. He then touched Sharon's hand briefly. "And if you need anything at all today Mrs. Marsh, anything at all… I'm here."
Kyle rolled his eyes now before the three of them finally hoped into the car. Sharon started it up before turning around to the back seat at Kyle. "Maybe you can stay in the barn today Kyle. It's away from the house and I don't think Stan will be going over there today. It is a little drafty and cold since it's been raining. But there's a few blankets in there if you get cold."
"That's fine," Kyle said as he looked out of the rain-washed windows. He deserved to be wet and cold according to Stan anyway.
Kenny, who was sitting in the front, turned around now and whispered, "I'll try and check in on you, okay dude?"
Kyle could only nod and he continued to look out on the drive to the farm. Ten minutes later the car stopped just at the large Tegridy Farms sign one hundred feet away from the main house.
"I'll drop you off here Kyle. That way you can sneak off to the barn right there. It's not locked. You still have my number, right? If you need a lift back to the bus stop just text me and I'll see if I can take you. Does that sound okay?" Sharon explained.
Kyle just nodded and shuffled his way out the car and over to the barn. He unraveled the chain that was loosely wrapped in the door handles and opened up the one door just enough so he could sneak inside. There were a few marijuana curing supplies and various smoking accessories inside as well as an old beat-up futon under a Beatles and Pink Floyd poster. He sat on the old green thing and wrapped the 100% hemp blanket over his shoulders before picking up the book he bad brought with him. He cursed himself as he stared at the title, Where the Red Fern Grows, a book about a boy and the life and death of his dogs. Of all the books he owned this was the one he wanted to read today. Why? He sighed as he looked around and listened to the rain falling outside. At least the rain made him feel slightly cozy.
Meanwhile Sharon was leading Kenny into the kitchen after the two stepped into the farm house. Sharon began opening a couple cupboards.
"Want something to eat Kenny? Sorry Stan isn't down here yet. He might still be in bed."
Kenny looked around, tempted but decided to decline. He felt it would be rude to eat something while his friend might be upstairs, sad still. "I'm okay. Kyle brought me an ice cream before we took the bus for some reason. Um, do you want me to check on Stan? Or will you miss my company too much?" he smiled at his friend's mother again.
Sharon had to smile back. Kenny was a nice boy. She closed the fridge. "You can go upstairs if you'd like. If you do can you tell Stan I have some pancake leftovers from breakfast if he's hungry. If not I have a fun lunch planned if you two just want to wait until then."
Kenny nodded, grabbed his bag, and hurried up the stairs. He went over to the second door to the left of the landing upstairs, Stan's room, with the usual Keep Out sign on the door. He cleared his throat before knocking a couple times.
"Stan? You up? It's me, Kenny. Your mom just told me… I'm sorry."
Kenny stood at the door for almost a full minute before it slowly opened to reveal the ten-year-old, his red and blue beanie half-way off his head, exposing his messy hair, disheveled green alien pajamas, and bare feet.
"Hi Kenny," Stan greeted in a strained voice.
Kenny frowned at his friend's overall look. It made him a little sad. "Hi Stan. I'm sorry about Sparky. Do you… want a hug?" he wasn't one to hug others often or have others hug him but it looked as if Stan needed one right now.
Stan sighed. He loved hugs but didn't know if one would help much now. He shrugged. "Sure, if you want."
Kenny held out his arms and gave Stan a small hug, patting his back as he did so. He let go. "If it makes you feel better, all dogs end up in heaven. I know that for a fact."
Stan rubbed his arm. "Thanks dude. You've actually seen dogs in heaven?"
"Well what do you think makes it heaven?"
Stan shrugged. "Well I'm going to choose to believe that then, 'cause if animals aren't in heaven then I'm not going."
Kenny decided to not elaborate on this idea for only were dogs allowed in heaven but so were Mormons. You were able to go to heaven too but you had to be really good in order to join the dogs and the Mormons. But was sure he and Stan would have epic adventures in hell or some other universe. He decided to drop the topic of heaven entirely.
"So do you want to do something? Or do you just want to hang out? Watch TV? Listen to music? Maybe write something for the band?" he suggested.
Stan stepped back and allowed Kenny into his room now. Kenny took note it was a little messy but that wasn't too unusual for Stan. There were a few articles of clothing strewn about, a pair of pants over his desk chair and a small pile of socks and underwear by his hamper but not actually in it. Two card games were set out on the floor with their contents out and his new flashy Denver Broncos spiral notebook was open upon the end of his bed, cover up, a blue pen next to it. There was also a banana peel draped over the rim of his trashcan. Again, all normal but still…
Stan went over to his bed now and took up his Broncos notebook. "Well I was kind of thinking of doing something for the band. I was reworking some lyrics to a song and I'd like to try it out in the barn. The sound is really good there and I don't have to hear Shelley bitch at me for playing in here."
The barn? Kenny's eyes went wide slightly but he quickly shook it off. "The barn? I mean, I think we can do something pretty all right in your room Stan."
"Not if we don't want to be bitched at. No, I want to go to the barn. It'll be cold in there, set the atmosphere of my otherwise cold life at this point," Stan said bitterly.
Kenny's mind raced, thinking quickly. "Okay. Okay, you want to go to the barn. Fine. Let me just go downstairs real quick, tell your mom something."
Stan raised a brow. "Tell her what?"
"Nothing big, just a question about lunch. You go grab your notebook and stuff. I'll be downstairs," Kenny got out before throwing open Stan's door and running downstairs.
Sharon was in the living room watching TV as she knitted a brand-new red and blue beanie for Stan, as she did fairly often. He had been running low on his supply and went through them so often. Kenny quickly told her that Stan was planning on heading to the barn. Sharon quickly got out her phone and sent a text to warn Kyle. Thankfully he replied back a couple seconds later. And not a moment too soon for Stan had come downstairs right after. He was now dressed in jeans and an old t-shirt.
"Sweetie, won't you be cold if you're going outside in the rain?" Sharon couldn't help but take note.
"I want to feel the rain right now Mom," was all Stan could get out.
Sharon left it at that and together Stan and Kenny went out to the barn. Kyle was now up in the loft of the barn on a bunch of old burlap sacks, his hemp blanket keeping him warm. It wasn't too bad he was finding out as he listened to the rain outside and he read his book. He then heard the door creak open. Kyle quickly threw the blanket over him as Stan and Kenny entered. Kyle could just spot the two walking over to where the instruments were set out for Crimson Dawn. As Kyle looked on he felt a twinge of jealousy; Stan hadn't even invited him to join his band. Maybe they weren't as super best friends as he thought they were. But were things really so bad between them now that Stan really didn't want anything to do with him anymore?
Stan plugged in his mike and tuned his guitar a little. Kenny strapped his base over his shoulders.
"What did you have in mind Stan?" Kenny asked.
Stan frowned as he fiddled with his electric guitar. He had both an electric and acoustic guitar but he wanted to hear the scream that the electric produced today. There were so many emotions rolling through him right now, he tried to focus on just one. Finally he knew what he wanted.
"Let's take it slow right now Ken. "
"Sure thing dude."
Stan started up a slow melody with his guitar while Kenny backed him with the base. They did this for around two minutes, neither saying nor singing anything. Kyle peaked curiously over the edge of the loft. He could have learned an instrument for Crimson Dawn. Why didn't Stan even give him that chance?
Stan finally adjusted his mike and began to sing, soft and slow. "Our day has come, it's drawn in the sky… do don't shed a tear now… (his eyes filled with tears) be th-thankful of the time…"
Kyle frowned, listening. Were these original song lyrics or from a song that already existed? Whatever it was he could feel the pain in Stan's voice already.
"Life wouldn't be so precious dear if there never was an eeennnddd…." Tears steadily began to stream down the boy's face as he went on.
Kenny hated to hear the pain in his friend's voice but continued to back him. This was obviously something he needed to get out so he didn't want to interrupt or screw it up for him.
Stan drew in a breath as he went on for the altered lyrics. "Sparky still plays in the garden, runs as the sun slips away…" emotions upon emotions crashed over Stan in waves. Anger was one that came on the forefront now. He took up the mike and glanced up, as if he were talking directly to someone. "We stand on the edge now, we've come so far, and through the dust it becomes clear, y- you will never be my heaarrttt…."
Kyle was lying on his arms as he looked over from his own private concert. He was more in particular to hip-hop or songs with a lighter beat, something Stan didn't bother giving a chance. Even still, Kyle was feeling a little angry now as he listened on. That lyric seemed to be directed toward him. What the hell? He wished he could at least bang around on the drums or play keyboard or something.
"There's only death, an end of time and I'm not facing it with you- oohhh!" Stan cried out.
Kenny could feel the music inside him as Stan strummed his guitar and bore his soul out. Thunder clashed above. Kenny could feel Sparky's presence now, the dog jumping and howling along with Stan.
"Sparky still plays in the garden, runs as the sun slips away." Stan wiped his dripping nose. His voice lowered considerably. "Not every friendship… lasts forever… cleanse us acid rain…."
Kyle's eyes narrowed. He thought Stan didn't know he was here? He was certain Stan wouldn't bait him out like Cartman might so these words were his true thoughts by Stan and Stan alone. All of Kyle's jealous turned to anger. He wanted to confront him so badly now.
Kenny's fingers almost slipped as he strummed his base but he quickly corrected himself. It was like Sparky was howling to the tune and Kenny was just the conductor for dog and his master.
Stan strummed slowly on his guitar. He brought the mike up to his lips again and tried to belt out a few more lyrics but couldn't. He stopped strumming and turned from the mike, wiping his face. "S-sorry Kenny…"
Kenny stopped now. "No, that's fine, I understand. You were amazing. We both were. That song was intense. Were they original or something from another band?" he asked, curious.
"It's Acid Rain by Avenged Sevenfold. I just changed up some lyrics around."
"Well it was awesome; I can't wait to try it out with the rest of the band."
Stan shrugged, face pale and haggard, shivering in the drafty barn. "Just what I was feeling at the moment. But the band… (Sigh) if Jimmy or Butters ever want to get together to practice. I don't even know who I'm friends with at this point."
"Me?" Kenny suggested, hoping it was the right thing to say.
Stan's lips pulled slightly. "Yeah, guess so."
"What about me?" a voice suddenly rang out from above.
Kenny groaned. "Kyle you fucking idiot," he said under his breath.
Stan whipped his body around so fast he almost tripped over the cord of his guitar. "Kyle? What- what the hell are you doing here?"
Kyle was standing now up in the loft as he stared down at Stan. "I'm stuck here until three when the next bus comes. You really don't think you have friends anymore?"
Stan didn't respond. Instead he curled his hands into fists, shot him a dirty look, then marched out of the barn, throwing the door open loudly as he went.
"Kyle, what the fuck?" Kenny demanded after Stan had left, watching the redhead descend the ladder to the floor.
But Kyle ignored this. Kyle hurried to the door and called out into the rain storm. "Stan! I just want to talk. Please! I'm sorry I'm such a trash person. I'll do anything, just talk to me!"
Stan of course paid no attention to this. He went back to the house through the back door, angry and wet. He kicked off his shoes as they sailed a fair distance on the floor, leaving tracks. Sharon was now in the kitchen getting things ready for lunch and she took notice right away of the water on the floor.
"Stanley! Watch where you take off your shoes! You're getting water and mud all over!"
Stan only looked at his mother the same way he just did to Kyle. He took off his sodden hat, sweeping his wet hair back and stormed off upstairs.
"Ohh, that's not a good sign," Sharon said heavily.
A moment later Kyle came bursting through the house. "Where's Stan?" he demanded.
Sharon wiped her hands on her apron and went over. "Kyle, Kyle I'm sorry but you're going to have to leave."
Kenny ran in right after just as a clap of lightening flashed nearby, possibly striking in the fields of a farm or two away. Sharon then saw her phone flash. She opened it to see a weather advisory notice. She turned on the TV to the news.
"Emergency Weather Update in Weed Country," spoke the reporter. "Heavy rains and mudslides are expected in the local area. Citizens are advised to stay indoors until further notice. All bus lines to and from Weed County have been closed for the remainder of the day. Our weather tracker, Darla Mimber is standing by at Sunshine Archie's Farms, the heart of the storm! Darla?"
Kyle looked helplessly at Sharon. "I- could call my parents," he said softly.
Sharon's face softened. "No, that's insane. I don't want your parents driving out in this. You can stay the night until this storm clears. The guest room is free. Oh wait, it's right next to Stan's room, I don't know if that's a good idea."
Kyle could feel his eyes burn. He did not want to cry in front of his ex-best-friend's mother! He took hold of his backpack and sat down on the Marsh's couch. "I'll just be here then unless you need me to move. I'll go wherever you tell me. I won't be an inconvenience. No more so than I already have." He sniffed but still did not cry. He couldn't in front of Kenny and Mrs. Marsh. He took up his book and began to try and read.
All Sharon could do was nod as she went back to the kitchen. Kenny however walked over to Kyle.
"Dude, what the hell?"
"I know. I know what I did just now was stupid. Every decision I make lately has been stupid," Kyle shot at him.
Kenny placed his hands in his pockets and sighed. "Would it be okay if I went to check in on Stan?"
Kyle only shrugged as he went back to his book. Kenny took this as an okay and went upstairs. He felt something whoosh past his leg. He looked down to see that Sparky had joined him. Smiling, he continued to go up. He was about to knock on Stan's door when he heard a crash from the other side. He knocked.
"Stan? You okay in there?"
"I'm not in the mood okay?!" Stan yelled back.
"Stan, it's me. Kenny. And Sparky. Open up."
"No!"
"Stan, I know when you're mad you still open and close the door for Sparky. He wants to say 'hi'. Trust me. I wouldn't shit around with something like this right now. If you don't I'm just going to go hang out with your mom," Kenny made a move to go downstairs when Stan's door opened.
Stan looked like he was seething in anger right now. His hands were in fists and his wild hair was sticking up everywhere now. "I'm over it okay? I'm over it and I'm over him. Tell him to get out. Where's my mom? MOM!"
Kenny could feel Sparky start to whine now. He held out a hand in the dog's general direction. "It's okay boy, he doesn't mean that. Come follow me or you can go into the light."
Stan felt as if someone punched his gut. "Kenny, stop! I- I can't see him. I don't know- stop. Sparky, Sparky I'm so sorry. Don't go… please don't go…" and once again Stan fell into another heap of tears on the floor just as Sharon came running over.
"Stan? Stanley what's wrong?"
Kenny took a step back in the hall as Sharon bent down. He'd just observe how Mrs. Marsh would deal with her son. Kenny would leave Kyle to sulk downstairs. Damn. And Stan was starting to get a little bit better too. Kenny wanted to kill Kyle but that meant he would still see him again.
Sharon took hold of both of Stan's shoulders and looked into his eyes. "Sweetie, what is it? What's wrong?"
Stan rubbed his eyes with the palms of his hands. "Sp-Sparky is gone. Sparky is gone Mom…"
Sharon gathered her son in her arms again, knowing there was going to be many other incidents like this to come and it wasn't even lunch time yet.
Kenny meanwhile felt uncomfortable yet again. His own mother probably hadn't held him like that since he was a toddler. He was slightly embarrassed to be witnessing this but at the same time felt at odds because this was probably what a normal mom was supposed to do. Well Kenny had never been normal. He held out a hand to the ghost dog, wishing he could actually pet him and not just sense him.
Sharon looked over to Kenny now. "Kenny, would you be a dear and grab the blanket I have in the dryer in the basement?" She then turned to Stan. "I have Sparky's favorite blanket fresh from the dryer now sweetie. The one I made for him with the pink hearts. I think he will happy to be buried in it, don't you?" Stan could only nod into her arms.
Kenny sighed but went down the stairs, finding that Kyle had fallen asleep on the couch. Almost as if both boys had shut down at the same time. He continued on to the basement to grab the blanket from the dryer, instinctively grabbing the clothes that were also in the washer to the dryer. If he left clothes in the washer at home he would be screamed at. He noticed quite a few lacy bras and panties and hoped to god they were Mrs. Marsh's and not Shelley's. He folded the pink heart blanket, nodding to Sparky who jumped slightly in approval before heading upstairs. Kenny saw that Stan's bedroom door was open and he was currently sitting on his bed with his mother.
"Is it okay if I come in now?"
Sharon got to her feet after giving her son a loving touch on his cheek. "I'm going to get lunch started okay boys? Will you be okay sweetie?"
Stan nodded to his feet. "Yeah."
Kenny watched as Sharon left the room. He went over and placed the folded blanket on the foot of Stan's bed and sat down next to him, legs dangling over. "Your mom…really loves you," he remarked.
Stan glanced his direction before looking down again. "Well yeah, she's my mom. Oh um, I'm sure yours loves you too Kenny."
"Not like that." Kenny was quiet for a moment. "You think I could get a hug from your mom?"
Stan turned his head and raised a brow. "A hug like how?"
"My mom doesn't hug me. My sister will hug me but she's in first grade and growing out of it. It's… weird for me to see a loving family."
Stan turned around again. "We aren't some perfect family and you know that. My dad is an idiot. My sister is a bitch. My mom is overbearing."
"Yeah but I've hugged you more in half a day than I have the last year with my family. No one's family is perfect but… it looks nice to have a mom who cares. Sorry, I don't want to embarrass you," Kenny quickly added.
Stan rubbed his arm now awkwardly. "Yeah but she worries about me a lot. It can get annoying when I'm doing something and get a text or phone call asking me where I am and that I should have told her what I was doing hours ago."
"Your mom texts you just to see how you're doing? Wow," Kenny sounded amazed. He was pretty sure his parents had no idea where he was or what he was doing half the time.
"Well yeah, it's what moms do," Stan was giving his feet a hard look now, not wanting to look at Kenny.
Kenny shook his head. "Not all moms. Some lock you out of the house because you forgot to bring her cigarettes. You end up sleeping in the homeless camp behind your house," Kenny laughed lightly as a means to hide his vulnerability. "Hey, you think I could get a kiss from your mom?"
Stan looked angry now. "No Kenny. I know what your true intentions are."
"What? That we play Playstation until lunch time?" Kenny feigned innocence as he got up from the bed to grab the two controllers by Stan's TV.
Stan shrugged. "Fine."
Kenny studied Stan's expression for a second. "I know you don't believe me but Sparky is lying right next to you and he's happy because you're feeling better." Kenny sat down on the floor now, cross-legged, and grabbed one of the game controllers. Stan joined him. "Just do you know Stan, my friends are my family to me and I appreciate you letting me stay here to have a weekend together."
Stan had started up a game and smiled slightly. "Sure thing. I appreciate what you're trying to do Kenny. I'm just conflicted about some things right now. But I'm glad you're here too and today is my day with you."
"And we kicked ass with the band just now," Kenny added.
"Yeah we did."
12 noon hit. Sharon walked to the foot of the stairs and called up, "Boys! Boys! Lunch is ready."
Kyle, who was still on the living room sofa, jolted awake from his nap. He hid his face when he heard Stan and Kenny come down the stairs. He was unsure if he was allowed to join the others. Kenny looked at him helplessly as he followed Stan into the kitchen. Stan looked around as they stepped into the kitchen.
"Where's Kyle?" he asked.
"Um, guest room I think," Kenny answered.
Stan did not look too happy. "I don't want to see him all today. I know it's hell outside right now but I want him out of my face the entirety of today."
Meanwhile Kyle carefully walked over to the door that led to the basement. He didn't want to spend any time there if he could avoid it for fear of spiders but then again maybe he deserved it. He had to respect Stan's wishes. And so he opened the door and closed it behind him.
Meanwhile Sharon went to present lunch to Stan and Kenny. She set down a large plate with loaded nachos on top. Ground beef, cheese, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream. She hoped a fun food like nachos would get Stan out of his sour mood for a little while. She then proceeded to pour two glasses of a watery milky looking drink.
"I found a good horchata recipe too boys. You tried it a few weeks ago Stan and told me you liked it. I hope this one came out okay."
Stan could only grumble a 'thanks'.
"This looks great Mrs. Marsh," Kenny commented. He glanced at Stan before looking over at his friend's mom. "You- you want me to bring a plate to Kyle? Or give him half of mine?"
Sharon looked at Stan's unchanged expression. "I'll take care of it. You boys eat and enjoy."
Stan took up a chip and slowly began to chew. Kenny grabbed a few chips and began to eat as well.
"So what did you want to do after lunch?" Kenny asked, taking a sip of the drink. It was a little cinnamon-y. He liked it.
Stan was now frowning into his food as if thinking about something. He took a sip of his drink and set the glass down. "You rode the bus here, right?"
"Yeah?" Kenny set down his chips now. Was Stan going to kick him out of the house as well?
"Kyle rode with you?"
"Yeah…" Again, Stan was starting to worry Kenny.
Stan took up his cup again and set it down. "How did Kyle get here then? The bus stop is twenty minutes away from the farm. Why would he be here is what I'm trying to figure out."
Kenny sighed, better to tell him the truth that to lie. "Your mom and I felt sorry for him. He had to be alone at the bust stop for five hours or whatever by himself. And it was raining. She drove him hear as long as he promised to stay out of the way from you. But as you know, we ended up in the barn and that's where he was camping out and, yeah…" Kenny was starting to feel uncomfortable now. So long pleasant sleepover.
Stan looked at a loaded nacho chip in his fingers as if inspecting it for a stray hair.
"So you're telling me you and my mom knew Kyle was here from the beginning?"
Kenny looked down now. "Yes."
Stan set his chip down. "I see." He then pushed himself away from the table. "You know, I'm not too hungry anymore. I think I want to go upstairs now."
Kenny bit his lip. "Can… can I join you?"
Stan was on his feet now. "I think I want to be alone. I'm sure you will be just fine here with Kyle and my mom to keep you company." With that he headed back upstairs.
Kenny shook his head but continued to eat; it was really good and he felt Stan was being a little ungrateful for how nice of a mom he had. All he could do right now was finish up his portion of lunch.
A few minutes later Sharon came back down the stairs, looking for Kyle. He was not upstairs and no longer in the living room. She then noticed the basement door was cracked open. She walked over and carefully pushed the door open.
"Kyle? Honey? Are you in here?"
Kyle was currently sitting on a step a few down. "Yeah," he said heavily.
Sharon switched on the light to see him better. "Are you okay? Do you want me to bring you a plate of nachos?"
Kyle felt sad but knew he had to eat something today. He nodded. "Yeah, that would be fine. Thanks. I'm sorry again for what an inconvenience I'm being."
Sharon frowned. "No, it's not your fault for how today is going so far. And maybe Stan would be a bit more open to you being here if his dog hadn't just passed…"
Kyle could feel his eyes sting. "No, I betrayed him. I deserve this. He caught me lying and hiding stuff from him. He called me out for being a hypocrite and for taking him for granted. I don't deserve a friend as good as him or any kind gesture. Sparky dying is just another terrible thing Stan's going through and I'm not there to help him with it." Kyle curled his knees up to his chest, trying so hard not to cry in front of his ex-best friend's mom. "I don't know what's worse, that he's completely cut me off or that if he forgave me yet again I know nothing will have changed. That's why I deserve this…" and now the tears were falling.
Sharon's heart sank as she watched Kyle fall apart. She bent down and touched his shoulder. She knew her son had vital reasons to 'de-friend' Kyle once again but she also knew Stan needed Kyle in his life. He was just being very stubborn about the whole thing. She knew the older her son got the harsher the relationships in his life would be. This wasn't over something small and silly such as who had more milk in their cup or who was taller. This was something much more serious. Sure, taking Stan's side in this was probably the 'right' thing to do but Sharon couldn't just leave Kyle in the dark either.
"Listen Kyle, I'm not exactly sure what happened between you and Stan. I know things have been a little rough since the pandemic but I thought you two were working on it. I don't know what happened the last few days. How you supposedly betrayed Stan's trust. But I hope you two can work on it. I don't like seeing you upset either." She squeezed his arm before standing up again. "I'll bring you some food, okay?"
Kyle sniffed and nodded, pulling up his book to try to read as he had been.
Sharon walked into the kitchen causing Kenny to perk up. His eyes followed her as she looked around.
"Where's Stanley?"
Kenny sighed. "He's a little upset. He found out the truth on how Kyle got here and now he's mad at me. Maybe you too."
"Oh Stanley… no," Sharon pinched the bridge of her nose.
"How's Kyle?"
"He's pretty upset too. I told him I would take him a plate of food."
"Want me to bring him the food while you check on Stan?" Kenny asked.
Sharon shook her head as she began going about cleaning the kitchen. "I think we should leave him alone for now Kenny. Especially if he might be mad at me too." She dabbed her eye with the back of her hand and went about wiping down the counters, despondent knowing her son most likely wouldn't want any participation in the dessert she had planned for the boys for later, tres leches cake.
Kenny leaned on an arm now. "Well what about you Mrs. Marsh? How are you doing today?"
Sharon turned around and gave him a sad smile. "Don't worry about me Kenny, I'm just a mom. I have other things to worry me and keep me occupied."
Kenny frowned as he continued to lean on his folded arms. "I wish you were my mom. I see how you are with Stan. Even with Kyle and me. My mom doesn't act like that, she doesn't care. She was nineteen when she had my brother, then three years later, me. So she never really grew up. I just wish my mom would cook like you and hug me when I'm upset."
Sharon placed a hand to her chest as tears filled her eyes. "Kenny, Kenny sweetie don't say things like that. I'm sure your mom is doing the best she can. She must love you very much. Some people are simply more…nurturing. Take my own kids for instance. Shelley hates the hugs and kisses but I still don't doubt that one day she'll make a good mother. Stanley in the opposite and loves he hugs and kisses and I know he will be a wonderful father someday too. Everyone is different and shows affection in different ways."
Kenny hugged himself. "She could try harder. My mom. She only likes to drink and yell." He could curse himself now. This started out as a ploy to get Mrs. Marsh to hug him but now he didn't really want that. "If I died my family would not care. I mean it. Just one less mouth to feed. I hardly talk with my brother. Only my sister would miss me."
Sharon walked over to him now. "Do you want a hug Kenny?"
Kenny shook his head. "I just wish I didn't feel so unwanted at times. Stan doesn't realize how lucky he is."
Sharon shook her head slightly in an amused way. "Maybe one day he will. Maybe both my children will. Supposedly kids start to like their parents more once they move out. Shelley has her usual teenage mood swings and lately I've noticed Stanley has started picking up on some rather sarcastic and bratty behavior as well."
Kenny looked up. "Well is there anything you want me to do? I don't like lightening much but if you need me to take out the trash or any other chores I'll do it."
"Take out the trash in this weather? Are you crazy? No, just stay inside and stay warm. If anything maybe you can take over some nachos to Kyle. I think he could use a friend right now."
Kenny wasn't sure if he was the kind of friend Kyle needed right now but nevertheless he took up a plate of nachos and some of that horchata drink and went down to the basement. The light for the stairs was on. He went down a few steps.
"Kyle? It's me," Kenny spoke. There wasn't an answer so he proceeded down to the end. Kyle was now sitting on the old sofa down there, his nose in his book. He looked halfway though it now. Kenny set aside the food on the table in front of the couch.
"You grounded yourself in Stan's house?"
"Thanks," Kyle nodded to the food. "And yeah, guess I did. I didn't know what else to do. Stan hates me and I know his mom is just being polite but she most likely wants me gone too."
Kenny shrugged. "Well I'm here to get in some extra bro-time with you then. Stan's mad at everyone it looks like now. So can I stay grounded down here with you?"
"Sure dude. Want another book to read?" Kyle reached into his backpack and passed along another book.
"I guess." Kenny looked at the cover. "Swallowing Stones?"
"It's kind of sad but made me think. Maybe you'll like it," Kyle shrugged. "It's all I have right now and I'm already invested in this one."
"Yeah, whatever. Cool."
Kenny could care less about this book but he had to do something to occupy himself while Stan sorted out his latest mood swing upstairs. Hopefully he didn't end up doing something stupid throughout all this. This was Stan. He needed time to cool off and he'd be okay in the end. But then again, would he? That was apparently one of the reasons he and Kyle had called it quits in the first place. If Kyle couldn't fill that emotional void in Stan's life then who could? Kenny cared a lot about Stan but he wasn't Kyle. He wasn't Mrs. Marsh. He wasn't Wendy. He was just Kenny at the end of the day. The weird kid with the sick sense of humor that lusted after every girl he saw. And that might not be the kind of person Stan needed in a best friend. Kenny wanted so much to be on the good side when it came to each of his friends but Stan was in such a tricky spot right now which put him in a tricky spot. Stan and Kyle were the meat of the bro-ship, and with those two out then naturally, tensions would run between them and Cartman as well. Kenny could only cross his fingers that he was enough to help see Stan through with things today. He then felt a wisp of hot air on his neck. He turned around and was sure Sparky was standing there now, panting, and tail wagging.
"Stan will be okay boy. It's just going to take a little time to get there."
Hello again everyone! It is I- Madam Redrose25. I had to make a new account since I could no longer log into my old one. Don't fret- my old account is still up as are all my stories. I know I'm not the only one deeply upset and unsettled with how things went down in The Vaccination Special. Of course I had to write an after story. It does not sit well with me that Stan and Kyle can just call things off after all they've been through. Trying to make sense of things for this story has been tough. Maybe it's because I get attached to things easily. I can only hope we see the bro-ship again in the next South Park special. And sorry if Sparky's death is upsetting. It just worked best for this story right now. I am working on a few other things so stay tuned to my all-new fanfiction profile. Thanks goes out to the always amazing Nosebridgepinch, whom I co-wrote this with. So stay tuned, this will be at least three chapters.
Lots of love: Madam Rose Marsh, April 17, 2021