Thank you for beta'ing, A Star In My Universe!

Warning: harassment in texts and threatening messages, and mentions of Nazis, rape, and molestation.

Once Michelle opens her eyes and rubs the sleep out of them, she notices Alex not in the room with her, so she gets dressed and leaves. To her surprise and concern, she doesn't see her girlfriend in the hallway either. "Alex?" she calls out. "Flaca?" Gloria is coming out of another door, appearing to be confused and worried, too.

"Girls, where are you?" Gloria adds.

There's no answer, so Michelle catches up to Gloria. "Let's search for 'em."

Gloria nods. "Okay." The two of them nearly bump into Blanca, who drops her phone.

"Oh, sorry about that," Michelle apologizes and both she and Blanca reach for it. "When did you come out?" she asks while handing Blanca's phone back to her.

Blanca smiles gratefully and shoves it into her sweatshirt pocket. "Like five minutes ago. You guys?"

"Just now, actually," Gloria answers her. "You seen Flaca or Alex anyplace around here?"

"No, but maybe they left."

"Without letting us know where they were?" Michelle asks incredulously.

"How could they do that? Red and I were gonna take you girls out to Storky's for dinner." Gloria sighs and rolls her eyes. "I'mma text 'em. Meet me where everyone else is."

"Okay," Blanca responds. She and Michelle also send their friends a message, and within seconds, Alex and Flaca come through the hallway.

Alex appears to be extremely frightened as she glances down at her phone. "Sorry, I just needed a second to breathe, it was stuffy in there..." Her eyes travel to Flaca.

"Yeah, and I wanted to go with her...for protection," Flaca chimes in.

Michelle gives them curious glances, especially concerned about Alex. "Okay, that's understandable...can we have a moment in private?" She takes Alex's hand and stands closer to her.

Blanca and Flaca nod their heads yes. "Sure." Blanca then wheels Flaca to where Gloria is waiting for the others.

"Hey...what you rush out our room for?" Michelle wants to know as Alex leads her outside. "I thought you'd at least be sitting nearby, in the waiting area."

Alex shrugs and sticks her hands in her jeans pockets. Her eyes narrow in confusion as she pulls out a crumpled up photo strip. "What the..."

"Is that you and Sylvie?" Michelle asks her gently.

"Yeah." Alex smooths it out. "I guess I haven't worn these since she went missing...and apparently didn't wash 'em, either."

Alarm flashes through Michelle. "What's that writing on the back? Your second lover, gone...your third's days are numbered..."

"I don't know," Alex mumbles, stuffing it back into her pocket.

"Alex." Michelle gives her girlfriend an expectant look. "You can tell me. It sounded like a threat! Who is verbally attacking you like this?"

"Look, you don't need to panic. Some fuckhead keeps shoving it in my face that...that I've lost two girlfriends so far. Even if Piper and I were never a thing, they count her." Alex sighs heavily. "I have no idea who it is."

"Jessica Wedge or Holly Hobbie?"

"Maybe, but they don't really have a vendetta against my friends, they just harbor hate for me. I think it's a guy, anyway...it felt like it when I got massaged a bit too roughly." Alex rolls her shoulders back a few times. "Their text was worse. They commented on how simple it was to choke me, seeing how I was so vulnerable, asleep and all."

Michelle closes her eyes as a shiver overcomes her. She hugs Alex tightly. "Shit. I'm real sorry, baby. I would've killed him if I saw him."

"I know."

If she's honest, though, Michelle thinks it could be Ouija, Pidge, or Zirconia, since they had always held a grudge against Piper and would hate Alex for loving the blonde former leader. She hopes it's not Pidge or Ouija, since they seem fine with Alex, and that would be a betrayal. She knows it isn't Maria, since the girl is out with Daya at this moment. Even if she asked them, they wouldn't give her any answers. They'd say she'd crossed over to the dark side.


"Excuse me, miss." Taystee spins around to face the customer who had just gotten her attention. "Are you eighteen?"

This is a strange question, but it's not the worst thing she'd experienced while working late at Storky's. "Yes, I am. Why?"

The white, blond-haired, bearded man shrugs. "No reason." He plops down into a seat. "I'm waiting for someone."

"Who?"

"Oh, Taystee, enough with the questions!" Tamika Ward, her co-worker and friend playfully scolds her. "Does it really matter?"

"I mean, when we got robbed at gunpoint and I had to give him my Gordons instead of the cash I said I didn't have, that makes me have trust issues in strangers. Yo ass was hidin'! I'm just making conversation."

Tamika chuckles to herself. "Fine." She looks over at the guy. "You want anything, sir?"

"No, thank you. I'm gonna use the restroom."

"Okay," Taystee says as he walks off.


"Hey, y'all!" Taystee greets Allison, Flaca, Maritza, Daya, Lorna, Nicky, Alex, Michelle, Maria, Blanca, Gloria, Red, and Alana cheerfully.

"Hi!" they respond excitedly in unison, and then order cheeseburgers, fries, and smoothies.

"We're all going out with our auntie figures, but Red is Nicky's ma, basically," Lorna informs Taystee, who grins.

"That's hella neat!"

"How's your girl doin'?" Gloria asks Red in reference to Nicky. She speaks in a low voice to respect Nicky's privacy.

"Well, she was tossing and turning when she slept with me, but at least no screaming in the night, so I hope that's a positive sign!" Red answers her quietly.

Gloria smiles. "It is. You're a real good mama."

Red beams. "Thank you. I could say the same for you."

"Thanks," Gloria responds pleasantly.

"I don't like the way she's lookin' at me," Daya whispers to Maria and jerks her chin up towards the African-American girl standing next to Taystee. "Like she'd jump me if we were alone."

"You could give her a cold stare right back," Maria suggests.

Little do they know, Gloria had listened in on their short conversation. She notices the bitch who's staring down Daya and that her name is Tamika. Gloria marches up to her with her jaw set. She taps the counter sharply two times, getting Tamika's attention. "You better stop giving my niece murderous stares-" she starts to hiss.

"What? I ain't doin' nothin, you crazy old lady!"

Gloria steps back. "You were until I caught your ass. I see you do that to her again-"

"Are you seriously threatening me? I can get my manager to throw you out."

Taystee rolls her eyes. "Bitch, you gotta quit bein' a fool. You can't be startin' drama with my friends. They just tryin' to enjoy their meal."

"Whatever," Tamika mutters.

Gloria returns to the table and takes her place between Daya and Blanca. "Thanks, Gloria," Daya whispers and hugs her. Gloria puts her arm around Daya and kisses her temple.

"I'll always protect you girls," Gloria vows.

"I will, too," Red concurs, and they beam at the women's assurances.

Taystee comes over to them. "Sorry about her. Y'all can eat in the backroom if you want."

"Sweet!" Blanca grins and they go to where Taystee directs them.

"So, those massages seemed real nice!" Flaca says. "I can't wait 'til I get one when I'm fully able to walk again."

"Me neither, you'll love it!" Maritza squeals.

"I could have used one, but it'll have to be another time. Tricia wanted me to take her and her friends to Dave and Busters. That place was so loud, I could barely hear myself think," Red complains. "The things we do for our children." She and Gloria share an amused glance.

"Benny's fifth birthday was at Chuck-E-Cheese," Gloria remembers. She wrinkles her nose. "Who even needs that much grease on their pizza? Ugh...thank god Julio's scared of the mouse. That thing was in my fucking nightmares."

Everyone chuckles, even Gloria. "Ew, yeah, it is pretty gross and creepy looking," Alex concurs, and Michelle nods in agreement.

"It's just a dude in a mouse costume!" Nicky protests and then laughs.

"That's a furry," Allison puts in. "Too weird for me."

"Same," Alana says.

Michelle turns to Daya and Maria as Nicky jumps up on the counter and swings her legs back and forth as she eats her fries. "So, horseback riding?" Michelle asks.

"I took lots of photos!" Daya exclaims. "I feel like painting 'em later."

"Yeah, it was fun!" Maria chimes in. "The horse was nice and calm."

"Oh, good!" Red comments with a smile.

Suddenly, a shriek erupts from Nicky and she sends her food flying in the air as she falls off of where she was seated. Gloria and Red quickly catch her, one on each side, before she hits the ground. Complete terror fills the girl's face and she hides behind them while shaking violently and hyperventilating. "It's him...get him the fuck out," she mumbles. Everyone turns around to see why she'd screamed so loudly. The source of her fear is right in front of them, nearest to Blanca and Lorna.

"Aw, don't hide from me, pet...I wanna see how much you've grown up. I bet you look really good."

"I'll cut your nuts off!" Lorna threatens Pete, her eyes narrowed into slits.

"Yeah, you ain't gonna touch her!" Flaca puts in angrily.

Gloria engulfs Nicky in a comforting hug. She begins to dial Charles' number, but Nicky stops her. "I don't want him to go after you for doing that," Nicky whispers shakily. So Gloria continues to hold Nicky as she rides through her panic attack.

"Okay...just concentrate on breathing-"

"My heart's going too fast!"

"In and out, bebe. Do it with me, please."

Nicky whimpers and grabs onto Gloria's hands as she takes some quick inhales and exhales. Her constant gasping for air is incredibly sad, and Gloria really feels for her.

Red speedily walks up to Pete. "Take one more step closer, and it'll be your last. You'll know what Hell feels like. What you did to that poor girl...my daughter...not your pizda of a sister...cannot be reversed, but you're receiving a whole lot worse from us."

He scoffs and brushes past her, but Blanca and Alex get up on a counter and forcefully push him to the floor. They both get down and hop on his arms a few times so he's trapped there. Lorna, Maritza, Daya, Maria, Alana, Michelle, and Allison take turns swinging their feet into his head. He tries to move his legs, but Red kicks him hard into his crotch, causing him to groan loudly in pain. She stomps on the disgusting growing tent in his pants a dozen times and then she, Michelle, Allison, Maritza, Daya, and Maria bend down to punch him in the stomach. "P-p-please don't...don't kill me...fucking bitches are crazy..." Lorna presses her hands into his jugular as she chokes him and she digs her fingernails into his flesh. Blanca and Alana force his mouth open so Flaca can shove an electrical plug inside of it. Alex sends her fist flying into his face and then Red gets close to his now bloody nose. "Oh, fuck..." Gloria smirks. She's so proud of them.

"You see?" Gloria tilts her head toward the scene and gives Nicky's shoulder a light squeeze. She's breathing a little better now, nice and slow, to Gloria's relief. "They're kickin' his ass."

"That's damn right. You should have listened to me," Red hisses. Maria, Daya, and Allison poke their straws into his eyes and stretch the skin around them taut until tears come out. "Now I want you to lick that plug until our cop friend gets here to take you away." He tries to push the plug out with his tongue, but Maritza helps Flaca hold it in place and Lorna pinches his throat so much that it creates a bruise and she twists the skin until it breaks. Alana, Blanca, Michelle, and Alex squirt condiments all over his face, and he pathetically writhes around and whimpers in agony. Nicky appears to be amazed at the torture he's getting.

Charles is there in a heartbeat after Gloria calls him, and the other girls and Red step away from Pete as Charles puts him in handcuffs. "You're arrested for violating a restraining order, you fuckin' sadistic creature."

"Put me with Cazador, we were roommates," Pete rasps out as Charles drags him away and waves at them.

"You're where we say you are," Charles snaps. He exits, and everyone smiles proudly.

Gloria can't breathe for a second, though, after hearing Arturo's last name. She figures he and Pete had gotten along well, as they're both nasty pedophiles. "Thanks guys!" Nicky exclaims and then runs up to Red and Lorna to wrap her arms around them. She then does the same thing to the other girls, seeming to be cheerful again. She and Lorna share a short but sweet kiss.

Red glances at Gloria with a smile. "Thank you for taking care of my baby."

Nicky grins. "Yeah, thanks, that was cool of you!"

"It was my pleasure! You're very welcome, but you don't gotta thank me." Gloria says, beaming.

All is well, and Gloria just hopes Pete stays locked up in prison and that Tamika doesn't bother Daya.


It's not until now that Diane gets a chance to speak with Kubra about walking in on Alex. She's aware it was an accident, but she's still protective of her daughter and doesn't ever want something like this to happen again. She and Kubra haven't really had a moment alone yet, but since they're both working in the backroom of the Sparrow Tavern, she decides to bring up the incident.

"Hey...Kubra?" Diane prepares a few drinks that she'll later take to a table, and he's doing some paperwork.

"What?" He glances up at her with a curious expression.

"I gotta talk to you about somethin' important." She sets the margaritas on a round tray, preparing to leave the area. "Next time, you need to knock on a closed bathroom door. You never know if someone's in there." With that, she walks away without looking over her shoulder at him.


Just before she settles into bed, Gloria receives a few nasty picture messages with Dixon's genitals in full view. "Eeew," she mumbles while covering her eyes. She quickly deletes them, but has the strong urge to throw up all of a sudden. She wishes so badly that she could erase the images from her mind, but she can't. A horde of texts are underneath where the gross photos had been, and an involuntary shudder escapes her.

Hot Pants, lemme just say that you're the spiciest thing on my menu and I wanna chew up your cunt 'til I'm filled with all of your cum, because I know you've got lots for me. I'm gonna fuck you right up the ass once I get you by yourself. You want some Lee. You're begging to be the future Mrs. Dixon, mami. Well, there's lots of me. I'll be waiting for your response, and I expect one in the next thirty seconds.

What the fuck?! Come on, bitch. If I wasn't just recovering from my stay in the hospital, I'd come into your room and watch you sleep. I'm a nice guy, you know. Next time, I'll get my hug and you'll suck my dick, even if you gag on it. Don't underestimate me, you ugly slut. I can blow your fucking brains out if you don't obey me.

You're very misbehaved. I'll have to whip you bloody and make you as bruised as the fruit at the bottom of a schoolbag filled with heavy textbooks. How dare you not reply! You little whore. I'll strangle you with your own stupid headband!

Gloria begins shaking and she begins to head for the bathroom. She jumps when she gets another text, but it's only Fahri, so she sighs with relief.

Is it okay if I call you?

Gloria shoots off a quick reply. Of course, just hold on a second. She bolts to the bathroom and hiccups deeply over the sink, but nothing comes out. "Fuck," she mutters to her reflection, which appears to be pale and sickly. "I look like shit."

She heaves into the sink. "There we go," she mumbles through hacks and spits. She presses her hands to her belly so more can come out and then rinses her mouth out when she's finished. Her heart is beating fast and she's gasping in and out rapidly as she brushes her disheveled hair back from her clammy face. Her hands are trembling so much and she can't grip the sink's edge so much anymore, so she gets back under her sheets. It's way too hot, though, so she pulls the bottoms of her pajama pants up to her knees and keeps her legs out and over the comforter. She fumbles for her phone and lets Fahri know he can give her a ring, so he does.

Gloria picks up right away. "Fahri," she murmurs weakly as she shuts her eyes and beams, imagining him beside her, holding her, and assuring her that everything is okay.

"Hey, you sound tired. Sorry to keep you awake."

"No, I'm fine. What's up?"

"That's good. So, I wanted to see if you were still up for that date at La Rica Salsa with our pals and gals. Nobody's really talked about it lately...I thought I'd check with you first, Glo. Perfect nickname for you, by the way."

She smiles. "Thank you. Oh...I never even spoke to my girls. Since it was my idea, how about we go, just the two of us...like, alone?"

"I wouldn't say no to that! It sounds fun, sure."

"Yay!" Gloria beams at his accepting her invitation. "When you wanna go?"

"You can pick."

"Alright...tomorrow night at six? Sorry it's so last minute, but..."

"It's fine! I'm available."

"Awesome! So, um...we can dress up a little," she informs him.

"Can't wait."

"Me neither."

"You know I always enjoy our time together," he tells her, and she blushes.

"I do, too." She's smiling so hard that her cheeks hurt. She has the good kind of butterflies in her tummy now, and her knees are weak, so it's a good thing she's not standing on her feet at the moment. Gloria has no idea how she'll get any rest now, she's so excited that she could burst. She's looking forward to a whole night of him holding her hand and being another person who keeps away the nerves that constantly flutter inside of her. "Well, good night!"

"Night!"

She just prays that Dixon won't continue to harass her, because she doesn't want to burden any of the men with her problems.


"So, it's someone who was formerly close to Blanca," Lorna concludes after Flaca and Alex have told her, Daya, Nicky, Maritza, and Michelle, about Blanca chatting with P over the phone.

"Yeah, see? It's gotta be Maria," Flaca states. "They were besties."

"If it's really her who put you in a fucking wheelchair, I will seriously cause her physical harm!" Maritza declares while sitting in her girlfriend's lap.

"Your reasons for her being P would make sense, except for the little fact that she threatened to kill your creepy father with a drumstick, Alex, remember?" Nicky pipes up. "It just can't be her."

Alex nods. "I know she did...but I think that was more of a solidarity thing. I'm aware that she must dislike me on some level. Her biggest enemy was once my greatest love. It would unnerve me if I saw any girl my age being sexually harassed, though...whether I hated them or not. She knew I didn't deserve that. Plus, she could've been putting on a show and not wanting to look like the odd one out. It's acting...also, she gets to injure an asshole! What girl would pass up that amazing opportunity?"

"No one!" Michelle replies. "Wow, what you're saying is eerily making sense..."

"She was with me the whole time," Daya insists.

"Didn't you hear me?" Alex demands with her hands on her hips. "She probably got some loser minion to give me a back rub!"

"Maybe we should ask Blanca who she was talking to," Flaca suggests.

"I don't want it to seem like an ambush," Nicky tells the girls, and they murmur in agreement.

"Let's just figure out what to say first," Lorna says.

"Mm-hm...well, last night, I didn't notice much animosity between Blanca and Maria, but they both beat up that fucker, working together," Maritza informs them.

"None of us really paid attention," Daya mumbles.

"I guess 'cause it's been kinda like that for a while...them being distant. Blanca seems closer to you, Nicky...and Maria with you, Daya," Michelle points out. "Maria being P would be the tipping point for Blanca." She gestures to Piper's friends. "Y'all are guilty by association."

"Why isn't Blanca mad at us too, then?" Alex wonders aloud.

"Yeah, she had it the worst out of her and Maria...being bullied so bad that she quit school for a year," Lorna puts in.

"Maybe she doesn't have a thirst for vengeance like Maria does, and Piper did land Maria in juvy because of blatant racism," Flaca mumbles.

Daya focuses her gaze on the ground. "We didn't do shit about it neither, like speak up. Those drugs weren't even hers."

"Yo, why are you tellin' Piscatella? What about the principal?" Flaca asks as she, Daya, Alex, and Lorna walk with Piper to the gym teacher's office. "We all know she loves you."

"I can get further with him. I'll compliment his beard." Piper smirks. "Ladies, seduction is your number one tool in making a man do or believe anything you say."

"Honestly, Piper, all this over panties? Shit, I don't think it's that big of a deal," Daya pipes up.

"Maybe if you had a sexy figure like the rest of us, you'd care about that fat bitch stealing our business!" Piper snaps.

Lorna's heart cracks for Daya when a flash of hurt slides over her face. It's bad enough that Daya's own mother insults her on her appearance. She doesn't need Piper doing that, too. Lorna gives Piper a cold stare and frowns. "That wasn't nice."

"I'm just out for blood. Sorry, Daya, I don't mean to take anything out on you." Piper puts her arm around Daya and pats her shoulder, but Lorna can tell she's just being fake. Daya nods and grins at Piper's apology.

"You don't need to be a complete gangster, Pipes," Alex mutters as they reach Piscatella's door. Piper knocks on it. "Why are you acting like a mob boss in prison?"

"It's-a fun-a bein'-a gangsta," Piper says in a bad Italian accent, and the girls roll their eyes, but not so that she can see.

Piscatella looms over them as he lets them in. "How's my best student today?" He gives Piper a low five and pulls out a chair for her.

"I'm awesome, in general." She sits down and gestures for the others to as well. He takes a seat at his desk across from them. Lorna doesn't understand how he can be human for Piper but the rest of the school is terrified of him. He's never done anything awful to her or her friends either, and it makes Lorna feel lucky to be in Piper's clique, as he always says the girls should be. Piper's eyes widen in fright. "I just wanted to let you know, though, that there is a dangerous gang running around the school, and we're afraid, Mr. Piscatella. Like, have you noticed the graffiti lately?"

"I have. Who's in it?"

"Well, uh...they're Dominican..."

"Do you mean the Latinas?" He gestures to Flaca and Daya. "Not you two. I'm sorry, I can't remember these different nationalities."

Piper nods. "Not all of them, of course, but yes, and they have red slipper socks on. They're also wearing pink panties, so if you could get your guys to check this out, that'd be great."

"More than four are gathering?" Piscatella starts writing on a piece of paper. "I'm gonna need some names."

"Yes. The leader is Maria Ruiz, and then there are Blanca Flores, Carmen Aziza, Ramona Contreras, and Irene Cabrera. They may be selling heroin to others, but I'm not sure. One thing that's certain, is that we are uncomfortable with them in our presence."

"I understand that. What I'd like you to do for me is put together some other students to help you, besides your little club you have here, preferably Kasey Sankey, Anders Harding, Corinne Jameson, Helen Van Maele, Jennifer Digori, Brandy Epps, Brent Moxley, Leanne Taylor, and Angie Rice. Tiffany Doggett would be helpful, too, even though she's not really right in the head."

All of the girls except Piper are jiggling their feet and bouncing their legs in nerves. "This is wrong, this is so fuckin' wrong," Flaca mumbles to Alex, who nods in agreement.

"We should not be here," Alex whispers, and they link arms.

"Shit, shit, shit," Lorna mutters under her breath as Daya wrings her hands. Lorna and Alex practically yelp when Piper claws each of their thighs on either side of her under the table.

"Aren't they part of White Lives Matter?" Piper asks. "They're like, bigots."

"This isn't about race. They'd be of excellent assistance to you five. I will make sure to check the Spanish girls' backpacks and lockers," Piscatella assures Piper with a grin.

Piper stands up and salutes him. "Thank you, sir!"

"You're welcome, but that gesture is only used in battle."

The girls chuckle to themselves. "Okay, I got it. Sorry. I just wanted to say that you have a nice beard." She smiles flirtatiously at him, and the girls shield their eyes in secondhand embarrassment.

"I sprouted my first when I was just a year older than you girls. My boyfriend that I brought to junior prom thought it was sexy." Piper appears to be astonished, and the girls hold in their giggles. "I never felt the need to come out as gay around here, but...new information is always great."

"Oh, okay," Piper tells him awkwardly and then shows herself out. She ushers the others to follow her. Once they're in the hallway, they burst out laughing, but she silences them with a glare.

"What a fucking drama queen!" Nicky comments.

"Did you really work with those racist assholes?" Michelle asks.

"We started to...it made us sick, but we couldn't say anything against it until Piper tried to dump 'em," Alex says sheepishly, and Michelle gives her a sympathetic smile.

"The group was called Martin Van Buren High's Community Carers-A Safety Task Force," Daya mumbles and shivers with disgust. "More like the Nazis."

"They chanted White Lives Matter twenty-two times," Flaca puts in. "That's when she dropped 'em like hot potatoes, but our hate for her was already stewing."

Maritza chews on her lip and shakes her head. "What a moron."

"It was too late for her to improve herself, especially when she'd disappeared with almost everyone loathing her," Lorna pipes up, and Nicky rubs her back soothingly. "Did you guys ever think P could be, you know, one of the people who Piper forced us to seek out our innocent fellow students with? Like, their motive could be that we had nothin' against the people Piper couldn't stand. I know it's stupid, but they could've felt betrayed on her behalf?"

"Nah, it's a possibility," Flaca says. "It's just that...wouldn't they be much more violent to you, too, Daya?"

"They were...though not directly," Daya replies softly. "P made me a deal...either I make Gloria move out of my apartment, or they'd arrange for Pornstache to...to rape me. Guess what the fuck happened."

The girls gasp. "Oh, no, I'm so sorry," Lorna says sadly, and they envelop Daya into a group hug. "That don't sound like somethin' Maria would do, and she wouldn't run over Flaca neither."

"That would make sense, if Blanca wasn't speaking to them and seeming like she was buddies with the person on the opposite end..." Alex trails off. "Jesus Christ, I dunno! Ugh, I hate this..."

"Me too," the rest of them murmur in unison.

Frieda comes up to them with a huge smirk on her face and Blanca and Maria are behind her. "Hey, Lorna, so Bone told me you took down your dirty ol' grandaddy! Congratulations!" She holds her hand up. "Hi-five?" The girls giggle and Lorna meets Frieda's palm with her own. "Thattagirl!"

"Thanks," Lorna murmurs, beaming. "Wait...that guy was Bone? Your ex-boyfriend I've heard about?"

"Same man." The girls wolf-whistle all together. "I was so pleased that he helped you kill him fully!"

"You should totally take him back now," Blanca recommends.

"Looks like I'm going to."

The girls beam. "Oh, good," Maria comments.

"Coolest. Grandparents. Ever!" Alex squeals and hugs Frieda. "Thanks for saving my mom all those years ago!"

Frieda rubs her back and kisses the top of her head. "You're welcome."


"Tell me what the fuck this is," Gloria says angrily and slams her lit-up phone down on Diane's desk.

Diane jumps at her sharp tone and peers at it. "He's harassed you so many times...he's only called me once...oh my god, he's so awful! I'm sorry, Glo..."

Gloria laughs bitterly. "He's sending me naked pictures of himself and predatory texts every chance he gets, and he almost raped me last time I encountered him. I can't even picture him without wanting to throw up!"

"I can't either! You weren't the only one affected-" Diane starts to remind her, but Gloria holds up a hand to stop her from talking.

"I know that, and I'm sorry those motherfuckers came into the restaurant. Piscatella had no right to knock you unconscious and it sickens me that Dixon threatened you over the phone...but you're dating a literal policeman." Gloria clenches her teeth and glowers at Diane. "The least you could've done is called Charles, for the sake of your friends! Thanks to you not doing that, protecting all of us, including yourself, one of the wild animals is out of his cage and on the hunt for prey...me!"

Guilt seeps into Diane. "I apologize. I...I didn't wanna bother my boyfriend with my troubles...and I wasn't considering the rest of you."

"Yeah. That's right." Gloria says as Diane flips her phone open to dial Charles' number. "I'll leave ya to it."


Sadness spreads through Charles after Diane has just let him know that she, Gloria, and Maritza were tormented by Piscatella, Dixon, and Humps, but he's also annoyed that she never bothered to tell him about this. It's a relief to him that they're now in the emergency room, and he'll make sure they get arrested right after their release. He wants to take the life out of them for being such monsters towards the women and girls. He dashes to his car and gets inside. "Sweetie, I wish you would've told me..."

"I'm sorry, babe...I just didn't wanna bug you again."

Charles starts up his vehicle and backs out of his parking spot. "You never do! I'm always willing to help you and everyone else...and I'm a cop! It's my job to arrest these scumbags! Don't ever think you're annoying me, okay? You got the right to feel scared and call me. It's a good thing others were there and could attack 'em, though."

"Mm-hm."

"Now I gotta go. See you at home!"

"See ya then!"

He hangs up and drives to the hospital at lightning speed. Once he gets to the place, he goes to the receptionist's desk. "Excuse me, ma'am." She gives him a questioning glance as she shuffles some papers. "Where are, uh...Desi Piscatella, Lee Dixon, and Humps...Tom Humphrey located?" He shows her his badge. "I'm with the New York Police Department, and those three men broke out of prison and harassed some friends of mine and my girl, so I need some officers to take them back in handcuffs as soon as their stay here is over."

"Mr. Humphrey and Mr. Piscatella are in room five-one-three, but Mr. Dixon was signed out on Tuesday morning by his daughter. I'm sorry, sir, I had no idea."

"What the fuck?!" She raises her eyebrows at him. "I apologize for my French...uh, thank you."

"You're welcome."

Charles puts his head in his hands as he walks out, seething. "God damn it!" he mutters and punches the palm of his hand, imagining that he's abusing those sickening creeps just like they'd done to those he's close to, along with other innocent people.


"Your mother mentioned something to me, suggesting she knew about the bathroom incident," Kubra mutters after blowing a cloud of smoke from his wrinkly lips. He had texted Alex to meet him and Aydin at the back of the school since there was something important they needed to discuss with her alone.

"Yeah...I tell her everything. We're best friends, practically," Alex says lightly. Aydin is staring at her creepily as he chews on a toothpick, and she focuses on Kubra instead.

"You told her about this job?" he demands, and she jumps at his harsh tone.

"N-no," Alex stammers. "I-I would never! I know that's your secret." She doesn't take her eyes off him so he'll know for sure that she isn't lying.

He instantly relaxes. "Good. Thank you."

"You're welcome." She chuckles nervously. "Is it cool I meet up with my friends again now? I should probably get back there before they start searching for me in the restrooms, and lunch is almost over."

Kubra nods in approval. "Go ahead."


"This is the best bodega in town," Dixon lets Pennsatucky know. "My girlfriend works here."

As they walk inside, Pennsatucky notices someone buying something at the counter and giving money to Gloria. "Really? I didn't know you even had one, but congrats, dude."

He adjusts his Dorothy wig and Pennsatucky giggles while shaking her head. "What?"

"You look ridiculous! You know that's meant for a chick my age, right?" She flicks one of the braids.

He shrugs. "I don't mind. It fits me."

"I can't believe Boo let me go with you. I guess she understands you making crude remarks about girls, since she used to do that, too. She was terrible, but she grew up...and you probably will too. Besides...she's kinda distracted with Linda right now, and it's fun calling you Dad. I never had one before."

He pats her back and messes with her hair. "That was a genius plan you had, sneaking me out of the hospital and pretending to be my kid."

"Well, I had to return the favor. Like, you helped me realize CO Coates was a bad man."

Dixon nods. "Jesus, look at her." He jerks his chin up in Gloria's direction. "She's completely ignoring me, like my bitchy sister."

"I wonder if her home has the stenches of soup and hairspray wafting through it, too," Pennsatucky jokes.

"Probably. Women are like that."

"I ain't," she defends herself.

"I don't mean you. Plus, you won't be a lady until you're eighteen."

"True that."

"Check out that ass, though." Dixon purrs and Pennsatucky stifles a laugh. "What do you think she's going as for Halloween this year?"

Pennsatucky shifts her teddy bear, Baby Dix, onto her hip. "I guess...well, if she wanted to show off her figure, something tight. I dunno, maybe you should ask her and spare me the mental image of y'all fuckin'."


A thumping on the counter startles Gloria. She jumps and turns around to face Tiffany next to Dixon, and she grows squeamish. She checks for any sign of discomfort in the young girl's eyes, but is surprised to find none. "Hot Pants, I'm back!" He grins creepily at Gloria and licks his lips. The wig on him makes him look more disturbing than ever. Her whole body starts shaking and she has to use the counter's ledge to keep herself upright. She could scream for security, but she's afraid he'll do something to her in retaliation if they think she's overreacting. Her inner voice is shrieking for her to grab Tiffany and run and lock them both in the backroom. "God, you're sexier than ever." He growls at her and she flinches slightly upon seeing him bare his teeth.

"Ew, I don't wanna hear y'all's dirty talk," Tiffany mutters.

"I ain't sayin' nothin'. Tiffany, stay away from this animal," she mumbles and avoids his predatory stare. She won't call the cops since she cares more about warning this unfortunately clueless girl about his horrible side and how that always comes out when she's not around. He's only acting normal because of Tiffany being here. She'll inform Charles later.

"Why?" Tiffany asks. "I ain't gonna steal you from him or nothin', besides that, I'm underage. It's cool that you're dating him-"

"We are not a couple," Gloria states icily. She's afraid he could do something at any moment, but at the same time, she knows he won't in Tiffany's presence. "We never were."

"She lies," Dixon says. He touches her arm and she jolts away from him. "You know, you should've come with us, foxy mama." His fingers slither towards Gloria and she hugs herself and inches away from him. "Tiff, why don't you tell her what we did?"

"He and I just went on a road trip while eating Slim Jims and Zotz, we went to Hersheypark, the world's largest Buffalo wing, Nic Cage's tomb, and that mall from The Mighty Ducks movie. We also rode on this roller coaster that splashed through the water and went on the Ferris wheel! It's become a tradition since last year. He helped me escape for one day only, and he and..." A flash of anguish passes over her face. "He was waiting in line at Wegman's hot food bar with a huge bucket of orange chicken, he finished up all the rice, and then he had Cajun peanuts...and that's when he came up with the idea. We just got back from Playland." Tiffany holds up her rather large teddy bear. "This is Baby Dix...I won him playing this game where I got to shoot ducks into their holes! He rode on the merry-go-round with us."

"Congratulations, sounds like fun." Gloria says honestly. It all seems extremely innocent, but she still wants Tiffany to be aware of how slimy Dixon is and to not be anywhere near him.

Tiffany gestures to her huge prize. "He kinda reminds me of Dixon."

"I don't like stuffed animals," Gloria says flatly. "They're eerie, with their beady eyes and shit."

"Oh...sorry." Tiffany turns Baby Dix around.

"That's too bad," Dixon adds. "What do your kids fall asleep with, then? Little boys don't own rag dolls. When they grow up, though, they'll get inflatable dolls they can pretend to fuck, you prepared for that?"

"Tiffany, could we speak in the backroom, just us two, please?" Gloria's eyes dart over her shoulder. "Now. Then, I'mma call your motha so she can take you back home."

"Really?" Tiffany whines. "All we wanted was some candy...like, a fuckload."

"Come on, you've had enough fun. I think it's time you come back to school next week. You don't gotta skip. I doubt Boo let you do this." She tries to look stern, and she hopes her face doesn't show any weakness.

"She thought I deserved a vacation."

Gloria scoffs. "Not with this motherfucker! He's got cops after him! Don't jail trigger you?"

Dixon puts on his mask of kindness when looking down at Tiffany. "I'm on the run, so I should go, actually. I don't want you seeing me get arrested." He musses up her brunette locks. "Later, kiddo."

A queasy feeling builds up in Gloria's stomach again and she gags internally when Tiffany hugs him goodbye. She exhales loudly when he finally leaves and guides Tiffany into the empty backroom, practically pulling her along. She's disappointed that out of the many days she'd really needed Lourdes here on time, her aunt was late, stuck in awful rush hour traffic after picking up the boys from school.

"Why'd you kick him out and want me alone with you?" Tiffany asks.

Gloria massages her temples and hisses through gritted teeth as she paces the room. "Sit down, okay? You gotta just listen to me. You're safer here." Tiffany follows the instruction. "I ain't bein' mean or nothin', just speakin' as a concerned stand-in motha."

Tiffany frowns and gives her a once-over. "You ain't my momma."

"I'm aware. I should've said I wanted to chat, older woman to high school girl. My bad. Sorry."

Tiffany shrugs. "It's fine. You're a neat role model anyways."

"Thank you," Gloria tells her pleasantly. "You know what Dixon was in the slamma for?" Her tone grows more serious again.

"Yeah...he said he made some comments at the brown girls and ladies."

"Excuse me?" Gloria folds her arms across her chest and frowns.

Tiffany winces. "Sorry. Spanish chicks. Is that better? I'm tryin' to memorize what's politically correct here."

Gloria rolls her eyes and takes a seat next to her. "Sure."

"He can't control himself around those types, but he's learnin' from his mistakes. At least he didn't rape nobody."

"Yes, he did," she informs the teenager quietly.

"No-"

"He's got you fucking brainwashed," Gloria snaps.

Tiffany blinks. "What? Nah...he don't do nothin' to me."

"He could," Gloria cautions her. "He is dangerous...even to white girls. All my ladies and my daughter and niece figures are frightened of him. So am I. You should be, too...but I get why you're not. Boo ain't got a clue about him neither, huh?"

"He's much better than Piscatella and Humps...and Coates. Can I just share a story with ya...like, besides when I was sexually assaulted?" Tiffany wonders out loud.

"I'm all ears."

"Picture Coates in his dark blue car, right...he's got me in his trunk-"

"He kidnapped you?!" Gloria claps her hand over her mouth in horror.

"No, no!" Tiffany waves it away. "I enjoy small spaces, so it was cool. Just hear me out. It wasn't bad at first...like, I gave him a second chance before leaving him for good. He had to hide me since Dixon was with him and they're buddies. He knew that Dixon would turn me back into the po-po, and he wanted to ride the Lightning Racer with me. So, when Dixon went into a shop, I started complainin' about waiting too long in the trunk. He gave me a cup from Big Gulp in case I had to use the bathroom."

"You should've ruined the floor of his trunk," Gloria says bitterly.

"That most likely would've gotten me dead as a doornail. Anyway...he gave me his phone to play a dumb game on until it died. I was utterly bored when the screen went dark. I finally got into the damn car by kicking out the middle seat, and then, I just left and went into the hotel where the guys were. Dixon wasn't even mad that I was there...he was like my dad in a way. Coates joked about having a threesome with me and Dixon, but Dixon wasn't into that. All he did was thirty sit ups, relaxed for an hour, Roman chairs, sat there for an hour, several sets of push-ups, and rested for an hour. He was just aimin' to be skinny again, like he was in the military."

"Alone with not one, but two bad men...so scary for you, sweetie." Gloria senses her eyes filling with moisture. "You know what the fuck he did in the war?"

Tiffany shakes her head and throws Gloria a quizzical glance. "No, but neither do you, unless you really went out with him then."

"I never would, not in a billion years, even if I was paid to. Red and Blanca did some research. He's a fucking twisted creature. He actually...he-he attacked and murdered innocent civilians in Afghanistan, and I don't give a shit if you don't know his victims. He is cruel, down to the core. He, umm...he actually forced this farm boy from a grape field to play with live grenades until...this poor child lost his arms. The asshole pulled a gun on him, shot him dead, so he wouldn't get in trouble...and then...he raped and choked this girl to death...his excuse was that she'd be stoned until her life ended...and he was bored, and exhausted from his friends getting killed...and just mad. I don't mean in the mentally ill way. He was plain angry, and he-he just...he cut off their life supply..." A few tears roll down Gloria's cheeks and she can see that Tiffany is extremely shocked, her face drained of color.

Gloria takes Tiffany's shaky hands in her own, and they're cold, like ice. "These babies...they were your age, maybe younger...and not only did he grope me when those searches started at school, he also attempted to rape me at Friendly's...almost two weeks ago." She gulps and forces back a sob, but when she can't, she muffles it by pressing her lips together. "He-he was rough...he m-made bruises and right here...deep scratch marks." Gloria points to her chest with a sniffle and Tiffany gasps softly. "There's definite scarring. Fahri rescued me just in time, but I had so many nightmares and flashbacks...and just last night, Dreadful Dixon repeatedly harassed me with nude photos and inappropriate texts." Gloria shows them to Tiffany as further proof, and the girl just shakes her head slowly. "He makes me sick just...just picturing him, let alone sayin' his name. Why-why else you think your ex got along s-so great with him? Also...he was wearin' that wig made for a little girl because he's a fucking pedophile!"

"I had no idea," Tiffany says gravely, and Gloria nods while wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "Like...really, I didn't. They were looking for costumes I could disguise myself with, and he found me a sexy nurse outfit to wear, and then when I rejected it, he picked out the blue and white checked dress Dorothy wore...I didn't quite trust him, since he was a CO and all, but he was bein' nice, sticking' up for me and my ex since I dressed up as a boy and while we kissed, some idiot called us faggots. He got physical with that homophobe and afterwards, I thanked him and punched his back playfully. So, I thought he was my father figure. When I left my ex in the woods near a burning fire...that I made, by the way, after he said I had no clue how to, Dixon said he was proud of me...and he'd protected me in prison, too, and made sure my ex went to jail. Boo and I simply thought him making crude remarks about women and to their faces, was normal, and he wasn't doing it to offend anyone."

Gloria's heart breaks for her. "Oh, honey..."

"Yeah, well...I assumed Coates had turned over a new leaf, but he was being like, violent and then apologizing. I don't understand how such an evil person could be against another one just like him." Tiffany's face falls and she wraps her arms around Gloria's waist. Slightly stunned, Gloria hugs her back. They release each other, but Tiffany is still holding onto Gloria's upper arms.

"Me neither. I'm sorry that another man fucked you over."

"I know one who won't...Nathan."

"That's good. I hope you don't ever go back to your ex or...or him. No matter how much they tell you they've changed, they're still rapist pieces of shit and any relationship you have with them would be hella toxic," Gloria warns her. "Yo, trust me on this. I was abused before, and it only was when he hit my son, that I chose to escape his clutches. I knew I couldn't be in that situation any longer."

"I'm glad you got out," Tiffany murmurs.

Gloria lightly strokes her hair and cups her chin. "So am I...and I'm also happy that you're not involved with either of those animals no more. If they try to contact you from the big house, ignore them and let Charles Ford or Rick Hopper know. They're the only cops we really trust."

"Say I run into 'em, face-to-face," Tiffany sounds worried. "Dixon might never get caught. Why didn't you dial nine-one-one when you first saw him?"

"I thought he'd punch my phone outta my hands or somethin', and I wanted to warn you about him first. Charles will go above and beyond to catch him since he's one of my good friends," Gloria assures her. "From now on, though, always have someone with you, scream real loud, and have Boo teach you self-defense."

Tiffany nods in understanding. "Okay. Thanks, Ms. Mendoza...I really enjoyed this convo."

"I did too, Tiffany. You can call me Gloria if you want, though. Nearly everyone does."

"Okay, then. I will," Tiffany says.

Gloria sends her a warm smile, and Tiffany returns the gesture. "Awesome!"


There's knocking on the door and Red opens it. Her eyes widen with joy when she sees Lida and Franny. "Lida!" Red exclaims happily and embraces her. "Oh, I've missed you, sweetheart."

"It's been too long," Lida tells her.

"I'd ask where my son is, but I think I already know." Red does the universal sign for drinking, and they share a giggle and roll their eyes. "Oh, and Franny...I'm glad to see you, too." They exchange a hug. "Come on in, girls." She looks over her shoulder. "Lorna, your sister's here!" Red turns back to Lida and Franny. "Are you doing well?" They nod, and Red beams. "Do you want something to eat or drink? It's almost dinnertime, so I assume you're hungry."

"We had Taco Bell and pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks on the road," Franny reports.

"Yeah, it was more than enough for us," Lida chimes in.

Lorna runs out of the kitchen, followed by Nicky and Tricia. "Franny!" the small brunette shouts excitedly and throws herself in her big sister's arms. "Oh my goodness! You're truly here!"

Franny rocks Lorna back and forth and then places her hands on either side of the shorter girl's face as she pecks her forehead. "Hey, Lorna...sorry I didn't visit sooner, but I was just trying to adjust to a new life, ya know?"

"Oh yeah, well, that's great you could finally have some fun...I just wish me and Nicky could go clubbing with you and your bestie."

"In a few years, kid. If it makes you feel any better, I couldn't have alcohol there."

Lorna smiles and squeezes Franny tighter while pressing the side of her face into Franny's shirt. "Yeah. Um...so have ya seen Ma lately?"

"Of course...she seems to be doing a little better."

"I know!"

"Are you like, Franny's roommate?" Nicky asks Lida.

The older blonde nods her head yes. "We live together and go to college during the week, but at night, we party! I'm Lida, in case Galina never told you."

"Nicky."

"Tricia."

Lida shakes hands with Nicky and Tricia, and Red beams at the Morellos' reunion and her daughters and Lida meeting for the first time.

Tricia jerks her thumb toward Nicky. "I'm her baby sister. Your boyfriend's mother rocks!"

"She does," Nicky concurs.

Lida grins fondly at Red. "No shit!"

Lorna and Franny separate. "So, Lorna, this is Lida," Franny introduces her sister to her best friend.

"Nice to meet you officially," Lorna says politely.

"You, too!"

Red has them sit on the couch and fixes a pot of tea for them all to share. When she comes back, they're all giggling.

"No fuckin' way!" Franny just about hollers, and Nicky gives Lorna a smile filled with pride. "Really?"

"Yeah!" Lorna beams. "Our Nonno literally tried to kidnap us and then molest me, but I fought back hard and made him regret it!"

"Good girl," Lida comments.

"I second that," Franny adds.

"I'm glad he's in Hell now," Tricia says with a grin.

"I am, too," Nicky concurs.

They all pour their tea and spread out to make room for Red. Nicky and Lida are on either side of her. "When these cups aren't too hot to hold, we should make a toast to that despicable creature rotting away six feet under," Red announces, and they murmur in agreement.

"So, what's going on with you, Galina?" Lida wants to know. Nicky, Tricia, and Lorna give Red expectant looks, and Red figures she should spill before any of them do. Franny just appears to be confused, and Red feels her cheeks heating up with thoughts of Pavel. "Oh my god, you're blushing!" Lida rubs her hands together and smirks. "This is gonna be good."

"It is," Nicky confirms, and Red nudges her playfully.

"Um, well...a while ago, the gentleman who I had a...fling...with...is that what you kids call it these days?"

"If you mean short sexual romances, then yes," Lorna informs her.

"I think it was more than that back then, but...Pavel, my boyfriend when I was in my twenties, he showed up at my bakery this past Sunday. My daughters and Lorna organized the whole thing," Red explains, and Lida grins brightly. "We're going on our first date in many years soon, maybe next weekend."

"Holy shit!" Lida fans herself and sighs. "He better treat you right this time around."

"I'll make sure he does. If you remember correctly, we had a little spat about wearing jeans when it was forbidden in Russia, but he seems to have improved himself."

"Does Vasily know, or the other guys?" Lida asks, leaning into Red, and Red kisses the top of her head.

She shakes her head no. "I haven't told them. They'll probably resent me for moving on from their father so quickly, but...that's life. I need to practice what I'll say. Probably just...that he doesn't need to replace Dmitri in their hearts, but to think of him as another man to look up to and take advice from."

"Sounds good," Tricia murmurs and everyone agrees.

"I'm just a little nervous, since I'm not as young and beautiful as I once was," Red admits. "Men my age usually prefer women in their late twenties and early thirties."

"You look great, Red!" Lorna assures her.

"If he gets turned off by your appearance, that's just a reflection on him, not you," Nicky points out.

"Mm hm," Tricia chimes in.

"Yeah, you don't need to worry," Franny adds.

Lida pats Red's knee with a fond expression. "It's gonna be fine."

"Thank you for your encouragement, girls," Red says pleasantly, and they grin.

"I bet this was your plot, huh, Lorna?" Franny checks with a grin.

"You know it was!" Lorna admits proudly. She gestures towards her girlfriend and Tricia. "Hey, but they helped!"

"I was glad to," Nicky lets her know.

"Same," Tricia chimes in.

Red blows on her tea and takes a small sip and the others follow suit. She clears her throat. "I'm gonna start cooking dinner soon-"

"Don't you dare stand up, Galina...I'll make the meal," Lida volunteers. "I don't mind."

"Okay," Red says. "I'll help you."

"Give yourself a rest," Nicky recommends.

"Yeah, you deserve it," Lorna pipes up.

"Fine," Red relents.


"I can't believe you locked yourself outta your room," Maria grumbles as she and Zirconia assist Michelle in propping a ladder against the side of her house.

"You such a dumbass bitch," Zirconia adds and then guffaws.

Michelle rolls her eyes. "Just hold it for me, would ya?"

"Sure," they murmur in unison.

She begins climbing up each step and she hears Ouija and Pidge greeting Maria and Zirconia cheerfully. As she gets nearer to the top, the ladder starts to jiggle and she freezes. She doesn't even want to know how high up she is. Before she can reach her window, the ladder tips over and she shoots her left arm out so she can fall safely.

"Who the fuck let go?!" she shrieks at her so-called friends, and then hits the ground hard, her body crushing her arm. The feeling of one of her bones breaking from her bad fall makes her queasy. Maria shrieks and runs to her side. She waves the rest of their gang over, and Michelle's eyes flutter and begin to shut. Someone taps her and she struggles to see who's above her, but it's impossible at the moment. The voices are blending together, sounding distorted and there's a ringing in her ears.

"Yo, what the hell?"

"Why would you do that?"

"She's a traitor!"

"It's a prank gone wrong..."

"You were just supposed to scare her, cabrona!"

"Relax, it was an accident...at least she ain't dead..."

"Stay awake, okay? I'll call an ambulance," one of the girls assures her.

"Tell Alex...please..." Michelle whispers and then whimpers in searing pain. "She gotta know..."

"We will. Don't move, it'll just hurt more."

"You'll be fine, sweetie. I promise."

Michelle nods weakly with tears building up behind her eyes and a lump growing in her throat.

Thank you for reading and reviewing, A Star In My Universe, MinervaSnape394, and PaigeCrisan!