Chapter Ten: Back to Normal
A younger Adrienne who looked about the age of five was standing in a field full of daffodils, her hair blowing in the wind. Someone wearing a white glove was holding her hand, and they were looking at a grave. She observed the yellow roses surrounding the grave with caution. She looked up at whoever was holding her hand. "She's not coming back, is she?"
"No, she's not." Tears started to fill her eyes and a lump seemed to clog the airway in her throat. Whoever was holding her hand crouched down beside her. Vegeta took Adrienne into his arms and stood up, holding her close as the tears flowed down her cheeks. Vegeta closed his eyes. "I swear I'll never let them take you back again."
*~*~*
"Good night, Adrienne," Vegeta said, tucking her in. He walked over to the door to leave, when Adrienne called him back:
"Daddy, don't leave!" Vegeta walked back over to her bed and Adrienne stood up on her bed. "Pick me up!" Vegeta smiled and picked Adrienne up. She put her arms around his neck and asked: "Why did Mom leave?"
"She didn't want to," Vegeta told her. "I'm sure she's in Otherworld right now, wishing she could talk to you!"
"Well tell her she can!" Adrienne exclaimed. Vegeta smiled at his daughter's order.
"It's not that simple." Vegeta sat down and leaned against the wall, still holding Adrienne.
"Mr. Ron was lying, right?" Adrienne asked. "You didn't kill Mommy, did you?"
"No," Vegeta shook his head. "Don't you *ever* think that!"
"Then who did?" Vegeta was silent.
"A man who used to call himself her father." Vegeta told her.
"Oh…" Adrienne was silent for a while. "Daddy, you won't kill *me*, will you?"
Vegeta laughed. "*Never*!"
*~*~*
"What are you drawing, Trunks?" Adrienne asked her half-brother.
"I'm drawing a rabbit!" Trunks exclaimed. "And you?"
"A kitty!"
"Trunks, come here a minute!"
"Okay!" Trunks obediently walked over to his mother.
"Goten, what are you drawing?" Adrienne asked.
"Well…" Goten handed her the picture. It was a comic strip of Goten and Adrienne. Goten was holding out flowers for Adrienne in the first block. In the second, Adrienne was looking at them. In the third, Adrienne had hearts in her eyes as she looked at Goten. In the fourth, She was hugging him and Goten was blushing. The fifth block (which took up the space of two blocks put together), said "I LOVE YOU" in big, red, shiny letters. But the 'I' was un-capitalized and it had a heart for a dot. "Mommy says you should tell a girl if you really like her!"
"You… really like me?"
"Uh huh!" Goten nodded with a smile and kissed her cheek. Adrienne blushed. "Keep the picture!"
*~*~*
Adrienne woke up to find herself in a room that looked a lot like a hospital…but it wasn't. She sat up, realized she was naked, and looked around for her clothes. They weren't in the room. She pulled the sheet off the mattress, stood up, and wrapped it around her body.
She opened the door to the room and looked out into the hallway. What a strange place! She walked out and heard someone coming. She hid behind the door and waited until the suspect came into sight. She jumped forward and pinned him to the wall. "Who are you!? Where am I!? Who brought me here!?"
"I-" Mr. Popo stuttered. He was so terrified he couldn't speak!
"Adrienne?" Adrienne turned to see a very familiar face that she was glad to see.
"Goten!" She dropped Mr. Popo, ran over to Goten, and threw her arms around his neck. He picked her up off her feet and spun around. He put her back down and they kissed.
"Ah, young love." Dende said with a smile. Mr. Popo nodded.
"What are you doing here?" Adrienne asked.
"Trunks and I brought you from the hospital!" Goten told him. "Bulma and the others are out looking for the dragon balls!"
"You brought me here from the *hospital*!?" Adrienne asked. Goten nodded. "Are you two *insane*!? What if Mom goes back and doesn't find me there!?"
"Relax, relax! She won't be back for a few hours! And you're fine, now, anyway!"
"Adrienne!"
"Trunks?" Adrienne smiled and ran to hug her brother. They met and hugged. "Hi!"
"We missed you!" Trunks exclaimed.
"Thanks, guys!" Goten told Mr. Popo and Dende.
"Um… I'm sorry!" Adrienne apologized to Mr. Popo. Mr. Popo smiled.
"I would have done the same thing in your situation!"
"So shall we go?" Trunks asked.
"Yeah," Adrienne nodded. "But where are my clothes?"
"Um…" Goten and Trunks looked at each other. "We must of left them at the hospital!"
"What did you do, carry me here *naked*!?" Goten and Trunks quickly shook their heads.
"We used the sheets off the hospital bed!" Trunks told her. "Honest!"
"Somebody's in trouble…!" Dende teased.
*~*~*
"Hey, Trunks, where are you headed?" Goten asked.
"I'm going to see Chloe!" Trunks told him. Goten smiled.
"Of course!" Adrienne smiled at Goten's statement.
"Well, Trunks *really* likes her!"
"See ya, Lovebirds!" Trunks saluted them and flew off.
"Bye, Trunks!" Goten waved.
*~*~*
"How long was I asleep?" Adrienne asked.
"Oh, about a week." Goten told her.
"A week!?" Adrienne nearly fell off the Flying Nimbus in her shock, but Goten quickly grabbed the back of her sheet and sat her down.
"Be more careful, okay?"
"You'll just save me if I fall off, anyway!" Adrienne exclaimed. Goten glared. "Maaaaaaaybe not…?"
"I'm serious," Goten said. "I don't even *want* to think about losing you!"
"I'm sorry." Adrienne leaned backwards, meeting with Goten's chest. Goten wrapped his arms around her and smiled.
"I'm just glad you're safe." Adrienne smiled back and yawned.
"Goten?"
"Yeah?"
"I remember when we were coloring," Adrienne said. "The picture you gave me. I still have it."
"*Really*?" Goten blushed. "I didn't think you remembered tha-" Goten stopped short as he noticed Adrienne was asleep. He smiled and looked up at the clouds.
*~*~*
"Adrienne…" Adrienne opened her eyes to see Bra. "Adrienne, are you okay?"
"I'm fine…" Adrienne sat up. Had it all been a dream? "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at Cheerleading Camp-"
"I came home when I heard you were in the hospital," Bra said. She bit her bottom lip. "I was so scared you were-"
Bra burst into tears and threw her arms around Adrienne's waist. Adrienne stared at her, then smiled and put her hand on Bra's shoulder. "It's okay… I'm fine!"
"I'm just so glad Goten was there to help!" Bra declared, letting go of Adrienne. "Adrienne… why are you wearing that *sheet*?"
"Um…." Adrienne blushed. "Long story! Is Goten here?"
"No, but he left these." Bra handed Adrienne her clothes.
"Thanks!" Adrienne started changing.
"Adrienne, do you really have to do that in here?" Bra asked, standing up to go to the kitchen.
"I can't *stand* dresses!" Adrienne told her. "And that sheet is close eno-" Adrienne's eyes went wide as she spotted Goten standing in front of the door.
"Um…..hi." Adrienne grabbed her sheet and covered her body, falling backwards onto the couch.
"BRA-A!!!!!!"
"Wha-at!?" Bra turned around to see Goten. "Oops!" Bra swallowed and thought: "I'm gonna die-ie…!"
"Bra, you are *so* dead!" Adrienne exclaimed, pulling up her pants and wrapping the sheet around her body again.
"I didn't know he was here!" Bra whined. "*Honest*!"
"Run." Adrienne punched her fist into her hand. "*Now*!"
Bra ran off up the stairs with Adrienne following closely. Trunks came down the stairs, staring backwards all the way. "Did you see those two?"
"Yeah, I think I caused it." Goten snickered. "No, there's no 'think' about it. I *know* it!"
Trunks laughed and spotted Adrienne's shirt on the couch. He walked over to the couch and picked the shirt up. "She might want this later…" Goten nodded. "Be right back!" Trunks jogged up the stairs and came back down a second later. "Okay, let's go!"
Trunks reached for the door when it jerked open. A very disgruntled Vegeta was standing there. "Dad!"
"YOU!" Vegeta yelled, pointing at Goten.
"Me!!!???" Goten took a few steps backwards as Vegeta cornered him.
"Yes, *you*!" Vegeta yelled, continuing to point at Goten. He grabbed Goten's shirt and pulled him closer. "What did you do with my daughter, and where is she!? Tell me *now*!"
"She's right upstairs!"
"Hey, Vegeta!" Adrienne came jogging down the stairs.
"Um…." Vegeta quickly let go of Goten. "Hello."
"Vegeta, don't you hurt my so-" Goku spotted Adrienne. "Adrienne!"
"Hi, Goku!"
"It's good to see you're alive and well!" Goku exclaimed. "Goten, you okay?"
"Peachy…" Goten said, glaring at Vegeta. Vegeta went red.
"Vegeta-" Bulma came running into the house, out of breath, and spotted Adrienne. "Adrienne!"
"Hi, Mom!" Adrienne and Bulma hugged and the rest of the group came running in. They all gasped.
"Adrienne!" Adrienne smiled.
"Hi, guys!"
"Adrienne, you should be in the hospital!" Chi-Chi exclaimed.
"But I-"
"No buts!" Bulma ordered. "Get upstairs and get some sleep!"
"Mom!"
"Adrienne!"
"What is it, Pan?" Adrienne stopped so her mother couldn't push her anymore.
"…glad to have you back!" Pan exclaimed, giving Adrienne a thumbs up. Adrienne smiled and returned her thumbs up.
"Whoa!" Adrienne was pushed up the rest of the stairs and out of sight.
*~*~*
"Well, everything's back to normal!" Vegeta confirmed. Bulma nodded. The couple was laying on the couch with the fire going and a blanket draped over them.
"Hey, Vegeta?"
"What?" Bulma smiled.
"How about I give you an early Christmas present?" Vegeta's ears perked.
"You mean it!?" Bulma nodded.
"Yeah." Vegeta grinned and Bulma laughed as he rolled on top of her. "OUCH! Vegeta!"
Vegeta only snickered. "Dad! Dad!" Trunks came running into the living room and spotted them. "*Whoa*! If you guys are gonna do that then why don't you do it in your room?"
"Because it's more romantic here by the fireplace." Bulma said.
"Okay, I'll put up a sign." Trunks said, looking at the ceiling.
"What did you come in here for?" Vegeta asked.
"Bra stole my pictures of Chloe and she's showing them to everyone!" Trunks whined.
"Just tell her to-"
"Mom! *Dad*! Look at what *I* found in Trunks' room- *whoa*!" Bra covered her eyes, dropping the pictures. "I- I didn't see anything!"
Trunks picked up his pictures, spit his tongue out at his little sister, and walked off. "Bra, go back upstairs and tell everyone it's time for bed." Bulma ordered.
"Okay!" Bra walked off, eyes shut tight, feeling around for solid objects. She ran into the wall. "Ow!" She ran into the stairs and tripped. The two sat up in shock. "I'm *okay*!"
The couple sighed with relief. "Mom! Mom!" Adrienne came rushing into the room. "Can I have Chloe over tomorrow night!?"
"Yeah! Please? *Please*?" Trunks asked, coming back into the room. "Goten, too!"
Bulma looked at Vegeta. "It's fine with me…"
"Isn't Chloe your girlfrie-"
"Thanks, Dad!" Trunks ran off to call Goten.
"Thanks, Mom!" Adrienne put the phone back up to her ear and ran off up the stairs, talking to Chloe. "Trunks, Chloe wants to *talk* to you!"
Vegeta and Bulma sighed and shook their heads. Vegeta suddenly grinned and tackled Bulma to the couch, causing her to laugh.
A younger Adrienne who looked about the age of five was standing in a field full of daffodils, her hair blowing in the wind. Someone wearing a white glove was holding her hand, and they were looking at a grave. She observed the yellow roses surrounding the grave with caution. She looked up at whoever was holding her hand. "She's not coming back, is she?"
"No, she's not." Tears started to fill her eyes and a lump seemed to clog the airway in her throat. Whoever was holding her hand crouched down beside her. Vegeta took Adrienne into his arms and stood up, holding her close as the tears flowed down her cheeks. Vegeta closed his eyes. "I swear I'll never let them take you back again."
*~*~*
"Good night, Adrienne," Vegeta said, tucking her in. He walked over to the door to leave, when Adrienne called him back:
"Daddy, don't leave!" Vegeta walked back over to her bed and Adrienne stood up on her bed. "Pick me up!" Vegeta smiled and picked Adrienne up. She put her arms around his neck and asked: "Why did Mom leave?"
"She didn't want to," Vegeta told her. "I'm sure she's in Otherworld right now, wishing she could talk to you!"
"Well tell her she can!" Adrienne exclaimed. Vegeta smiled at his daughter's order.
"It's not that simple." Vegeta sat down and leaned against the wall, still holding Adrienne.
"Mr. Ron was lying, right?" Adrienne asked. "You didn't kill Mommy, did you?"
"No," Vegeta shook his head. "Don't you *ever* think that!"
"Then who did?" Vegeta was silent.
"A man who used to call himself her father." Vegeta told her.
"Oh…" Adrienne was silent for a while. "Daddy, you won't kill *me*, will you?"
Vegeta laughed. "*Never*!"
*~*~*
"What are you drawing, Trunks?" Adrienne asked her half-brother.
"I'm drawing a rabbit!" Trunks exclaimed. "And you?"
"A kitty!"
"Trunks, come here a minute!"
"Okay!" Trunks obediently walked over to his mother.
"Goten, what are you drawing?" Adrienne asked.
"Well…" Goten handed her the picture. It was a comic strip of Goten and Adrienne. Goten was holding out flowers for Adrienne in the first block. In the second, Adrienne was looking at them. In the third, Adrienne had hearts in her eyes as she looked at Goten. In the fourth, She was hugging him and Goten was blushing. The fifth block (which took up the space of two blocks put together), said "I LOVE YOU" in big, red, shiny letters. But the 'I' was un-capitalized and it had a heart for a dot. "Mommy says you should tell a girl if you really like her!"
"You… really like me?"
"Uh huh!" Goten nodded with a smile and kissed her cheek. Adrienne blushed. "Keep the picture!"
*~*~*
Adrienne woke up to find herself in a room that looked a lot like a hospital…but it wasn't. She sat up, realized she was naked, and looked around for her clothes. They weren't in the room. She pulled the sheet off the mattress, stood up, and wrapped it around her body.
She opened the door to the room and looked out into the hallway. What a strange place! She walked out and heard someone coming. She hid behind the door and waited until the suspect came into sight. She jumped forward and pinned him to the wall. "Who are you!? Where am I!? Who brought me here!?"
"I-" Mr. Popo stuttered. He was so terrified he couldn't speak!
"Adrienne?" Adrienne turned to see a very familiar face that she was glad to see.
"Goten!" She dropped Mr. Popo, ran over to Goten, and threw her arms around his neck. He picked her up off her feet and spun around. He put her back down and they kissed.
"Ah, young love." Dende said with a smile. Mr. Popo nodded.
"What are you doing here?" Adrienne asked.
"Trunks and I brought you from the hospital!" Goten told him. "Bulma and the others are out looking for the dragon balls!"
"You brought me here from the *hospital*!?" Adrienne asked. Goten nodded. "Are you two *insane*!? What if Mom goes back and doesn't find me there!?"
"Relax, relax! She won't be back for a few hours! And you're fine, now, anyway!"
"Adrienne!"
"Trunks?" Adrienne smiled and ran to hug her brother. They met and hugged. "Hi!"
"We missed you!" Trunks exclaimed.
"Thanks, guys!" Goten told Mr. Popo and Dende.
"Um… I'm sorry!" Adrienne apologized to Mr. Popo. Mr. Popo smiled.
"I would have done the same thing in your situation!"
"So shall we go?" Trunks asked.
"Yeah," Adrienne nodded. "But where are my clothes?"
"Um…" Goten and Trunks looked at each other. "We must of left them at the hospital!"
"What did you do, carry me here *naked*!?" Goten and Trunks quickly shook their heads.
"We used the sheets off the hospital bed!" Trunks told her. "Honest!"
"Somebody's in trouble…!" Dende teased.
*~*~*
"Hey, Trunks, where are you headed?" Goten asked.
"I'm going to see Chloe!" Trunks told him. Goten smiled.
"Of course!" Adrienne smiled at Goten's statement.
"Well, Trunks *really* likes her!"
"See ya, Lovebirds!" Trunks saluted them and flew off.
"Bye, Trunks!" Goten waved.
*~*~*
"How long was I asleep?" Adrienne asked.
"Oh, about a week." Goten told her.
"A week!?" Adrienne nearly fell off the Flying Nimbus in her shock, but Goten quickly grabbed the back of her sheet and sat her down.
"Be more careful, okay?"
"You'll just save me if I fall off, anyway!" Adrienne exclaimed. Goten glared. "Maaaaaaaybe not…?"
"I'm serious," Goten said. "I don't even *want* to think about losing you!"
"I'm sorry." Adrienne leaned backwards, meeting with Goten's chest. Goten wrapped his arms around her and smiled.
"I'm just glad you're safe." Adrienne smiled back and yawned.
"Goten?"
"Yeah?"
"I remember when we were coloring," Adrienne said. "The picture you gave me. I still have it."
"*Really*?" Goten blushed. "I didn't think you remembered tha-" Goten stopped short as he noticed Adrienne was asleep. He smiled and looked up at the clouds.
*~*~*
"Adrienne…" Adrienne opened her eyes to see Bra. "Adrienne, are you okay?"
"I'm fine…" Adrienne sat up. Had it all been a dream? "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be at Cheerleading Camp-"
"I came home when I heard you were in the hospital," Bra said. She bit her bottom lip. "I was so scared you were-"
Bra burst into tears and threw her arms around Adrienne's waist. Adrienne stared at her, then smiled and put her hand on Bra's shoulder. "It's okay… I'm fine!"
"I'm just so glad Goten was there to help!" Bra declared, letting go of Adrienne. "Adrienne… why are you wearing that *sheet*?"
"Um…." Adrienne blushed. "Long story! Is Goten here?"
"No, but he left these." Bra handed Adrienne her clothes.
"Thanks!" Adrienne started changing.
"Adrienne, do you really have to do that in here?" Bra asked, standing up to go to the kitchen.
"I can't *stand* dresses!" Adrienne told her. "And that sheet is close eno-" Adrienne's eyes went wide as she spotted Goten standing in front of the door.
"Um…..hi." Adrienne grabbed her sheet and covered her body, falling backwards onto the couch.
"BRA-A!!!!!!"
"Wha-at!?" Bra turned around to see Goten. "Oops!" Bra swallowed and thought: "I'm gonna die-ie…!"
"Bra, you are *so* dead!" Adrienne exclaimed, pulling up her pants and wrapping the sheet around her body again.
"I didn't know he was here!" Bra whined. "*Honest*!"
"Run." Adrienne punched her fist into her hand. "*Now*!"
Bra ran off up the stairs with Adrienne following closely. Trunks came down the stairs, staring backwards all the way. "Did you see those two?"
"Yeah, I think I caused it." Goten snickered. "No, there's no 'think' about it. I *know* it!"
Trunks laughed and spotted Adrienne's shirt on the couch. He walked over to the couch and picked the shirt up. "She might want this later…" Goten nodded. "Be right back!" Trunks jogged up the stairs and came back down a second later. "Okay, let's go!"
Trunks reached for the door when it jerked open. A very disgruntled Vegeta was standing there. "Dad!"
"YOU!" Vegeta yelled, pointing at Goten.
"Me!!!???" Goten took a few steps backwards as Vegeta cornered him.
"Yes, *you*!" Vegeta yelled, continuing to point at Goten. He grabbed Goten's shirt and pulled him closer. "What did you do with my daughter, and where is she!? Tell me *now*!"
"She's right upstairs!"
"Hey, Vegeta!" Adrienne came jogging down the stairs.
"Um…." Vegeta quickly let go of Goten. "Hello."
"Vegeta, don't you hurt my so-" Goku spotted Adrienne. "Adrienne!"
"Hi, Goku!"
"It's good to see you're alive and well!" Goku exclaimed. "Goten, you okay?"
"Peachy…" Goten said, glaring at Vegeta. Vegeta went red.
"Vegeta-" Bulma came running into the house, out of breath, and spotted Adrienne. "Adrienne!"
"Hi, Mom!" Adrienne and Bulma hugged and the rest of the group came running in. They all gasped.
"Adrienne!" Adrienne smiled.
"Hi, guys!"
"Adrienne, you should be in the hospital!" Chi-Chi exclaimed.
"But I-"
"No buts!" Bulma ordered. "Get upstairs and get some sleep!"
"Mom!"
"Adrienne!"
"What is it, Pan?" Adrienne stopped so her mother couldn't push her anymore.
"…glad to have you back!" Pan exclaimed, giving Adrienne a thumbs up. Adrienne smiled and returned her thumbs up.
"Whoa!" Adrienne was pushed up the rest of the stairs and out of sight.
*~*~*
"Well, everything's back to normal!" Vegeta confirmed. Bulma nodded. The couple was laying on the couch with the fire going and a blanket draped over them.
"Hey, Vegeta?"
"What?" Bulma smiled.
"How about I give you an early Christmas present?" Vegeta's ears perked.
"You mean it!?" Bulma nodded.
"Yeah." Vegeta grinned and Bulma laughed as he rolled on top of her. "OUCH! Vegeta!"
Vegeta only snickered. "Dad! Dad!" Trunks came running into the living room and spotted them. "*Whoa*! If you guys are gonna do that then why don't you do it in your room?"
"Because it's more romantic here by the fireplace." Bulma said.
"Okay, I'll put up a sign." Trunks said, looking at the ceiling.
"What did you come in here for?" Vegeta asked.
"Bra stole my pictures of Chloe and she's showing them to everyone!" Trunks whined.
"Just tell her to-"
"Mom! *Dad*! Look at what *I* found in Trunks' room- *whoa*!" Bra covered her eyes, dropping the pictures. "I- I didn't see anything!"
Trunks picked up his pictures, spit his tongue out at his little sister, and walked off. "Bra, go back upstairs and tell everyone it's time for bed." Bulma ordered.
"Okay!" Bra walked off, eyes shut tight, feeling around for solid objects. She ran into the wall. "Ow!" She ran into the stairs and tripped. The two sat up in shock. "I'm *okay*!"
The couple sighed with relief. "Mom! Mom!" Adrienne came rushing into the room. "Can I have Chloe over tomorrow night!?"
"Yeah! Please? *Please*?" Trunks asked, coming back into the room. "Goten, too!"
Bulma looked at Vegeta. "It's fine with me…"
"Isn't Chloe your girlfrie-"
"Thanks, Dad!" Trunks ran off to call Goten.
"Thanks, Mom!" Adrienne put the phone back up to her ear and ran off up the stairs, talking to Chloe. "Trunks, Chloe wants to *talk* to you!"
Vegeta and Bulma sighed and shook their heads. Vegeta suddenly grinned and tackled Bulma to the couch, causing her to laugh.