Flamez---Whoa I FINALLY reviewed. For your patience I'm writing TWO count
them TWO chapters!! YEAH!!
Chapter 4
"Guess what Bulma!"
"What Maron?"
"I met this really hot guy at this baseball game."
"Who?"
"He's really sexy. He has this tanned skin and short spiky hair. His name is.um.Yamchan, Yamuha, Yamma."
"Yamcha?!"
"Yeah that's it, do you know him?"
"That's the guy I had a crush on!!"
"Oh I'm so sorry girl I didn't know-"
"Don't worry about it you can date him if you want to. I don't care."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Aw thanks B you're the greatest!"
"Did you break up with your boyfriend yet?"
"Oh yeah I have a boyfriend don't I?! What's his name? Chillin.?"
"I can't believe you! His name is Krillin. You could remember it perfectly fine two days ago."
"Wow its been that long, huh? No wonder I can't remember his name."
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Just don't forget to breakup with him. And don't break his heart, he's a good guy."
"Ok, B." There was a buzzing sound.
"What's that?"
"That's the beeper Dr. Briefs got me. I've gotta go see what he wants. Catch ya later."
"Bye." Bulma sat back in the chair. Why the hell would he give her a beeper? She didn't have an important job. Hell, all the girl did was his shopping! And the lab was just down the hall. Was her father getting so lazy that he refused to walk down the hall to tell Maron what he wanted?
Bulma stood up. She would have to find out what he wanted. Silently she crept down the hall. She heard two low voices. When she peeked around the corner she saw the last thing she'd ever wanted to see.
In complete shock, Bulma stumbled down the hall. What the fuck just happened?! What the fuck just happened?! Was she finally losing her mind? Did she need a new prescription? Slowly the information registered in her brain.
It was her father.
And Miss Harris.
Kissing.
But why? Why would her father cheat on her mom? Bulma of all people knows that her mother wasn't the brightest crayon in the box but she knew they loved each other. It wasn't that he got over her mother because she was getting old. Bunny looked just like she did when they married over twenty years ago. So what could it be? Maybe he was just feeling old and wanted to prove that he was still a young spirit. But that didn't sound like her father. Then again there seems to be a lot that she didn't know about him.
And Miss Harris. Why in Kami's great green earth would she want to kiss her father? Dr. Briefs was old enough to be, well, her dad. Why would she go for an old guy? Maybe she didn't like him maybe she wanted his money. Those types of situations weren't unusual. A young girl would date or even marry a rich old guy and wait for him to croak so she could get all his money.
This was too much for her. She needed to get out to clear her head. Bulma packed some clothes and grabbed her keys. She jumped into her blue CTS (I love that car!!) and slammed onto the gas pedal. She dialed 18's number.
"Hello?"
"Hey girl. I need to get out the house. Can I crash at your place?"
"Yeah sure."
"See ya in two."
"Bye."
Bulma hung up and stopped at a red light. Her phone started ringing again. She checked the caller ID. It was Maron. The last person she wanted to talk to right now. She turned off her phone and threw it in the back seat. She turned sharply into 18's drive way.
18 opened the door. "Hey, what's up?"
Bulma picked up her bags out of her trunk and walked into the house. "Is 17 here?"
"Naw."
"Gero?"
"No."
"Good, cause what I'm gonna tell you, you can't tell anybody except Chi."
"I swear I won't tell a soul."
"Well it all started when Maron-"
"Krillin's girlfriend?"
"Oh I'm getting to that. She met Yamcha at some baseball game and forgot she even had a boyfriend."
"What?!"
"It gets worse. She hooked up with him and she never broke up with Krillin."
"She has two boyfriends?"
"Yup. Then she gets a page from the father on the beeper that he gave her."
"He gave her a beeper?"
"I was wondering the same thing. So she walks down the hall go see what he wants. After sitting there for a while curiosity got the better of me so I go to see what they were talking about. And girl, guess what I saw."
"What?!"
"Miss Harris."
"Uh huh."
"And dad."
"Uh huh."
"Kissing."
"WHAT?!"
"I know! I couldn't believe it! I just had to get out the house. And on the way here she called me but I didn't answer."
"That's some shit."
"I know. I was already pissed at him for letting her think Maron was me."
"No he didn't!"
"Oh yes he did. I was so mad I burned his pictures."
"Damn."
"But I got over it after a couple of weeks, I thought that if I was the perfect daughter then he would be proud to be my father ya know?"
18 nodded sympathetically. "I know exactly what you mean. I gave up on that with my dad years ago."
"I don't know what I was thinking. But can I stay here a couple of days?"
"Yeah sure. Let's stop talking 'bout all this depressing shit. Let's watch a movie and eat some ice cream."
"No I can't have any ic-"
"I have your favorite."
"Well.one bite won't kill me."
18 went into the kitchen and came back with two one pint containers of ice cream and two spoons. After they finished eating, they sat back on the couch and stared at the ceiling. 18 sat up. "I forgot to tell you. I finally broke into 17's room."
"And it only took you 17 years."
"Not funny, that password whooped my ass."
"What was it?"
"Strangely enough it was pyrotechnic."
"Huh, that's not strange at all. He's always setting things on fire."
"What?"
"You mean you didn't know? I know you didn't have Tech Ed with him like I did but surely you've heard the stories."
She shook her head. "The only stories I hear are the Home Ec stories cause I have the period after him."
"He was the only student in Orange Star High to set the strawberry jam on fire. How the hell does someone 'accidentally' set jam on fire?"
"Don't ask me."
"So what's in his room?"
"I dunno. I was just about to see when you showed up. So do you want to check it out?"
"Yeah, sure."
They walked quietly up the stairs even though no one else was around. 18 stopped at the black door at the end of he hallway. For years she had tried to get into his room. Trying to figure out what he was doing when he locked himself in there for hours at a time. Now she was finally going to find out. She opened the door and stepped in.
The walls were black making the room very dark. Above is black bed was the number 17 burned on the wall. His collection of liters hung from the ceiling. Randomly placed posters of girls in bikinis posing on cars covered the walls. There where several burn marks on the carpet where he probably dropped a liter on accident.
"Whoa, my bros actually normal. And all this time I thought he was doing something weird in her. All that worrying for nothing."
Bulma frowned looking over the girls shoulder. "That's normal?"
"Of course. I myself carved 18 over my bed with my favorite switch blade. Got quite a collection hanging from my ceiling."
"That's..disturbing."
"Nonsense." She ushered her out the room and closed the door.
Bulma smacked her head. 18 glanced at her. "What's wrong?"
"I left my history report at home. I have to go get it. It's due tomorrow before the first bell."
"Hurry back and try not to bump into any assholes."
She smiled. "I'll do my best to avoid them." Bulma hopped into her car and sped down the street. After parking her car in front of the house she crept inside hoping not to be noticed.
Maron was sitting at the table with puffy red rimmed eyes. "Bulma?"
She glared coldly down at her. "What?"
Maron started ran up to her. "I what Dr. Briefs wanted and he kissed Ms. Harris!"
"Oh yeah? Are you sure you set it up?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I saw what happened Maron and it didn't look like you were trying to stop him!"
"I was in shock, I ran!"
"Right, and you didn't think to tell me?"
"I'm telling the truth! Why don't you believe me?!"
"Because you're a backstabber!"
"How am I a backstabber?!"
"You cheated on Krillin with Yamcha, the guy you knew I had a crush on!"
"You said it was okay!"
"And then you let that-that-that whore kiss my father!"
"What? Your father? What are you talking about Bra?"
"Bulma."
"Huh?"
"My real name is Bulma. I lied when I said I was an intern."
"But why would you lie about something like that?"
"I don't owe you any explanations. I thought you were my friend though but its obvious I thought wrong. And if you will excuse me I have some shit I need to get then I'm getting the hell out of here." Bulma stomped up the stairs got her things and walked right past her without saying a word. She wanted to give her the finger but her hands were full.
18 opened the door. "So how'd it go?"
"I ran into Maron."
"Really?"
"I still can't believe she-" 18 put a finger to her lips and pointed to her brother that was listening intently to their conversations while pretending to watch TV. "-wore my skirt without asking."
"I know me neither but like I said lets not talk about it anymore it won't change what happened."
Bulma lowered her voice. "What am I gonna tell mom?"
"I'd tell her, she deserves to know." 18 whispered.
"I know but-" There was a loud thud. 17 had been leaning over the side of the couch to hear their conversation and fell over the side in the process.
He stood up and brushed off his clothes. "Nice weather we're having today."
Bulma frowned. "It's almost winter, it's about twenty degrees out there."
"Maybe I like the cold."
"Riiigghhhttt. Sure you do."
18 shook her head. "He must've been dropped a few times on the head as a baby or he was switched at birth."
Bulma nodded. "I'd go for the latter."
She chuckled. "Let's go to my room where there's less eyes and ears."
17 plopped on the couch. "Like you ever talk about anything interesting."
18 and Bulma gave him a oh-that's-what-you-think look before going upstairs to 18's room.
After spending about two weeks at 18's house Bulma ran out of clothes. Usually she would just go shopping for some new ones but in her hasty departure she left all her credit cards. So after school she drove back to her place.
Bulma tapped the steering wheel absentmindedly. Lately she had been keeping busy with keeping her mind off the "Maron Problem" but now that she was alone she had time to think about it. Was she wrong for blowing up at Maron like that? She had only seen about a second after leaving. Maron could have been telling the truth. Thinking it over for a while she felt really bad about what she said. If what she was saying is true she really needed her but she yelled at her instead.
The young genius frowned. But what if she was lying? Whispered the dark corner of her mind. What if *she* was taking advantage of *you*? Maybe she is trying to help Ms. Harris steal your dad from your mom. You know how Maron is. She sees what she wants and she goes after it. She wants to steal your family from you. No matter whose heart she breaks. Remember Krillin. Remember her stealing Yamcha from you. Maron can't be trusted.
But Maron would never try to hurt you purposely. Whispered the other part of her mind. She forgot you had a crush on Yamcha. And you did say it was okay. She was always kind to you. She only sees the good in you and this is how you repay her? What you said to her was a slap in the face.
Shut up! Hissed the dark corner. You know nothing! Don't you see she's just trying to make you feel bad. Aren't you tired of feeling bad? You should stop letting people walk all over you. Stand up for yourself! And the perfect way to start is with the "Maron Problem"!
Don't you see? You are only getting mad at Maron and not your father. You are trying to blame things on other people. It is not her fault he kissed her.
Who said he kissed her. She might have been taking advantage of him. She knows he has money. How long have you known this girl? And how long have you known your father? Blood is thicker than water.
Come on Bulma you know Maron. She's so slow she probably wouldn't ever think of doing something like that. That's not the type of person she is. Bulma hit her head on her steering wheel. She had made a mistake. She had been covering up what her father did with being angry at Maron. Damn, she hated it when she was wrong.
She pulled into the driveway and walked inside. Maron was sitting at the kitchen table staring blankly into her diet Pepsi. Bulma stood out of her view not quite sure what to do. Was she still upset? She wouldn't be surprised if she wanted nothing to do with her. Well she couldn't hide in the shadows forever. Inhaling deeply she walked into the kitchen.
-- Are you still mad at me? -
"Hey Maron." Bulma said hesitantly.
She looked up at her with watery eyes. "I've been thinking about what you said and you were so right. I should've known that you would be upset about me hooking up with Yamcha and that you were lying just to make me happy. I should've stopped them an-"
"No Maron I was wrong. I should have been there for you but instead I yelled at you and accused you of kissing him back. I was horrible and I'm sorry."
-- Let's put it all away and-
Maron swept her up in a hug and cried in Bulma's shoulder. "I was so shocked I don't know what to do! It was so hard to get this intern job and if I quit then I'll never have a office job because-because I'm stupid!!! Wahhhh!!"
"No that's not true." Kami would understand if she lied to make her feel better. "You can do plenty of things without this internship."
"Really like what?"
"Transferring calls, typing, filing, copying. See you could be a secretary!"
"Do you think so?"
"Yes. So why don't you just quit now and go get a paying job?"
"Because my dad said if a lost this internship then he'd kick me out the house! Don't you see I have nowhere else to go?"
"What?!"
"Huh uh."
"You could live in the guest apartments on the other side of our property."
"I don't want to impose."
"No, it wouldn't be any trouble. The guest apartments have their own kitchen, bathroom, pool, driveway, cable, AC and a game room."
"Wow."
"You can stay there for as long as you like."
"What would you parents think?"
"They won't even notice. Besides those apartments are for my guests and you are my guest."
"You're such a great friend Bra!"
"Bulma."
"What?"
"My name is Bulma." Maron blinked at her. "Never mind. So did you break up with Krillin yet?"
"Who? Oh you mean Krimin! No I forgot all about him."
"So you've been going out with Yamcha and Krillin at the same time for two weeks!" Only really surprised because she didn't hear Yamcha brag about it.
"Well no not really. I never called Yamcha so I haven't had the chance to make a date."
"Why don't you call Krillin up and break up with him."
"What's his number?"
Bulma rolled her eyes. "224-6670."
Maron dialed the number. "Hello."
"Yeah I'm sorry about that. I was going through some things."
"It's not important anymore. I took that time to think some things over and I think we should break up."
"Because."
"Well.the truth?"
"I just lost interest."
"No."
"NO!"
"Where did you get that idea?"
"Does he have proof?"
"See?"
"We can still be friends."
"Ok. Bye."
Bulma bit her lip. "How did he take it?"
"He asked me why I didn't call him and what I was going through. And then when I told him that I wanted to break up he was like why. I said because and he said because isn't a reason. And then I told him I lost interest and he was like was it something he did. Then he was like is it another guy he said Yamcha was dropping hints about him getting with me but he didn't have any proof. I said we could be friends but Krillin didn't sound like he wanted to be friends."
"But you were cheating on Krillin with Yamcha."
"But he doesn't need to know."
Bulma gave her a look. "Krillin sees Yamcha everyday of course he's gonna find out!"
"Oh yeah."
She shook her head. "Why don't you go to the lab and tell dad that you quit."
"I don't want to go in there alone." She bit her lip and stared at her shoes. "I have been avoiding him these past weeks. I tell him I'm doing something for Mrs. Briefs and keep walking like I'm busy."
"I'll be right behind you. If he tries anything I'll bust his lip."
Maron gasped. "But that's your father!"
"That man is no father of mind. Now go and quit!"
"Ok, ok I'm going!" Maron walked down the hall and knocked on the lab door.
"Come in."
She hesitated. Bulma gave her a thumbs up. Maron took a deep breath and walked in. "Hello Dr. Briefs."
"Oh hello Maron what brings you here?" He walked towards her slowly.
Nervous, she backed up. "W-well what I came here for was-was-" She stuttered growing even more nervous because he was slowly backing her into a corner. "Was that I wanted to quit." Maron gasped when her back bumped into the door.
Dr. Briefs was getting WAY too close for comfort. "Why do you want to quit?"
"Because-because I-" Maron fell backwards when the door opened.
Bulma stood there with her face red and her fists balled at her sides with a murderous look on her face. "You bastard! Not only did you cheat on mom who has been nothing but faithful but you cheat on her with an unwilling minor, you ass! Lay one hand on her and I swear to Kami I will disembowel you and choke you with it myself! Come on Maron, lets leave." Maron got up and hid behind her. Bulma started walking down the hall.
"Bulma?" Her dad called. "Bulma. Bulma! BULMA!!"
Bulma cringed but kept walking. Standing up to her father had been the hardest thing she ever had to do. He was the man that taught her how to ride a bike. He was there when the next door neighbors had made fun of her. In fact she wouldn't even have had the courage if it hadn't been her best friend. She was partly disgusted with herself for not interrupting sooner. She still couldn't believe he would try to push up on a minor. She was scared, how many times do you curse out your father? It wasn't like he could kick her out though. Bulma had invented half of CC products, including the popular capsules, and had a patent on them. So he could kick her out if he wished but he also be kissing half of the CC fortune and clients goodbye. Bulma had enough money stashed away to live on her own but she wanted to wait until she finished her senior year.
Now she felt slightly braver, she could stand up for her friends, if not herself, when need be. Bulma didn't think she would cuss out her dad again but the fact that she knew that she could made her feel a little better about herself. What Bulma didn't know was if she should break the news to her mom. It could ruin their relationship. Then again it could already be ruined. Why else would dad go hit on some other woman?
Bulma turned to Maron. "Wait for me in the car. You'll be safe, trust me." She nodded and disappeared through the door. Bulma turned and started climbing the stairs. Her parents room was on the other side of the complex on the third floor. She could have taken the elevator but she needed the exercise. At least that was she has been telling herself when in reality she was just stalling. When she reached the door, way too quickly, she knocked.
"Come in!" Bunny practically sang.
Slowly she opened the door and poked her head in. Her mother looked so cheery she didn't want to tell her but she knew that she had to. "There's something important that I have to tell you."
"Have a seat dear."
Bulma sat down next to her. "Well what I have to tell you, you might not want to hear."
"We can't know that for sure unless you tell me."
She sighed. Her mother had the strangest yet startlingly rational logic. "There's easy way to say this but here goes. That new intern Maron with the blue hair, well she went to go see what dad wanted. and.he.well.he kissed Ms. Harris. When Marron went to quit he was all over her. And she's only 17, like me. She was so upset she was crying and very shaken up. Mom, dad's cheating on you." She held her breath and studied her mother's face.
-- Waiting for you to be react -
Bunny blinked a couple times and then to Bulma's surprise laughed. "You must be mistaken."
"I'm not!"
"Your father would never do anything like that! Never!"
"But-"
"You're mistaken."
"I saw-"
"You're mistaken."
"He-"
"You're mistaken."
Bulma sighed and kissed her on the cheek. "You're right, what was I thinking? Look I'm going to be staying at 18's for a while is that ok?"
"Yeah sure sweetie!"
Bulma got up and walked out. After seeing her look so happy she almost felt guilty for having to break the news to her. Then the look on her face when she told her was the look of grim determination. It was as if she could convince Bulma that he wasn't cheating then it never happened. It looked like Bunny believed was she said. She doesn't believe he would do that to her. And Bulma, like a coward, could not bear to ruin her happiness.
Bulma walked out to the car. "We're gonna stay at 18's house for a while."
"Why?"
"I just can be in that house with that man any longer! So do you want to pick up some clothes or something?"
"Yeah sure."
"Where do you live?"
"Westwood Apartments." The drive there was silent. Bulma was deep in thought about her situation. And Kami knows what Maron was thinking about. She pulled into the parking space. Maron walked up to the door and pulled out her key. She had to struggle to push the door open because all the glass bottles where in the way.
On the couch was a lanky man with green hair combed over his retreating hair line, bloodshot glassy blue eyes, and sweat stained clothes. He looked at her. "What are you doing here so early? Who the hell is she?" He voice had a drunken slur.
"That's Bra-"
"What kind of name is that?"
Bulma frowned. "I beg your pardon?"
He stood up. "I don't know who the hell you are missy but no one talks down at me in my home."
She turned to Maron. "Go get all your things." She nodded and went into a back room.
The man narrowed his eyes. "What's going on here?" He took a long swig from his beer can.
"Maron is moving out."
"Maron is my daughter and I says she ain't going no where."
"I don't know you or what goes on this household and frankly sir it's none of my Kami damned business-"
"Damn straight."
"-but what goes on in my house is my business. I feel that she is not in a positive home environment and it is my job that to see that she gets a good home."
"This would be a good home if she wasn't such a damn slut. She couldn't get a decent paying job except being a whore but she is one already and doesn't get paid for that!"
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
"What's that suppose ta mean?"
"Let me word this so that you can understand. You're an ass!"
He turned red. "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT YOU LITTLE BITCH?!"
"You're fired."
"What?"
"Do you work for capsule corp?"
"No I'm a janitor for the West City Mall."
"Yeah well I own the damn mall and I say you're fired jackass." Maron came in with her bags. "I hope you burn in hell for the rest of eternity. Come on Maron. Don't worry about your furniture, I'll by you some new furniture." Bulma turned around and walked out with Maron trailing behind her. When they got to her car, Maron's dad stuck his head out the window.
"Don't you ever come back you little bitch! You are a whore just like your mama, I hope you die like she did to!" He threw some beer bottles at them but he was too drunk to hit them.
Bulma stepped on the gas pedal. She had no idea that her dad would be like that. Maron seemed so careful and happy all the time. She glanced at her, she saw no bruises. How was she supposed to know this was going on? And she thought her dad was awful.
Chapter 4
"Guess what Bulma!"
"What Maron?"
"I met this really hot guy at this baseball game."
"Who?"
"He's really sexy. He has this tanned skin and short spiky hair. His name is.um.Yamchan, Yamuha, Yamma."
"Yamcha?!"
"Yeah that's it, do you know him?"
"That's the guy I had a crush on!!"
"Oh I'm so sorry girl I didn't know-"
"Don't worry about it you can date him if you want to. I don't care."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Aw thanks B you're the greatest!"
"Did you break up with your boyfriend yet?"
"Oh yeah I have a boyfriend don't I?! What's his name? Chillin.?"
"I can't believe you! His name is Krillin. You could remember it perfectly fine two days ago."
"Wow its been that long, huh? No wonder I can't remember his name."
Bulma rolled her eyes. "Just don't forget to breakup with him. And don't break his heart, he's a good guy."
"Ok, B." There was a buzzing sound.
"What's that?"
"That's the beeper Dr. Briefs got me. I've gotta go see what he wants. Catch ya later."
"Bye." Bulma sat back in the chair. Why the hell would he give her a beeper? She didn't have an important job. Hell, all the girl did was his shopping! And the lab was just down the hall. Was her father getting so lazy that he refused to walk down the hall to tell Maron what he wanted?
Bulma stood up. She would have to find out what he wanted. Silently she crept down the hall. She heard two low voices. When she peeked around the corner she saw the last thing she'd ever wanted to see.
In complete shock, Bulma stumbled down the hall. What the fuck just happened?! What the fuck just happened?! Was she finally losing her mind? Did she need a new prescription? Slowly the information registered in her brain.
It was her father.
And Miss Harris.
Kissing.
But why? Why would her father cheat on her mom? Bulma of all people knows that her mother wasn't the brightest crayon in the box but she knew they loved each other. It wasn't that he got over her mother because she was getting old. Bunny looked just like she did when they married over twenty years ago. So what could it be? Maybe he was just feeling old and wanted to prove that he was still a young spirit. But that didn't sound like her father. Then again there seems to be a lot that she didn't know about him.
And Miss Harris. Why in Kami's great green earth would she want to kiss her father? Dr. Briefs was old enough to be, well, her dad. Why would she go for an old guy? Maybe she didn't like him maybe she wanted his money. Those types of situations weren't unusual. A young girl would date or even marry a rich old guy and wait for him to croak so she could get all his money.
This was too much for her. She needed to get out to clear her head. Bulma packed some clothes and grabbed her keys. She jumped into her blue CTS (I love that car!!) and slammed onto the gas pedal. She dialed 18's number.
"Hello?"
"Hey girl. I need to get out the house. Can I crash at your place?"
"Yeah sure."
"See ya in two."
"Bye."
Bulma hung up and stopped at a red light. Her phone started ringing again. She checked the caller ID. It was Maron. The last person she wanted to talk to right now. She turned off her phone and threw it in the back seat. She turned sharply into 18's drive way.
18 opened the door. "Hey, what's up?"
Bulma picked up her bags out of her trunk and walked into the house. "Is 17 here?"
"Naw."
"Gero?"
"No."
"Good, cause what I'm gonna tell you, you can't tell anybody except Chi."
"I swear I won't tell a soul."
"Well it all started when Maron-"
"Krillin's girlfriend?"
"Oh I'm getting to that. She met Yamcha at some baseball game and forgot she even had a boyfriend."
"What?!"
"It gets worse. She hooked up with him and she never broke up with Krillin."
"She has two boyfriends?"
"Yup. Then she gets a page from the father on the beeper that he gave her."
"He gave her a beeper?"
"I was wondering the same thing. So she walks down the hall go see what he wants. After sitting there for a while curiosity got the better of me so I go to see what they were talking about. And girl, guess what I saw."
"What?!"
"Miss Harris."
"Uh huh."
"And dad."
"Uh huh."
"Kissing."
"WHAT?!"
"I know! I couldn't believe it! I just had to get out the house. And on the way here she called me but I didn't answer."
"That's some shit."
"I know. I was already pissed at him for letting her think Maron was me."
"No he didn't!"
"Oh yes he did. I was so mad I burned his pictures."
"Damn."
"But I got over it after a couple of weeks, I thought that if I was the perfect daughter then he would be proud to be my father ya know?"
18 nodded sympathetically. "I know exactly what you mean. I gave up on that with my dad years ago."
"I don't know what I was thinking. But can I stay here a couple of days?"
"Yeah sure. Let's stop talking 'bout all this depressing shit. Let's watch a movie and eat some ice cream."
"No I can't have any ic-"
"I have your favorite."
"Well.one bite won't kill me."
18 went into the kitchen and came back with two one pint containers of ice cream and two spoons. After they finished eating, they sat back on the couch and stared at the ceiling. 18 sat up. "I forgot to tell you. I finally broke into 17's room."
"And it only took you 17 years."
"Not funny, that password whooped my ass."
"What was it?"
"Strangely enough it was pyrotechnic."
"Huh, that's not strange at all. He's always setting things on fire."
"What?"
"You mean you didn't know? I know you didn't have Tech Ed with him like I did but surely you've heard the stories."
She shook her head. "The only stories I hear are the Home Ec stories cause I have the period after him."
"He was the only student in Orange Star High to set the strawberry jam on fire. How the hell does someone 'accidentally' set jam on fire?"
"Don't ask me."
"So what's in his room?"
"I dunno. I was just about to see when you showed up. So do you want to check it out?"
"Yeah, sure."
They walked quietly up the stairs even though no one else was around. 18 stopped at the black door at the end of he hallway. For years she had tried to get into his room. Trying to figure out what he was doing when he locked himself in there for hours at a time. Now she was finally going to find out. She opened the door and stepped in.
The walls were black making the room very dark. Above is black bed was the number 17 burned on the wall. His collection of liters hung from the ceiling. Randomly placed posters of girls in bikinis posing on cars covered the walls. There where several burn marks on the carpet where he probably dropped a liter on accident.
"Whoa, my bros actually normal. And all this time I thought he was doing something weird in her. All that worrying for nothing."
Bulma frowned looking over the girls shoulder. "That's normal?"
"Of course. I myself carved 18 over my bed with my favorite switch blade. Got quite a collection hanging from my ceiling."
"That's..disturbing."
"Nonsense." She ushered her out the room and closed the door.
Bulma smacked her head. 18 glanced at her. "What's wrong?"
"I left my history report at home. I have to go get it. It's due tomorrow before the first bell."
"Hurry back and try not to bump into any assholes."
She smiled. "I'll do my best to avoid them." Bulma hopped into her car and sped down the street. After parking her car in front of the house she crept inside hoping not to be noticed.
Maron was sitting at the table with puffy red rimmed eyes. "Bulma?"
She glared coldly down at her. "What?"
Maron started ran up to her. "I what Dr. Briefs wanted and he kissed Ms. Harris!"
"Oh yeah? Are you sure you set it up?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I saw what happened Maron and it didn't look like you were trying to stop him!"
"I was in shock, I ran!"
"Right, and you didn't think to tell me?"
"I'm telling the truth! Why don't you believe me?!"
"Because you're a backstabber!"
"How am I a backstabber?!"
"You cheated on Krillin with Yamcha, the guy you knew I had a crush on!"
"You said it was okay!"
"And then you let that-that-that whore kiss my father!"
"What? Your father? What are you talking about Bra?"
"Bulma."
"Huh?"
"My real name is Bulma. I lied when I said I was an intern."
"But why would you lie about something like that?"
"I don't owe you any explanations. I thought you were my friend though but its obvious I thought wrong. And if you will excuse me I have some shit I need to get then I'm getting the hell out of here." Bulma stomped up the stairs got her things and walked right past her without saying a word. She wanted to give her the finger but her hands were full.
18 opened the door. "So how'd it go?"
"I ran into Maron."
"Really?"
"I still can't believe she-" 18 put a finger to her lips and pointed to her brother that was listening intently to their conversations while pretending to watch TV. "-wore my skirt without asking."
"I know me neither but like I said lets not talk about it anymore it won't change what happened."
Bulma lowered her voice. "What am I gonna tell mom?"
"I'd tell her, she deserves to know." 18 whispered.
"I know but-" There was a loud thud. 17 had been leaning over the side of the couch to hear their conversation and fell over the side in the process.
He stood up and brushed off his clothes. "Nice weather we're having today."
Bulma frowned. "It's almost winter, it's about twenty degrees out there."
"Maybe I like the cold."
"Riiigghhhttt. Sure you do."
18 shook her head. "He must've been dropped a few times on the head as a baby or he was switched at birth."
Bulma nodded. "I'd go for the latter."
She chuckled. "Let's go to my room where there's less eyes and ears."
17 plopped on the couch. "Like you ever talk about anything interesting."
18 and Bulma gave him a oh-that's-what-you-think look before going upstairs to 18's room.
After spending about two weeks at 18's house Bulma ran out of clothes. Usually she would just go shopping for some new ones but in her hasty departure she left all her credit cards. So after school she drove back to her place.
Bulma tapped the steering wheel absentmindedly. Lately she had been keeping busy with keeping her mind off the "Maron Problem" but now that she was alone she had time to think about it. Was she wrong for blowing up at Maron like that? She had only seen about a second after leaving. Maron could have been telling the truth. Thinking it over for a while she felt really bad about what she said. If what she was saying is true she really needed her but she yelled at her instead.
The young genius frowned. But what if she was lying? Whispered the dark corner of her mind. What if *she* was taking advantage of *you*? Maybe she is trying to help Ms. Harris steal your dad from your mom. You know how Maron is. She sees what she wants and she goes after it. She wants to steal your family from you. No matter whose heart she breaks. Remember Krillin. Remember her stealing Yamcha from you. Maron can't be trusted.
But Maron would never try to hurt you purposely. Whispered the other part of her mind. She forgot you had a crush on Yamcha. And you did say it was okay. She was always kind to you. She only sees the good in you and this is how you repay her? What you said to her was a slap in the face.
Shut up! Hissed the dark corner. You know nothing! Don't you see she's just trying to make you feel bad. Aren't you tired of feeling bad? You should stop letting people walk all over you. Stand up for yourself! And the perfect way to start is with the "Maron Problem"!
Don't you see? You are only getting mad at Maron and not your father. You are trying to blame things on other people. It is not her fault he kissed her.
Who said he kissed her. She might have been taking advantage of him. She knows he has money. How long have you known this girl? And how long have you known your father? Blood is thicker than water.
Come on Bulma you know Maron. She's so slow she probably wouldn't ever think of doing something like that. That's not the type of person she is. Bulma hit her head on her steering wheel. She had made a mistake. She had been covering up what her father did with being angry at Maron. Damn, she hated it when she was wrong.
She pulled into the driveway and walked inside. Maron was sitting at the kitchen table staring blankly into her diet Pepsi. Bulma stood out of her view not quite sure what to do. Was she still upset? She wouldn't be surprised if she wanted nothing to do with her. Well she couldn't hide in the shadows forever. Inhaling deeply she walked into the kitchen.
-- Are you still mad at me? -
"Hey Maron." Bulma said hesitantly.
She looked up at her with watery eyes. "I've been thinking about what you said and you were so right. I should've known that you would be upset about me hooking up with Yamcha and that you were lying just to make me happy. I should've stopped them an-"
"No Maron I was wrong. I should have been there for you but instead I yelled at you and accused you of kissing him back. I was horrible and I'm sorry."
-- Let's put it all away and-
Maron swept her up in a hug and cried in Bulma's shoulder. "I was so shocked I don't know what to do! It was so hard to get this intern job and if I quit then I'll never have a office job because-because I'm stupid!!! Wahhhh!!"
"No that's not true." Kami would understand if she lied to make her feel better. "You can do plenty of things without this internship."
"Really like what?"
"Transferring calls, typing, filing, copying. See you could be a secretary!"
"Do you think so?"
"Yes. So why don't you just quit now and go get a paying job?"
"Because my dad said if a lost this internship then he'd kick me out the house! Don't you see I have nowhere else to go?"
"What?!"
"Huh uh."
"You could live in the guest apartments on the other side of our property."
"I don't want to impose."
"No, it wouldn't be any trouble. The guest apartments have their own kitchen, bathroom, pool, driveway, cable, AC and a game room."
"Wow."
"You can stay there for as long as you like."
"What would you parents think?"
"They won't even notice. Besides those apartments are for my guests and you are my guest."
"You're such a great friend Bra!"
"Bulma."
"What?"
"My name is Bulma." Maron blinked at her. "Never mind. So did you break up with Krillin yet?"
"Who? Oh you mean Krimin! No I forgot all about him."
"So you've been going out with Yamcha and Krillin at the same time for two weeks!" Only really surprised because she didn't hear Yamcha brag about it.
"Well no not really. I never called Yamcha so I haven't had the chance to make a date."
"Why don't you call Krillin up and break up with him."
"What's his number?"
Bulma rolled her eyes. "224-6670."
Maron dialed the number. "Hello."
"Yeah I'm sorry about that. I was going through some things."
"It's not important anymore. I took that time to think some things over and I think we should break up."
"Because."
"Well.the truth?"
"I just lost interest."
"No."
"NO!"
"Where did you get that idea?"
"Does he have proof?"
"See?"
"We can still be friends."
"Ok. Bye."
Bulma bit her lip. "How did he take it?"
"He asked me why I didn't call him and what I was going through. And then when I told him that I wanted to break up he was like why. I said because and he said because isn't a reason. And then I told him I lost interest and he was like was it something he did. Then he was like is it another guy he said Yamcha was dropping hints about him getting with me but he didn't have any proof. I said we could be friends but Krillin didn't sound like he wanted to be friends."
"But you were cheating on Krillin with Yamcha."
"But he doesn't need to know."
Bulma gave her a look. "Krillin sees Yamcha everyday of course he's gonna find out!"
"Oh yeah."
She shook her head. "Why don't you go to the lab and tell dad that you quit."
"I don't want to go in there alone." She bit her lip and stared at her shoes. "I have been avoiding him these past weeks. I tell him I'm doing something for Mrs. Briefs and keep walking like I'm busy."
"I'll be right behind you. If he tries anything I'll bust his lip."
Maron gasped. "But that's your father!"
"That man is no father of mind. Now go and quit!"
"Ok, ok I'm going!" Maron walked down the hall and knocked on the lab door.
"Come in."
She hesitated. Bulma gave her a thumbs up. Maron took a deep breath and walked in. "Hello Dr. Briefs."
"Oh hello Maron what brings you here?" He walked towards her slowly.
Nervous, she backed up. "W-well what I came here for was-was-" She stuttered growing even more nervous because he was slowly backing her into a corner. "Was that I wanted to quit." Maron gasped when her back bumped into the door.
Dr. Briefs was getting WAY too close for comfort. "Why do you want to quit?"
"Because-because I-" Maron fell backwards when the door opened.
Bulma stood there with her face red and her fists balled at her sides with a murderous look on her face. "You bastard! Not only did you cheat on mom who has been nothing but faithful but you cheat on her with an unwilling minor, you ass! Lay one hand on her and I swear to Kami I will disembowel you and choke you with it myself! Come on Maron, lets leave." Maron got up and hid behind her. Bulma started walking down the hall.
"Bulma?" Her dad called. "Bulma. Bulma! BULMA!!"
Bulma cringed but kept walking. Standing up to her father had been the hardest thing she ever had to do. He was the man that taught her how to ride a bike. He was there when the next door neighbors had made fun of her. In fact she wouldn't even have had the courage if it hadn't been her best friend. She was partly disgusted with herself for not interrupting sooner. She still couldn't believe he would try to push up on a minor. She was scared, how many times do you curse out your father? It wasn't like he could kick her out though. Bulma had invented half of CC products, including the popular capsules, and had a patent on them. So he could kick her out if he wished but he also be kissing half of the CC fortune and clients goodbye. Bulma had enough money stashed away to live on her own but she wanted to wait until she finished her senior year.
Now she felt slightly braver, she could stand up for her friends, if not herself, when need be. Bulma didn't think she would cuss out her dad again but the fact that she knew that she could made her feel a little better about herself. What Bulma didn't know was if she should break the news to her mom. It could ruin their relationship. Then again it could already be ruined. Why else would dad go hit on some other woman?
Bulma turned to Maron. "Wait for me in the car. You'll be safe, trust me." She nodded and disappeared through the door. Bulma turned and started climbing the stairs. Her parents room was on the other side of the complex on the third floor. She could have taken the elevator but she needed the exercise. At least that was she has been telling herself when in reality she was just stalling. When she reached the door, way too quickly, she knocked.
"Come in!" Bunny practically sang.
Slowly she opened the door and poked her head in. Her mother looked so cheery she didn't want to tell her but she knew that she had to. "There's something important that I have to tell you."
"Have a seat dear."
Bulma sat down next to her. "Well what I have to tell you, you might not want to hear."
"We can't know that for sure unless you tell me."
She sighed. Her mother had the strangest yet startlingly rational logic. "There's easy way to say this but here goes. That new intern Maron with the blue hair, well she went to go see what dad wanted. and.he.well.he kissed Ms. Harris. When Marron went to quit he was all over her. And she's only 17, like me. She was so upset she was crying and very shaken up. Mom, dad's cheating on you." She held her breath and studied her mother's face.
-- Waiting for you to be react -
Bunny blinked a couple times and then to Bulma's surprise laughed. "You must be mistaken."
"I'm not!"
"Your father would never do anything like that! Never!"
"But-"
"You're mistaken."
"I saw-"
"You're mistaken."
"He-"
"You're mistaken."
Bulma sighed and kissed her on the cheek. "You're right, what was I thinking? Look I'm going to be staying at 18's for a while is that ok?"
"Yeah sure sweetie!"
Bulma got up and walked out. After seeing her look so happy she almost felt guilty for having to break the news to her. Then the look on her face when she told her was the look of grim determination. It was as if she could convince Bulma that he wasn't cheating then it never happened. It looked like Bunny believed was she said. She doesn't believe he would do that to her. And Bulma, like a coward, could not bear to ruin her happiness.
Bulma walked out to the car. "We're gonna stay at 18's house for a while."
"Why?"
"I just can be in that house with that man any longer! So do you want to pick up some clothes or something?"
"Yeah sure."
"Where do you live?"
"Westwood Apartments." The drive there was silent. Bulma was deep in thought about her situation. And Kami knows what Maron was thinking about. She pulled into the parking space. Maron walked up to the door and pulled out her key. She had to struggle to push the door open because all the glass bottles where in the way.
On the couch was a lanky man with green hair combed over his retreating hair line, bloodshot glassy blue eyes, and sweat stained clothes. He looked at her. "What are you doing here so early? Who the hell is she?" He voice had a drunken slur.
"That's Bra-"
"What kind of name is that?"
Bulma frowned. "I beg your pardon?"
He stood up. "I don't know who the hell you are missy but no one talks down at me in my home."
She turned to Maron. "Go get all your things." She nodded and went into a back room.
The man narrowed his eyes. "What's going on here?" He took a long swig from his beer can.
"Maron is moving out."
"Maron is my daughter and I says she ain't going no where."
"I don't know you or what goes on this household and frankly sir it's none of my Kami damned business-"
"Damn straight."
"-but what goes on in my house is my business. I feel that she is not in a positive home environment and it is my job that to see that she gets a good home."
"This would be a good home if she wasn't such a damn slut. She couldn't get a decent paying job except being a whore but she is one already and doesn't get paid for that!"
"I'm sorry you feel that way."
"What's that suppose ta mean?"
"Let me word this so that you can understand. You're an ass!"
He turned red. "HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT YOU LITTLE BITCH?!"
"You're fired."
"What?"
"Do you work for capsule corp?"
"No I'm a janitor for the West City Mall."
"Yeah well I own the damn mall and I say you're fired jackass." Maron came in with her bags. "I hope you burn in hell for the rest of eternity. Come on Maron. Don't worry about your furniture, I'll by you some new furniture." Bulma turned around and walked out with Maron trailing behind her. When they got to her car, Maron's dad stuck his head out the window.
"Don't you ever come back you little bitch! You are a whore just like your mama, I hope you die like she did to!" He threw some beer bottles at them but he was too drunk to hit them.
Bulma stepped on the gas pedal. She had no idea that her dad would be like that. Maron seemed so careful and happy all the time. She glanced at her, she saw no bruises. How was she supposed to know this was going on? And she thought her dad was awful.
