Last time:
"Not if we do it right."
"Oh, and what's the right way?"
Chi-Chi smirked deviously, leaning back and crossing her arms over her chest.
**********************************************************
Bulma sat nervously in on a large ottoman, knees pressed together, twirling her hair, as she waited to be called in for her audition. All afternoon she'd been preparing herself for it, acting out scenes from her favorite movies in the bathroom mirror. She thought she didn't look half bad, but after being witness to some of the other auditioners, her confidence quickly began to fade.
"Calm down," Yamcha whispered sincerely, placing a steady hand on her back, as he took a seat next to her. "You'll do fine." He handed her the can of soda he'd gone to get her, then grabbed his own off the floor where he'd set it.
"Oh yeah?" she practically barked, nearly ripping the top off the can. "Look at all those other people. None of them are nearly as nervous as I am. I shouldn't have even considered this. What the hell was I thinking?"
"I'm sure they're just as nervous as you are, maybe more. And you were thinking that you can finally do this, because you can. You did fine in front of that class you had to teach, right?"
"Yeah," she sighed, taking a sip of the soda. "But that was different."
"How?"
"I knew everything I was going to say, inside and out. It's second nature to me. But this-" She indicated to the stage were a tall woman with long red hair was auditioning. "-is completely alien. I don't know what made me think I could ever do this."
"We can leave if you want. You can go home, relax, and be there when Vegeta brings Trunks back. Who did you get to stay there anyway?"
"Oh, my mom. Her and my dad decided to cut their vacation short, just got home yesterday."
"Oh, well that's nice. You ready to-"
"Bulma Briefs!" a feminine voice called from the other side of the room. Bulma stood and motioned to the woman that she was there.
"You can still leave," Yamcha said, grabbing her wrist gently.
"I know," she said in a low voice, then looked up at him. "But I'm here and it won't kill me. So, I might as well. Kami knows I'll never forgive myself."
"Alright. I'll be rooting for you."
"Yeah," she laughed, shaking loose her arm and walking to the woman. "Hi, I'm Bulma," she said, extending her hand to her. She took it, giving her a rather odd look, then handed her a piece of paper.
"Stand center stage and read the high lighted words," the woman instructed, pointing to the stage.
"Sure." She headed towards the large elevated wooden platform stage, feeling as though she was walking towards the gallows to be hung. Of course it only seemed much more terrifying to her for being put to death sounded much more appealing to her right now. She was almost to the steps when she noticed something on the piece of paper, which was a portion of the script. "Excuse me," she called, waving the paper. "This isn't what was advertised on the poster I saw."
"I know," the woman replied, hopping into her tattered director's chair. "There was an error in shipping of the costumes. We received Victorian costumes instead of the ones we ordered and to have them reshipped would take too long and be too costly. Is it a problem? Romeo and Juliet is a very renowned and respectable play Ms. Briefs."
"No, no problem. I was just wondering. I'm reading for-" She glanced at the script. "-Lady Capulet."
"Yes, are you ready?"
"Yeah.." She gripped the paper firmly, preparing herself for the laughter and ridicule that she was sure to receive for turning out a disgraceful performance. "He-He is a kinsman to the Montague; affection makes-"
"Excuse me, I can't hear you. Can you please speak up?"
"I'm sorry. This is my first time on stage."
"Right. Ok, ready? And with feeling."
"He is a k-kinsman-"
"More feeling!"
"H-He is a kinsman to..to..t-the-"
"Ms. Briefs, please, I do not like my time wasted!"
Bulma clenched her fists, slightly crumpling the paper in her hands. No one yelled at her like that. "He is a kinsman to the Montague; affection makes him false, he speaks not true!" she screamed, pulling one of her fists to her side. " Some twenty of them fought in this black strife, and all those twenty could but kill one life!" Her voice echoed through off the walls, her free arm waving and motioning in correspondence to her words. "I beg for justice which thou, Prince, must give. Romeo slew Tybalt; Romeo must not live!" The last note of her voice rang from floor to ceiling, front to back, her knuckles white with tension, her breath quickened in excitement and anger at the woman.
"Kami," she gasped, standing and clapping. "Bravo! Bravo! I must say, you are an excellent actress Bulma! You are my Juliet!"
"Well I-Wait, what did you say?"
"You're an excellent actress?" she asked, getting back on her chair.
"No, the last part."
"You are my Juliet. You've got the part."
"But I-The lead? I didn't-"
"It doesn't matter. I need your fire for Juliet. Will you accept?"
She didn't reply, starring out at the empty seats before her. The director was perched on her seat, looking proud, in front of all the seats. Yamcha, who was still clapping, was standing beside the oversized ottoman at the back of the room where she could barely see him.
"Well?"
"Do it!" Yamcha yelled, walking in their direction. "Bulma, that was amazing!"
"Do I have my star Juliet?" Yamcha stopped in front of the stage, extending his arms to Bulma.
"Come on, I'll catch you." She gave him a strange look, but jumped nonetheless. He caught her, as promised, and twirled her around and, before he set her down, gave her a huge hug.
"Well?"
"I accept," she finally agreed, with a huge smile.
"Thank Kami," the director sighed, extending her arm to her. "Welcome aboard. Sorry I was so harsh with you earlier, but as you can see, it works for some people. Sometimes you just need that extra little push to bring out your inner actress."
"Oh, it's quite alright. It was exhilarating. I wish I tried it sooner. But what about all the others who are auditioning for Juliet? Don't they deserve a chance too? I'm sure there are much better people than-"
"If I find a miracle I'll call you, I have your number. But don't expect that to happen. I'll call you for the first rehearsal."
"Sounds..good," she sighed, looking off with a certain satisfactory gleam in her eyes. She, Bulma Briefs, was going to act. In a play. On stage. In front of people. With eyes. And she was going to be the lead. "Should I take a script with me?"
"Oh!" The director hit her forehead with the butt of her hand then grabbed a script from a box beside her, hurriedly handing it to Bulma, taking her hands as well. "Skim it. Look over the first few scenes you're in. Memorize some of the lines if you can." She paused, taking a deep breath, obviously more than satisfied. "You're a wonderful actress Bulma, but your fear-"
"I know, I have to work on it."
"Find out why you're afraid to be on stage in front of people. It's not because you're afraid you'll mess up or that you're scared in front of crowds or with strangers, I can see as much. You have a gift Bulma, don't waste it because you don't think you can do it. You have to know you can, feel the part, become Juliet."
"I-I'll do my best. Thank you again. I'll look forward to your call," she replied a little uneasily, loosening her hands from her grasp. Here this woman, who had yelled at her before, was now practically praising her for something she been scared to death of since as long as she could remember. It wasn't that she didn't like acting, it was absolute magnificent to her; being up there, screaming those words with such passion. It was such a rush, but there was something that was pulling at her, telling her it wasn't for her. Miss Higashikuni (the director) was right; it wasn't the people or being up there or a social disorder, because she definitely didn't have that. It was something else, something deeper, and she needed to know what if she was going to be in this play.
********************************************************
Bulma pulled into her driveway, the after effects of her audition still taking their toll on her. She still couldn't believe she'd done it, much less had gotten a part, and she definitely never dreamed of that part being the lead. Her, Juliet Capulet, on stage, telling a love story to a crowd of nameless people.
"Bulma," Yamcha said, grabbing her attention. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, looking over at him.
"You were amazing tonight. I never thought you had it in you."
"Thanks." She turned off the car and got out, pushing the button for it to lock when Yamcha was out. "And thanks for coming. I needed the support."
"Anytime, " he said, extending his arms to her. "Come on, gimmie a hug." She walked over to him, wrapping her arms around him, feeling completely comfortable. "You'll do great."
"Good night," she whispered, squeezing one last time.
"Good night."
She walked slowly into the house, swinging her purse, allowing her happiness to wrap itself around her. She was so caught up in her swell of emotion that she didn't see the figure sitting in her living room when she walked in and turned on the light.
"Bulma," said a voice, startling her and causing her to nearly trip over her feet.
"Fuck Vegeta!" she swore, placing her hand on her chest, her heart racing rapidly. "What the hell are you doing? Or more to the point, what the hell are you doing in my house?" It was then that she noticed her son in his lap, sleeping peacefully. "Where are my parents and everyone else?"
"How should I know?" he scoffed, wrinkling his nose. "What are you so damn cheery about anyway?"
"None of your damn business," she hissed, reaching for Trunks. He heeded her command, gently handing him over. She cradled him in her arms, admiring his slick purple locks and pudgy little nose before she continued. "But, if you must know, I got the lead in a play downtown."
"That's a good one woman. I'll see you in a week."
"No, I'm serious. I'm playing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the Arakida Theatre. See?" She motioned towards her script that was lying on the floor from when Vegeta had scared her.
"Well you're pretty fucking brave," he replied monotone, picking up the script and setting it on the table beside him. "I'll give you that. I never thought you'd be in another play after what happened."
"What are you talking about?" she sneered, narrowing her brow.
"You don't remember?" She shook her head. "You used to be in all the school plays in elementary school. You used to want to be an actress." He said it as though it were common knowledge, though it was to her, she'd just sort of forgotten it with all the new things that kept coming into her life.
"See? Then I'm perf-"
"But suddenly you stopped and developed stage fright."
"So what. So I didn't lik-"
"You stopped because Koichi and Gemmei died." Bulma glared daggers at him for bringing up their names to her. It wasn't that she didn't like to be reminded of them, she loved thinking of them, how she used to spend time with them; it was that it was Vegeta and since what had happened between them she didn't feel he had a right to mention them in her presence. "They used to act and you used to go to all their plays and-" He paused, gently grabbing her face and forcing her to look at him, though she avoided looking directly into his eyes. "-you used to dress up in all the costumes, even if they were all too big." She continued to glare at him, though her eyes softened some as the memories came flooding back. "And after they died, you couldn't take it and shut out everything that had to do with them." She finally met his eyes, her eyebrows easing into a soft expression. Vegeta removed his hand from her face, putting it in his pocket. "I think my mom still has a picture of you with a suit coat and cane and a hat that almost covered your whole head."
Bulma let out a little laugh, recalling the exact moment he was talking about. He'd been there that day, and had taken the picture. He was wearing high heels and a huge red dress with a blonde wig.
"And I think I still have a picture of you as a woman," she sighed with another little laugh, hoping he didn't see the tears that were about to escape her eyes.
"Well," he said, lifting his hand and whipping her eyes; he'd seen them. "You can burn that."
"No chance." And, for the first time in an entire year, she smiled at him, soft and sincere.
"Bulma, ca-"
*RING! RING! RING!*
"Hello?" Bulma asked, answering the phone, holding her finger out for Vegeta to hold his thought.
"Bulma sweety," said Mrs. Briefs on the other line.
"Mom, are you alright? You sound upset."
"Honey, I think you should-should sit d-down," she managed between sobs.
"Mom, what's going on?" she asked, taking a shaky seat. Vegeta, witnessing a potential disaster, gently grabbed Trunks from her, rocking him slowly so he didn't wake.
"Everyone is ok. B-"
"Ok!? What happened!? Where are you!? What's going on!?"
"Sweety, please, calm down," came her father's voice. He was upset as well, though hiding it much better than his wife. "Sorry we weren't there to watch Trunks." He paused, taking a deep breath. "Shirosama, Mai, and Jun'ko were in a car accident tonight."
"Holy Kami!" she cried, gripping the side of the couch. "What happened!? Are they alright!? What happened!? Dad!"
"Shh, shh, shh. Everyone is alive. Don't worry. Please you need to calm down. Is anyone there with you?"
"Vegeta."
"Ok, put him on." With trembling hands she handed him the phone, telling him her father wanted to speak with him. He took it, taking a seat next to her, Trunks in his lap.
"Hello?"
"Vegeta, hi. Sorry, I have to be quick about this."
"It's fine."
"Bulma's too upset for me to tell her and I can't be on long. After I tell you what's going on you need to bring her to the Okano Hospital, ok?"
"Ok."
"Alright. Shirosama, Mai, and Jun'ko were in a car accident. Everyone is alive, but Shirosama and Jun'ko are in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) right now." He paused for a split second, blowing his nose. "Shirosama was driving and another driver collided with him, he didn't have anytime to get out of the way; he has a b-broken leg and punctured h-heart and lungs." He stopped again, choking down some tears. "Mai, she-she has a broken arm and minor cuts. B-But Jun'ko..She-She-Both her legs were crushed, one of her arms, her liver, and she needs stitches on her forehead from hitting the dashboard. Please, tell Bulma, calmly, comfort her, and bring her here as soon as you can."
"I-I will."
The phone went dead, the dial tone ringing in his ear. He hung it up, putting his arm back into place under Trunks' legs.
"Wh-What did he say?" Bulma sobbed.
"Come on." He stood, heading towards the door. "I'll tell you on the way."
"To where?"
"The hospital."
*************************************************************
Vegeta drove as quickly as he could, without startling Bulma, carefully and calmly explaining what her father had told him. Trunks was securely in the back seat in his baby seat, wide awake by now and in a rather playful mood. Bulma sat, nervously pulling at her seat belt or biting her nails while she listened to Vegeta.
"They're all going to be fine," Vegeta finished with, bravely reaching over and grabbing her hand. She subconsciously grabbed back, tightly squeezing his hand, not realizing how familiar it felt. "How'd you come about the audition?" he asked, trying to get her mind off the accident.
"I was shopping," she sighed, resting her head on the window. "Some woman ran into me and when I turned around I saw a poster." She paused, her free hand playing with the hem of her shirt. "It wasn't for Romeo and Juliet, but there was a mix up in shipping or something with costumes."
"Why couldn't they re-ship everything?" He smiled inwardly to himself for having successfully gotten her mind in another place for the time being.
"Too costly and it would take too long. I don't mind though. I used to love that play when I was younger."
"I remember. You used to make me be Romeo and Tybalt and act out with you."
"Yeah," she sighed with a tiny hint of a laugh. "Kind of hard to be both when they're in a scene together. But you did it." She sighed again, watching the white lines of the road fly by in a blur as she reminisced about their past. In the back of her mind she wondered why he hadn't insisted on bringing up their break up, any other time they would have been at each others' throats by now. But she figured it was the situation, he wouldn't dare, and she thanked him, to herself, for that.
Some five to ten minutes later they pulled into the hospital's parking lot. It took a few minutes for Vegeta to find a parking space, having to circle around a few times. And the second the car was off, Bulma sprang from it, running towards the entrance. Vegeta had to sprint to catch her.
"Bulma, please, let me do the talking," he said, pulling her to his chest. She heeded, angrily, pushing him back. "Stay here." He ran back quickly, grabbed Trunks, then they walked into the hospital, a surprisingly few number of people there. "Excuse me," he said to the receptionist. "My friend's siblings were in a car accident this evening. Her father told me to come here."
"Last name?"
"Briefs. First names are Shirosama, Mai, and Jun'ko."
"Yes, the family is in waiting room 13G on the fourth floor."
"Thank you." He motioned for Bulma to follow him, which she did immediately, she wasn't going to just stand there and not see her family. "Do you want to hold him?" he asked once they were in the elevator. "He keeps reaching for you." She smiled at her son, grabbing him and gently rocking him until he was sound asleep. "How the hell do you do that? He never falls asleep that fast for me."
"Practice," she sighed, just as the doors opened to the fourth floor. She hurriedly walked out, looking from side to side to find their destination. Vegeta grabbed her shoulders and pointed to the right where the sign read: Rooms E to G and ICU.
"Come on." He pulled her gently along by her waist, scanning the rooms to their right while she frantically looked to the left. He was about ready to turn around and look in the other direction when a sign caught his eye: Waiting Room 13G. He poked Bulma in the shoulder then pointed to the sign and right before she ran in he looped his arm around her waist and pulled her back. "Calmly," he whispered, leading her in.
"Mom!" she cried as her mother came into view. She ran to her, wrapping an arm around her neck, the other carefully holding Trunks. "Vegeta told me everything! Where are they?"
"Still in the ICU dear," she sighed with a bitter smile. "But the doctor was just here. She said they're doing much better. You can see Mai if you'd like."
"Where?" She looked around, half expected to see her sitting in one of the waiting room chairs, her little legs dangling over the side, far too short to touch the ground. But she wasn't. Instead, she saw her father and all her other siblings sitting quietly; it was the quietest she'd ever seen them.
"Come with me." She placed her hand on her back, leading her down the hall a little way and into a small room with two beds, one of which was unoccupied, the other containing a surprisingly happy Mai.
"Bulma!" she cried, extended one of her arms; the other was in a cast, yellow, her favorite color.
"Oh Mai," she sighed, handing Trunks to her mother. She ran over to the bed, cautiously wrapping her arms around her littlest sister. "How are you feeling?" she asked and she took a seat next to her on the bed.
"Oh, I'm alright. My arm doesn't hurt cause the doctor's gave me painkillers. I'm just worried about Jun'ko and Shirosama. Are they all better yet?" Bulma shook her head solemnly, there was no way she could lie to her; one, she was be too guilty and two, Mai was far too perceptive to let anything get by her.
"But they're doing better mom tells me." Mrs. Briefs nodded in agreement, taking a seat in the chair at the foot of the bed. "Why are you still in here?"
"The doctors said they wanted to run some tests before I can leave. They want to check and make sure I didn't get any internal damage like Shiro and Juny."
"Well you look great." She smiled, kissing her forehead lightly. "Can I sign your cast later?"
"Of course, B," she giggled, resting back on her over sized pillows. "Do-Do you think Shirosama and Jun'ko will be alright?"
"Mai, of course they will. They're not going anywhere."
"Can you guys see them yet?"
"No sweety," Mrs. Briefs replied. "But we will be able to soon. Probably tomorrow morning."
"When can I leave?"
"Whenever the doctor says you can. Do you want me to stay the night with you?"
"Can you?"
"Of course honey." She then turned to Bulma. "I'm going to change Trunks. Did you bring his diaper bag?"
"Kuso!" she swore. "No, we were in such a hurry to get here I forgot it."
"We?"
"Me and Vegeta."
"Oh, I see," she said with a hint of a smile. "Oh well, I'll see if one of the nurse's can help me out. I'm sure they have diapers somewhere around here."
"Vegeta's here?" Mai asked once her mother was gone. Bulma nodded, looking at the floor. "Why?"
"He was dropping Trunks off when mom called and drove me here."
"Why?"
"I was too upset to drive myself."
"Oh, I see. Can I see him?"
"Why do you want to see him?" She arched her eyebrow at her sister, tilting her head to the side.
"I wanted to talk to him about something. Is that a problem?"
"No, I guess not. I'll go get him."
"Wait!"
"Yeah?"
"How did your audition go?"
"Oh, I got the lead in Romeo and Juliet."
"Wow, great job sis."
"Thanks."
"Can I go to the play?"
"Of course you can, the whole family is going to go. I wouldn't let you miss it for the world."
"Then I'll be there."
***************************************************************
---Chapter 7!! Yay! I'm speedy again, sort of, I think :P How did everyone like it? I hope you all LOVED it! :D And I hope I get a million reviews!
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next time: More auditions, some of Bulma's college, Vegeta and Bulma interaction, more with Chi-Chi, Goku, Krillin, and 18 (all of this is maybe stuff, I'll try to do some of them..).
"Not if we do it right."
"Oh, and what's the right way?"
Chi-Chi smirked deviously, leaning back and crossing her arms over her chest.
**********************************************************
Bulma sat nervously in on a large ottoman, knees pressed together, twirling her hair, as she waited to be called in for her audition. All afternoon she'd been preparing herself for it, acting out scenes from her favorite movies in the bathroom mirror. She thought she didn't look half bad, but after being witness to some of the other auditioners, her confidence quickly began to fade.
"Calm down," Yamcha whispered sincerely, placing a steady hand on her back, as he took a seat next to her. "You'll do fine." He handed her the can of soda he'd gone to get her, then grabbed his own off the floor where he'd set it.
"Oh yeah?" she practically barked, nearly ripping the top off the can. "Look at all those other people. None of them are nearly as nervous as I am. I shouldn't have even considered this. What the hell was I thinking?"
"I'm sure they're just as nervous as you are, maybe more. And you were thinking that you can finally do this, because you can. You did fine in front of that class you had to teach, right?"
"Yeah," she sighed, taking a sip of the soda. "But that was different."
"How?"
"I knew everything I was going to say, inside and out. It's second nature to me. But this-" She indicated to the stage were a tall woman with long red hair was auditioning. "-is completely alien. I don't know what made me think I could ever do this."
"We can leave if you want. You can go home, relax, and be there when Vegeta brings Trunks back. Who did you get to stay there anyway?"
"Oh, my mom. Her and my dad decided to cut their vacation short, just got home yesterday."
"Oh, well that's nice. You ready to-"
"Bulma Briefs!" a feminine voice called from the other side of the room. Bulma stood and motioned to the woman that she was there.
"You can still leave," Yamcha said, grabbing her wrist gently.
"I know," she said in a low voice, then looked up at him. "But I'm here and it won't kill me. So, I might as well. Kami knows I'll never forgive myself."
"Alright. I'll be rooting for you."
"Yeah," she laughed, shaking loose her arm and walking to the woman. "Hi, I'm Bulma," she said, extending her hand to her. She took it, giving her a rather odd look, then handed her a piece of paper.
"Stand center stage and read the high lighted words," the woman instructed, pointing to the stage.
"Sure." She headed towards the large elevated wooden platform stage, feeling as though she was walking towards the gallows to be hung. Of course it only seemed much more terrifying to her for being put to death sounded much more appealing to her right now. She was almost to the steps when she noticed something on the piece of paper, which was a portion of the script. "Excuse me," she called, waving the paper. "This isn't what was advertised on the poster I saw."
"I know," the woman replied, hopping into her tattered director's chair. "There was an error in shipping of the costumes. We received Victorian costumes instead of the ones we ordered and to have them reshipped would take too long and be too costly. Is it a problem? Romeo and Juliet is a very renowned and respectable play Ms. Briefs."
"No, no problem. I was just wondering. I'm reading for-" She glanced at the script. "-Lady Capulet."
"Yes, are you ready?"
"Yeah.." She gripped the paper firmly, preparing herself for the laughter and ridicule that she was sure to receive for turning out a disgraceful performance. "He-He is a kinsman to the Montague; affection makes-"
"Excuse me, I can't hear you. Can you please speak up?"
"I'm sorry. This is my first time on stage."
"Right. Ok, ready? And with feeling."
"He is a k-kinsman-"
"More feeling!"
"H-He is a kinsman to..to..t-the-"
"Ms. Briefs, please, I do not like my time wasted!"
Bulma clenched her fists, slightly crumpling the paper in her hands. No one yelled at her like that. "He is a kinsman to the Montague; affection makes him false, he speaks not true!" she screamed, pulling one of her fists to her side. " Some twenty of them fought in this black strife, and all those twenty could but kill one life!" Her voice echoed through off the walls, her free arm waving and motioning in correspondence to her words. "I beg for justice which thou, Prince, must give. Romeo slew Tybalt; Romeo must not live!" The last note of her voice rang from floor to ceiling, front to back, her knuckles white with tension, her breath quickened in excitement and anger at the woman.
"Kami," she gasped, standing and clapping. "Bravo! Bravo! I must say, you are an excellent actress Bulma! You are my Juliet!"
"Well I-Wait, what did you say?"
"You're an excellent actress?" she asked, getting back on her chair.
"No, the last part."
"You are my Juliet. You've got the part."
"But I-The lead? I didn't-"
"It doesn't matter. I need your fire for Juliet. Will you accept?"
She didn't reply, starring out at the empty seats before her. The director was perched on her seat, looking proud, in front of all the seats. Yamcha, who was still clapping, was standing beside the oversized ottoman at the back of the room where she could barely see him.
"Well?"
"Do it!" Yamcha yelled, walking in their direction. "Bulma, that was amazing!"
"Do I have my star Juliet?" Yamcha stopped in front of the stage, extending his arms to Bulma.
"Come on, I'll catch you." She gave him a strange look, but jumped nonetheless. He caught her, as promised, and twirled her around and, before he set her down, gave her a huge hug.
"Well?"
"I accept," she finally agreed, with a huge smile.
"Thank Kami," the director sighed, extending her arm to her. "Welcome aboard. Sorry I was so harsh with you earlier, but as you can see, it works for some people. Sometimes you just need that extra little push to bring out your inner actress."
"Oh, it's quite alright. It was exhilarating. I wish I tried it sooner. But what about all the others who are auditioning for Juliet? Don't they deserve a chance too? I'm sure there are much better people than-"
"If I find a miracle I'll call you, I have your number. But don't expect that to happen. I'll call you for the first rehearsal."
"Sounds..good," she sighed, looking off with a certain satisfactory gleam in her eyes. She, Bulma Briefs, was going to act. In a play. On stage. In front of people. With eyes. And she was going to be the lead. "Should I take a script with me?"
"Oh!" The director hit her forehead with the butt of her hand then grabbed a script from a box beside her, hurriedly handing it to Bulma, taking her hands as well. "Skim it. Look over the first few scenes you're in. Memorize some of the lines if you can." She paused, taking a deep breath, obviously more than satisfied. "You're a wonderful actress Bulma, but your fear-"
"I know, I have to work on it."
"Find out why you're afraid to be on stage in front of people. It's not because you're afraid you'll mess up or that you're scared in front of crowds or with strangers, I can see as much. You have a gift Bulma, don't waste it because you don't think you can do it. You have to know you can, feel the part, become Juliet."
"I-I'll do my best. Thank you again. I'll look forward to your call," she replied a little uneasily, loosening her hands from her grasp. Here this woman, who had yelled at her before, was now practically praising her for something she been scared to death of since as long as she could remember. It wasn't that she didn't like acting, it was absolute magnificent to her; being up there, screaming those words with such passion. It was such a rush, but there was something that was pulling at her, telling her it wasn't for her. Miss Higashikuni (the director) was right; it wasn't the people or being up there or a social disorder, because she definitely didn't have that. It was something else, something deeper, and she needed to know what if she was going to be in this play.
********************************************************
Bulma pulled into her driveway, the after effects of her audition still taking their toll on her. She still couldn't believe she'd done it, much less had gotten a part, and she definitely never dreamed of that part being the lead. Her, Juliet Capulet, on stage, telling a love story to a crowd of nameless people.
"Bulma," Yamcha said, grabbing her attention. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, looking over at him.
"You were amazing tonight. I never thought you had it in you."
"Thanks." She turned off the car and got out, pushing the button for it to lock when Yamcha was out. "And thanks for coming. I needed the support."
"Anytime, " he said, extending his arms to her. "Come on, gimmie a hug." She walked over to him, wrapping her arms around him, feeling completely comfortable. "You'll do great."
"Good night," she whispered, squeezing one last time.
"Good night."
She walked slowly into the house, swinging her purse, allowing her happiness to wrap itself around her. She was so caught up in her swell of emotion that she didn't see the figure sitting in her living room when she walked in and turned on the light.
"Bulma," said a voice, startling her and causing her to nearly trip over her feet.
"Fuck Vegeta!" she swore, placing her hand on her chest, her heart racing rapidly. "What the hell are you doing? Or more to the point, what the hell are you doing in my house?" It was then that she noticed her son in his lap, sleeping peacefully. "Where are my parents and everyone else?"
"How should I know?" he scoffed, wrinkling his nose. "What are you so damn cheery about anyway?"
"None of your damn business," she hissed, reaching for Trunks. He heeded her command, gently handing him over. She cradled him in her arms, admiring his slick purple locks and pudgy little nose before she continued. "But, if you must know, I got the lead in a play downtown."
"That's a good one woman. I'll see you in a week."
"No, I'm serious. I'm playing Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the Arakida Theatre. See?" She motioned towards her script that was lying on the floor from when Vegeta had scared her.
"Well you're pretty fucking brave," he replied monotone, picking up the script and setting it on the table beside him. "I'll give you that. I never thought you'd be in another play after what happened."
"What are you talking about?" she sneered, narrowing her brow.
"You don't remember?" She shook her head. "You used to be in all the school plays in elementary school. You used to want to be an actress." He said it as though it were common knowledge, though it was to her, she'd just sort of forgotten it with all the new things that kept coming into her life.
"See? Then I'm perf-"
"But suddenly you stopped and developed stage fright."
"So what. So I didn't lik-"
"You stopped because Koichi and Gemmei died." Bulma glared daggers at him for bringing up their names to her. It wasn't that she didn't like to be reminded of them, she loved thinking of them, how she used to spend time with them; it was that it was Vegeta and since what had happened between them she didn't feel he had a right to mention them in her presence. "They used to act and you used to go to all their plays and-" He paused, gently grabbing her face and forcing her to look at him, though she avoided looking directly into his eyes. "-you used to dress up in all the costumes, even if they were all too big." She continued to glare at him, though her eyes softened some as the memories came flooding back. "And after they died, you couldn't take it and shut out everything that had to do with them." She finally met his eyes, her eyebrows easing into a soft expression. Vegeta removed his hand from her face, putting it in his pocket. "I think my mom still has a picture of you with a suit coat and cane and a hat that almost covered your whole head."
Bulma let out a little laugh, recalling the exact moment he was talking about. He'd been there that day, and had taken the picture. He was wearing high heels and a huge red dress with a blonde wig.
"And I think I still have a picture of you as a woman," she sighed with another little laugh, hoping he didn't see the tears that were about to escape her eyes.
"Well," he said, lifting his hand and whipping her eyes; he'd seen them. "You can burn that."
"No chance." And, for the first time in an entire year, she smiled at him, soft and sincere.
"Bulma, ca-"
*RING! RING! RING!*
"Hello?" Bulma asked, answering the phone, holding her finger out for Vegeta to hold his thought.
"Bulma sweety," said Mrs. Briefs on the other line.
"Mom, are you alright? You sound upset."
"Honey, I think you should-should sit d-down," she managed between sobs.
"Mom, what's going on?" she asked, taking a shaky seat. Vegeta, witnessing a potential disaster, gently grabbed Trunks from her, rocking him slowly so he didn't wake.
"Everyone is ok. B-"
"Ok!? What happened!? Where are you!? What's going on!?"
"Sweety, please, calm down," came her father's voice. He was upset as well, though hiding it much better than his wife. "Sorry we weren't there to watch Trunks." He paused, taking a deep breath. "Shirosama, Mai, and Jun'ko were in a car accident tonight."
"Holy Kami!" she cried, gripping the side of the couch. "What happened!? Are they alright!? What happened!? Dad!"
"Shh, shh, shh. Everyone is alive. Don't worry. Please you need to calm down. Is anyone there with you?"
"Vegeta."
"Ok, put him on." With trembling hands she handed him the phone, telling him her father wanted to speak with him. He took it, taking a seat next to her, Trunks in his lap.
"Hello?"
"Vegeta, hi. Sorry, I have to be quick about this."
"It's fine."
"Bulma's too upset for me to tell her and I can't be on long. After I tell you what's going on you need to bring her to the Okano Hospital, ok?"
"Ok."
"Alright. Shirosama, Mai, and Jun'ko were in a car accident. Everyone is alive, but Shirosama and Jun'ko are in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) right now." He paused for a split second, blowing his nose. "Shirosama was driving and another driver collided with him, he didn't have anytime to get out of the way; he has a b-broken leg and punctured h-heart and lungs." He stopped again, choking down some tears. "Mai, she-she has a broken arm and minor cuts. B-But Jun'ko..She-She-Both her legs were crushed, one of her arms, her liver, and she needs stitches on her forehead from hitting the dashboard. Please, tell Bulma, calmly, comfort her, and bring her here as soon as you can."
"I-I will."
The phone went dead, the dial tone ringing in his ear. He hung it up, putting his arm back into place under Trunks' legs.
"Wh-What did he say?" Bulma sobbed.
"Come on." He stood, heading towards the door. "I'll tell you on the way."
"To where?"
"The hospital."
*************************************************************
Vegeta drove as quickly as he could, without startling Bulma, carefully and calmly explaining what her father had told him. Trunks was securely in the back seat in his baby seat, wide awake by now and in a rather playful mood. Bulma sat, nervously pulling at her seat belt or biting her nails while she listened to Vegeta.
"They're all going to be fine," Vegeta finished with, bravely reaching over and grabbing her hand. She subconsciously grabbed back, tightly squeezing his hand, not realizing how familiar it felt. "How'd you come about the audition?" he asked, trying to get her mind off the accident.
"I was shopping," she sighed, resting her head on the window. "Some woman ran into me and when I turned around I saw a poster." She paused, her free hand playing with the hem of her shirt. "It wasn't for Romeo and Juliet, but there was a mix up in shipping or something with costumes."
"Why couldn't they re-ship everything?" He smiled inwardly to himself for having successfully gotten her mind in another place for the time being.
"Too costly and it would take too long. I don't mind though. I used to love that play when I was younger."
"I remember. You used to make me be Romeo and Tybalt and act out with you."
"Yeah," she sighed with a tiny hint of a laugh. "Kind of hard to be both when they're in a scene together. But you did it." She sighed again, watching the white lines of the road fly by in a blur as she reminisced about their past. In the back of her mind she wondered why he hadn't insisted on bringing up their break up, any other time they would have been at each others' throats by now. But she figured it was the situation, he wouldn't dare, and she thanked him, to herself, for that.
Some five to ten minutes later they pulled into the hospital's parking lot. It took a few minutes for Vegeta to find a parking space, having to circle around a few times. And the second the car was off, Bulma sprang from it, running towards the entrance. Vegeta had to sprint to catch her.
"Bulma, please, let me do the talking," he said, pulling her to his chest. She heeded, angrily, pushing him back. "Stay here." He ran back quickly, grabbed Trunks, then they walked into the hospital, a surprisingly few number of people there. "Excuse me," he said to the receptionist. "My friend's siblings were in a car accident this evening. Her father told me to come here."
"Last name?"
"Briefs. First names are Shirosama, Mai, and Jun'ko."
"Yes, the family is in waiting room 13G on the fourth floor."
"Thank you." He motioned for Bulma to follow him, which she did immediately, she wasn't going to just stand there and not see her family. "Do you want to hold him?" he asked once they were in the elevator. "He keeps reaching for you." She smiled at her son, grabbing him and gently rocking him until he was sound asleep. "How the hell do you do that? He never falls asleep that fast for me."
"Practice," she sighed, just as the doors opened to the fourth floor. She hurriedly walked out, looking from side to side to find their destination. Vegeta grabbed her shoulders and pointed to the right where the sign read: Rooms E to G and ICU.
"Come on." He pulled her gently along by her waist, scanning the rooms to their right while she frantically looked to the left. He was about ready to turn around and look in the other direction when a sign caught his eye: Waiting Room 13G. He poked Bulma in the shoulder then pointed to the sign and right before she ran in he looped his arm around her waist and pulled her back. "Calmly," he whispered, leading her in.
"Mom!" she cried as her mother came into view. She ran to her, wrapping an arm around her neck, the other carefully holding Trunks. "Vegeta told me everything! Where are they?"
"Still in the ICU dear," she sighed with a bitter smile. "But the doctor was just here. She said they're doing much better. You can see Mai if you'd like."
"Where?" She looked around, half expected to see her sitting in one of the waiting room chairs, her little legs dangling over the side, far too short to touch the ground. But she wasn't. Instead, she saw her father and all her other siblings sitting quietly; it was the quietest she'd ever seen them.
"Come with me." She placed her hand on her back, leading her down the hall a little way and into a small room with two beds, one of which was unoccupied, the other containing a surprisingly happy Mai.
"Bulma!" she cried, extended one of her arms; the other was in a cast, yellow, her favorite color.
"Oh Mai," she sighed, handing Trunks to her mother. She ran over to the bed, cautiously wrapping her arms around her littlest sister. "How are you feeling?" she asked and she took a seat next to her on the bed.
"Oh, I'm alright. My arm doesn't hurt cause the doctor's gave me painkillers. I'm just worried about Jun'ko and Shirosama. Are they all better yet?" Bulma shook her head solemnly, there was no way she could lie to her; one, she was be too guilty and two, Mai was far too perceptive to let anything get by her.
"But they're doing better mom tells me." Mrs. Briefs nodded in agreement, taking a seat in the chair at the foot of the bed. "Why are you still in here?"
"The doctors said they wanted to run some tests before I can leave. They want to check and make sure I didn't get any internal damage like Shiro and Juny."
"Well you look great." She smiled, kissing her forehead lightly. "Can I sign your cast later?"
"Of course, B," she giggled, resting back on her over sized pillows. "Do-Do you think Shirosama and Jun'ko will be alright?"
"Mai, of course they will. They're not going anywhere."
"Can you guys see them yet?"
"No sweety," Mrs. Briefs replied. "But we will be able to soon. Probably tomorrow morning."
"When can I leave?"
"Whenever the doctor says you can. Do you want me to stay the night with you?"
"Can you?"
"Of course honey." She then turned to Bulma. "I'm going to change Trunks. Did you bring his diaper bag?"
"Kuso!" she swore. "No, we were in such a hurry to get here I forgot it."
"We?"
"Me and Vegeta."
"Oh, I see," she said with a hint of a smile. "Oh well, I'll see if one of the nurse's can help me out. I'm sure they have diapers somewhere around here."
"Vegeta's here?" Mai asked once her mother was gone. Bulma nodded, looking at the floor. "Why?"
"He was dropping Trunks off when mom called and drove me here."
"Why?"
"I was too upset to drive myself."
"Oh, I see. Can I see him?"
"Why do you want to see him?" She arched her eyebrow at her sister, tilting her head to the side.
"I wanted to talk to him about something. Is that a problem?"
"No, I guess not. I'll go get him."
"Wait!"
"Yeah?"
"How did your audition go?"
"Oh, I got the lead in Romeo and Juliet."
"Wow, great job sis."
"Thanks."
"Can I go to the play?"
"Of course you can, the whole family is going to go. I wouldn't let you miss it for the world."
"Then I'll be there."
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---Chapter 7!! Yay! I'm speedy again, sort of, I think :P How did everyone like it? I hope you all LOVED it! :D And I hope I get a million reviews!
REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Next time: More auditions, some of Bulma's college, Vegeta and Bulma interaction, more with Chi-Chi, Goku, Krillin, and 18 (all of this is maybe stuff, I'll try to do some of them..).