Author's note: Hello there readers! Sorry for the delay, I was really busy with school and such. But I'm here now with the next chapter!
I'd also like to inform you that I will be changing the title of this story into something more appropriate! By the next time I update, this story will be "The Greatest Gift You Can Give."
I will also be re-writing my old chapters, because when I re-read them, I kinda didn't like it. Hahaha, I don't know why but I feel like I can do better than those chapters. So it would probably take me longer to update another chapter because I'll be editing my story! Sorry….
Another thing I want to give you guys heads up on is that in this chapter, there will be flashbacks. You will notice that I began this chapter "A month after Chapter fifteen" so you'll be pretty confused at the beginning because you don't know what happened during that month that passed by. But the flashbacks will be explaining them. The first flash back is what happens directly after Chapter fifteen, when Gohan is about to go to his room because 'someone' is waiting for him there. The second flashback is what happened directly after the first flashback. It maybe confusing, but I simply just cut the same flashbacks into two parts. Lol, I hope I didn't lose you there. Read the story and you'll know what I mean.
Okay, before you read the story, I'd like to warn you that you might NOT like me after reading this, you might even chop my head off or something. But I'd just like to say that you should have a little faith in the author! Thank you!
Oh and I placed a song by Boys II Men in this chapter, the song will be in bold italics.
THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO REVIEWED!
Disclaimer: blah blah blah…I own nothing.
Chapter 16
Not the brightest of days…
A month later…
The crowd cheered, roared with approval, howled, whistled, striped, and all the other possible things you could do to voice your appreciation and love. It was obvious that the sea of teens, critiques, fellow actors and celebrities enjoyed the movie. It was safe to say that "Love in the Stars" was a huge success.
Steven, the director, wiped a tear from his eyes, facing the microphone on the grand bright stage with a big smile on his face.
"Thank you, thank you for your appreciation. But I'd like to take this time to point out that I could never have made this movie without my wonderful cast and crew, especially the stars of "Love in the Stars," Videl Satan and Prince Briefs!"
Everyone stood at their feet, applauding loudly as both Videl and Gohan made their way up to the stage. But they didn't walk together, no. They walked away from each other, avoiding eye contact or any physical contact in anyway. Something Steven found very odd.
Videl and Gohan stood by the microphone, meters apart, as the crowd quieted down and sat back on their seats. They were too excited to notice the weird behavior of the two superstars.
She glanced down at her feet, her hands fisting at her sides as she controlled her emotions. But it was too much, a tear had leaked out of her eyes. All the anger, all the hate, resentment, even the love was brought back to her by his mere presence. Something she found very annoying.
Quickly wiping away the tear with the back of her white-gloved hand, she looked up at the crowd with a fake smile. She knew they wouldn't see even if she cried on stage, but Gohan would, and she wouldn't want that.
He was the source of it after all…
He stared at her with guilt and concern as her eyes glazed over with unshed tears, making his chest seem tighter that he found it hard to breathe. It was a month ago, when it happened, but it was still eating them both from the inside out.
We don't even talk anymore
And we don't even know what we argue about
'Why won't you talk to me Videl? I know it may seem like I hurt you, but I know what I'm doing…..Please understand that I am doing this for you. I hate seeing you like this, to know that I was the one that causes you this pain…Please stop crying, I can't stand seeing you cry…'
Don't even say I love you no more
'Cause sayin' how I feel is no longer allowed
'I love you. I love you so much, and that's why I'm doing this. I can't say it, not to you, if I don't want you and I to get hurt then I must not let you know….But I do, I do love you. It's killing me inside to know that I can't have you in my arms, that I can't wipe away your tears, that I can't be the shoulder you cry on, the one who makes you laugh and smile that way that makes my heart beat fast. Gods, you have no idea how you've affected me…'
Some people will work things out
And some just don't know how II change
Let's don't wait till the water runs dry
We might watch our whole lives pass us by
Let's don't wait till the water runs dry
We'll make the biggest mistake of our lives
Don't do it baby
After saying her thanks, Videl stepped down from the microphone and looked away as Gohan stepped up to it. He glanced at her softly, before sighing and facing the crowd with a fake smile. If there was something he and Videl could do perfectly, it was act. And boy were they acting right now, so outstandingly realistic that no one could tell, not even themselves…
Now they can see the tears in our eyes
But we deny the pain that lies deep in our hearts
'You have no idea how much you hurt me Gohan. Seeing you right here, right now, it's more painful than I had imagined. I can't even stand to look you in the face, to see you again, because I know that I'll be happy…'
Well maybe that's a pain we can't hide
'Cause everybody knows that we're both torn apart
'You've acted long enough, and it was just time that you really showed me how you felt. Haha, it's funny because you even fooled me. I had thought that you actually cared, that you actually loved me….Well I guess they were right to hire you for this movie, you're a great actor Gohan…'
Why do we hurt each other
Why do we push love away
'Why'd you have to do this? I was blind to see the truth. You never loved me. If you did, then why would you kiss Lime?'
Let's don't wait till the water runs dry
We might watch our whole lives pass us by
Let's don't wait till the water runs dry
We'll make the biggest mistake of our lives
Don't do it baby
Gohan stepped back from the microphone and glanced at Videl. She was looking down, her hair covering her face. He reached a hand to touch her but she moved aside, towards the microphone.
"B-before we go, I actually have one more person to thank," Videl announced, her voice shaky but sharp. She glanced back at Gohan briefly, her eyes narrowed, before turning to the audience.
"I'd like to thank this wonderful man right here, Gohan Briefs, and congratulate him for a job well done. He is indeed an amazing actor, both in the screen…"
Videl glanced back at him with an intense glare, her voice rising with determination and dripping with sarcasm. "…and in real life. In fact, he is so amazing that he has managed to make women fall in love with him and make them believe that he truly loved her back. Then when he's had his fun, leaves her for someone else…."
The quiet crowd began to whisper and mumble as Gohan's eyes widened from behind Videl. She could feel her tears slowly leak down her cheeks as she continued her speech despite the loud murmuring of the crowd.
"S-so thank you Gohan, for making me believe that there are 'happy endings' in real life, then showing me just how much of a liar you are."
And with that, she dropped the microphone and stormed off stage, streams of tears rolling down her cheeks, Gohan on her trail…
She didn't know exactly where she was going, running as fast as she could down the many white hallways, people would stop and stare at her in confusion. But she didn't care, all she knew was she had to get away…..from him.
Just as she was about to reach the exit door, a firm yet gentle hand wrapped around her wrist and pulled her back. Videl didn't need to look up to see who it was…..
……he was already kneeling down in front of her.
"Videl, please understand…." He began, but was cut off when a small delicate hand slapped him across the face, the sickening sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed in the hallways.
Gohan looked up at her again, his eyes half-closed as his hands held tightly on Videl's wrist. "I-I guess I deserve that…..Videl, I-
"You what Gohan? You want to tell me you're sorry again! You want me to forgive you and pretend I feel okay with it!" She snapped harshly, her anger pouring from her mouth.
"I want you to-
"Accept it, is that what you were going to say? You want me to move on, and stop being a pathetic screw up! That's what you want, isn't it Gohan?" Videl interrupted, yanking her wrists from his grip, tears falling down her eyes.
"No, that's not what I want." He replied softly. It was pain beyond imagination that he could not wrap his arms around her, and make her feel okay. For a long time he always thought that Videl needed his embrace, so that she would feel safe. But now he realized how wrong he was. He needed her. Not the other way around. He needed her to be in his arms, so he could feel complete.
"THEN WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU WANT FROM ME!" She had tried to contain her anger, but it was just too much. She had to let it out…
He reached up for her hand again but she moved away and spat at his face. "I can't believe I ever looked at you that way Gohan, y-you disgust me……"
With that, she whirled around and stormed for the exit, grapping the doorknob and was about to push it open when he spoke up, loud and clear, the words that will forever haunt her…..
"I'm getting married…."
She stopped in mid-push, her teary eyes widening as his words finally sunk in. She opened her mouth to speak, but she found that her voice had gone away.
"Lime scheduled it for some time this week. It's kinda hard to miss, it'll be very publicized." He laughed dryly and he got to his feet and dusted his knees before looking up at her. "You know Lime, she wants all the attention."
Her arms went limp on her sides.
"I just thought I should tell you first before you found out for yourself in the newspapers or something……I-I was actually wondering if you'd- if you'd want to come…"
That was the one point in her life when she knew she had hit rock bottom, and nothing else could possibly go wrong.
"Videl….."
She shut her eyes painfully and bit her bottom lip as she fought back her raging tears and the flood of emotions that came with it. "I- I'd love too, but I ca- I can't. I'm busy…..wi- with something i-important." Her voice cracked, and her throat felt dry.
His eyes glazed over and he walked towards her…..but stopped when she moved farther away from him. That simple gesture scarred Gohan even more painfully, knowing that she was afraid of him. It was a horrible realization…
"I have to go," Videl whispered softly, then looked up at his face for the first time in a month. "I truly hope she makes you happy Gohan……….good luck to you both."
Gohan's eyes widened. "Videl wait!"
But she was gone.
His eyes fell to the floor as he heard running footsteps from behind him stop by his side. He looked up to see Erasa breathing heavily, her hands on her chest.
She glared at him. "You know, I can't- I can't believe I actually found you attractive once. Well I'm looking at you right now, and for all it's worth, I've never seen anyone uglier."
And with that, she chased after her friend out the back door.
Bra rubbed her nose in irritation, holding her belly with her hand. She couldn't believe that she was even having this conversation with her husband. "Goten, whether you like it or not, he is still OUR CHILD!"
Goten ran a hand through his dark hair, sighing angrily from his leaning position by the doorframe. "Bra, I never planed on having a baby this soon! I can't…WE can't handle that yet! We're still young!"
The blue haired woman growled, getting to her feet and pointing an accusing finger at her husband. "Then maybe we shouldn't have gotten married! What the hell is wrong with you Goten! I thought you wanted a family!"
"I do Bra, believe me I do. But not this early! Do you know how much we'll have to give up for this child!"
Bra's eyes widened, she couldn't believe it. "Oh my God, can you hear yourself Goten? Do you know how selfish you sound right now! What do you want me to do, drop the child? Well I'm sorry mister but I WILL NOT HAVE AN ABORTION!"
Goten stood up properly and approached his wife. "I'm not asking you to have one Bra!"
"Then what do you want me to do?"
"I don't know okay! I DON'T KNOW!"
Bra bit her lower lip, tears hanging threateningly close to the edge of her eyes. She shook her head and stormed out of their house. Goten could hear the car screech out of the driveway as he fell back to lean on a wall and slid down to the floor exhaustedly.
"WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO! WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO!" Mr. Popo yelled in panic, running around the lookout in mad frenzy.
Cupid was sitting down in Dende's usual lookout spot, piles and piles of paper towered around him. He looked tired and over worked, his eyes had dark bags underneath, his wings were dirty and unpolished, stress pimples covered his face and a funny unpleasant odour lingered around him.
Pulling at what little curly blonde hair he had left, he screamed. "SHUT UP! I CAN'T CONCENTRATE!"
Everything fell silent, the birds stopped chirping, Popo stopped running around acting as if it was Armageddon, oh and the crickets croaked…
"I was so close into putting these two together, and I am NOT about to fail now! I've never failed before! NEVER!"
"What are we gonna do?"
"You will water those plants of yours, and I will work on the problem. I can do this okay, just trust me." Cupid answered, scanning through more papers as Popo slumped his shoulders and disappeared back into the lookout house.
Once he was gone, Cupid sighed and rubbed his temples with stubby hands. "What am I going to do with you two?"
"Videl, are you okay?" Erasa closed the door behind her and made her way over to her best friend who laid on the couch, her face buried under a pillow.
"Videl, hunny, what are you doing?"
She stirred and growled.
Erasa sighed and sat down beside her, running a hand on her friends back comfortingly. "You can't do this forever Videl, you've been locked up in here for four days! Come on, get up and get dressed. I'll buy you a sundae."
"I don't wanna sundae." Came her muffled reply.
The blonde snickered slightly and grabbed the cold glass of water from the table in front of them before pouring its contents on Videl's back with a smile. Maybe, it wasn't the smartest thing to do…
"ERASA! WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT FOR!"
Yup, definitely was not smart at all…but it got the job done.
Videl shot up on the couch, running around as if she was on fire, trying to peel her cold wet shirt away from her bare skin.
Erasa watched with amusement as she chuckled. "At least now you know that you HAVE to change your shirt, take a bath while you're at it so we can go out later."
Videl growled annoyed, but did as she was told anyway. Sometimes, Erasa could be really stubborn.
Walking over to her room she said, "So what does father want? Did he want to gloat on me that he was right all along?"
Erasa sighed and admired her nails. "You know your father Videl. He wants you to go home with him."
"AHA! Yeah right, like I'd want to hear him say 'I told you so' for the rest of my life…..Like I don't have enough things to worry about. When will his plane land?"
The blonde glanced at her watch. "It's scheduled to land at around……..6:00 pm tonight." Her eyes lifted to the newspaper by the table and sighed. "Videl…….Gohan's getting married today."
There was a short silence before a sharp snap came as a reply. "So?"
"……if you mope over him for four days then I think I can confidently say that you are still in love with him."
Videl's head popped into view from the wall, the sound of running water could be heard. "I never stopped loving him Erasa, incase you forgot. But I- I can't be with him anymore….even if he isn't getting married."
Erasa rolled her eyes. "I can't even believe you love him. That jack ass doesn't deserve it. Why would he kiss that ugly whore anyway? But even so, I hate to say this…….maybe you should go after him."
…
"WHAT!"
"Videl, you still love him! Isn't that enough!"
"No, apparently not! Because for our relationship to work out, he needs to love me back! You don't understand do you Erasa, I loved him! I LOVED HIM! I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him."
Erasa got to her feet. "But Videl, he only did it because Lime said something to him! She must've blackmailed him or something!"
That only made Videl even sadder. She bit her lip, her glazed eyes starring at the ground. "That only makes it worse. If something as simple as Lime could tear Gohan away from me, then his love for me isn't strong……if he even loves me at all…"
Erasa bit on her nails. "What if Lime threatened him for your safety! What if she's all like 'Hey Gohan, if you don't leave that pretty girl Videl for an ugly girl like me and marry me then I'll kill her,' or something like that."
All she heard was the bathroom door closing shut. She cursed herself and glared at her bitten-nails. "Damn it! I just got my nails polished!"
Gohan's eyes were unfocused as he glanced over the menu in his hand, his thoughts somewhere else.
'Did I make the right decision? Of course I did, if I didn't leave her she'd be taken away form me, like everyone else……That's just my curse, and if I'd want to see Videl more, I have to do this…..but something doesn't feel right.'
Flashback……
Gohan opened the door to his room, his mouth fell when he saw who was sitting on his bed, legs crossed, a smirk on her face……Lime.
Not knowing what to do and seemingly frozen, Gohan closed the door behind him and leaned on it, his questioning eyes fixed at her, the woman he so desired long ago, but could never compare to the goddess he had now, Lime does not compare to the woman he loves. His face hardened.
"Is that anyway to great your love Gohan?" She coaxed sweetly, her polished finger trailing circles on the mattress of his bed, her eyes glittering with some hidden intent.
His throat felt dry but he managed to say, "No, it's not."
Lime frowned when what he meant finally sunk in. "What's that suppose to mean? You don't love me anymore? You seemed so obsessed with me before." She pointed out.
"Before." Gohan answered, looking away. "People change Lime, they find someone better, their eyes open."
Unable to contain her anger, she growled and walked up to him. "Who are you talking about? That Videl girl? Ha! Gohan, my dear Gohan, she doesn't love you! You don't love her either, you love me and you know it."
Her tone was arrogant and proud, as if she was so sure of herself, and it made Gohan sick to his stomach. What the hell did he see in her those years ago?
"Shows how much you know me."
Presently…
Lime starred adoringly at her soon to be husband and smirked proudly to herself. Frankly, she had no idea that her plan would actually work this good. And now, she was about to get married to the most handsome, caring man she's ever known, tomorrow.
"Gohan baby are you okay?" She cooed in a seductive tone which brought Gohan back from his musing. He regarded her blankly before smiling a little. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine."
She seemed to buy his words and resumed surveying the menu in her hand. Gohan's eyes settled on those hands, well on the white cloth that was wrapped around her wrists actually, one of the reasons he left his Videl.
Continuation of Flashback…
Gohan's eyes glazed over with unshed tears as Lime's words finally sunk in, his hands intertwined with hers. Somehow, the room seemed a lot darker than before, the sunlight that always entered his room through his window didn't shine anymore. It was dark and cold…..just like his mood…
His mind found the logic easy to swallow, but his heart found it too painful. He just couldn't accept it, but experience was against him. 'Lime is right. If I love Videl, then she'll be taken away from me, just like everyone else that I loved in my life. She'll be taken away from me…'
Lime smirked inwardly, extremely proud of herself. She could see it in his face that what she was telling him was actually breaking through his barriers of doubt, her plan was working. Now just a little bit more push…
"Gohan, hunny, remember when Jamie……was about to pass away." She began, in a tone she hoped was sincere.
He looked up at her, confusion and regret in his eyes. Taking that as a sign to go on, Lime continued. "Remember what she told you? She told you to promise her that you'll be happy……..with me. Jamie wants you to be happy, and she knew that I could do that for you Gohan. Don't tell me you're going to brake your promise?"
His eyes widened, as Jamie's voice rang through his head like a distant memory…
"Gohan promise me…..promise me you'll move on and be happy….."
"Promise me you'll be happy……with Lime…..with someone you love….."
Lime smiled inside at the expression that flashed across his face, it was working. Just a little bit more push and he'll be all hers.
"I know you love her Gohan, but you have to admit, if you hadn't left her that day to save the little boy, she'd still be alive. Don't you think you owe her this much? At least keep your promise, if not for your love for me, then do it for your love for Jamie."
Gohan stared at her eyes, his hands trembling from the new realization. It was his fault that Jamie was gone, his damned cursed life. He'd never forgive himself if that happens to Videl too.
"And you know that if you do marry Videl, it will be highly publicized. Videl is not the type to like attention; she'll be all knaggy and stuff to you. She can't make you happy like I can Gohan."
She massaged his hands with hers comfortingly, a sad smile on her face. That was when Gohan noticed the white cloth wrapped around her wrist. Somehow, it just seemed so out of place to him.
Not knowing what to do or how to act, he stood up and ran.
Lime got to her feet and smirked, pulling out her cell once he was out of the door. She dialed a number and waited until someone picked up on the other line. "Sharpener, it worked. Now all he needs is the last string and he'll be all mine. Onto the last phase. Oh and good luck."
Gohan ran through the door of his room and past the kitchen, shocking his sister, then grabbed his car keys and made it to the front door. He was so lost and confused that he literally had no idea what to do.
Pulling the door open, he stopped however to see a man standing just by his driveway, and he seemed to be out of breathe and worried.
"Excuse me! Gohan, Gohan have you seen Lime!" The man asked quickly, and he seemed to be in panic.
Gohan stood frozen in place. "D-do I know you?"
The man stood straight once his breathing returned to normal, placing both his hands on Gohan's shoulder. "I'm Sharpener, but I really don't have time to chit-chat, I'm looking for Lime, did she come to you?"
Gohan simply nodded, and Sharpener's eyes widened.
"Oh no, please tell me she didn't do anything stupid! Is she okay! I have to see her!"
"Calm down, she's fine. Lime's in my room right now…….Why are you so frightened?"
Sharpener glanced around him then back at the tall demi-saiyan, whispering in a low voice, "Well, Lime isn't exactly stable right now."
A brow raised at that. "What?"
The blonde sighed in frustration. "You see, Lime's been so crazy in love with you for the past months now that she's actually…..she's actually…." He leaned in closer to whisper at Gohan's ears. "She cut herself."
Gohan's eyes widened dramatically. "What!" Was all he could say. So that's what the white cloth around her wrist was for.
Sharpener just nodded his head. "It's true. She said that she loved you so much and if she can't have you as her husband, then her life is not worth living. So I hope you didn't hurt her emotionally or anything……"
Gohan didn't answer, he couldn't say anything. So much was happening so fast that even his mind couldn't process it, neither could his heart.
"Well if she did talk to you, then I hope you didn't say anything that would break her heart. She really genuinely loves you man, she cares about you so much that she's willing to sacrifice her own life for you. I think you should go up to her and talk to her you know."
Sharpener gave him a firm push inside the house. "Go talk to her Gohan!" And closed the door. He smirked proudly and was about to pull out his cell phone when Videl pulled up by the driveway. His eyes widened as she stepped out of the car and made her way to the door.
She stopped however when she spotted the blonde man, staring at her with his jaw unhinged. Her eyes widened as well. "S-Sharpener?'
"V-Videl!"
"What are you doing here?"
He froze, like a deer caught in headlights. 'Oh crap.' His eyes quickly darted around, hoping that some sort of excuse will present itself. "I-uhh….I…I was going to visit my friend. That's right, I'm here for a visit! How about you?"
Videl raised a polished eyebrow at him but shrugged her suspicions off. She had more important things to worry about. "I'm actually here to talk to Gohan. This IS Gohan's place, you know that right?"
Sharpener fumbled with his hands, smiling sheepishly at her and acting as innocent as he could, which was not very convincing. "Oh really? I had no idea!"
She glanced to the side where the mail-box was, and on it was the name Prince Gohan Bryan Briefs written clearly in scriptive gold markings. She sweat-dropped and turned back to Sharpener. "Okay…..Well I have to go. It's uhmm…been a pleasure to see ya again, Sharpener."
Videl opened the door and went inside. Once she was gone, Sharpener let out a sigh of relief. He almost got caught back there. Then he smirked. 'Oh this is going to be good. I hope she walks into Gohan and Lime while they're talking.'
"Oh Gohan you came back for me!" Lime shrieked with delight, quickly jumping into his arms. He faultered for a second and shook his head. "Lime, it's not like that! I was-
But he was cut off when she pressed her lips against his roughly….
…just as the door to the room opened and Videl stepped in.
End flashback…
"Hunny, you ready to order?"
Gohan looked up from his menu with a small frown, then smiled when he remembered where he was. "Huh? Oh yeah, I'm ready."
The waiter nodded. "May I suggest the Caesar Salad Monsieur, it is said to be the best salad in the world." He had a heavy French accent too.
Before Gohan could reply, Lime waved her hand and cut him off. "Oh no, my husband doesn't eat salad. He doesn't like vege-
"No, it's okay. I love salad." Gohan interrupted, his glassy eyes staring at Lime's shocked face.
"Hunny, what are you talking about? You don't like greens."
Gohan frowned at her. "Well I do now. I guess you could say someone…..forced me to eat some and I grew to like it actually." Videl would've known that, she was the one who forced me to eat it…
Trying not to act hurt, Lime smiled crookedly. "Oh, I- I didn't know that." She turned to the waiter disappointedly. "Give us two of those please."
Erasa and Videl walked down the streets with at least ten shopping bags in hand, sipping a fruit smoothy casually. The blonde turned to her not so happy friend and smiled. "See Videl, isn't this better than moping around at home?"
But Videl never got to reply…..
…..she fainted right then and there.
And tada! That's it for now!
Before you go and flame me and stuff, I'd just like to say HAVE A LITTLE FAITH IN ME! LMAO! I can't guarantee anything, but trust the author okay! -
Before you go though, I want to make sure that You read ALL the authors note at the very top of the page! It is very important! Anyway, again I'd like to say that I WILL change the title of this story to "THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE…" so look out for that change……if I don't change it then something must've gone wrong. Hehehehe…anyway,
REVIEW PLEASE!
AND THANKS AGAIN TO THOSE WHO DID REVIEW!