SURVIVAL OF THE MISFITS
Chapter Four
With thanks to beta testers Severine and Denisia
The day after her long discussion with Craig, Aja was determined to speak with Ashley. As usual, Ashley was harried during her morning preparations for school. Ashley's alarm always rang at the last possible moment. Aja knew their talk would need to wait until after Ashley returned from classes.
Aja looked at her "to do" list for the day. Craig would be at his job during that day and practicing with his band in the evening. Aja knew they wouldn't have much time together that day, though they would talk on the phone in the evening. That was fine for now since Aja had plenty of responsibilities towards Starlight House to attend to. Chores were divided up among the Starlight girls and the Holograms. She also knew that she needed to make some time to practice the guitar solo in the Holograms' latest song
Aja was breaking down boxes for recycling when Shana entered the garage.
"Hi Shana," Aja greeted her friend.
"Hi." To an outsider, Shana's expression appeared unreadable, but Aja knew that her friend was upset about something.
"What's wrong?" Aja asked.
"Just frustrated," Shana said, as she slumped down on a dusty chair. "I've been working on the bridesmaids' dresses but my sewing machine is really on its last legs. I think I need to start saving for a new one. Of course the ones I really want are so pricey. And I can't find a good photographer and stay within the wedding budget."
Most of Shana's waking hours were spent on wedding preparations and she was finding none of it easy or simple. Although she and Anthony were financially better off than most in this recession, they still had to monitor their expenses closely.
"Did you talk to that guy Video recommended?" She took her blade and sliced the tape that held the box together. She then hoisted the flattened cardboard and added it to the pile inside the recycler.
"Yeah, and he sounds like he'd be the best but his prices would blow the budget. Maybe Jerrica's right. If we have Video taping it, do we really need a photographer too?"
"Heck yeah, if you ask me!" Aja said. "A video is fantastic, but I can't even imagine not having actual photos too. And if Video's taping the wedding, then she can't be doing much in terms of taking pictures. I really think you need a separate photographer," she insisted.
She loved Jerrica but sometimes her friend could be so stingy. Shana was the first of their group to be getting married (not counting Kimber's aborted wedding to Jeff, which seemed almost dreamlike to Aja given the whirlwind speed with which it had all been over). This was not a time to pinch pennies, no matter how closely they needed to watch their expenditures. Aja reminded herself to temper her irritation at Jerrica. Jerrica was only keeping in mind the best interests of the Starlight Girls, trying to save for costs such as their education and health insurance.
"I know," Shana said. "I really want a photographer too."
Aja noticed the tired look in her friend's eyes. "I've got an idea! I know you don't like to haggle over prices. I'll go back there with you and see if I can get him to come down." Aja recognized that her friend did not always assert herself.
"Would you?" Shana asked hopefully.
"Of course!"
"Aja, you are the best! You're really good at that sort of thing," Shana enthused, rising from her chair and giving her friend an impromptu hug. She smiled and laughed as she said, "You know I love Anthony dearly and he's so wonderful, but….wedding preparations aren't his thing."
Aja shook her head. "Well, he's not the only one. Most guys don't get so involved in the planning. I've heard it always tends to fall on the woman's shoulders."
"Well, Anthony's so busy right now with this shoot in New York. I hate to give him more work." Anthony had been spending the better part of the last few weeks on location in New York and he had a ways to go before his movie would be finished.
"Yeah, but you're busy too," Aja gently reminded her. "Playing in a band and keeping this place running aren't easy – especially with Mrs. Bailey deciding to go part-time now."
Shana nodded as she sat back down onto the chair. "True. At least I've finished my chore list for the week though," she said, with pride in her voice.
Aja playfully and jealously mocked Shana, imitating her voice and taunting, "I've finished my chore list for the week."
Shana laughed. "I take it you've still got a way to go with yours?"
Aja tossed her an extra blade. Shana caught the plastic-covered tool and got to work in assisting Aja with breaking down boxes.
"So how are things with Craig?" she asked.
"Oh, same as usual. Wonderful," Aja said. She couldn't help but to break out into a grin.
"He seems like a very nice guy," Shana said. She craned her head around in both directions, as if ensuring they were alone inside the garage. The garage door was open and sunlight pleasantly streamed in, but no Starlight Girls could be seen outside.
Aja looked away from her friend and focused on the next box in front of her. Shana's words may have sounded harmless but Aja knew that a small storm was brewing.
"Do you think it's going to be weird, what with Stormer being his sister?" Shana asked.
"What, did you and Kimber rehearse together?" Aja quipped. "She just asked me that, the other day. I told her that it could be a little awkward, because of how long we were rivals with the Misfits. But they've been fine since they called that truce. They didn't cause any problems at the Lin-Z show or any of the other publicity we did with them. And Stormer's always been the nicest anyway. I don't think it will be a problem."
"Hm," Shana said.
Aja stomped on the box to flatten it out so it would better fit inside the recycler. She knew that more was coming from her bandmate.
"Well what about," Shana began after a moment or two, "the whole thing with Stormer and her…little secret?" Shana asked. She said the words with a lopsided smile and sounded decidedly uncomfortable.
Aja lifted the flattened box and tossed it onto the pile. "I guess," she began, "the fact that my boyfriend has a gay sister doesn't bother me too much."
"Well, I know – I mean, I understand that it's not Craig's fault. But if Stormer has something in her genes…or in her DNA or whatever…that makes her into a homosexual, don't you think that maybe Craig carries it too? What if it's something that could be passed on to your children? You need to think of the long-term."
Aja turned and faced her friend, ceasing her work with the boxes. "I don't know right now if Craig and I will ever marry each other. I think there's a good chance of it though. If we do marry and if we do have children, I guess there's a possibility that one of them could be gay. I don't know; I'm not a geneticist. I guess that possibility doesn't worry me too much right now."
Aja was angry. She had tried to keep her voice even because she didn't want to lose her temper again. She'd done it several times before and she knew that it really upset Shana. And Aja inwardly applauded herself over the fact that she had not brought up Anthony's family. He had a brother whom Aja had met twice and found to be arrogant and even a bit aggressive. She wasn't exactly looking forward to having Anthony's brother in the family.
"Look I'm not trying to bash Craig or his sister," Shana began. "You know that I have a lot of respect for Craig. He's a great drummer too," she added, with sincere admiration. "I just think this is something you should think about." She paused and then added, "It's just that it's…it's not natural. About Stormer…it's wrong."
Aja shrugged. "You're certainly entitled to your opinion though I gotta say that I don't agree with it this time. And it certainly isn't going to keep me from marrying Craig, if that's what we ever decide to do." Aja went up to her friend and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Look, Shana, I respect your opinion but we might just have to agree to disagree on this," she said quietly. "Besides. It's way too early to even be thinking about marriage. Craig and I are definitely serious with each other but we have a long way to go before we'll be talking rings. You and Anthony knew each other for years before you got engaged."
Shana nodded and smiled. "I'm glad you understand. And I'm not trying to….to, I don't know, put a damper on your relationship or anything like that. I just wanted you to start thinking about these things. But Craig is a nice man and I like him."
Although Shana remained in the garage to help Aja finish her chores, that interaction left a bitter taste in her mouth. And after Ashley returned from class that afternoon, Aja found herself in the midst of her second uncomfortable conversation that day.
Aja at first tried to dance around the issue, asking Ashley if she had overheard "anything" recently, prior to one of the aerobics sessions. Ashley seemed confused by the questioning. Aja, never one who enjoyed being indirect, could not read Ashley's expression.
Finally Aja asked, "The other day Kimber and I were in the gym. We were talking about Stormer. I thought you might have overheard what we said." She paused, looking intently at Ashley, and asked, "Did you?"
Aja thought she saw a spark pass through the girl's eyes. But then her expression clouded over and Ashley swore that she had not overheard them discussing anything about Stormer, or anyone else.
"I got there a little early and I was putting on my aerobic shoes, but I didn't hear you or Kimber like dishing any dirt on anyone or talking about anything private. I remember that Kimber was there kinda early, which was weird. But that's it," Ashley said. Aja noticed that Ashley kept her eyes averted.
Aja decided to leave it at that. She knew it was possible that Ashley might not have been telling the truth but she had to rely on the fact that the girl had been honest and generally reliable during the past few years.
"Well, if you ever do overhear us talking about…things that sound as though they should stay secret, I'm sure you would keep it secret as well. Right? After all, it could be very dangerous…for all of us….if some secrets aren't kept." Aja knew her words came across strong and clear.
Ashley promised that she would, and then Aja left the girl's room.
Walking down the hall, Aja then nearly ran into Raya. "You'll never guess who Jerrica just got off the phone with," Raya said. "Pizzazz!"
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"Pizzazz?"
Moments later, Aja found herself standing with the other Holograms inside Jerrica's study. She found herself repeating the name of the Misfits' lead singer, shocked that Pizzazz would have called Starlight House.
"I guess there's a first time for everything," Aja said. "I don't think Pizzazz has ever called here before."
"Oh, she called here once before," Shana reminded the group, arms folded in front of her chest. "She and the others called to give me a little pep talk before the big fashion contest in Italy," she said sarcastically. The incident may have occurred years ago but Shana would never forget it.
"What did she want today?" Aja asked.
"She called to request a meeting, with the Misfits and Jem. She said the Holograms are invited, if you guys want to be there," Jerrica said. Jerrica shook her head. "A meeting," she repeated, incredulously. "As if we're going to sit down and discuss a business proposal."
"Did she say what it's going to be about?" Kimber asked. She was dying to know, and considering calling Stormer to get the scoop.
"No. She just said that it's important and she would like to meet as soon as possible. I told her that I'd find Jem – and the Holograms – and get back to her."
"I'd like to be at that meeting," Kimber said.
The rest of the Holograms agreed.
"I'm glad," Jerrica said. "I'd like you all there as well." She shrugged. "I guess it's settled. I'll call her back and tell her we can meet tonight."
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At night, the view from Jerrica Benton's office in Starlight Music was breathtaking. The lights of the city sparkled against the dark sky as the hustle and bustle of the music world's hubbub emanated.
The city did not shine as brightly as it once did, however. Fewer cars and people filled the streets. Many nearby businesses had closed; others dimmed lights which were not in use, in an effort to pinch every dollar. Even the skies were quieter than before, as fewer airplanes traversed the sky in this repressed atmosphere.
Stinger Sound, however, still blared its Stingers logo; the lights and images of the band pulsed brazenly across the street from Starlight Music. The flashing lights were visible inside Jerrica's office.
Nine women sat around the new oval-shaped conference table in Jerrica's office. While a hologram of Jerrica silently sat behind her desk, ostensibly reviewing reports, Jem and the Holograms and the Misfits were positioned around the nearby table
"Great concert we had last week," Stormer began, once everyone was settled.
"Yes!" Jem enthused, as bubbly as ever. Roxy wanted to gag. "We were very pleased with the audience's reaction. And how we raised a lot of money for two good causes."
"So were we," Pizzazz commented, sounding less convincing than Jem.
Awkward silence prevailed for a few moments before Kimber added, "I talked to the director of Housing USA and he was thrilled with the check."
"We got some great publicity too," Aja added. She, like so many in the room, found the evening somewhat surreal. Despite having done a few publicity events prior to the benefit with the other two bands, and despite dating the brother of a Misfit, finding herself sitting around a table and civilly chatting with her former rivals was not normal. She eyed all of them. Stormer was the only one she could say she remotely liked. She gazed at Roxy's brittle exterior and Jetta's hard to read eyes. She looked at Pizzazz and remembered all of the attacks the singer had spearheaded against Aja and those she loved the most.
After a few more moments of silence ambled by, Pizzazz took a breath. "You helped us out on that night," she began. "The night of the concert. Um….well. Thank you. For doing that."
"You're welcome," Jem smiled. She looked content and confident.
This was excruciating, Pizzazz thought. Words failed her at describing the mental torment. She would rather have half of her teeth yanked out by pliers than continue this. 'Stormer owes me her immortal soul. She owes me her firstborn child…' Pizzazz's thoughts ceased. Stormer probably wouldn't be having any kids.
"Can you help us again?" Pizzazz asked, despising how weak she surely sounded. "We – uh – we wanted to ask you, Jem, to talk to Riot. You see….the Stingers are after us."
Pizzazz proceeded to tell the band the reasons the Misfits suspected that the Stingers were behind the appearance of the Morality Office on the night of the concert. She added that they had "a friend who was good with computers" who had found some information that not only validated their suspicious but also clearly showed that Riot was still trying to trap the Misfits.
"So we," Pizzazz continued, "need them to….stop attacking us. We don't want Stormer to go to jail. We just want Riot off our asses."
"So you're coming to us to ask me to talk to him," Jem stated.
"Yes," Pizzazz said.
"He won't listen to us, Jem," Stormer began softly. "As far as we can tell, he won't listen to anyone except you. I think that if you asked him to lay off, then he would." She paused and said, "I know there's a lot of bad blood between our groups. But I hope you might consider helping us out."
Jem did not hesitate with her reply "Of course I'll help," Jem said. "We don't want anything bad to happen to you, Stormer. I'll talk to Riot. But I have to warn you that I don't know how much good it's going to do. He might not agree to help."
Kimber faced her singer and looked glum. "You know, what if Riot says something stupid like, he'll agree to stop attacking only if you…say you'll be his forever? Or something like that."
"I'll do the best I can to appeal to his sense of right and wrong. He's not all bad," Jem insisted. Aja fought the urge to roll her eyes. "He helped us locate Ba Nee's father when he had no reason to do it."
"Other than to curry favor with you," Aja mumbled. She did not appear optimistic about Jem's odds for success, nor did she have an ounce of respect or liking for Riot.
"You could always remind him of the money we bring in," Roxy offered. "He gets us in the slammer, then his record company loses one of its top selling acts."
"And I've heard that Stinger Sound isn't in much better financial shape than many other businesses right now," Jetta added.
"You might also be able to convince him that the Morality Office can turn on the Stingers someday too," Stormer began. "Riot even said – when we met with him originally -- that they wanted to review all the lyrics to their new songs."
"They gave us a list of a few songs that we weren't allowed to perform at the benefit too," Kimber said, impressed with how articulate and confident Stormer sounded. She also noted that the Misfits appeared to be functioning much more like a democracy than before. Stormer had told her that they had been moving in that direction for a while now.
She still didn't like any of them except Stormer though.
Jem said, "I will talk to Riot tomorrow and do my best to convince him. Um, Pizzazz," she began, "I wanted to ask something of you now. Two of our Starlight Girls will be graduating high school this summer. They'd like to go on to college, but Starlight House is really hurting for money and college tuition is just exorbitant. Can I interest you in making a contribution to Starlight House, to help our girls get the education they need?"
"Just send me the bill," Pizzazz said. She couldn't describe why, but for some reason Jem's thinly veiled request of tit-for-tat felt like a relief. She now "owed" Jem less.
Jetta listened to Pizzazz's comment and once more marveled at her lead singer's financial resources. Growing up, she had to examine the price tags on everything before she bought it. She shoplifted several times and thankfully never got caught. Her parents wracked up their own debts, never providing their Sheila with more than the necessities. Yet Pizzazz didn't even have to ask how much money Jem was requesting.
"One other thing," Aja began. "Craig talked to me about the idea of outfitting a room in your mansion," she said, looking in Pizzazz's direction. She nearly blinked because she thought perhaps she saw a glint or two of humility in those piercing green eyes. "To create a hiding space. We might not need to do that if Riot backs off --- but just in case, I think it's a really good idea. I'll start on this whenever you want. Craig will help too."
Stormer felt a surge of affection for the woman who might someday be her sister-in-law. "Thank you, Aja," she said, her sincerity obvious.
"You can start whenever. I'll tell the butler to expect you," Pizzazz said.
Aja's ears perked up at Pizzazz's words. She thought she now may have sensed an iota of gratitude from the singer.
"And I'll help however I can," added Stormer. "Roxy offered to pitch in too."
Aja raised an eyebrow over that last one. She was surprised at Roxy's willingness to help and not at all looking forward to working with her. Craig hadn't mentioned this.
The meeting was obviously coming to a close. Stormer shot a look at Pizzazz. Pizzazz had to keep from making a face or sighing.
"Well, um…thank you again," Pizzazz managed, looking in Jem's direction. She couldn't wait to get out of there.
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I knew I should've been happy. But really I felt more humiliated than anything else. We had to go and ask them for help, and it's like everyone in the room knew that I was queer and that we Misfits needed Jem and the Holograms to help. It put the Misfits in a bad place compared to the Holograms, and it put me in a bad place within my band. It made me feel so naked and so ashamed.
No one gave me any dirty looks or said anything; the Holograms were as pleasant as ever. My own band was, well, just about as supportive as they are capable of being. I guess it's just the idea of it all.
I knew Pizzazz was still pissed at me. She likely would be so for a long time unless something changed. We were pretty quiet on our car ride back.
When we returned to the mansion, the others parked in front of the TV as I ordered pizza for us. I then got to work on preparing a salad. I used a tray to carry in the bowls brimming with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots (except in Jetta's dish – she doesn't like them) dressed with ranch for Roxy and Jetta, and oil and vinegar and black pepper for Pizzazz. I took French dressing that night. "The pizza should be here in about 40 minutes," I informed the others. I knew they wouldn't be happy about the wait – and I was right; there was plenty of grumbling – which is why I'd made the salads.
They were watching a comedy station. Just as I sat down with my salad, more squirming moments came up when the first comedian totally started making fun of gay people. I tried to crunch my carrots extra loudly to drown him out, at least in my ears. I took another sip of my diet soda but the ice cubes had already dissipated and the drink wasn't cool enough to bring down my blushing. Some of what the comedian said was pretty gross too. And heaven forbid that anyone change the channel or even say anything about the bashing. Roxy even laughed at some of his gay jokes! (She does laugh at pretty much anything though. But still). I don't know what sort of looks they had on their faces; I couldn't even glance at my bandmates during this, I was so humiliated. I just looked down at my salad and crunched the cold veggies.
I was glad when that comedian was done. But two comedians later, there was more gay bashing. At least this one wasn't as crass but the "humor" was no less mean-spirited. Once again, I wanted to crawl under the sofa. Once again, no one said or did anything. I waited until this comedian was done and then wordlessly went to my room.
No one followed me.
I knew that my bandmates cared about me, and I knew that showing it wasn't easy for them. They probably weren't perceptive enough to detect the mood I was in, that the day's events – topped off by the homophobic comedy – were taking their toll. (Well, Jetta should've known because she's very good at getting inside all of our heads. But for whatever reason, she didn't do anything to comfort me. Maybe she, like Pizzazz, was a little ticked at me for putting our band in a bad place compared to Jem and the Holograms. Maybe she just didn't feel like doing anything more for me).
But I also knew that I was not alone. I picked up the telephone and dialed Starlight House. My day took a turn for the better when the woman I sought answered the phone herself.
"I just wanted to thank you," I said. "For what you and your group agreed to do."
"Well, it's the right thing to do," Kimber said. Her voice just always conveys a smile. "I'm glad to help you, and I know Jem feels the same way."
"Well…thanks again."
"So, how are you doing?" Kimber asked. "Are your bandmates giving you a hard time because they had to go asking us for help?"
"No, they're….well, they're alright. They're not giving me a hard time." I paused. Kimber was quiet too, as if waiting for me to say more. So then I said it. "But they're not exactly being supportive either."
"That sucks," Kimber said. "Are you alright?"
"I guess I'm okay. It's just that the whole thing….makes me feel weird. You know, what if Riot doesn't agree to stop? What if something happens?"
"You must be feeling scared now," Kimber said. Her voice sounded like a hug.
"I am scared, but I think more than that, I'm getting angry."
"Well, I know you don't usually write song lyrics, but maybe you should try it. Why not write about how you feel? Put it on paper and turn it into a song. That always makes me feel better."
"I dunno. I'm a lot better with composing music than writing lyrics."
"Yeah, but why not try something new? I read this really cool article– I can't remember where it was from– but it said something like stepping out of your comfort zone opens up these, um, neural pathways or something inside your brain. Doing something you don't normally do can force your mind to work in new ways. I thought the article sounded cool. It made me want to learn to play a new instrument or maybe do something outrageous like paint!"
I wished I could've been there to give Kimber a hug. As soon as we got off the phone, I took out pen and paper.
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Riot was in bed when Jem called the following day. He did not answer the phone, however, as his two blonde companions were keeping him quite occupied.
"Just ignore it," Minx whispered, upon hearing the phone ring. She resumed what she had been doing before to her lead singer.
Riot turned her head towards Rapture and smothered her with another kiss. He silently felt grateful for his attractive bandmates. Sleeping with them was so much better and easier than bedding fans. Minx and Rapture knew what he liked, and he didn't have to spend any time teaching them. They were so easy to please as well. The fans were too but still, it was all the more simple with Minx and Rapture.
However, faced with the prospect of seeing Jem, Riot forgot all about his bandmates. After he received her message, he waited at Stingers Sound eagerly, hardly able to wait to hear what she had to say.
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Jerrica Benton dashed into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. She threw open the cabinet and rummaged around for a candle. Knocking over several cosmetics, medicines, and tiny shampoo bottles taken from hotel rooms, she soon realized that no matches could be found. Resigned to having no candle, she lunged for the bathtub's controls and turned on the water. At least she had bubble bath, vanilla scented. Stripping off her clothes and leaving them piled on the bathroom floor, she slid into the tub.
Jerrica was determined to use the twenty-five minutes she had free before her next "to do" item. 'I've got to relax,' she reminded herself. 'The doctor told me that, if I don't want to go to an early grave like my dad did.'
She closed her eyes and tried to enjoy the warmth of the water and the subtly-scented vanilla bubbles. Yet Jerrica's thoughts swirled around her mind. 'Okay, Rio will be here in a half an hour for our dinner. We haven't had dinner together in so long. I've gotta make sure we go over the arrangements with the new band we've signed. He's leaving on tour with the singer Amanda Sikes in a few days. Seems like solo acts are doing better than bands nowadays – maybe we gotta look at signing more of them. But back to dinner with Rio, well I am way too beat to cook so I hope he doesn't mind going out. We can't afford a really fancy place. Maybe I can convince him to go for burgers and fries. Rio's never been into posh restaurants anyway. Though I gotta go easy on the junk food if I'm going to still fit into my suits. Maybe I'll just have half a burger and convince Rio to eat most of my fries. That won't be hard.'
Her thoughts continued to race as she soaked in the soothing bubbles. 'The meeting with Riot went well,' Jerrica told herself. 'I still get so excited when he's around and when I'm Jem. Jem handled herself – or, I handled myself – very well. He agreed to stop going after the Misfits. I suppose I have to call Pizzazz but that's just going to have to wait until after dinner with Rio! It's not like I owe Pizzazz anything.'
'Riot's so attractive when I'm Jem. I still find him attractive when I'm Jerrica but less so. I love the way he looked into my eyes and said, "Anything for you." Jem has such power. She – er, I – didn't even need to go into the list of reasons I had ready to convince him to stop attacking. He just heard the request and said he would do it for her.'
'I have a business meeting tomorrow morning with my senior staff. Why in the heck did I schedule it at 8:00 a.m.? I dread what my Finance Director is going to tell me. Which reminds me – I should read his preliminary report before the meeting. Forget it, skip that. I'll ask him to summarize at the meeting. I know it's not going to be good news anyway.'
'So where are we at on Shana's wedding? I gotta talk to her. Though I assume she'd tell me if something was wrong. I remember she said something about problems with the photographer – I should ask her. Or maybe Video can step in and help. What did we decide to do again about me and Jem at the wedding? Oh yes, both of us will be there but one of us will be only a hologram. That's going to be tough to handle but we can manage – we always do. I want to go as Jem. Maybe Jerrica can have a bad cold and leave right after the ceremony. That's it – she can skip the reception. Rio always has more fun with Jem anyway. Or maybe I should ask Shana what she'd prefer – it is her wedding. I have to check with Shana on the security arrangements. I don't want a ton of media there, and neither does Shana. And I should check in with her on the budget as well.'
'Budgets. Which reminds me that I need to go over Starlight House's balance sheets again. If Pizzazz comes through with that check, we should be okay for the next six months, including college for the two girls. It's going to be really lean after that unless Jem and the Holograms can go on another tour. But we'll have to bring home more money than on the last one – we barely broke even with it. I wish I could do something about this miserable economy.'
'I haven't had a chance to talk to Aja yet about the computer. I know she's going to say we need to upgrade to a new one. There's got to be another band-aid she can put on it though. Maybe Synergy can help too. Which reminds me, I need to back up more of my files to her.'
'I also need to talk to Kimber and see how she's coming on new songs. We should have enough for a new album soon, but again a tour isn't going to make sense if the economy doesn't get better. And I've got to spend more time practicing with the group on the latest numbers.'
'Did I ever thank Mrs. Alonso for that dessert she brought over? I don't even remember what it was called – something in Spanish. Better ask Raya.'
Jerrica's train was interrupted by a knock. "Rio's here," Terri called.
"Oh shit!" Jerrica said. She was embarrassed to have realized that she spoke aloud and hoped that Terri hadn't heard the expletive. She then quickly added, "I'll be right there!"
Relaxation would have to wait.
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Pizzazz reached for the phone. The butler James told her that a Jerrica Benton was on the line. She tried to keep her voice even and aim for a modicum of courtesy.
"Hello?"
Jerrica was surprised that Pizzazz hadn't answered with a 'Yeah?'
"It's Jerrica Benton. Pizzazz, I heard from Jem. She spoke with Riot today."
"How did it go?"
"Jem said it went well. She said that Riot agreed to stop attacking your group. He gave Jem his word to break off contact with the Morality Office and stop going after your band. Jem is confident that he was telling the truth and that he will keep to his word."
"Really? That…well, that's great."
"Yes."
Pizzazz could tell that Jerrica was waiting for something. "I wrote up the check for you. You want me to mail it or you wanna pick it up?"
"Maybe Aja can pick it up when she and Craig come by to work on….the room."
"Yeah, sure."
Several awkward pauses and silences. Pizzazz knew what she had to say and loathed it. She resolved to yell at Stormer after this.
"Well, then. Thanks, Jerrica. Thank Jem for me."
"I will. And thank you for supporting the education of the Starlight Girls."
Pizzazz put down the phone, feeling ill. She had a strong urge to make Stormer pay for this.
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The following day, Aja and Craig headed for the Gabor mansion. James greeted them, gave them Pizzazz's check, and -- as per Pizzazz's instructions – led them through a complete tour of the estate. Craig had already seen the place but still marveled at its size. He wasn't working at his shipping job today nor did his band have a gig in the evening, and thus his day was free.
He had called his sister in advance and arranged a time when all of the Misfits would be away. The band was at the studio. Aja told Craig that for this initial visit, there was no need for Stormer or any of them to pitch in and help yet. She needed to get a feel for the place and an idea of which room could be converted. Of course the couple had to be careful regarding what they said in James' presence.
"Thank you for the tour," Aja said to the butler, once they had walked the length of the mansion and viewed all the rooms.
"You are very welcome, Miss Leith. Miss Gabor said that you two may remain here as long as you'd like. If you need me, just pick up one of the house phones."
"Thank you," Aja said.
With that, James left Aja and Craig alone.
"What do you think?" Craig asked quietly, when certain James was out of earshot. Stormer had warned them to use discretion as a servant or two may be nearby at any point.
"I think it's a lot of wasted space owned by someone with more money than they know what to do with," Aja replied candidly. She thought of how many orphans or runaways could be housed in a place like this. Of course it would require staff and counselors to run it, but still. Jaded, Aja could not understand why the very rich neglected to share significant parts of their good fortune.
"But that's not why we're here," Aja continued. "I think some of the rooms in the east wing had potential."
"I saw that look on your face when we were there. Come on."
Moments later, the couple found themselves surveying one of the guest rooms. It was far larger than many houses' master bedrooms and furnished with stunning antiques. It boasted a fireplace and a massive, canopied bed. The ceilings were adorned with paintings, many of them extremely valuable. It was as dusty as most of the rest of the rooms though.
"This might work," Aja said, sticking her head inside the room's bathroom. It was larger than Aja's room at Starlight House. The floor was covered by a plush carpet. It contained a clawfoot tub that could easily fit two adults.
"When I first arrived in England, I think my entire apartment was about the size of this bathroom," Craig quipped. His estimate was not far off.
"I wonder why your sister and the others wouldn't want this room for their own."
"Their rooms are in the west wing. Near Pizzazz's. Yeah, I wonder. Mary's room isn't this big."
"Maybe what we do is convert the bathroom," Aja mused. "It's certainly big enough. It already has the plumbing in it. We could leave the bedroom part alone and just convert the bathroom. It could be made into a cozy apartment. We can seal the door and create a hidden passageway." She added, with a smile, "Sealing the door won't be hard but creating the passageway will be a challenge. I look forward to it though."
"Would someone wonder why this bedroom doesn't have its own bathroom though?" Craig speculated.
"Maybe so. There's one down the hall though. Or if we really want to fake 'em out, we can knock down the wall to the room next door and convert that into the bathroom. But that would be a lot of work and plumbing isn't my specialty. Maybe we can just combine the two rooms and make them into one mega-room."
"The bathroom doesn't have a window," Craig observed.
"Which is good from the standpoint of making this a hidden room. It won't be great for Stormer if she ever does have to spend extended time in here though."
"The thought still makes me shudder." Craig spoke truthfully. He felt a coldness in the pit of his belly at the thought of his sister ever having to go into hiding.
"I know. I hope it never comes to that. But we need to be prepared." Aja said resolutely.
The couple used a tape measure to determine the dimensions of the bathroom, its doorway, and the bedroom. Aja pulled her notebook out of her purse and jotted down the specifications. She made note of which tools she expected she would need.
Deciding she then could use a brief rest, Aja sat down on the floor of the room, leaning her back against the wall. She sat opposite the giant claw-footed bathtub. The thick carpet was comfortable to sit upon.
"This won't be so bad," Aja said, as her boyfriend sat next to her. "I think this project is completely do-able."
"Thank you again for working on this. I gotta admit," he began, with a laugh, "I think if I had to do this on my own I could muddle through it but I like having you behind the wheel."
"I like the idea of us teaming up," Aja smiled. "I think we make a good duo." She was glad to hear more signs of confidence in Craig's voice. Earlier he had seemed so insecure over this and over his unexciting day job.
"Aja," Craig began, after a moment of silence, "which of your bandmates are you closest to?"
The question took Aja aback. She smiled and asked, "Why do you ask?'
"Just wondering," he said, shrugging. "When I played in the Bluebloods, I liked the other guys okay, but I didn't ever…well, it was nothing like what you have with your band." Craig occasionally still kept in touch with his former bandmates, though their contact was sporadic at best. Long-distance phone calls were exorbitant and none of the members of the former band enjoyed written correspondence. And Craig was cordial with the members of his new group but he couldn't say that he felt signs of a strong bond among them either.
Aja nodded. "It's different for the Holograms. We're family." She then smiled teasingly and asked, "Which do you think I'm closest to?"
"Judging from the time I've spent with you and them….I think maybe Shana. Or Jerrica, even though she's not in the band. But I'm guessing it's Shana. You seem happier when she's around than when she's not."
Aja nodded. "I think you're right. I do love them all though. Growing up, it was me, Jerrica, and Shana. Once Shana came out of her shell and once we bonded, the three of us were inseparable. We were sisters, maybe not by blood but we were sisters. I didn't really start to feel that way about Kimber until she was older. Then it became the four of us." She stopped and then added, "Did I ever tell you about the pact that Jerrica, Shana, and I took?"
"The pact? No, I don't think you did."
Aja sounded wistful as she recounted the afternoon. "I don't know who's idea it was…maybe Jacqui's. We called Mr. and Mrs. Benton by their first names," she quickly added. "One day Jacqui officiated as the three of us climbed up into the tree house, held hands, and swore that we would always be good and true friends, and never let anyone come between us. We toasted it with lemonade."
"That's wonderful," Craig murmured. "You really have a bond with them."
"That's why we're more than just bandmates. I mean, the rest of the group is everything to me. When my parents died, I pretty much had nobody. Then I went to live with the Bentons and they gave me that home that I needed."
"Yet they never officially adopted you?" Craig asked softly.
Aja shook her head. "They couldn't. My grandfather had legal custody of me. But he was very elderly…he was older when my dad was born, so by the time my parents passed away, he was very old. I don't think he really wanted me, and I couldn't live with him. He couldn't really take care of me, so I went to live with the Bentons. I saw my grandfather maybe once every other month or so until he passed away. Actually it was less than that as I got older. He never relinquished custody of me though. By the time he did pass away, Jacqui had died already and Emmett's health was declining, so I don't think the idea of legally adopting me and Shana was top of mind for Emmet. It didn't matter though. They were already my family, whether it was legal or not."
"Do you hope to have children someday?"
Aja nodded. "I would definitely like to. I'd like to give birth to a child and then adopt one or two kids. Maybe older kids. What about you?" Aja's answer expressed what she truly hoped to do. She got the idea a few years ago from Shana. Shana wanted to experience childbirth but also wanted to adopt, in order to help another child like herself. When Shana expressed this idea, Aja was attracted to it and seized on it for herself.
"I haven't thought about it much," Craig admitted honestly. "But I think I'd be a good dad. I like being an older brother, so I hope that would mean I'd be a good father too."
"You'd definitely be a good one. You are kind and caring and very strong. You'd make a wonderful dad." She paused and then asked, "What do you think of the idea of adopting?"
Craig shrugged. "I'd certainly be open to it. I think it could be harder than having your own child though."
"Oh, it almost certainly would be, unless you're able to adopt when the child is a baby. It's true that when you're adopting older children, you're probably going to have to give them more attention and work out more issues with them."
"Well, you were adopted – or, fostered -- at an older age and you seem pretty well adjusted," Craig said with an admiring smile.
"Emmett and Jacqui were pretty amazing parents. Jacqui spent so much time with all of us. She was quite a role model for any mother. And Emmett worked a lot but when he was home with us, he was really there for us. He didn't bring stuff from the office home."
Aja looked melancholy at memories of her deceased foster parents. Craig, his arm around her, changed the topic thinking that Aja might want to discuss something that entailed fewer painful memories. "When you were talking about Jerrica and Shana, I was wondering something. When you formed the band, how come Jerrica wasn't in it?"
"Well, Jerrica was always best at managing things. Even when she was a teenager she was always so…organized. So we knew she'd best serve as our manager rather than a member of the band. Plus she doesn't really play any instruments. Not at the level we do."
For a split-second, Aja thought of adding in a line such as, And we found Jem, so we didn't need a singer.' She silently cursed herself for nearly lying, and then nearly cursed Jerrica for the situation she put her band in.
"She is a great manager," Craig mused.
Aja nodded. Silence fell over the room for a few moments. Aja and Craig sat together contentedly, enjoying the body contact.
"I almost can't believe where I am," Aja mused, shaking her head slightly. "Inside Pizzazz's mansion."
"I know," Craig added. "After all her band put your band through. And here we are on enemy territory."
"I like your sister but I don't think anything would ever make me like her bandmates."
Craig nodded. "I still ask myself what Mary sees in them or why she wants to be with them. I tried many times to convince her to leave but she doesn't listen. Though I will say one thing in their defense."
"Oh?" Aja asked, raising an eyebrow or two.
"They didn't kick her out when….her secret came out. Mary said they were really good about the whole thing."
"Well they sure haven't exactly been saints themselves," Aja said, derisively. "They can't really criticize her given the things they've done in their lives."
"I know, but I still think it speaks well of them that they…helped Mary through this." Craig paused and then asked, "How do you think your bandmates would handle it if one of your band...came out?"
"I've never thought about it," Aja responded, truthfully. "I mean, I guess it's a moot point since none of us are gay. We all passed our blood tests," she added playfully.
"I know, but what if one of you hadn't? How would they take it if one of you was a lesbian?"
"Well, I think it would be awkward for us. None of us would be thrilled about it. But we all love and accept each other as we are. Sooner or later I think everyone would come around and be just fine with it. That's what family does."
Aja took a moment to mentally review each of her bandmates, trying to guess how they would react if one of them came out.
Shana held definite opinions on what was right and what was wrong. Shana always took things so personally too. She'd have the hardest time with it, Aja knew; their earlier conversations left little doubt of that. She was fiercely loyal, though, and that might help.
Kimber -- sweet, open, and going with the flow -- she'd be fine with it. She might feel a tad awkward at first given how much she herself liked guys, but she'd get over it real quick and support her bandmate. The emotional center of the band, no matter how immature Kimber was sometimes perceived as by her bandmates, the young songwriter knew the things that really counted.
Aja herself couldn't care less. That was pretty much all there was too it. In this environment, she knew that she was supposed to view homosexuality as immoral and disgusting, maybe even despicable. That's how so many people seemed to see it nowadays. Aja didn't know why but she didn't see anything repulsive about it; people were people and that was all there was to it in her eyes.
Business-like Jerrica...her main concern would be whether this would hurt the band and its popularity, whether her bandmate could be blackmailed and how a scandal might bring down the group. She would be concerned about her bandmate's emotional well-being too, but the business aspect would weigh heavily on her shoulders. What about Jem? Aja realized she often did think of them as two separate people. But she didn't see a difference between how Jerrica and Jem would react. Jem might have a slightly easier time of it than Jerrica because Jem didn't need to obsess over the financial performance of the group.
What about Raya? She was maybe a bit sheltered, not naive but sheltered. She would be uncomfortable with it, Aja decided, but she wouldn't let on much -- unlike Shana who would let it be known how she felt. Aja imagined that Raya might come around eventually and be accepting of her bandmate.
Overall, Aja thought that if one of the Holograms came out, it had the potential to weaken the group but she was certain they would be able to work it out. She also had to admit that from what she could tell, the Misfits were handling their own situation well
"That's good," Craig murmured in reply.
Silence again came upon them and they were quiet again. Aja noticed that she never felt awkward about their quiet moments though. Craig seemed comfortable too, she observed. She cuddled against him and delicately planted a few kisses on his cheek, his lips, and his ear. He turned towards Aja and whole-heartedly returned the kisses.
"That's an amazing bathtub," Aja commented after a while.
"It's huge," Craig added.
"I like the way it has an antique look but it's also got modern comforts. The inside reclines so you could lean your back against the surface. Looks like it's padded too."
"If Mary ever has to stay in here, at least she'll be able to take long baths," Craig added, grimly humorous.
An idea popped into Aja's head, and she vocalized it on the spur of the moment. "Wanna try it out?"
Craig did a double-take. "Try out…the bathtub?"
Aja blushed but couldn't restrain a grin. "Why not? It could be fun. Looks like there's some nice bubble bath on the counter."
A confused Craig tried to determine whether Aja was serious or not. He didn't think she would joke about this. "Well, sweetheart, I'd love to but….you know, I'm not a saint. We both get in there and….it would push my sense of restraint to the limit."
"Maybe we shouldn't be so restrained," Aja said, snuggling in even closer to Craig, pressing her body against his. She reached a hand around and slowly, deliberately caressed his chest and shoulders, marveling at the strength and well-defined muscles. She wished his T-shirt were made of a thinner cloth.
"So, are you saying you think you're ready?" Craig asked softly. He tried to not sound as eager as he felt. The bold moves of her hand were affecting him.
"Yes. I, uh – " She broke off awkwardly, but at Craig's urging, continued, "I realized something recently. I'm not Shana. I love her like a sister but I don't have to make the same decisions she did."
"Oh. You mean, she and Anthony haven't…."
"No, they did. But Shana waited till she had an engagement ring on her finger. I think the others all feel the same way too – about waiting until an engagement. But I decided that I don't have to agree with everything they think or do; I don't need to wait that long. Though I certainly could see us…going in that direction someday too."
"So could I," Craig said warmly. He had partially been trying to stall things a bit, wanting Aja – and himself -- to have a chance to think things over. But a real impediment now presented itself.
"What is it?" Aja asked, feeling him cool off.
"Well, I realized that we don't have any protection here," he observed.
"Oh," Aja said. She berated herself for not thinking of it. Her decision today had been spontaneous.
"I have some at home. You know, sweetie, maybe it would be better if we went back to my place anyway. I think that my home would be a much better place for this."
"You're right. It would suck if the butler walked in," Aja said with a giggle. "Or Pizzazz," she added, a truly nightmarish thought.
Craig smiled. "Though the bathtub at my place isn't as grand as this one. I do have a nice bed though."
"We'll have to make use of this tub another time," Aja said, smiling as they both leapt to their feet.
"And we'll bring a deadbolt for the door," he added.
During the car ride to the Phillips' house, fear began to set in for Aja and her resolve started evaporating. Holding Craig's free hand as he drove, she tried to brush the worry away. She had been warned that a girl's first time "usually isn't the way it appears in romance novels," as Shana had put it. She had been warned that it could be clumsy and downright painful. Aja worried about appearing inept in front of Craig. She also worried about her appearance; suspecting that guys really liked curves, Aja knew she was thin and not curvaceous at all. Her hand felt quite damp now.
She kept trying to squelch the fears, but by the time they reached the Phillips' house, Craig noticed the signs.
"Maybe we should wait on this," Craig suggested, as they entered through the front door.
"But I'm fine," Aja insisted.
"Your hands are shaking," he observed.
An embarrassed Aja noticed the truth of his statement. She wasn't comfortable feeling so vulnerable.
Craig stepped closer to his girlfriend and put a hand on her shoulder. "You know," he began softly, "you look to me like you're about 70 percent ready. And I think that when we make love for the first time, I want you to be 100 percent ready."
Aja nodded, appreciating his perceptivity. "You're right." She looked down. "You must be horribly disappointed."
"I am a bit, but I think it would be a lot worse if we went through with it and you weren't ready."
Aja shook her head, not meeting his eyes. "There's a name for a girl like me, who leads a guy on – "
"Aja!" Craig exclaimed.
"Why do you put up with me, again? I mean don't most girls nowadays put out on the first date? Or the third?"
"Hey, hey, Aja knock it off. What happened to the confident Aja that we know and love?" He reached for her and planted a chaste kiss on her lips. "We're okay. I'm totally fine with waiting."
Aja thanked Craig for his understanding. They soon left the house and headed for a hardware store to fetch supplies for their construction project.
TO BE CONTINUED
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