Ever since Maddy and Gaia united, they've been inseparable. They met in both of their first pageants backstage. Maddy looked around and saw all the other girls pretending to be confident or letting their insecurities show. All but one girl; Gaia.
She was there, sitting in her space, happy and confident. She was covered in designer clothes and jewelry, but her demeanor was humble. Then she saw Gaia do something even more fascinating; she leaned over and gave encouragement to a competitor and even hugged her in support.
What made them bond was Gaia's reaction to losing. Gaia and Maddy were equally matched. She was prepared to lose to the enigma that was Gaia ( her rendition of Whitney Houston's I will always love you was fucking phenomenal, in my opinion}. However, to Maddy's shock, she had won, and Gaia came in second.
After she was crowned, all the other girls congratulated her, but she knew they didn't mean it. That was until her future best friend came up.
" Congratulation. You deserved to win. Your routine was so good. You're definitely someone to look out for. I hope we can be friends even though I want to beat you," she giggled.
Maddy was, for the first time in her life, stunned. She couldn't believe how well Gaia was taking her loss. But Gaia was one of those rare human beings who were genuine and secure in herself.
That was the day they became friends.
Maddy was slightly envious of Gaia's life; her parents were attentive and dotting; She had an amazing adorable sister, and Gaia's family was wealthy. She loved being around the Williams' because they treated her like their child. Hell, they even shared birthday parties since they shared the same day and year. However, tragedy soon struct.
When Gaia lost her dad and sister, Maddy was there for her every step of the way. She can't remember how many times she cried over her comatose friend at the hospital. How many times Maddy visited Gaia at her house or support her at physical therapy. Gaia was set back a year from all the months she missed, which pissed Maddy off. In some weird way, the tragedy made Maddy realize how important Gaia was in her life and how much she never wanted to see her hurt physically or emotionally. Maddy and Gaia made a promise that nobody would get in between them. However, promises were always made to be broken.
Maddy ended up crying herself to sleep in Gaia's arms that night. Gaia felt a bottomless pit of guilt and shame. She felt guilty for not trying enough to get Maddy out of Nate's web. She felt she should have pushed Jules not to send nudes or meet up with this guy. Gaia just couldn't get Maddy's bruises and the conversation between Jules and Nate out of her head. Eventually, her guilt turned into anger toward Nate. Having both of them fucked over by Nate really sent her into a calm rage. She was angry, but you wouldn't know. She was planning on getting him back, somehow.
She reluctantly got out of bed and went downstairs to see Mimi in the kitchen, cooking some food.
" Hey, sweetie! I made you and Maddy breakfast," She sang cheerfully.
"Where's Mom?" Gaia asked.
"she's at the hospital," Mimi answered absentmindedly.
" Wait, What?!" Gaia gasped. She immediately got flashbacks of her being in the hospital after the accident. A sick feeling climbed its way into her stomach.
" Just a check-up. Nothing to worry about" MiMi quickly tried to shut down Gaia's worries. Gaia wanted to ask more questions but was too mentally exhausted right now.
"OK," Gaia responded, still uneasy. She pushed the feelings to the back of her head and got some coffee. The caffeine gave her the energy boost she desperately needed.
She made an iced caramel latte for Maddy and brought it to the room for her.
Maddy was still sleeping peacefully in bed. She put the drink down and kissed her best friend's forehead. Then proceeded to peel off her night clothes and went inside the bathroom.
Gaia sat on the toilet, replying to a bunch of messages.
Fez:
Good morning ma. How u feeling?
Gaia:
Ugh, emotionally fucked.
Fez:
What u mean? what happened?
Gaia:
It's just a whole bunch of shit. It's not my shit to tell but trust it's some shit.
Fez:
I feel u. it's ain't yo shit to tell. Respect. R U coming ova tho tomorrow?
Gaia:
Yeah. after I meet up with Jules
Fez:
Aight, see you then ma ❤
Gaia:
Hey, U still coming over later?
Jules:
Yeah. I'm at Rue's house right now, so I'll let you know
Gaia:
OK. Let me know
Cassie:
GG, I need to talk to you. I fucked up. ?
Gaia:
Bitch, what happened?
Cassie:
Can you come over? Maddy isn't answering.
Gaia:
I have plans but call me later, OK?
Cassie:
OK
Gaia:
ttyl
Mckay:
Hey
Gaia:
What?
Mckay:
Please don't be mad GG
Gaia:
Im not. Im just disappointed. Why did you play Cassie like that?
Mckay:
Because Nate would have just kept talking shit
Gaia:
Sounds like you were saving your feelings?
Mckay:
Come on GG. Don't be like that.
Gaia:
I'm not doing anything. I just don't fuck with how you handle the situation
Mckay:
I get it. Im trying to make it up to Cassie
Gaia:
You better. shes a great person, and she didnt deserves that
Mckay:
You right. Im sorry
Gaia:
We cool. Just treat her better.
Mckay:
I will GG
Lexi:
Hey, where were you at the carnival?
Gaia:
I got sidetracked by Nate's family ?
Lexi:
Isnt it weird that your ex's family still wants you around?
Gaia:
Definitely.
Lexi:
Are you free today?
Gaia:
I'm consoling Maddy and Jules today.
Lexi:
Consoling? what happened?
Gaia:
Just some bullshit
Lexi:
Oh OK. Well, what about this week?
Gaia:
Of course. I have to spend at least a day with my future wife ? ゚リノ?
Lexi:
Lol, you're ridiculous. ttyl
Kat:
Guess who I fucked?
Gaia:
Bitch who?
KAT:
Luke Kasten
Gaia:
That older dude with the big dick? ?
Kat:
Yea
Gaia:
Was it good?
Kat:
Nah.
Gaia:
Chile, what a waste
Kat:
That's what I said ?
Gaia:
Lol, Im about to go in the shower. ttyl
Kat:
Aight. Luv you ?
Gia:
Can u come over? Im bored and grounded.
Gaia:
Why r u grounded?
Gia:
because I didn't answer the phone when my mom called
Gaia:
Well, why not?
Gia:
I was busy. I didn't see it.
Gaia:
You were with some boys, weren't you ? ゚リメ?
Gia:
No comment ?
Gaia:
Yeah OK! Sounds like you deserve the grounding? ゚マ
Gia:
Really GG?! you're supposed to understand and be on my side
Gaia:
I'll be on your side when you're not doing some dumb shit like that. You were smoking too, weren't you?
Gia:
Just a little bit. Please don't tell my mom.
Gaia:
Fine. I swear you and your sis are gonna be the death of me. ?
Gaia finally got into the shower and let the water wash yesterday's chaos off her body. she stood there for 10 minutes, just letting the water hit her. Eventually, she actually started to wash her body. After another 20 minutes, she got out, did her facial routine, and brushed her teeth.
When Gaia left the bathroom, she saw Maddy up on her phone.
" Hi, babe! are you feeling better?" Gaia laid down beside the Perez girl and rubbed her cheek. Gaia was eyeing the massive bruise on her neck from Nate's gigantic hands.
"I feel like shit, GG," She answered truthfully.
" That's understandable" Gaia felt the emotional turmoil radiating from her. the two just sat in comfortable silence, with Gaia holding Maddy and rubbing her back in comfort. She didn't want to push Maddy to talk if she didn't want to talk.
Maddy was happy that Gaia stayed with her tonight. she didnt knows what she would do if she was by herself.
Maddy finished her latte, and the pair went downstairs to eat some food. Gaia ate a reasonable amount, while Maddy barely ate anything. Gaia looked at her friend and tried to get her to eat some toast but failed. She didnt feel like eating after what happened last night.
After Maddy showered and changed, she left Gaia's house to go home. Maddy thought she needed some time alone, but she was wrong. Being alone just made the feeling worse.
Gaia went to the boxing gym to let out some steam. It actually worked, and she left feeling 10x better. Boxing was the one thing that let her get her anger out without any judgment.
Before driving back to her house, Gaia took her phone out and texted Jules.
Gaia:
Hey, do you want to come over? I'm leaving the gym
Jules:
Yeah. I really need someone to talk to right now.
Gaia:
I'll text you when to come.
Jules:
Thanks
Gaia turned her car on and drove home. When she got to the house, she opened the door to see her mom on the couch with a glass of wine and an old photo book.
" hey," Gaia greeted. she took her shoes off at the door.
Ever since blowing off dinner, Gaia
had promised MiMi to tr. So far, they have been gradually closing the gap between them.
" Hey, baby," Monique replied.
Gaia walked over to hug her and sit next to her.
Gaia looked at the book in her hand and said, "I haven't seen this photobook in a long time. " Gaia smiled.
This particular photobook was filled with pictures of all of the family together, not just her and her mom. They rarely look at this one because nobody wants to bring up the dad or the sister.
Gaia looked at all their family photos at birthday parties, trips, and monumental moments over the years. Gaia wished she could go back to any moment in those pictures. She looked at her younger self with envy.
" Remember when we went to Paris, and your dad had us lost for hours, searching for the hotel?" Monique snickered.
Gaia's face lit up when her mom mentioned dad.
It's been years since Gaia's mom mentioned him
" kind of? how did he get lost?" Gaia asked
" he thought he knew french and could navigate the streets without asking directions. He used to always hate asking for directions. " Monique smiled as she replayed the memory in her head.
" how did we get back?" Gaia smirked
"I found someone who spoke English and French, and they helped. Your dad was looking mad the whole time. But Raven had a full diaper, and your feet were hurting. He was so stubborn for no reason" Her mom shook her head with laughter, which made Gaia laugh with her.
Gaia missed her and her mom talking and bonding. For years, their family pretended half of them didnt exist, which depressed Gaia a lot. Even though her Grandmother told her plenty of stories, she wanted that from her mom.
" Hey, I was about to go out for some Chinese in a few. your order is Roasted duck with shrimp fried rice and 2 shrimp egg roll, right?" She asked Gaia.
Gaia nodded and smiled faintly that her mom still knew her order to a tee. she went upstairs to take a shower before Jules arrived.
Gaia:
Come over.
Jules:
OK. coming
By the time Gaia got out of the shower and put on her clothes, Jules texted her she was 2 minutes away. Gaia walked downstairs and waited for Jules.
There was a knock on the door, and Gaia went to open it. Jules was at the door with a semi-smile. Gaia pulled her in for a hug that seemed to last for hours. Jules didn't realize how much she really needed that hug from someone who knew her situation.
" GG, let the girl get in the house first," Monique joked from behind.
Gaia let go of Jules and let her enter the house.
" Hey. I'm Gaia's Mom. What's your name?" Monique greeted the tall blonde. she opened her arms and gave her daughter's new friend a hug,
"I'm Jules. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Williams," Jules greeted back.
" Did you already eat? I was going to get some Chinese takeout. Do you want some?" she offered.
" Oh, um. can you order me some Kung Pao Chicken with shrimp fried rice?" Jules smiled.
" You got good taste!" Monique complimented.
" thank you," Jules chuckled.
After some more small talk, Jules and Gaia went upstairs to her room while her mom went and got the food.
" your mom is really nice! I'm glad you guys are becoming close again," Jules complimented. she put her bag on the ground and sat at Gaia's Vanity.
Gaia had told Jules about the situation between her and her mom. Jules could understand because of how her and her mom's relationship. That's why she felt so comfortable talking to Gaia about her mom. The real truth.
" yeah. She's even started to talk about my dad and sister again. " Gaia smiled in pure happiness. She was happy that she had taken Mimi"s advice and actually tried with her mom.
Jules smiled, but her eyes were on the brink of tears falling down. Gaia walked over and hugged the girl from the back. Her heart went out to Jules. All she wants is to feel love, but she always gets the shitty deal.
" This is all my fault!" Jules cried out.
" no, it's not. It's Nate. He catfished you!" Gaia exclaimed.
" no, I should have listened to you. You and Rue told me that it could be a catfish and to be careful, but I didnt listen. I knew it was too good to be true," Jules sniffled as she hung on to Gaia like a kid.
Gaia pushed Jules' face towards her " No, Nate preyed on you! Don't beat yourself up, Jules" Gaia kissed her on the forehead.
" I think the worst thing about the situation is that none of it was real" Jules looked straight at the tv, trying not to cry again.
The two stayed attached for a good ten minutes in silence. It wasn't awkward but peaceful and confronting. Jules felt like she was engulfed inside her mother's womb again.
Eventually, Jules got up, took a shower, and changed into her loungewear, getting comfortable. Gaia was in her bed, looking for a good movie they could watch. She was looking at her phone, hoping Maddy would text her.
Maddy hadn't texted her since she told Gaia she had gotten home safely. This was making Gaia very anxious. But what Gaia didn't know was Maddy was slowly going into a depression and wouldn't talk to anybody the rest of the weekend.
Eventually, Gaia's mom called them down for dinner. They ate together, with her mom telling funny stories about when Gaia was younger. Her mom ate some healthy soup that she had made the day before. Gaia found it weird. Usually, her mom doesn't have a healthy diet because she had genes that made her gain no weight. Ever since the summer, she has been on a healthy kick.
Jules and Gaia go upstairs, cuddle in bed, and watch the movie.
Jules climbed into bed and checked her phone. She saw that Rue was sending her messages.
She put her phone down and sighed " Me and Rue kissed," Jules confessed, which made Gaia quickly look at her.
" Oh my god. Finally! " Gaia scoffed.
" what do you mean finally?" Jules looked at her with confusion
" Yeah, finally. You guys obviously liked each other," Gaia explained. she had finally found a show called spirited away on Netflix.
" wait? you knew Rue liked me?" Jules asked
" GIRL! Are you serious?" Gaia started to laugh. She couldn't believe that Jules couldn't tell that Rue liked her.
" was it that obvious!" Jules played with her fingers, slightly embarrassed.
Gaia just gave her the side eye " what do you think?"
Jules slightly smiled and chuckled to herself.
" Just be careful," Gaia warned.
Jules looked at Gaia, confused.
"Rue is in the beginning stages of sobriety; you don't want her to be dependent on you for that," Gaia explained.
Gaia had read some stuff about drug addiction after I had overdosed. She wanted to make sure she could help and support my family and me in any way. I'm such a shitty friend.
Jules looked straight ahead and thought about what Gaia said.
"I'm just looking out for you," Gaia expressed as she looked at the tall blonde girl.
Gaia pulled Jules into a snuggle, each comforting the other.
The Williams girl felt overwhelmed with guilt, making her want to escape.
" wanna do some shrooms? I got some from Fez," Gaia asked Jules. She wanted to do drugs to get her mind off the awful carnival events.
Jules pulled back, thinking for a couple of seconds before nodding her head.
I wish I could say that Jules and Gaia's problems disappeared after this. I wish I could say life, in general, got better, but that would be a fucking lie.
