Loser Like Me
"You're nothing at all like your brother."
"I've been told. Now, did you mean it in a good way or a bad way?" TK polished clean his countertop.
"I meant it in the best way possible. I wish you were able to come to the dance too, I think we would have had so much fun. I mean, I had a lot of fun with Rina, but…," Davis paused.
"But what?" TK poured a smoothie out for Davis. "This is on me."
"Thanks bud. Anyways, she's a cool senior and I'm…me. Why is she spending her time with a loser like me when she could hang out with literally anyone else? I don't deserve it," Davis slowly sipped from his smoothie.
"Stop that garbage talk. She likes you! Like I said, just keep being yourself. Apparently, it's working," TK massaged Davis's shoulders.
"I guess, but still. I feel like something's not adding up. It doesn't help that Matt's being really unsupportive in all of this," Davis squinted his eyes.
"I apologize for him in advance, but I can't control the guy- as much as I want to. What happened?" TK asked.
"He tried to put me in a chokehold during the dance, but I fought him off. Then the principal had to break us up and she found out that Matt didn't even have a ticket or a date, so now Rina's mad at him, and he's mad at me for making him look bad, but he's the one who attacked me first," Davis rolled his eyes.
"Ouch. I know he's my brother, but forget about him! Did you have a good night overall?" TK asked.
"I did! Rina is such a cool girl. And guess what? I got my first kiss. On the lips too," Davis excitedly nodded.
"Whoa, you go lady killer," TK playfully tapped him on the shoulder.
"I am talking to the girls at my job, and they are telling me to take it slow. They're really good at advice, so I might listen to them more often. Can you believe I almost got a limo and a tux for the dance?" Davis laughed.
"Wait? Is that a wrong thing to do?" TK raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah. Apparently if you go overboard, you could freak the girl out! That's what my coworkers say, and it worked!" Davis said.
"Huh. Maybe I should see if they could help me out with some advice," TK rubbed his chin.
"Yeah! They're really nice girls too! You honestly should stop by and see me anyways. This was a nice talk, we should do it again," Davis nodded.
"Definitely. I gotta stop by your shop soon," TK said.
"Move out of my way, asshole," Rina pushed through Matt with a rolling tray.
"An 'excuse me' could suffice!" Matt yelled.
"You know what could suffice? You not trying to strangle my date at the dance! What the hell is wrong with you?" Rina shoved Matt.
"Hey! What's wrong with you? Why are you even going out with Davis? Do you know who he is?" Matt gasped.
"What are you trying to say? You think you're better than him or something?" Rina smirked.
"Uh-," Matt turned red.
"Why don't you mind your own business? Why do you even care what I do?" Rina put her hands on her hips.
"I could think of a few good reasons," Nokia cut in between them and continued walking through.
"Not that I should have to explain myself to you, but I like Davis. He's fun, cute, charming, and we've got a couple of common interests. One of them being we don't like having sticks up our asses, like you do," Rina stuck her tongue out.
"Hey, what's going on here?" Marcus ran up to them.
"Nothing boss. I was just on my way to do some run backs," Rina picked some CDs up from the floor and wheeled away.
"Hey Marcus, do I act like I have a stick up my butt?" Matt asked.
"Not gonna lie, I was tempted to ask my friend to take a secret X-ray of you. There's a certain way you walk, I can't explain it…you're just so tense," Marcus shrugged.
"Gee thanks," Matt muttered.
"Hey, by the way, remember we're still on a probationary period here. If you can handle Christian and Gospel, we might be able to move you up. I believe in you, but you gotta actually put in the work," Marcus tapped him on the shoulder and walked away.
"Thanks…," Matt sighed.
"You know I try to give you all the love I hold inside, I have a hard time when I can't say it right, but I'll see the day when I will find the words and say them…"
"Honestly, I don't mind this section too much. If you don't move, it's not a big loss," Nokia said.
"I thought you were supposed to be in Country," Matt said.
"I don't have to babysit the section my entire shift, it's not like anyone actually goes there," Nokia rolled her eyes.
"Damn, I didn't think about that," Matt whispered.
"This is the coolest job so far. I get paid to drink and paint," Mimi slurped at a wine glass.
"Are you sure you're not gonna get in trouble?" Sora sniffed her wine glass.
"Hello, it's called PAINT and SIP," Mimi scoffed.
"You can't argue that logic," Tai gulped down his wine.
"And yet I feel like you're missing a crucial step here," Izzy scrunched his eyebrows.
"Oh yes! We're supposed to be painting wood and fire!" Mimi hiccupped.
"You mean a campfire?" TK raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, whatever. Just copy the painting as best as you can! We only have an hour," Mimi tapped at her wrist.
"Honestly, I just came here to drink," Miki shrugged.
"Come on! You guys have to paint! It'll be fun!" Megumi gushed.
"For you. I have two left hands when it comes to painting…except I am left-handed, so would I technically really say I have two right hands?" Izzy frowned.
"Too much thinking, not enough drinking," Mimi poured him more wine.
"I just have a question. If Tai, Miki, and Megumi are here, then who's running the store?" Sora asked.
"Crap!" Tai gasped.
"Well, like I said, I only came here to drink. Megumi, you can stay since you seem to enjoy this a lot more than the rest of us. Tai, we should head back," Miki snapped her fingers.
"This was fun. Honestly," Tai gulped down the last of his wine and ran out of the store with Miki.
"Oh, I forgot! Now, whoever has the best painting in my opinion gets to go home with a bottle of wine, so you guys should try your best to put your own personal spin on it!" Mimi smiled as she filled up everyone's wine glasses.
"Please, no more for me. I don't know, but I think I'm starting to get drunk. What exactly does it feel like?" TK turned red.
"Depends. Sometimes it can feel like you don't know what's going on around you, but it's all fun, relaxing, confusing at the same time, and you're totally okay with it- well, until the next day," Megumi smiled.
"Oh dear," TK's face fell.
"Then I must have been feeling drunk all weekend," Izzy slurred.
"Why do you say that?" Sora asked.
"I went to the movies with Kari-,"
"Like on a date?" Megumi interrupted.
"No, not like a 'date'," Izzy stuck his tongue out.
"Who paid for the tickets?" Megumi smirked.
"I did…," Izzy paused.
"Ooooh," Mimi said through sips of her wine.
"Oooh is right. I can't imagine you paying for my ticket," Sora snorted.
"And did you get snacks?" Megumi narrowed her eyes.
"Yes…and yes, I paid for them," Izzy looked down at the ground.
"Movie and snacks? Oh boy," TK raised his eyebrows in amusement.
"What kind of movie did you guys see?" Megumi winked.
"I dunno, some chick flick?" Izzy shrugged.
"You went on a date, you went on a date!" Megumi squealed.
"Oh shit…did I?" Izzy dropped his paintbrush.
"All signs point to yes," Sora nodded.
"You went on a date," Mimi smirked.
"Maybe that's why I had that weird feeling. I accidentally took Kari out on a date. Who does that?" Izzy gasped.
"Apparently you do," Megumi giggled.
"But that wasn't even the weird part of the evening. Someone was throwing coins at our heads throughout the movie, but when we looked through the rows, there wasn't anyone there. The coins were there, but otherwise the theatre was empty," Izzy crinkled his eyebrows.
"Oh, that's because-,"
*boom*
"Oops, Teeks! I didn't mean to lean my foot against your chair!" Sora bit her lip.
"Ow, what the heck is that for?" TK rubbed his head.
"It was an accident," Sora nervously smiled.
"Hold on, Izzy…do you like Kari? Like like her?" Mimi leaned in close.
"She's nice, but I've known her for a long time. I just like the way we are and just being friends. Also, I think Tai might kick my ass," Izzy hiccupped.
"That's a huge relief," Sora whispered.
"Aww, that sucks. You guys would look kinda cute together!" Megumi frowned.
"Um, so hour is up! Megumi, since it looks like you were the only one who actually painted anything, you get the winner's wine!" Mimi held up a wine bottle.
"Yes! I win! Can I take my painting with me too?" Megumi exclaimed.
"Of course! It's yours to keep!" Mimi grinned.
"Oh my god, yay! I'm so proud of myself! Thanks, we should do this again!" Megumi grabbed her painting and her wine bottle and left.
"So Meems, you don't expect us to take these home with us, do you?" TK winced at his ugly painting.
"Actually, for the rest of you guys, I want to throw your paintings in a real-life version of this," Mimi pointed to the painting of the campfire.
"I might be a little drunk, but that's not nice," Sora straightened herself up.
"What are you guys doing?" Davis asked.
"Maybe we could get some business going if we spiced it up a bit," Barbie Q adjusted a sign.
"Psychatric Help $5, The Doctors Are In," Davis read the sign. "Uh, so what about the food? We're in the food court."
*vrrrrooom*
"Oh god, I bet this dipwad is about to tell us the same thing," Suzie Q muttered as she saw Joe roll in on his motorized scooter.
"Excuse me, but all sign changes need to be approved by the mall office. Speaking of, are you authorized to practice therapy here?" Joe tapped the sign.
"Yeah! We've been told we've been great at giving advice!" Barbie Q smiled.
"Do you actually have credentials, like from a real university?" Joe crossed his arms.
"I predicted you were gonna say something like that," Suzie Q pulled out a piece of paper.
"University of Phoenix? Is this real?" Joe squinted.
"It's as real as the life advice we're gonna give you, on the house. As long as you leave us alone," Suzie Q said.
"I did ask you for your credentials, it's only fair…fine," Joe hummed.
"So what would you like advice with?" Barbie Q asked.
"I'm stuck deciding careers right now. I'm currently studying to become a doctor, but it's really hard. Like you have to study constantly, and there's always something new going on. But then sometimes school stresses me out so bad, I just want to drop out and devote my entire life to just being a security officer. What should I do?" Joe asked.
"That's easy! You should definitely continue with school!" Suzie Q blurted.
"Yeah, with your dedication and attention to detail, I think you'd make an amazing doctor! Your talent would be wasted here," Barbie Q said.
"And once you're a doctor, you could impress a lot of pretty girls with the money you make," Davis pitched in.
"I didn't even think about that. I like pretty girls," Joe tapped his chin.
"Well right now, they don't like you. But if you become a doctor…wow!" Barbie Q exclaimed.
"I was so conflicted before, but now everything is clearer! I'm going to take my education more seriously! Thank you!" Joe puffed his chest out and wheeled off.
"No problem! Next piece of advice is five bucks!" Barbie Q smiled.
"Wow, we're gonna change so much lives," Davis said in awe.
"Yeah! And maybe we convinced the mall cop to back off a bit," Suzie Q rubbed her hands together.
"You're a genius," Davis looked at her in awe.
"Duh. We have to be good at our jobs. We're gonna turn this mall right side up," Suzie Q winked.
"Hi, welcome to the makeup store! How can we help you?" Megumi greeted.
"Where's Tai?" Matt grunted.
"Oh…he's back that way," Megumi grimaced.
"Thanks," Matt stomped his way over to Tai.
"Hey, what's up? What are you doing bothering me at work?" Tai looked amused.
"What does he have that I don't?" Matt grumbled.
"You mean Rina's boy toy?" Megumi leaned in.
"How do you know about him?" Matt gruffly asked.
"Oh, they're so cute together! They stop by the store sometimes and he helps carry her stuff, he's such a gentleman! If only he were a tad bit older," Megumi sighed.
"What about me?" Matt growled.
"What about you?" Megumi made a face.
"What's wrong with me? Why doesn't she like me?" Matt whined.
"It's probably because you reek of desperate," Tai sprayed some cologne in Matt's direction.
"Actually, he's not wrong. You're clearly obsessed and that's such a huge turnoff. Nobody likes a loser. Have you ever thought about getting a hobby maybe?" Megumi winced.
"That's true. No offense, but you're kinda acting like a Davis right now," Tai filed his nails.
"So I'm a Davis?" Matt gasped.
"I don't know what Tai means by that exactly, but yeah…maybe you should stop doing what Davis does, and start being yourself- minus the loser part," Megumi waved an eyeliner pencil at Matt.
"I don't think I even know where to start," Matt frowned.
"How about this- what are some of your interests?" Megumi asked.
"Rina?" Matt turned red.
"Hopeless," Tai shook his head.
"Seriously. Come back when you're actually serious," Megumi narrowed her eyes and walked away.
"Thank you for joining me on a session of Paint and Sip! I'm telling you, this will definitely be so therapeutic for you guys," Mimi poured everyone wine.
"If anything, it will be the wine that's gonna be more therapeutic than the actual painting part of the session," Matt smirked.
"Free wine," Miki held up her wine glass.
"Please, I hope someone paints something this round," Mimi pleaded.
"We will," Barbie Q nodded.
"Yeah, we need a little break from our job. We're so busy ever since we decided to change business strategies," Suzie Q picked up her paint brush.
"Oh really? What do you guys do?" Kari asked.
"We used to serve fast food, but now we're serving up advice," Suzie Q said.
"People are eating it up like fiends too," Barbie Q let out a deep breath.
"I might have to stop by soon. I do need some advice," Kari delicately sipped at her wine.
"Ooh, on what?" Mimi asked curiously.
"I don't know if I should say…I don't want it to be spread around the whole mall. No offense," Kari paused.
"Hey, we can keep it confidential. We don't tell anyone's business in the mall. It helps that we don't go to the same school as anyone else," Barbie Q said.
"Also, it's just me, Miki and Matt here. Who would we tell?" Mimi poured Kari more wine.
"I could think of a handful of people for each of you guys," Kari frowned.
"Ouch, that's messed up," Miki snorted.
"If it makes you feel better, you can come to our booth for a confidential consultation. We do have a long waiting list though," Barbie Q suggested.
"How about we tell each other a secret that we can't tell anyone else? Is that fair?" Mimi smiled.
"Okay, I like that," Kari nodded.
"Alright, so what's on your mind?" Mimi pretended to paint on her canvas.
"So, I think I like someone but it might be complicated," Kari bit her lip.
"Really? How so?" Matt smirked.
"Well, I've known him for a long time, but I don't know. There's just something about him, like I know he's not necessarily the typical girl's type of guy, but I like him," Kari said.
"Is he a weirdo?" Miki raised an eyebrow.
"It doesn't matter. Anyways, he can be kind of mean towards people, but with me, it's different. He's sweet," Kari took her paintbrush and stroked it against the blank canvas.
"Ah, you're in love with a gang member. That's always fun, but dangerous. Be careful," Miki sighed.
"Where did she come up with that conclusion?" TK made a face.
"Are you in love with a criminal? Cause we would advise you to stay away if so," Barbie Q frowned.
"No! He's not a criminal. He's actually the opposite of one," Kari bit her nail.
"So Kari, what's up with this guy then? Is he our age? Or maybe he's older? We need more details," Barbie Q said.
"He is older than me, but what if he's only nice to me because I'm his friend's kid sister?" Kari sighed.
"Hkkk…, you're totally barking up the wrong tree! You need to move on!" Matt frantically choked on his wine.
"You think?" Kari paused.
"Ignore her! I've been in your shoes before, I think you should go for it! Even if it doesn't work out, at least you'll have fun," Miki drank from a wine bottle.
"No! That's a bad idea!" Matt sternly said.
"I'm not a fan of it either," Mimi shook her head.
"It's hard, I can't stop thinking about him," Kari sighed.
"Then find a way to stop," Matt turned red. "Believe me, it will be uncomfortable for everyone."
"Maybe you're right. I mean, he's a perfect gentleman with me, if I think about it, that's what I truly want in a boyfriend. But I don't know if he thinks about me in the same way, I just think that's his character. He's so hard to read," Kari sighed.
"Maybe you should try hanging out with him one-one-one, obviously on the condition that he's not a criminal, of course," Barbie Q.
"Like a date?" Mimi clenched her jaw.
"Yeah. We need more info. He does seem hard to read. Why don't you go give it a shot, and then come back to us to figure out the next step?" Barbie Q said.
"I guess it doesn't hurt," Kari hummed. "It's three against two. TK, what do you think?"
"I'm sorry, what?" TK stopped painting his shoe.
"Ugh. Never mind. Majority still rules. I just don't know how I'm gonna pull this off," Kari wiped her clammy hands on her pants.
"By not doing it in the first place," Matt winced.
"Guys, hour's up! Looks like no one did a good painting this round, so I'll just have to give this session's wine bottle to- hey! Where did the wine go?" Mimi gasped.
"I had a head start. This was fun," Miki held up an empty wine bottle. "See you later!"
"Bye! You guys should stop by," Barbie Q nodded.
"We hope to see you soon," Suzie Q winked.
"Hey! By the way, none of you told me a secret!" Kari yelled.
"Uh…when I say I'm going to the bookstore, I actually mean I'm going to do a number two," Mimi whispered.
"Actually, that was my secret too," TK bashfully said.
"Really? That's it?" Kari gasped.
"What? I don't like doing that stuff in public. It's icky," Mimi said.
"Super icky," TK nodded.
"Ugh, unbelievable," Kari stomped out of the store.
"Hey, any of you guys would be interested in some genuine A&F clothes? I got all sizes, all genders, and I'll get you a nice deal," Rika hissed behind the smoothie stand.
"Get lost, pipsqueak," Tai scoffed.
"No, she actually works there. She's the real deal," Mimi gasped. "What do you have?"
"I don't know, Mimi…that sounds illegal," Sora frowned.
"If you're not gonna help me with my business, maybe you should mind your own," Rika scoffed.
"Ugh," Sora gasped.
"She told your ass," Matt laughed.
"Hey, do you have clothes for guys?" TK leaned over the counter.
"Yeah, I'll get you a real nice deal. You really need it," Rika whispered.
"Cool. What size do you think I'd be?" TK asked.
"You're definitely a small top, and 28" waist with 34" inseam. Gangly ass dweeb. Here are some fits that might help," Rika put some clothes on the counter.
"Wow, those aren't bad choices coming from a girl who dresses like Wednesday Addams," Tai nodded in approval.
"You wear a dress," Rika looked at him with a deadpan expression on her face.
"This is a smock and it's my uniform," Tai heaved.
"You also wear pantyhose," Sora pulled on Tai's tights.
"Thank you. Thank you for sticking up for an 8-year-old," Tai blandly said.
"I'll take them. Anything else you got?" TK asked.
"Here's another outfit. That's all I have for this collection," Rika said.
"How much?" TK pulled out his wallet.
"For you, I'll do $200 and 10 free large smoothies," Rika said.
"Deal," TK shook hands with her.
"Nice doing business with you," Rika smirked and snuck away.
"What's with the shopping spree?" Matt looked at him quizzically.
"Apparently I'm a huge dweeb. I'm thinking a makeover could fix that," TK shrugged.
"What makes you think that would work?" Matt snorted.
"I don't know, but Davis's coworkers have been right about other things," TK shrugged.
"Don't even mention that guy to me," Matt gagged.
"Come on, get over it. She doesn't like you, and you definitely didn't yourself any favors," Sora hummed.
"You know what? If they're soooo right about everything, maybe they can help me out with something else. And you got me in trouble, Mimi!" Matt pointed at her.
"What? How?" Mimi gasped.
"So we had one of our little paint and sip sessions, and guess what? The girls had Kari confess that she had a crush on me! ME!" Matt gasped.
"What?!" Tai sprung up from his chair.
"Before you even try to kick my ass, I don't like your sister! Honestly!" Matt shielded his arms.
"You better not! She's way too good for you," Tai yelled.
"Matt, where did you even come up with that conclusion? Did she outright confess her feelings to you?" Sora asked.
"She didn't say 'I love you Matt', but I know she was thinking it! She didn't even take her eyes off her painting, avoiding eye contact with me!" Matt nodded his head rapidly.
"Why does it seem like everyone wants Kari's attention?" Mimi rolled her eyes.
"She's cute, smart, nice, and she's the sister of the most popular guy in school. I think that sums it up," TK tapped his fingers.
"What about me?" Mimi whined.
"Nobody knows who you are, you're not nice, you take the same classes as me even though you're in Izzy's grade-"
"But you're so pretty," Sora interrupted TK.
"Shouldn't that be enough?" Mimi looked up.
"No," the boys said at the same time.
"Sorry, but no guy has the patience for a pretty face with nothing else to offer. Guys like action figures, not fashion dolls," Tai sipped at a Diet Coke.
"I think what the two of you guys need to do is find a hobby. Something that will fill in those spacious heads of yours," Sora rested her hands on Mimi and Matt's shoulders.
"I'll find myself a hobby. I just gotta make a quick stop," Matt got up from his chair and rolled up his sleeves.
"Is shopping a hobby?" Mimi happily asked.
"No!" everyone yelled in unison.
"Davis, what are you doing waiting in line?" Barbie Q asked.
"Yeah, get back to work," Suzie Q motioned him to the counter.
"I will, but I need some advice first," Davis dropped a 5-dollar bill on the counter.
"Keep your money. What's up?" Barbie Q asked him.
"I've been feeling kinda useless lately. Like I'm happy cause it looks like everyone is doing great, but I feel like I don't have a purpose," Davis sighed.
"Aww, what makes you say that?" Barbie Q frowned.
"I mean, for example, look how successful you guys are!" Davis motioned to the long line of people behind him.
"Yeah, we've been getting super popular. It's almost hard to control," Suzie Q tapped her chin.
"It's frustrating because I can't do anything to help out! It's not like anyone wants curly fries, and I'm not good at advice giving. Let's be honest, they're not here for the food," Davis said.
"I'm sorry we made you feel that way!" Barbie Q pouted.
"Please don't get the wrong idea, Davis! We still need your help," Suzie Q protested.
"Oh yeah? How? I'm not doing anything but standing out in the back," Davis pouted.
"Actually, what we could use is a receptionist. I think that could definitely help with the crowd control," Suzie Q snapped her fingers.
"Oh, and we could also use a filing system of some kind, like of our clients. That would totally make this operation run much more smoothly," Barbie Q grinned.
"I think I know someone who can help us out with that too!" Davis excitedly grinned.
"Will you stay with us? You can be our receptionist! Please?" the girls pouted.
"Yes! I'll do it!" Davis pumped his fists in the air.
"Okay, great! So part of being the receptionist is starting to plan how we're gonna be more organized, so why don't you grab your friend and come up with an idea? We'll pay them for their time!" Suzie Q said.
"Cool! I think I know two people actually. Is it okay if I reach out to both?" Davis asked.
"Why not? We need the help," Barbie Q nodded.
"Hey, welcome to Build-A-Buddy! How can we help you create an everlasting bond?" Angie greeted Matt.
"I DON'T WANT AN EVERLASTING BOND! KARI, YOU'RE DESPERATE AND I'M NOT INTERESTED!" Matt yelled.
"What?" Kari peeked out from behind a shelf.
"Waaaaaahhh…," a bunch of kids started crying.
"Okay, this is crazy! I've never seen so many kids cry since I started working here!" Mikey angrily snapped his goggles off.
"Yeah, because this is a store full of children. And children cry. Duh," Jeremy stuck his tongue out.
"It's not the kids! It's all of you! You're all fired! All of you!" Mikey screamed.
"Waaaahhhh!" more kids started to cry.
"What?! We didn't even do anything!" Kari gasped.
"Really, Kari? Because your boyfriend just came here causing a scene!" Mikey put his hands on his hips.
"That idiot is not my boyfriend! What the heck is wrong with you, you dumbass?" Kari yelled at Matt.
"Momma, she cursed," a kid gasped.
"Oh shit, she did curse…she mad mad," Jeremy awkwardly laughed.
"Language! We're in a goddamn toy store for crying out loud!" Mikey stomped his foot.
"The irony," Angie scoffed.
"If this is the kind of environment you're encouraging, I don't want to invest my business here," a blonde woman with an uneven haircut frowned.
"Yeah, because that $15 teddy bear is totally gonna make our monthly sales," Jeremy stuck his tongue out.
"Everyone…get the hell out! Fired! And I want the aprons back! That's company property!" Mikey yelled.
"I don't want it anyways," Angie tossed her apron in Mikey's face and walked out of the store.
"Fuck you, gogglehead!" Jeremy flipped Mikey off and followed Angie out.
"And no, Kari. You cannot use me as a reference," Mikey crossed his arms.
"Really? Did you think I was gonna ask?" Kari gasped.
"You kinda looked like you were gonna," Matt winced.
"Matt…you don't have to worry about me liking you at all because you were down here," Kari held her palm down next to her knee. "And now…you're all the way down to the seventh layer of the earth's core. Don't talk to me," Kari picked up her backpack and stormed out of the store.
"You really have an ego problem, don't you?" Mikey asked Matt.
"What makes you say that?" Matt made a face.
"Ugh…," Mimi slumped into a chair.
"Hey, everything good?" TK asked.
"No. I just got fired again…," Mimi struggled to hold herself together.
"What? Why? That was the best job ever too!" Tai gasped.
"Apparently, I was supposed to ask ID for the Paint and Sip courses! Who knew you had to be an adult to drink wine?!" Mimi sobbed.
"Literally everyone," Izzy raised an eyebrow.
"Why didn't any of you guys tell me? I could have lost my job! I mean I did lose my job!" Mimi gasped.
"I mean, we all thought it was suspicious, but we thought you had a loophole or something. Like who would actually pay to paint and drink wine?" TK shrugged.
"Yeah, kinda like how you can buy the alcohol slushees 'to go' at the gas station as long as you don't open them in the store," Tai said.
"That sounds very dangerous and it should probably be illegal. A gas station? Really?" Sora scoffed.
"It doesn't matter anyways. I'm fired…again," Mimi cried.
"Did you get fired again?" Kari walked up to Mimi.
"Yeah," Mimi sniffled.
"Me too," Kari hugged her and blubbered.
"What?!" everyone gasped.
"You can thank Matt for me! He's an idiot," Kari cried.
"Matt, how the hell did you get Kari fired?" Izzy crossed his arms.
"I thought she- uh…she's right. I was dumb. I accidentally caused a scene at her job and her boss got mad," Matt sheepishly said.
"How do you 'accidentally' cause a scene?" Sora squinted her eyes.
*vrrrrooooom*
"God, please don't tell me…," Matt groaned.
"I'm sorry I have to do this," Joe clicked his pen. "I have to write you a citation for causing a disturbance in public and disorderly conduct. Some statements include from various reports include 'What's wrong with me? Why doesn't she like me?' and 'I don't want an everlasting bond. Kari, you're desperate and I'm not interested'…if you ask me, it sounds like you need to pick a side. You're mentally disturbed," Joe scribbled on his notepad.
"In more ways than one," Tai snorted as he watched Joe stick the tickets on Matt's forehead.
"You take gift cards from Nevada Steaks?" Matt sheepishly said.
"Cash or debit card. Have a good day," Joe rolled off.