This is a long one but you finally get to hang out with the gang. As before, Star is in italics.
Favs, reviews, and constructive feedback are all really helpful. Thanks!
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Chapter 4 - Damage Control
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Star's son was still sitting on the loveseat by his mother but he had put a few inches between them while a scowl formed on his face.
"Mom, when you say you upset dad, did you...did you make daddy cry?"
The soon to be queen sighed before replying to him in a low sad tone. "...yes."
The only response the young boy could muster was a slow shake of his head.
"I told you it wasn't my best day!"
"You better have told daddy you were sorry!"
"I did eventually but a bunch of other stuff happened before I got to talk to him."
"If this story has a bad ending I'm gonna be so mad at you."
"Understood, but we still have a while before we get there..."
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Prom
In her mind Star launches herself at her mess-up twin, nearly knocking him over as she wraps her arms around his torso. He returns the embrace and gives the young woman a passionate kiss before telling her that everything is going to be okay. But that was in her head. Instead she was taking slow steps toward the gym while replaying the events that led up to the moment when he left. Tom, Janna, Ferguson, and StarFan all heard the former noble take a day's worth of frustrations out on her boyfriend and hurried over hoping that their worst fears had not come true.
Janna, in a black dress with pink accents, was the first to try to assess the damage. "Hey Star. I'm just going to ignore the quarter inch thick makeup and the dress that screams I'm ready to walk down the aisle. Marco is just waiting for you outside, right?"
"...no."
"Y-you two didn't break up, did you?"
"...paused."
"Paused? What the hell does -paused- mean?"
Star just gave a defeated shoulder shrug as she stood there still lost in her own thoughts. "...h-he told me to figure it out."
From down the hall a smiling Pony Head happily floats up to the squad followed by her camera toting seahorse. "IT'S PROM NIGHT PEOPLE! WHO'S READY TO BE ON CAMERA AND WHY ALL THIS AWKWARD SILENCE?"
Finally looking up at her friends, the first of many tears hit the school's well polished linoleum floor.
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While the former princess sobs Tom and Janna move in next to Star, locking eyes on each other as if they are sending secret visual messages or listening to each other's thoughts. Once they both give an understanding nod Janna addresses the group.
"Okay people, we have a level two Starco situation here. Let's see what we can do to keep this from reaching level one."
"DAMN GIRL, LEVEL TWO! WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM!?"
Confused by the conversation, Star smears her makeup as she tries to wipe away the salty water falling from her cheeks. "L-level two?"
Ignoring both Star and Pony, Janna continues to establish that she's in charge. "Tom, start working on a dance card for our class president. We need to keep her distracted until we know what Safe Kid is doing."
The half-demon, wearing a tux that perfectly matched Marco's, gives a thumbs up. "Got it."
"Hey Tom, remember no creeps."
"Janna, I don't go to school here. How am I supposed to know who the creeps are?"
"You have three eyes hot-stuff, you can figure it out. Pony, makeup wipes for the girl. We all know Marco isn't into the Covergirl look and what you did here is three steps past the wife of a televangelist."
"PFFT, IT'S NOT MY FAULT THAT NO ONE ELSE CAN RECOGNIZE REAL BEAUTY. ALSO WHAT'S A TELEVANGELIST?"
"StarFan, you stay with Star for now and maybe walk her around until she stops looking like a four-year-old who just saw Bambi's mother die."
The brunette teen, with her new adorable smile, showed that all those years of orthodontist visits had been completely worth it. Although her fashion sense was still a bit unique, even in a homemade bedazzled dress that somewhat resembles what Star had worn to the Blood Moon Ball, it was clear that she had blossomed into a beautiful if not eccentric young woman. "Oh Starrr. This is so sad and yet so exciting. Starrr-Starrr, can we get our picture taken together and after can I have your first dance?"
"Ferguson, your job is to make sure Star doesn't get anywhere near those funny drinks or anything else funny, get my drift? The last thing we need is a messed up former prince on our hands."
The red haired teen in a white ruffled shirt and grey suit just smiled. "More for me I guess. Janna, what are you going to do?"
"I'm going to grab my laptop and turn on my old Marco trackers. We need to know what he's doing if we're going to get them back together tonight." Turning around, Janna put a hand on her friend's shoulder. "Now Star, listen to me. This is a very important question. Did you ask him yet?"
"Ask him?"
"This is a super important question Star. Did you ask him?"
"Do...do I really need to say it in front of everyone?"
"Trust us Star, you and Marco have helped each one of us in the past. The least we can do is help you two salvage tonight and knowing is going to make this a whole lot easier."
Star let out a sad sigh as she realized what everyone had likely already figured out. "No, I didn't ask him if he would marry me yet."
No one was surprised. Star had been named 'most likely to get married first' in the yearbook superlatives and the vote was nearly unanimous. The one exception to being surprised was StarFan. Although she had written several stories about a Starco wedding, the news was too much for her. Within a second her brain overloaded causing her to pass out.
"Alright team. We may have had other plans but tonight is all about Star and Marco. We all knew the dorks would make a mess of things at some point, let's make sure we fix it for them."
"You knew we would make a mess?"
"Operation Starco, go!"
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StarFan
Once faux-Star had regained consciousness the two young women stood together for the obligatory prom picture. It was immediately followed by StarFan pulling her idol into the gym for their first dance of the night. As they held hands ABBA's 'Dancing Queen' began playing.
"I-I don't know about this. Can't I just go cry in the bathroom or maybe stuff my face with cake until my head explodes?"
"Sorry Starrr, Janna's orders. She doesn't want to lose her bet."
"Bet? What bet?"
"There's a rumor that Janna placed a bet in Vegas that you two would get married before you turn twenty."
"S-seriously? You can do that?"
"It's just a rumor but we have talked about what we would do if you guys accidentally split up. How we would try to help you get back together."
"Is that what Operation Starco is?"
"You like the name? I wrote a story about what would happen if you two broke up and used that as the title. In my story the whole universe unravels with Earth and Mewni slowly separating. Once you and Marco realize what's happened it's almost too late but at the last moment, in the light of a Blood Moon, the teen lovers finally kiss and live happily-ever-after in a new dimension made entirely out of nachos."
"Wow. You've really put a lot of thought into this."
"Maybe a little but the story didn't get that many likes on FanFiction. Plus the reviews were kind of mixed. It could have done better but I don't use all the clichés everyone expects. I also don't write anymore stories that are rated above teen, I used to but my parents found them and I got into a lot of trouble. Sadly, only ones with steamy sex scenes get the followers."
"Hey, I'll read it if you want. Maybe after I get this thing with Marco figured out. It's weird, I don't know if I should be happy that my friends care about me so much that they would have a whole plan ready to help or if I should be upset because you all knew that one day I would be a total dope and say something awful to him."
"We care about you Starrr but I am surprised by this. I thought you two were in your happily-ever-after."
"What is our happily-ever-after?"
"You know, that's part of your story! Two best friends who misread their feelings for each other, finally they admit their loveee after each hurts the other, she gives up a kingdom to right an ancient wrong, they destroy magic to save monster-kind, finally caught in a dying dimension they use loveee to change the universe so they can always be together forever, and then...happily-ever-after!"
"Maybe that's what happens in stories but I don't think real life is like that. Sure Marco and I finally got together and we saved all of our monster friends but since then we've had to deal with thousands of people being mad at us, parents being overprotective, dumb things like high school, and who knows what we'll actually end up doing with the rest of our lives."
"But Starrr, at fifteen you found truelove. Most people go their whole lives searching for that. Sure life goes on for you but loveee should be all you need. You are in loveee, right Starrr?"
"I love that dork s-so much."
"You two belong together. I know I should be sad for you but I can't wait until prom is over so I can go home and write about all this drama. I bet if I wrote this as a story it would get a whole bunch of followers."
"You really think people would want to read about my messed up prom?"
"Oh yeah and I'll make sure the story has a just under mature happily-ever-after. Hey Starrr, maybe your real life happily-ever-after starts tonight too!"
"I doubt it. I've never yelled at Marco like that before and I don't know if I can fix it just by saying sorry. I really wish I hadn't done that."
"Look, here comes Tom. We need to get a selfie before he takes you away!"
"I don't know if I'm going to look good in a selfie-PHONE! I can just call him and say I'm sorrrr-aarrg! I left my phone at home!"
Before the next song could start the assistant director of Operation Starco politely pulls Star out of StarFan's grasp and leads her to Pony who has finally brought over the makeup wipes. After a quick trip to the bathroom Star's face has returned to its normal adorable self.
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Tom
Once it has been confirmed that she is presentable, Tom leads his ex out to the dance floor as 'Shooting Stars' by the Bag Raiders begins. Although he is dancing, Tom is silent and his face expressionless. A minute in Star finally breaks the ice.
"Are you going to say anything?"
"I messaged Marco. I got him to agree to meet you once he's ready."
"Holy-corn, thank you! Did he say when? Did he say what he's doing or how he's feeling?"
"I got two messages out of him. Based on how brief they were, I think I was lucky to get that."
"Right. Still, thank you."
"..."
"You're mad at me aren't you?"
"Oh no, I'm not mad. I'm just really disappointed."
"That's actually worse than being mad. Alright, let me have it."
"What is Marco ever wrong about?"
"Ah, what do you mean?"
"I heard what you said about him wanting you to be better organized. Is he wrong to want that?"
"Well...no..."
"So why do you push back so hard? Tonight was the first time I've heard you yell at him like that but this organization issue has come up before."
"It..." Star stopped to take a deep breath. "...it's complicated."
The half-demon just shook his head. "Try me."
"Listen, if I did everything his way I'd have reminders for when I need to fold my socks."
"You fold your socks?"
"No, Marco does. He doesn't even make little sock balls. He says that folding keeps the elastic parts from stretching out."
"Huh."
"Anyway, he wants me to put everything into some app and I don't want to. I-I don't want to replace Marco with my phone. I just want my Marco."
"Is that fair to him, forcing him to keep track of everything for you?"
"Well, no but he likes doing it...I think. Anyway, that's always been his thing."
"So what are you going to do when he's not there to keep track of everything?"
"I said it was complicated!"
"..."
"Listen, I'm totally fine existing when Marco's not around and I don't -NEED- him to help me stay organized. Buuut maybe I like it when he takes care of things for me. I mean if I don't need to have him with me all the time then maybe we don't need to live together at his parent's house anymore. Maybe we don't even need to go to the same college."
"Wait, this has all been a ploy to keep him close to you?"
"No! I didn't say that...I mean, I kinda did...I just like it when we're together."
"Star, do you even want to go to college or is that just another act so you can be with Marco?"
"Listen, I didn't like the whole college idea at first but he's convinced that I'm going to be a happier person if I go. He thinks I'll have more opportunities and I'll learn things that will help us make the world a better place. Marco's a big dork but he's very convincing and like you said, he's almost never wrong. When it comes to this I totally believe him."
"Well, as Marco's friend, I still think you're putting way too much pressure on him."
"Yeah, you're probably right and I'm going to apologize for that but I also need him around b-because there are things I'm scared of and I feel like he's the only one I can fully trust."
"Scared? You aren't still fighting Mina are you?"
"I would if I knew where she was but no, fighting stuff isn't scary anyway. Scary is compound interest, growing up, deciding what you're going to do with your life when it's not all planned out for you."
"Compound interest!?"
"Yes compound interest! It's totally scary! If you don't do anything about it, it just keeps getting worse and worse forever like a math-super-nightmare!"
"I'm so never going to school."
"..."
As they shuffled across the floor Tom noticed someone in a black dress trying to get their attention. "Hey Shooting Star, I think I see Janna calling us to the hallway. Maybe she has some news for you but before you go over, you need to talk to him about this. Marco's going to want to be there to help you with the scary stuff..."
"I sure hope so."
"...but he shouldn't have to manage your life for you."
"I'll talk to him about it, I promise. Janna-banana time?"
"Can't keep the Banana waiting."
"Hey Tom, thanks."
As Tom and Star leave the dancefloor they see Jackie and Lobster Claws swinging each other around with wide smiles on their faces. Once the two young women make eye contact Jackie's expression returns to normal and she looks away from the former princess as if slightly nervous.
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Janna
With Star dropped off, Tom leaves to get himself a drink. Through the hall's open doors the two troublemakers listen to the Beastie Boys classic, 'Fight For Your Right (To Party)'.
"Good news. I was able to track him down."
"Thank you Janna! I-I should go. I need to go say I'm sorry c-cause like StarFan said, he's Marco and we belong together. I'm going to go fix this."
"About that. Bad news, he went somewhere I'm not sure you want to go right now."
"Wait-what!? Where did he go!? Did he go see one of those girls from the community college!? Oh that little...MmMH!"
"Star, stop! Your brain is acting like you're stuck in a bad episode of Youths. I'm not going to tell you where he went but it's somewhere safe and from what I can tell he's thinking about you."
"Janna, you have to tell me! If I don't fix this now something worse might happen and with my luck it'll take us a year to get back together or what if it's never!"
"Relaaaax. Just give him some time to think and I promise it'll all work out. Knowing Marco before he left he told you to enjoy yourself tonight. Am I right?"
Star mumbled her reply. "...well, yeah."
"For now take Marco's advice and enjoy your prom night."
"Hmm, I guess I can try."
"We can summon a few undead if you think it would make you feel better."
"Janna, why are you doing all this? I know you're one of my best friends but cleaning up my relationship mess seems way above and beyond."
"Listen Star, I really care about you guys. Also, you two are kind of my baseline."
"Baseline? What does that mean?"
"Star, if you and Marco can't make a relationship work what hope is there for the rest of us? I figure if this doesn't end with you both being happy I'm not even going to bother."
"Janna! That's a lot of pressure! Wait, does this mean when I fix this with Marco you'll finally ask Tom out?"
"Hey, he's already here as my prom date but one step at a time there Former-Magic-Girl. We're focusing on Starco tonight. Janom or Tomna or whatever you want to call it can wait for now."
"Your ship's name is Jantom by-the-way..."
"Whatever, ship-queen."
"...and you two are way too slow, it's taking forever."
"Now isn't that the pot calling the kettle black."
"Well...yeah, you're right. We were slow too." The blonde blows up at her bangs causing them to lift and fall. "Alright, now what? He's kind of all I'm thinking about so I'm not sure how I'm going to enjoy anything."
"Dinner, dancing, and we make sure the dork doesn't lose you to the next guy who likes wearing red."
The teenage blonde takes a deep breath as she watches the couples enjoying themselves on the dancefloor. "Hey Janna, can I ask you a weird question about him?"
"I am the queen of weird but I don't livestream his life like I used to."
"Why?"
"Why is he such a dork?"
"Why does he love me?"
"Easy, cause you're the coolest girl around."
"Really!? Maybe I was but not anymore. Looking back he could have stayed with Jackie if he wasn't all hung up on Mewni and Kelly always got all flustered around him. Even Hekapoo, well I don't know what was going on with her but she always got all weird when they were together. I mean, he's always super sweet and have you seen what he looks like now when he doesn't have a shirt on?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?"
"What I'm saying is that he could have anybody. Anybody! But since Jackie, he's only had eyes for me."
"I don't know if it helps but he's always been all about you. You pushed him to Jackie first but we both know he would have been with you if you hadn't. When you think about it, he and Jacks were never going to last even if he wasn't stuck on you. She would have switched teams at some point."
"I guess."
"As for the coolest girl, I'm not joking. Even without being a magical princess from another dimension, you're still the coolest. He's lucky to have you."
"Hmm, I guess I can still be cool...sometimes."
"You're lucky to have each other. Come on, enough doubting yourself. Also, the next song is starting and I should actually try to shake-a-leg with my date. Somebody once told me he could dance on fire so I'm wearing flame retardant shoes just in case."
Not being able to hold back anymore, Star gives her friend a great big thank you hug and although unpracticed, Janna does her best to return it.
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Ferguson
After a journey through the buffet that included two trips to the carving table, the paused former princess sat down with one of Marco's oldest friends. While the conversation unfolds Prince's song 'Kiss' starts playing over the sound system.
"I mean he's such a dork sometimes! -I'm mister perfect and I watch videos on the best way to floss.- You know what I'm saying?"
"Who has time to even brush everyday. And then floss on top of it? No way."
"W-well you should brush your...ah...never mind. Hey, this beef is pretty good."
"Listen Star, I might not be the best person to talk to about relationships with but something I do know a lot about is roleplaying. You know, Marco's been into knights and princesses since the fifth grade."
"You think Marco would like it if I let him dress up like a knight or a princess? He's done it a few times but not since we started dating. I mean, I'd try it with him if you think he'd be into that kind of thing."
"No-no, not that kind of roleplaying. Dungeons and Dragons roleplaying. I want to share something I learned from roleplaying GAMES that might help you out."
"I'm interested as long as this doesn't involve me pretending I have magic. That's just depressing."
"Star, in all of these games you roll a die to help see what happens and every time you roll, there is a chance it'll come up a one."
"Ones are bad in Dungeons and Dragons right?"
"The worst. So what do you do to protect yourself from ones?"
"Buy new dice every time you play?"
"You make sure you have plenty of rerolls."
"Oh yeah, like in the miniature games that Marco and Tom play." As she said this her thoughts immediately went to the two nerds talking about 40K.
"Right! Now you and Marco are together all the time so there are a lot of dice to roll. Because of that there are bound to be days where one of you rolls a one."
"But what if I reroll and get another one?"
"You hope you have a nice DM who doesn't kill you off or you make sure you have a good party with you that can protect you until you have a chance to recover."
"Huh...that's what you guys are doing for me now isn't it. I rolled double ones and you guys are helping me recover?"
"I think someone just leveled up."
"Thanks Ferguson, I'll keep your advice in mind. Also, thanks for eating dinner with me."
"Hey, no problem. Although I kind of wish we were out there dancing, I love this song."
"This is Prince right?"
Picking up a dinner fork, the red haired boy holds it like a microphone while singing with the music.
~ Youuu don't have to be rich to be my girl ~
~ YOU DON'T have to be cool to rule my world ~
~ AIN'T NO particular sign I'm more compatible with ~
~ I just want your extra time and yourrrr...kiss. ~
"Ferg! That was so cute!"
"I can't wait until I have a girlfriend who's not a pixie that wants to eat me. I'm so going to sing Prince to her."
"Was that your favorite song?"
"No-no, Purple Rain is. I love that one."
"I think I know that. It's a really long song, right?"
"Yeah, that's one of the reasons I like it so much. I always imagine slow dancing with my date and after a minute we lean in for a kiss. Then when our blood is feeling all warm and our lips can't stop crashing into each other, instead of worrying about when the song is going to end we don't have too. It just keeps going on-and-on because we never want the moment to end and Prince is there for us, he has our back. My date and I just keep focusing on that special someone we're holding and we let the music wash over us while we bask in the heat of being all close."
"Wow...I-ah...I'll need to listen to that song again."
"Love that song. Hey, want to get some cake?"
"Totally!"
Ferg offers his arm and as they start walking toward the dessert table Star smells something that makes her wonder if today was one of those days where Ferguson forgot to brush his teeth.
"We play D&D Friday nights if you're interested."
"Hmm, I'll think about it."
"Next week we plan on fighting a hydra."
"A while back Marco and I fought a real hydra after we thought it ate his parents."
"You guys are so cool."
"Hey, do you think they'd let me take some of this beef with me if I wanted to use it as apology meat?"
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Justin
While Ferguson gets a third helping of dessert, Star thinks about how Marco's cakes are never dry and he makes a way better buttermilk frosting. Her mopping is interrupted by the young man best known for the catchphrase 'Star Butterfly Rulz' as he walks over to the source material for his quote. After asking the class president to dance, Justin leads his classmate while 'Who's Crying Now' by Journey starts. Although it is not obvious, Star can sense that something is off about him tonight.
"Hey Star. I heard a rumor. Is it true?"
"If it's about Marco and I, it probably is."
"You seem to be doing okay."
"Yeah, somebody told me once that there are phases to grieving. Right now I'm somewhere between 'it'll all be fine if I give Marco a little space', 'if I think too hard about it I'm going to start bawling', and 'if I still had magic I could totally see blowing up a dimension right now'. So overall, I'm doing okay."
"Ah..."
"Justin, you seem really nervous. Are you alright?"
"Star, I don't know how often I'll run into you after we are out of high school but there's something I've always wanted to say."
"Is it about me being the worst science partner? I mean, how was I supposed to know that using a battery to make a dead frog's legs move wasn't necromancy? Not that there's anything wrong with necromancy, I just wasn't expecting it."
"No, you were a great science partner. You always made me smile and you turned a lot of boring classes into something really fun. It's just that I...I...I've-always-had-a-crush-on-you-Star-Butterfly-since-like-freshman-year-and-your-smile-and-your-rad-hair-and-your-attitude-are-all-awesome."
"...ah..."
After a slow deep breath the young man tries to regain his composure. "Star Butterfly, you don't just rule this school, you rule my heart."
"...oh...oh..."
"I-I told Brittney I was going to ask you to dance so we could talk about all the classes we had together but if...you know...if you are at all interested I'll end it with her right now, just give the word."
"Oh Justin, I didn't know."
"I never told you because by the time I had the courage you went back to Mewni and then you were with Marco b-but if I never said anything I know I'd end up regretting it. So now if you two aren't together...I don't ride dragons or fight whatever it is you two fight these days but I'd be willing to learn, if you show me."
"Justin, you've always brought a smile to my face, you know 'Star Butterfly Rulz'. But in my heart, in my heart I love Marco and even if he and I got into an argument tonight I know that he loves me. I'm sorry, I don't want to change that."
"That's what I thought you might say."
"I'm really-really-really sorry."
"No-no, it's alright. I'm still glad I told you but is it okay if we don't tell anyone about this? I mean, I do like Brittney but I told myself if I ever had the chance to talk to you about how I felt, I'd do it. I also don't want you to tell anyone because-well, although I'm on the football team I have a feeling that Marco could completely rearrange my face if he wanted to."
"We both could but we never would. Your secret's safe with me but promise that you'll be nice to Brittney. You know, if you're not totally serious about your relationship with her you should let her know. Hurting her feelings later might be a lot worse than hurting them now."
"Yeah, you're probably right."
"Hey, thanks for the dance."
With the song over, Star gives her dance partner a quick goodbye hug before heading to an open emergency exit so she can get some fresh air. While walking through the door she immediately begins talking to herself.
"Well that was awkward. At least things can't get much worse. OH, HEY OSCAR!"
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Oscar
The shaggy haired young man leans against the side of the school while looking up into the night sky. Once he notices her, Star catches her former crush slipping something into his pocket. Based on the smell that hung in the air she assumed he had been vaping something fruit flavored.
"Heeey Star, sorry to hear that you're a single mom now."
"Ah, well actually..." She considered for a second if it was worth having the discussion about Marco's younger sister yet again. "...y-yeah I'm totally a single mom now. I guess word travels fast."
"I just heard tonight. I was raised by a single mom. I don't envy you, it can be really rough."
"I totally believe it. So what are you doing here? I thought you dropped out a couple of years ago."
"I'm the official assistant DJ tonight. I'm in charge of moving equipment in and out of the van as well as bringing the van. Oh thanks for the van by the way, you guys are the best. It's been way better to sleep in than that old car I lent you."
"Sure, no problem."
"I was just looking at the school parking lot. I had a lot of good times working on songs out here."
"You know, about high school, do you ever wish you stayed and finished? And I don't know, maybe tried out college?"
"Nah, none of that is for me. I got my music and my freedom, that's all I need."
"You know, something I've been wondering and I'm totally going to sound like a Marco asking this but, since you work a couple of different jobs you must have piles of $650 dollars laying around everywhere. Right?"
"No way Star, that's a lot of cash-o-la. I only make enough to cover food and the van. I think $650 dollars is like six of the hundred bills and..."
"Oscar, I know how many monies that is. It's weird, I always thought if someone my age worked all the time they would do okay. So how many hours of work does it take you to earn $650 dollars?"
"Well, I think that's like two full weeks of work at Britta's with taxes and stuff."
"And a full week of work is?"
"Ahh, usually thirty to forty hours if I can get that many."
"So I go to school from eight to two for five days days a week, carry the two, takeout time for lunch. WAIT, you're telling me you work for like two-weeks, just to earn $650 dollars and each week you work more hours then I spend at school!?"
"I've never been good at math but, pretty much. When you put it that way maybe I kinda do wish I stayed in high school a little longer. Maybe I'd be an assistant manager by now and make a little more."
"Wow, I had no idea. Marco always said it was a lot. I guess he really was right about me finishing high school and going to college."
"It's okay to be a bookworm Star. I wouldn't think any less of you."
"Really? Thanks."
"Hey Star, since you asked me a question, can I ask you one? It's about this weird dream I keep having."
"Sure I have time. It's not like I have a cute boyfriend to hang out with tonight. So what kind of weird dream?"
"I've been having it for a few years now. In it you're purple and you fly me and my car up in the air. It's going to sound strange but you look at me like I'm bacon and you want to kiss me."
"Oh yeah! That might have actually happened. I mean not the kissing part but I kind of had a little bit of a crush on you when I first got to Earth. We never had keytars back on Mewni and I really liked that you had a record. What you're describing sounds like the day I went through mewberty. It's a magic-girl-thing."
"Oh wow, crush? Hey I'm sorry Star. If you came over to talk to me looking for a bounce-back relationship after breaking up with Mango, I totally don't go that way. First rule of being Oscar, no dating single moms. Those mom's need to focus on their kids first. Second rule, no bounce-backs relationships. I've written enough song lyrics to know that bounce-backs never work out. Sorry, I don't mean to break your heart."
Star did her best to hide the smile that was creeping across her face. "I understand Oscar, thanks for letting me down easy. Maybe I should go back inside anyway. I like to eat cake when I get all sad and they only have a few dry tasteless pieces left."
"I'll see you around Star and if you need me to talk to Mango about child support, let me know. I can also tell you about some good places to park if you and your daughter end up living out of your car."
"Aw, thanks Oscar. It's sweet knowing that you care so much. Oh, good luck with your music. I still think you're going to make it!"
"That's what I like about you Star. You've always believed in me."
Heading back inside the young woman thought about her former crush and what his life must be like. What would be different if Oscar had tried to become her Marco after freshman year? What if she didn't plan on going to college and just lived free doing what she pleased?
These thoughts all stopped when another old friend signaled that she was ready to dance.
.
Jackie
Wearing another one of her signature seafoam green dresses, the chillest girl in school drinks soda and jokes around with her buddy Lobster Claws before noticing her ex-boyfriend's girlfriend and motioning out to the dance floor. Star and Jackie had stayed friends over the years but they never hung out as much as they did when the young skater was dating Marco. That changed even more senior year and although the two were friendly in the halls, they rarely spoke more than a few words.
One bit of information Star did keep tabs on was Jackie's relationship with Cloe. She knew they were still dating but was told that the Parisian couldn't make the trip to Echo Creek for a single Saturday night dance. Instead Jackie was flying out the day after graduation and they planned on spending one last summer together before college.
As the DJ finished playing 'Adult Diversion' and let it run into 'Archie, Marry Me', both by Alvvays, Jackie held Star close while taking the lead.
"I see Janna and Tom roped you into this too."
"You could say that. I'm just glad I could help. How's it been going so far?"
"Well...StarFan is writing about what happened in a new book, Janna might be trying to fix Marco and I so she doesn't lose a bet, Tom is disappointed in me, Ferguson asked me to play Dungeons and Dragons, someone I promised not to mention told me that I'm their secret crush, and Oscar made it clear that he doesn't want to date single moms. They've all been a pretty good distraction and I've gotten some useful advice buuut, my brain keeps going back to Marco. I still feel really bad for hurting him."
"I'm not sure if this is going to help but, Janna didn't just ask me to dance with you. She also asked me to clear the air. Maybe it's something I should have done a while ago."
"Cl-clear the air? Wait, what did I do? I totally did something to make you mad didn't I?"
"Relax Star, I've never been mad at you."
"Are you disappointed in me like Tom is?"
"Hmm, I guess."
"...oh..."
"Star, you're so nice and a really good person but when it comes to other people's feelings you're not always the most gentle."
"G-go on. Wait, I know what it is. I hurt you right? It was when I confessed about Marco in front of everyone."
"No Star. Well, it did hurt at the time but I should have known better than to let myself get caught between a nice guy and his best friend. What I'm disappointed about is what happened after."
"After?"
"Between Janna, Lobster Claws, and other people I've talked to from Mewni, I've heard a lot about what you did to Marco when he went to be with you."
"Well, I apologized for making him the castle's laundry squire and that was only for an afternoon."
"Star, it was always obvious that he had feelings for you even if he was too much of a dork to admit them to himself. I figured when he went back to Mewni you two would finally figure things out and get together. Instead Janna told me what happened and it sounds like you kind of tortured him."
"I...I..."
"Like dressing your old boyfriend in a red hoodie in front of Marco, that's pretty low. Then you went so far as to use some magic stone to try to get Marco to stop liking you."
"That's not exactly wha..."
"Lobster Claws and others told me stories about how everyone in Mewni knew you were dating that guy Tom and yet you made Marco your squire and had him follow you around everywhere. That must have sucked for him, being in love but having to chase after you while watching you date someone else. Hearing that got me thinking, he must have felt the same way you did while watching Marco and I date. Only he and I were together for just three months, really it only felt like one with how often he was away, but you and that Tom guy were together for almost a year."
"...y-h..."
"I'm glad you and Marco are together now but I see him dropping you off, picking you up. Every time I run into the guy he's doing something for you. Then tonight you're yelling at him because you forgot to get him permission to go to your dance. That has to be another big not-cool moment for him."
"...a-h..."
"Star, Marco is his own person and if this is how he wants to be treated then that's his prerogative. I remember how much he liked it when you'd pull him into your adventures and maybe this is just an extension of that. But, from the outside looking in, it seems like you're taking advantage of how nice he is. He has such a big heart. Remember when he got his arm stuck in a drain pipe while trying to save the class gerbil? Who does that? He's always trying to do the right thing for others, especially you. Even with me, you know most people get all angry at their ex's who break up with them. When I see him he's always trying to be a perfect gentleman. I mean, it comes off as awkward but you can see that the guy really cares."
Star began to feel her skin get tacky while a knot formed in her throat. "I-I...I really-really didn't mean to hurt him."
"So the point of all this, a long time ago I told him to take care of you Star because you're a good person. I feel like I should have said the same thing to you. He's a good person Star, please take care of him. Watching you lashed out at him tonight, it wasn't right. Maybe you didn't mean it but if he's still the Marco that I know, what you said crushed his heart."
Star felt her stomach turning over itself and her eyes were again damp with tears.
"I'm sorry, I could have been a better friend. I should have talked to you about this how-you-treated-Marco-on-Mewni stuff way before now."
Jackie and Star had stopped dancing mid-conversation. While the second song's final chorus hung in the air, panic set in and the world around Star began spinning.
~ Too late to go out, too young to stay in ~
~ They're talking about us living in sin ~
~ Hey, hey, marry me, Archie ~
~ Hey, hey, marry me, Archie ~
~ Hey, hey, marry me, Archie ~
~ Hey, hey, A-R-C-H-I-E, hey ~
.
Pie
After checking the new message on her phone Janna walks toward the only two girls Marco has ever officially dated. Before she can get more than a few steps Star runs to her bawling.
"Where-ere is he!? I-I need to go to him now! R-right now!" Unable to hold it together, Star's voice cracks and changes-pitch with every word.
"He left your parents' place a few minutes ago and stopped at Butterfly Castle. I just got a message saying that he's somewhere called your 'belt practice spot'. Do you know what he's talking about?"
Using every ounce of energy, the former princess tried to regain control of her emotions. "Yes-s! Thank you Janna! I ha-ve to go!"
"Star, the castle is on the other side of town. Do you have a way to get over there?"
As she thought, Star Butterfly the Underestimated used her forearms to wipe away the tears that were still escaping. "I-ah...I'll ask Oscar for a ride!"
The sobbing blonde in a wedding dress sprints through the crowd and out the emergency doors while the whole senior class watches. In the corner of the dancefloor Janna walks up to her prom date and gives the half-demon, who's enjoying his second slice of pie, a light poke in the ribs.
"She's still the coolest girl we know but after tonight, I bet you're glad you broke up with that trainwreck."
"Janna, you have no idea. Seriously, I don't know how Marco does it."
"You know he needs her. Try imagining Marco without Star." While looking down at her phone Janna does one last check to confirm Marco's current location.
Tom simply nodded. "He'd be miserable. I'm still worried though. You think they're going to be okay?"
"One thing I've learned over the years, when Star Butterfly puts her mind to something, that shit gets done."
"You're probably right." Pulling a small jeweled fork out of his inside jacket pocket, Tom smiles and then casually offers the ornate silverware to his dark-haired date. "Tell me, have you tried the pie?"
.
.
It took awhile to get the Jackie part right but overall this was a fun chapter to write. I sure hope Star gets this all figured out. I guess we'll find out in the next one. Credit to Prince and Alvvays for the song lyrics.
If you end up liking this I suggest you click on my profile and check out 'Starco vs Parenthood' if you haven't already. Stay tuned for 'Chapter 5 - Fireworks'. Thanks! - Olin