My body was numb. I was moving and reaction but I wasn't moving nor reacting at all... I was thriving on emotions. I was pissed, frustrated, angry, hurt, the list goes on and on. I'd been back 3 days and now I'm scared up in every way. I've done alot of shit in my life, but this may have taken the cake... I lean over the rail overlooking the backyard only to see my father bent in an abnormal position on the ground...4 floors down.


Boomer found dad and called the ambulance. I wanted him to lie there and die, while i watch all the blood obtained in his body leak onto the fresh-cut grass. I was doing too much damage, but in all honesty, who would say some shit like that? Knowing how close I was with my mother, yet I didn't get to spend much of my childhood with her... Now I might have lost both of my parents...


Hours Later...

"What happened?"

"Was it an accident or purpose?"

"Will this delay the marriage?"

I was being chauffeured to my car by Brick and Butch. They seemed to have stop fighting for the sake of me. The paparazzi were surrounding me from all sides and I haven't said a word. I've been planning on my next moves while watching my father connected to tubes and monitors. I didn't know one person could hold so much hatred, but I do. I shouldn't but I can't let go. This man has caused me so much of my life... As I tried to come back to reality, I noticed Brick and Butch arguing over me.

"Obviously this is your fault! You said you would marry her"

"I didn't have a choice! That was the path my family made for me, the reason I was born! Or so I've been told" Brick face held the emotions I was feeling. Maybe we do have more in common than I let on.

"All of this is fucked up" My voice was raspy and sultry. Seductive without trying to be. they both looked at me, surprised that I had spoken. We rode in silence while they tried to figure out whether to grill me on information or make me more comfortable.

"I'm not gonna ask you want happened. I'm not gonna get into anything personal. All I'm gonna ask, Blossom what is your next move?" I looked at Butch. He was trying to hide his emotions, but that wasn't working honestly. It was all in his eyes. The deeper I focused in his eyes the more I thought about his question; What is my next move?

"I don't think she's ready for all that now" Brick saw the displacement in my face, I didn't need his help.

"I'm fine. To make Father happy, I'll do what he needs me to do." Butch stared at me in awe, along with Brick.

"Meaning...?"

"I'll marry Brick"


I may be out of my mind, but I'm not longer letting my emotions get the best of me. Time for me to get out and if I have to play and manipulate everyone to do so, I will.

"Lady Blossom, you have been through a lot since your return. Are you sure this is what you want?" Hilda was brushing my long red hair. I could tell she admired the length of my hair, as she strengthen it.

"I want out. I will do whatever I have to." She looked at me through the mirror.

"I have a strong feeling you will make it, but it won't be easy. My advice, keep you head in the game and trust no one. If you need me for anything, Lady Blossom please don't hesitate to ask" I turned around with tears in my eyes and squeezed the life out of Hilda.

"Thank you so much."

"There. There. Hurry, the Jojo's are waiting for you downstairs. Your dress is on the bed, call me if you need me" With that, Hilda left the room. I was in the Jojo household, enemy territory. It was nice, almost nicer than my place, if I must say. I looked at the bed, to see my dress. It was simple yet when i wore it, it became striking. It was a long white dress, with a sweetheart neckline and jewels going down the middle and accenting the waist. I slipped the dress on and I heard someone coming in my room. I turn around to see Brick with concern on his face.

"We need to talk"

"That's why I'm in your house, to talk at everyone at one time." I was trying my best to stay cool, cam and collected. so far so good...

"But I wanted to talk to you now."There was urgency in his voice but then again, something was off.

I turned away towards the mirror, "Then talk" I began to fix my dress while kinda listening to Brick.

"I didn't want things to go like this. We were building a bond, as friends and for it to go to marriage wasn't even in my thoughts"

"Marriage should never been in the thoughts of a person in their 20's, unless the love is true. So let's make the best of this experience."

"You seriously want to go through with this?" He looked genuinely confused.

"Yes, I'll do whatever it takes."

"what ever it takes for what?" I completely ignored his question.

"Can you come zip me up please?" I watched him come within close proximity of me. There was tension between us, sexual tension. We were building a connection, and I was going to have to manipulate that fact... he got a little closer. I could almost feel his body heat. He dramatically zipped my dress up and stared at me through the mirror.

"I know you're planning something and I want in" I turned to look at him, searching for the truth.

"Then follow my lead, do as I say and we will have no problem. Okay Husband?" I gave him a small smile. He quickly pulled me by the waist, closer to him. If that was possible. He leaned down a little.

"Whatever you say Wife" He leaned down closer, before he could do anything major I pulled away.

"Butch stop hiding behind the door it's creepy". Brick looked at me in astonishment because he didn't hear anything.

"Gotta keep an eye on my little sister, make sure she isn't making any bad decisions..." He eyed Brick on that last part. "But then again, not my life not my problem. Can i talk to my sister for a while?" Brick nodded without a second thought. "Blossom, Blossom, Blossom. You have some explaining to do"

"Cut the crap Butch. Give it to me straight" I went to the window seal to get the heels Hilda picked for this dress. They were classic silver heels. Nothing special.

"What made you push him over the edge?" i stopped what I was doing... I knew exactly what Butch was talking about. I wasn't going to answer him because I knew he would back out just as I did..

"I'll tell you in due time." I put one shoe on. "You asked a question now it's my turn. where's Brent?"

"They're searching. The house was completely empty when we went back. Whoever that guy is, he's good." I smirked. Brent was good. The best of the best, and he was still on the run gathering information. Just what I needed. "What are you planning?" that was a surprise.

"I'm planning on living life the way I want. You wanna join? I could use all the help I can"

"Anything for my baby sister. Just keep me involved." He looked at himself in the mirror, "I look good don't I?"

"Cocky"

"No, I'm confident. Oh yeah before I forget, how's your ass?" he smirked knowing he hit a nerve.

"Fine, healing rather quickly." I combed my hair one more time and checked my make-up. "Stop worrying Butch, Buttercup will think you look fine. Let's go"before he could come back with a smart remark, I pulled him along.


Dinner was going smoother than I believed was possible. There was conversation, mostly between Rosaline and I. She was a sweetheart. So sweet and innocent, she has a sense of southern hospitality. No wonder she wanted out. Rosaline was like that one kid that seemed to have gotten mixed up in the wrong crowd. She was so pretty and sweet. However I couldn't help but notice how Rosaline and Maurice were on opposite sides of the table. So I guess the rumor of trouble in paradise is true...

Rosaline was telling me embarrassing stories about Brick. Obviously she was closest to him, I loved their relationship. Something I wished I had with my parents...

"It was so cute. Oh buttercup would certainly tell you, if only she was here" Brick's cheek were beet red and Rosaline's eyes were rimmed with tears of joy. Beautiful mother and child relationship. But now that she mentions it...Buttercup wasn't at dinner and we have been sitting for at least 30 minutes.

"Okay Mom, I think that's enough stories"

"You're right, Blossom darling, do you have any embarrassing stories of your brothers?" I look over a Butch who was throwing daggers at me with his eyes. Daring me to say anything. I had my share of stories and so did he. Who would win the war?

"No, I'm going to save Butch the embassarament tonight. But just tonight. Maybe some other time."

"Mayb-" Rosaline stopped in mid sentence and looked at the entrance of the door. I felt the temperature drop as if something drastic was about to happen. Just as i thought nothing more awkward could happen, buttercup walked in and sat in her respectable spot in complete silence. While I redirected my attention on my plate, no one said anything but I knew they were staring at Buttercup.

"What is there something on my face?" She tried to sound laid back and nonchalant but obviously something was wrong...

"No, how could you be so disrespectful and show up late to such a glorious and important event?!" Mojo was angry, hopefully this wouldn't turn into a scene.

"An important event? This marriage is a fraud, they're not getting married because they love each other. After being raised to hate each other how do you expect them to love each other, is complete and utter bullshit!"

"It's loyalty! Something YOU don't have!" Buttercup blinked a few times.

"I don't have loyalty?"

"Did I stutter Buttercup? You don't understand. They are getting married because they understand their duty for their families, by bring them together and ending the feud."

"So they are pawns, simple. what am I not getting again?"

"YOU...You're not loyal Buttercup, not like Brick. You don't do what you're told to do" It's obvious Mojo was done with this conversation for now, but Buttercup had more to say.

"I don't do what I'm told. I'm the most loyal person IN THIS FAMILY, are you kidding me!? I jump at your beckoning call. You tell me to handle this situation, I do. You tell me to do that, I do it. You tell me to get rid of my boyfriend, I DID. YOU TELL ME TO GET RID OF MY UNBORN KID, I DID! WHAT THE FUCK ELSE DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?! WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?!" Buttercup stood up from her chair, listening for an answer. "Exactly, you can't say SHIT, because you know they truth! I killed someone who didn't see it coming, i killed someone that was a part of me." I watched a tear fall, that she tried to wipe away. "I was a disgrace, so I tried to fix it and now that I changed EVERYTHING I'm still a disgrace. Soo you know what FUCK THE JOJO'S. FUCK THE MOB. FUCK YOU. FUCK YOU. Oh hey dad, FUCK YOU TOO!" With that Buttercup stormed off. Just through that alone, I think I saw the real Buttercup. She only wanted acceptance, she did everything to get it but she never got it. It's sad. This lifestyle rips you of a happy life, all of us are scared in some type of way. Seeing the look of her parents' face's... they seemed so unphased and nonchalant as if her behavior was normal. It obviously wasn't and what she said hurt me. No one seemed to move but I noticed Butch was gone.

"Maurice what are we to do with her?" Before he could answer, I felt that I was intruding on a family matter.

"I think I should go, this is Jojo business" I got up to leave only to have Rosaline staring me down.

"Sweet heart, you are family now. Or you will be soon." she winked at me. "Plus we have to discuss your new living arrangements."

"New living arrangements?" I was completely confused.

"Yes, you will be moving into a room with Brick, here. Will that be a problem" I knew what this was. A test... I put on my best fake smile.

"No. No problem at all." I sat back down at the table, "Is there dessert?


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