The Consequences
Last Updated: 6-21-07
Updated: 7-08-08
Please Note: From this chapter on thoughts are in italics and writings from newspapers are in bold italics. Thank you. Sorry for not updating so long.
Chapter 15: Talk
(10:30pm at the Utonium Residence)
"So you're married to Ace?" Professor Utonium asked.
"No," Buttercup revealed, "we're in more of a common law union," she admitted.
"Oh," Professor Utonium said.
"If you want to see our children," Buttercup offered, "you can come by," she said.
"I'll do that," Professor Utonium said smiling.
"Um, congrats on your daughter," Buttercup said humbly.
"Thank You," Professor Utonium said gratefully, "Sasha's a great delight."
"I thought I was going to be the one with surprises," Buttercup said with a halfhearted laugh.
"Seems we surprised each other," Professor Utonium said smiling, "are you sure you're not ready…"
"It's great to see you walking again and that you also have a wife and a baby girl," Buttercup said, "but for now I'd rather stick to the picture you showed me of them," she said honestly.
"You'll see them when you're ready," Professor Utonium understood, "I'm so glad you came Buttercup."
"Me too," Buttercup said getting up, "I'll call you."
"Okay," Professor Utonium agreed, "tell your kids I said hi."
"Sure," Buttercup responded, "Bye dad."
"Bye daughter," Professor Utonium said softly.
After a tight hug Buttercup left.
Professor Utonium smiled as he watched her fly off.
My long lost daughter has finally returned. - Professor Utonium
--
(Meanwhile at Him's Residence)
Lois sat in an elaborately decorated bedroom watching tv.
I can't believe it. Blossom of the PPG's is my biological mother. Him's my father and worse my mother Susan knew all this. When Him told me about the confrontation between them, I was appalled. I never expected my mother to treat my father that way. Worse because of what he was more than who he was. She'll never know how much she hurt me. In some ways I hate her. For all the lies, all the stupid chants, all the…but I miss her. No matter how much I hate her. I miss her. - Lois
The bedroom door opened.
"Lois?"
Lois gasped recognizing the voice.
(Lois' POV)
"Mom?" I asked in spite of myself.
"Lois!" Susan cried and ran in.
Then she froze.
I know I looked different. My skin now turned red at night. Since I stopped the chants and all that stuff, it seemed that my demon side and human side no longer fought. Instead they joined. Creating a new me. A better me. One who was one with both sides that made me whole.
"Lois," Susan said sadly.
"I'm proud of myself mother," I declared, "my true self."
"If I take you back they'll…" Susan started.
"NO!" I refused, "no more chants, no more experiments," I said, "this is me, love it or hate it."
"Well this isn't going to stand," Susan said indignantly, "Him hid you very well," she admitted, "I'm only here because I went on my knees to that…thing" she said as if what she did made her skin crawl.
"He's my father," I said angrily.
"I'm your only family!" Susan exploded, "along with your sister," she added.
"What about Blossom?" I asked.
Susan froze.
"All this time," I said my anger building, "all this time you knew who my mother was," I seethed, "did she ever ask about us?"
"Bl…Blossom loves you very much," Susan chose to say.
"Can I see her, let her know?" I asked darkly.
"No," Susan said adamantly, "trust me Lois when I say Blossom did the right thing."
"By what?" I demanded, "letting you lie to us?"
Susan snapped back as if struck.
"This will kill…" I started.
"You can't tell her!" Susan said desperately, "at least allow me one daughter who doesn't hate me," she begged, "I'll do anything."
I looked at Susan coldly. I could feel both human and demon anger flowing through my veins. But she was my mother, despite everything.
"Okay, I won't tell," I agreed.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Susan cried happily.
"But you have to promise to accept me as I am," I said, "and let me see Him."
"Him!" Susan cried.
"Or no deal," I said firmly.
Susan hung her head in defeat.
"Can it be done in private?" Susan asked softly.
I looked at her feeling totally disappointed.
"Okay, I'll see him privately."
--
(11:30pm at a Motel)
"I know this isn't what you're used to," Butch said leading Blossom inside.
"It's okay," Blossom said looking around.
"Blossom…" Butch started, "why?"
Blossom turned to Butch. His disappointed face hurting her even more.
What do I tell him? I've done so many terrible things. How do I tell him all that I've done? - Blossom
"I just didn't care," Blossom said, "I was just so possessive then, I thought I owned the world," she told Butch, "ironically what really helped change me was Him."
"Him!" Butch cried.
"He and I had a…thing," Blossom said, "I guess I always go outside the box," she added.
"Well…Him?" Butch asked.
Blossom giggled.
"Yes Butch," Blossom said, "I thought…well that you'd be angrier," she admitted.
"Angr…Blossom I'm not one of those people," Butch said, "I don't care that Him's a demon," he told her, "I just care that you were with…I just can't believe you two…I just can't believe it."
Blossom laughed harder.
Butch was starting to worry.
Have I driven her over the edge? - Butch
"You…you don't know how happy that makes me," Blossom revealed, "I've long tired of the 'how could you date a demon' rhetoric from those who found out," she said, "and being a former criminal didn't help raise his status."
"Next thing I'll hear is that you had kids for him," Butch joked.
Blossom froze.
"Blossom?" Butch asked, "I was only kidding, really," he assured.
"Well it's not funny," Blossom said frankly, "Butch…are you sure you want to be with me?"
"Wha…if I'm…Blossom, I'm not a judgemental man," Butch told her, "I want to be with you no matter what," he said, "if you have anything else to reveal, tell me."
"What if I don't want to tell you," Blossom blurted out.
Butch was taken a back.
"I'm sorry," Blossom said immediately.
"Um, I guess you can tell me when you're ready," Butch said but Blossom still looked devastated, "I'm not spouting rhetoric," he reassured her, "Brick's just as guilty as you are," he said angrily, "and that Mike didn't even mention him," he growled, "typical, two people have sex but only the woman gets stoned."
Blossom listened surprised. She never expected to hear this from Butch.
"I'm sorry for allowing Rema to trick me," Butch said suddenly, "well, letting myself be tricked is more like it," he added.
Blossom kissed Butch on the cheek.
"I forgive you," Blossom whispered, "I'll always forgive you," she said.
Butch leaned in and kissed Blossom on the lips. Both started moving towards the bed.
--
(Midnight at a Gated Suburb)
"Wake up," Brick said gently shaking Titch, "shh, I don't to wake up Bubbles."
Titch tiredly slipped out of bed and left his sleeping mother behind.
"What is it?" Titch asked tiredly after sitting on a couch beside Brick.
"I know you don't like me," Brick said, "and that I've only made that easy for you," he continued, "I took your mother here yesterday because I know she was tired of hotel hopping," he said, "that you were tired of not being around others your age."
Titch tried to understand. For the first time he was finally able to play with kids his age without having to go to the park. There was also a school where he could take summer classes. For the first day in a long time, he remembered actually being happy. And not just because of impromptu visits from long lost relatives.
"Do you hate me?" Titch asked, "because of daddy?"
"Your daddy did an awful thing," Brick said, "I can't forgive him," he told Titch.
"But he's my daddy," Titch insisted.
"I know," Brick said.
"I hate you," Titch said.
"Because I love Bubbles," Brick understood.
"And you want to take her away," Titch added shocking Brick, "she's my mummy," he said tearfully, "you can't have her."
"Is…oh Titch I'm so sorry," Brick said, "I shouldn't have treated you badly because I don't like your dad," he apologized, "I'll never take your mummy away, I promise."
"You already did," Titch threw.
"No I didn't," Brick denied, "she's here with you."
"Not here," Titch said pointing at his heart, "she loves you," he said sadly.
Brick hung his head. He had hoped to resolve everything in just one go. That obviously wasn't going to happen.
"Do you want to go back to sleep?" Brick asked.
Titch shook his head. Soon he was curled up in a ball on the couch.
Brick got a blanket and covered him. He then took a chance and placed Titch in his lap. To his surprise Titch gripped him tightly.
"Daddy," Titch whispered.
Brick took a breath. He had never thought about hearing that word.
He means Mitch. But why does it feel so good hearing it anyway? – Brick
Brick held him close and soon fell asleep.
--
(9 a.m. at the Morebucks family Mansion)
Mike sighed. He hated being here. But Princess wanted to be with her father. Which meant he was in the dog house. When he saw Mr. Morebucks earlier he thought the man was going to kill him on the spot. Thankfully all he got was a killer glare and an obvious warning not to say good morning. Not to say anything.
"I'll just get the paper," Mike decided, "there's one thing that's not going to try and burn a hole in my head."
He found the paper where it always was and started to read it. But when he reached a certain article, he nearly fainted at the title.
Truth Exposed: Trouble in Paradise
Featuring former PPGs, boyfriends and more!
By Rema Trick
Well readers, I have a scoop for you. A MEGA MEGA scoop if you will. Yesterday I had an interview with Butch Mojo (you read right) and his girlfriend Blossom Utonium came along.
But before talking about that. I have to mention something I find quite interesting. I was surprised when Princess called telling me that a certain someone (will reveal later) had invited her husband to the interview and she wanted to come along. Now I hadn't even been informed by my special guest that Princess's husband would be coming. I accepted the request of course; I'd never refuse a request from the Morebucks clan. The most envied and powerful family in Townsville. When they arrived Princess was delighted to meet me and I was ecstatic to meet such a delightful young lady and dedicated fan. Her husband Mike was formal and I respect a man's need for space.
Anyway, when Blossom and Butch arrived it was obvious that Blossom was in charge. She was dragging the poor thing through a restaurant he's never been at before. Which was ironic since she didn't want him to come. When she reached she noticed Princess and for some reason beyond me verbally attacked the poor woman. She turns to me and accuses me of using the great Mr. Morebucks daughter as some patsy. Before I could give her a piece of my mind Mike came to the rescue. He made it clear to Blossom (very clear readers) that he was invited and he brought his wife along. He even went as far as saying "I'm guessing you're unhappy to see my wife." Scandal readers scandal! The Utonium girl went red as a tomato. But what was interesting was Princess's introduction to Butch, a very unhappy "Hello." The former RRB nearly fell over. I was a bit surprised, but at the same time he was a former criminal (I have no knowledge on any current crimes). I said my introductions and the new arrivals said the same. But the polite air didn't last long. Miss 'I HATE REMA TRICK' UTONIUM struck again.
"Are they anymore surprise guest?" she roared at me. I swear readers I wanted to flee. Butch tried to calm her, but nothing pleases this woman, I swear. Princess made a sound that might've been a cough or gasp, I'm not sure. I told Blossom that there was only one guest, if anyone heard my fearful squeak of a voice. Mike saved the evening and suggested we order. Thank heavens for this man. Then Butch asked "Where's the Menu?" Readers, this is at the RICARDO CLUB, the RICARDO CLUB readers. Blossom (who has been to the Ricardo Club several times, some even making the papers) obviously decided to have revenge on him for not refusing my interview when she so vehemently tried to keep it from happening. She even attacked my photographer in Citysville, you read right. I had to threaten her with arrest to keep her from crushing his head in one hand and his camera in the other. Even Butch tried to save him. He even said he understood that I had to make a living. I'm shocked too readers. This was after he read my article on Bubbles. He told he was unhappy but understood that I wrote for my readership and my wage. He was so considerate. But he was serious too, he made it clear he didn't want to be misquoted or had any fear of the press. And did I say that he looked quite handsome readers. He even complimented me on my looks, well he did with his eyes. I'm married readers but I had chills, CHILLS. Back to the point though. Blossom obviously decided to have her revenge by not telling him anything about the club, he was so lost and embarrassed. Readers, you'd never believe this was Butch. He was a man beaten, not whipped, BEATEN.
I made a joke and he laughed, easing his fears. We looked at Blossom to see her glaring at us. How dare she! She was acting like by laughing we were having an affair! My husband would have a few choice words for her I tell you. He's WAY braver than me. Princess laughed too but her husband was silent. When I tried to talk to Mike he said he wasn't there to chat. How does that Blossom put a damper on everything so fast, I don't know. But maybe he was just tired of saving the evening. Then that Blossom smiles at Mike with some kind of…I don't know what to call it readers but Princess was upset. Readers her face was angry but no words came out. NO WORDS. Her husband nodded at a waiter and waited until she ordered. Yes readers, she didn't even call the waiter herself. I ordered appetizers for everyone. Poor Butch was watching how everyone ate and tried to follow. The poor man lost the knowledge of how to eat. He even only ate some and stopped abruptly. You could tell only Blossom could bring him back.
Then I started the interview. Well tried to. Blossom jumped in with some demand like I decided to ask him some impromptu question on his sex life. Not that I even wanted to ask. Blossom, him? Don't need to know, don't want to know. He tried to tell her he came to interview but Miss Blossom Utonium wasn't having it. Then he shouted at her. Readers I nearly had a heart attack. Princess dropped her fork and Mike looked like Butch had just signed a death sentence. Butch quickly apologized and urged me to ask my questions. I think he was hoping to finish the interview before the Blossom Inferno incinerated him. He wouldn't even look at her. Not that I did either. This Utonium girl was CRAZY!
So I asked how he and Blossom met and he told me that it was at Yuko's bar in New York and he was playing electric guitar for a band at the time. I then decided to break and reveal my special guest. Readers I got a SURPRISE. Everyone can Q-U-O-T-E me on this. Sue me if I'm lying, SUE ME! "ARE YOU NUTS! THAT B IS GOING TO…" Blossom exploded in a crazed rage as soon as I revealed the name of my special guest. "BITCH HUH!" a voice shouted. Next thing Buttercup Utonium was there by provision of super speed. Readers, she said she heard Blossom's comment from the entrance. I think her escort heard too (and he doesn't have super powers, I guarantee you). "Then what the hell are YOU?" she demanded of Blossom. To my surprise Butch jumped in or should I say I was surprised at who he jumped at. He accused Mike of inviting her and wanting to show him up in front of Princess. Mike said no and also said and I quote "Don't flatter yourself, Princess and I are happily married." Readers don't ask me, I was only a spectator to this. Princess interjected with the explanation that a special guest had invited her husband and she only wanted to come and meet me. Buttercup calmed things down a bit by admitting she invited him because she was told he could help her learn the code of conduct for Ricardo Club.
Guess what happened next? Blossom bursts in "Which person is that?" and starts killer glaring me. Buttercup jumped to my defense saying it wasn't me (and it wasn't readers). She then gives Buttercup some ice glare demanding who it was. I swear readers, this woman just wanted to kill somebody. "None of your business," Buttercup told her, guess you can be brave when you have super powers (and return to Townsville in time to hear your own blood call you a b). Then she mentioned she forgot her escort and got him after revealing he was Ace and they had kids. Oh my God readers, you should've seen the faces at the table. Then somehow readers the Butch vs. Mike thing started again. Butch believed Mike somehow planned this and Mike denied it again and said something about himself being known as an honest man. What a blow. Butch snarled but surprisingly Princess intervened and told Mike to drop it.
Buttercup returned and ordered like a regular (too bad Butch didn't have her luck). A waitress came and welcomed her back, readers, the waitress welcomed her back before her own sister. Seriously, what kind of standards does this family have? Only the prodigal daughter has brains and manners (and remember this is short-tempered Buttercup)? I noticed she wore a green Versace dress and Ace also dressed well, she definitely made the effort – I was proud of her. Buttercup thanked me nervously, she was so sweet you wouldn't believe she was pissed off by her sister earlier. Then Ace thanked me, will wonders ever cease as to who had manners that night versus…need I say it…no I don't.
Buttercup later asked Butch how he was. He said well and she told him the same and that she also owned a bar. Blossom interjects scornfully "You own a bar?" Buttercup was upset but Princess mentioned that Blossom met Butch in a bar. Princess defender of the innocent. Still need convincing on Blossom's behaviour? Princess had to defend Buttercup. Ace was obviously shocked that Blossom met Butch there - if he was even over the shock that they were together. I continued the interview and asked if Butch was nomadic before he was with Blossom. Then she bursts in that "he didn't settle for anybody." Readers I swear this Utonium girl is crazy. Buttercup deflected her anger by saying Butch goes for redheads. Then added his prior tastes weren't bad. Mike added that Princess had matured and Buttercup shouldn't mistake her for a spoilt teenager. I thought he was talking about Blossom (brave I tell you) but Princess suddenly threw her drink in his face. Readers DON'T ASK ME. I've long realized they were things at that table I'd NEVER understand. Butch laughed at him. Then things turned U-G-L-Y. Mike revealed he came to see Butch sweat, then he revealed that before coming he was told things by Buttercup. Things Bubbles told her.
Bubbles, I APOLOGIZE about what I wrote about you. The bombshell I'm about to drop explains why you were with Mitch and why you and Brick probably suffer stress in your 'restarted' relationship. I am so sorry, I didn't know what you had been true. I apologize to you and Utonium family.
Then Mike turned on Blossom "How could you sleep with Brick when she (Bubbles) was his fiancé?" The table went dead silent. All sort of thoughts tumbled in my head readers, I couldn't believe this. I've written wonderful articles about this woman and she's nothing but an evil crazy skank! Then she has the nerve to go "MIKE!" I mean she doesn't even make the effort to apologize or make some kind of apology. She's just upset that he said it in front of me! I'm now going to quote Mike's response. "Do you expect me to care? You made Bubbles life hell, you made her leave Brick for that woman beater Mitch. Buttercup was devastated when I confirmed Bubbles assessment about him. If you expect me to care about your reputation, forget it." See readers? Even he knew she cared only for her reputation. This woman has NO morals. Then he says "Rot in hell Blossom Untonium," and gets to his feet. Princess suddenly ordered him to sit down. I think she thought he was going to fight her. A death sentence if I ever saw one readers. But he said he was going to clean up and walked off.
Butch then asks Blossom if Mike told her the truth. She at least had the decency of looking away when she nodded. To my surprise Butch FORGAVE HER! Readers, he must've been birthed by an angel. Even Buttercup asked him "Are you kidding me?" Then she revealed something in a list of things Blossom had done; Blossom had (readers I'm not lying) BRIBED BUBBLES TO MAKE HER A PPG AGAIN. Readers…how many AWFUL things did she do to this ONE sister? I'm guessing this is after Buttercup left, personally I think Buttercup would've given her a knuckle sandwich in response. A well deserved one in my personal opinion. I'll write more on this another time.
Butch said he still believed she had changed. He wouldn't listen to any protest. I definitely believe he's in love readers, only that could make him blind to what everyone else saw. Then he told me the interview was over. I tried to say something but he called me a b (sounds familiar?) and said I concocted all this for a juicy story. He also said Blossom warned him and that he regretted ever agreeing to the interview. I was appalled, he really thought I planned this, but readers I didn't I swear. Buttercup started to comfort me when Blossom burst in if it was worth bedding with the devil to get dirt on her. She was acting as if I was the bad guy here. And might I add that all this 'dirt' came from Mike and her own sister. Ace jumped in to defend Buttercup and called Blossom "Miss Promiscuous." Blossom went red and Butch suddenly told Ace that he was one to talk and he personally was surprised that Buttercup kept him (Ace) alive. I was shocked, was Butch accusing Ace of…no Ace couldn't be…I'm not even going there. Buttercup interjected saying "Maybe that proves something." Instead of answering her Butch told everyone but me goodbye and firmly escorted Blossom out the building. Personally I think she decided to pretend he could be in charge since he defended her. Disagree with me readers?
Then Mike said something about me making them pay. I was surprised since I didn't even notice that he had returned. I didn't respond and just stared at my food. Then Buttercup took my hand. "I'm sorry if we ruined your evening. I know you felt close to Butch by the way you asked me to come to the interview by his request. You probably wouldn't have visited my apartment just for anybody, I only live in that area because no one would dare mess with me or my family." I was so touched. "Thank You," I said and tried to eat. After the table was cleared Buttercup and Ace thanked me for the dinner. Buttercup walked over to Mike and thanked him. Then she apologized to Princess if anything she said had upset her in anyway. Princess was too shocked to speak. Buttercup and Ace left to some patrons clapping at Buttercup's return. A little girl even ran up and asked for an autograph. It was so sweet.
When Princess and Mike rose to leave, Mike kissed her on the cheek. Princess suddenly broke in tears. Readers I'm NOT lying. Mike sat her back down and comforted her. Princess said a bunch of things including how awful she felt about being mean to Butch her ex-boyfriend, how evil Blossom was and the nerve of her pretending to be of good reputation and involving herself in the Morebucks work in the field of science, that she felt that Butch and Mike's hatred towards each other was her fault, and a bunch of other things that were lost in her sobbing. After Mike calmed her she asked "We were awful teenagers weren't we?" Readers, I don't know where this came from. Then Mike excused himself and left with Princess.
I ordered a glass of water then left to go home and prepare this article for the morning paper. Anyone can gawk, I have deadlines. Plus I was only expecting an interview with Butch. That's what was even promised to readers and the title upcoming title was The Inner Workings of Butch: A Former RRB's Story. As you can see the article has taken a BIG detour.
I'll do another article on this another time. My boss had to have articles booted to create space for this. And readers, this is the short version. I've even sold a few clips of the interview to Townsville Online, Townsville weekly, and a few non-local networks. The truth has to be told and those who see me as a trash writer will now see me in a new light. I thank you for reading and send all comments to my personal email address or the one for the paper. Until next time.
Mike stared at the paper in disbelief. Rema had ensured to paint Princess as a pained angel with a huge wallet. No way would she anger the Morebucks family. But he knew Mr. Morebucks would be angry. Princess had put their teen years in the spotlight. That was the last thing her father wanted. And he knew all anger would be placed on him. Especially since he took Princess somewhere where she broke down in public. Her father would chastise her of course. But Mike knew he was dead. Her father hated him, simple.
Chapter 15 Completed.
Sorry for the crazy hiatus. Everything was put on pause. I'll try to update before august. Thank you for reading and please review.