It was a good morning.
Great, in fact!
Bubbles had managed to wake up before either of her sisters. That was quite a feat! Buttercup isn't normally an early riser, so it wasn't that hard to wake up earlier than her. Blossom, on the other hand, is normally always the first one up. Well, not today! Today Bubbles woke up first, and she knew exactly what she was going to do!
Bubbles quietly makes her way downstairs, not wanting to risk waking up her sisters and ruining her morning. Once downstairs the first thing she does is brew a fresh pot of coffee. She personally hates the taste, but Blossom loves it. Buttercup says the only reason she drinks it is because it makes her seem more grown up, but Bubbles knows better.
Since Blossom was always the first one up, she would take it upon herself to make their dad his fresh cup of coffee every morning. Bubbles guesses that over time Blossom grew to like the bitter hot beverage. Blossom stopped drinking it for a while though, refusing to even go near the coffee maker. But with her new job, Blossom has steadily gone back to drinking it. She probably has an unlimited supply at work and got hooked on the stuff again.
Bubbles goes to the cupboard and pulls out Blossom's favorite mug; it says Great Minds Need Great Fuel on it. It was a present from their dad, and Blossom loves it—well, Bubbles thinks she still loves it. She hasn't used it in a really long time. But she is sure Blossom will appreciate the gesture. As the coffee brews, Bubbles starts pulling out various ingredients for breakfast. She has the whole thing planned out. She's going to make everyone's favorite dishes—just like their dad used to.
She starts pulling out the eggs, bacon, and sausage, and a disgusted look replaces her happy one. Bubbles doesn't eat meat, or fish, or chicken, or basically anything that was once alive. She also started weaning herself off eggs. She just couldn't bear the thought of eating poor defenseless baby chicks. The only problem is that neither of her sisters is vegetarian, and Buttercup especially enjoys eating big portions of bacon and eggs in the morning. Bubbles looks down at the packets of meat she holds in her hands. She is going to have to fry these—an innocent piggy and baby chicks. The idea makes her stomach turn. She toys with a loose strand of hair, uncertain of what to do.
"Maybe I should just make pancakes?" she mumbles, then shakes her head. Don't be ridiculous Bubbles, it's not like you're going to eat them. This is for your sisters. It will make them happy!
Resolved not to let the dead animals get her down, Bubbles begins to get busy making everyone's favorite dishes. It takes her a little over half an hour to get everyone's dish done, and she is very surprised that Blossom hasn't gotten up yet. Not wanting to look a gift horse in the mouth, Bubbles hurries to make everyone's breakfast presentable. She grabs a pale green plate and piles it high with sausage, bacon, eggs, and for an added hint of sweetness, puts some waffles on the side. Just the way Buttercup likes it.
Breakfast of champions!
Next, she grabs a pink plate and places some bacon, eggs, and pancakes along with a small bowl of Greek yogurt with blueberries—brain food, as her father use to say. Finally, for herself, she made a big stack of smiley chocolate chip pancakes with banana slices on top.
Always start your day with a smile.
Gosh, does this all look delicious!
As she arranges the plates on the table, she can't help but feel something is missing.
Oh!, She thinks, I know!
Bubbles runs out the garden and picks out a few of the daisies she planted last spring. She runs back inside, gleeful that her sisters haven't woken up yet. She places the daisies in a vase and sets it in the center of the table.
"Perfect."
A loud bang startles her. She hears a few footsteps stomping upstairs followed by another bang. It seems her sisters have gotten up, well, at least one of them. Not knowing which one it is, she quickly hurries and pours out three glasses of freshly squeezed OJ and sets them on the table. Then she goes over and starts preparing Blossom's coffee—a lot of cream and no sugar.
She's just finished making the coffee when she hears the bang of a door opening again. Someone rushes downstairs, and when Bubbles peaks out from the kitchen, she is delighted to see that it's Blossom.
"Blossom! Good Morning! I made you some—"
"Not now, Bubbles. I'm late for work." Blossom interrupts, looking panicked and hurried. Blossom is rapidly braiding her hair, so she's faced away from Bubbles, and has yet to notice the cup of coffee in her hand.
"Late? What? How?"
Blossom huffs, "I overslept, apparently. My shift starts earlier today, and I didn't realize I had my alarm set for the wrong time. So now I'm running late."
"Oh." Bubbles says sadly, "Does that mean you won't have time for breakfast?"
Blossom has just finished braiding her and is now darting around stuffing things into her giant bag. "No. I'm going to eat at the diner." She grabs her keys and makes for the door.
"Blossom, wait—"
Blossom turns back around, "Before I go, I just want you to know that I'll be home a little late. I want to get as many hours as I can before school starts. Okay, now did I forget anything?" Blossom pauses, her gaze unfocused as she thinks over anything she forgot.
"Blossom before you go—"
"No. I think that's it. If you need anything, text me okay. Now, I really have to go."
"But…" Bubbles interjects, holding up the cup in her hand.
"Bye!" Blossom yells out behind her as she closes the front door.
"Your coffee." Bubbles look down at the mug in her hands dejectedly. Her perfect breakfast is ruined. Disappointed, she walks back to the kitchen and pours the coffee down the sink. She understands that Blossom had to leave. She has only been working at the diner for a little over a month now, and she doesn't want to lose her job over something small like oversleeping. Bubbles lets out a sigh, a part of her feels guilty for Blossom being late. She should have realized that something was wrong sooner. Blossom never sleeps in. If only she had woken her up earlier, she could have gotten ready on time and had time to eat breakfast.
It's a shame Blossom won't be able to join her and Buttercup for breakfast, Bubbles was hoping the meal would be a good bonding experience for all of them. Things have gotten so much worse between her sisters. Ever since Buttercup came home late a few days ago, the tension between them has become unbearable. Blossom was livid, understandably. Buttercup came home at midnight. It's the latest she's ever been out, and Bubbles was honestly terrified that something bad had happened to her sister. Her oldest sister nearly got assaulted a month ago, and Buttercup's job isn't exactly in the safest part of town, even if it is closer than where Blossom works.
Blossom had come home tired that day, pulling her first double shift. She had told Bubbles that she would be home later than usual, and when their street had gone dark, and neither of her sisters was home, she knew a fight was going to break out. Bubbles nervously tugged her pigtails all night hoping the next person walking through the front door would be Buttercup.
It was Blossom.
She was so tired. She barely acknowledged Bubbles as she made her way to her bedroom. Blossom was so close to just falling asleep, but then she asked, like the perfect sister that she is, Where's Buttercup? Bubbles had never been a good liar. When Blossom became aware that her rebellious little sister was not home, she lost it. She must have drunk four cups of coffee that night waiting for Buttercup to arrive.
Fifteen minutes before midnight Buttercup staggers in, unknowing, or maybe uncaring of her sister's wrath. Like an overflowed water balloon, Blossom explodes. Demanding to know where she was, why she was home so late, did she have any idea how worried they were. Bubbles watched, cowered behind the banister at the bottom the stairs. Normally, the fights between her sisters were ugly shouting matches, each yell louder than the next. Ugly things were said, things sister shouldn't say to each other. Her sisters, being the stubborn and prideful people that they are, never apologized, so the hurtful remarks they hurled at each other would hang in the air for weeks until the next fight broke out.
This fight was different though. Buttercup usually so fiery and passionate even when unprovoked didn't' say a thing. She just stood there, staring at some faraway point, while her sister yelled at her. Buttercup's unresponsiveness quickly put out Blossom's fire, who was equal perturbed by Buttercup's odd behavior. She switched tactics, going from angry mama bear to concerned sister. Blossom's concerned tone must have gotten through to Buttercup, and she snapped out of whatever trance she was in. She yelled at Blossom to leave her be and stormed past them to her room.
Blossom and Buttercup haven't spoken since, which is usual after a fight, but what's strange is that Buttercup hasn't spoken to anyone in the last few days. She's locked herself in her room. She's even missed work, and she loves going to work. Blossom says she's being stubborn and dramatic, but Bubbles thinks there's something more serious going on. Bubbles wishes Buttercup would just tell them.
She taps her fingers on the table; maybe she should talk to Buttercup? Try to pry whatever is bother her. Bubbles looks at the clock. It's not even nine yet; there's no way Buttercup is up. She lets out a sigh, she wants to check on Buttercup, but she doesn't want to upset her by waking her up. To say that Buttercup isn't a morning person would be an understatement. Bubbles busies herself cleaning up the kitchen to pass the time until her sister gets up. She washes the dishes, wipes down the counter tops, puts away Blossom's breakfast, and yet; her sister doesn't awaken.
Might as well start to get ready.
After nearly two hours of showering, picking out the right outfit, doing her hair in her signature pigtails, and putting on just enough make-up that Blossom won't be able to notice, she walks downstairs to find, much to her disappoint, that Buttercup is still asleep. According to the grandfather clock in their living room, it's almost eleven, and she's sure that the food on the table has grown cold.
Still, her pancakes sure do look yummy. Maybe she could just take a small bite?
Bubbles looks at the clock again, the hands moving closer to eleven. She'll have to leave soon. She promised Dr. Baker she'd arrive by noon. With a sigh, Bubbles goes back upstairs to do the thing she's been avoiding doing. She stands outside Buttercup's room; the Keep Out sign glaring at her. With a deep breath, she slowly opens the door, every squeak making her more nervous. It's dark and messy in Buttercup's room, her thick black curtains keeping any light from entering. She takes a few steps inside, avoiding the piles of clothes Buttercup has thrown all over the floor. Blossom has been so busy; she's hasn't had time to get on Buttercup's case to clean her room. Bubbles peers over Buttercup's sleeping form. She's sleeping on her side, faced away from the door.
"Buttercup?" Bubbles whispers softly, "Are you up?" No movement from the sleeping brunette. "Buttercup?" Bubbles tries again, and again nothing. With a sigh, Bubbles retreats from her sister's room and quietly shuts the door behind her. Poor Buttercup. All she does all day is sleep. She doesn't go out, play video games, she hardly even eats. Something is wrong. Maybe she's finally processing their father's death? That a good thing, at least Bubbles is sure that it's a good thing.
It's a difficult thing to process, obviously, but if months of crying and inconsolable sadness has taught her anything, it's that you have to give yourself time to grief. It's like that time she helped Dr. Baker remove a rotten tooth from a very angry bulldog. The dog was in pain, yes, and yanking that tooth out was defiantly adding to that pain, but afterward, the dog felt much better. If she gives Buttercup her space, she's sure that her sister will feel much better after a while—maybe. Hopefully.
Bubbles walks back downstairs, reheating her cold pancakes before finally enjoying her breakfast. It's not exactly how she envisioned her morning, but hopefully, Blossom will bring home dinner from the diner, and they'll get a chance to sit down together and air things out later tonight. The grandfather clock chimes at eleven just as Bubbles has finished eating. She writes a cute little note for Buttercup and leaves it on the table before leaving. She's just grabbed her bag and is heading out the door when she spots her small blue Polaroid camera, sitting where she left it four months ago.
FLASH!
"Ugh! Bubbles cut it out!"
Bubbles giggles, fanning out the picture she just took of Buttercup. She doesn't realize it yet, but she has chocolate frosting smeared on her cheek. Cute!
"I want daddy to see everything he missed."
"And is an image of Buttercup with chocolate on her face really something he needs to see?" Blossom asks, holding a plate of warm, fresh brownies.
"What? Dammit! Why didn't you say anything? Bubbles give me the picture!"
"No!" Bubbles laughs, running away from Buttercup.
"Bubbles! I'm not playing. Give me the picture!" Buttercup chases after Bubbles, not having nearly as much fun as her little blond sister.
"Girls! Careful! We just cleaned the place. I don't want dad coming home to a messy house."
The sisters stop their game of cat and mouse, both of them too excited to see their father to risk ruining his homecoming.
"I'm so excited to see dad! This is the longest he's ever been away."
"Hmpf. You can say that again."
"Buttercup, don't tell me you're still mad at dad. You know his work is important." Blossom states.
"Yeaaah…I know it's just…" Buttercup groans, "Whatever. I guess it doesn't matter; he's coming home today…Woopie! He's probably still mad at me, though."
"I'm sure he isn't." Blossom reassures, " That was weeks ago, and he understands. None of us like it when he leaves."
"Yeah! Cheer up, Buttercup! I'm sure he's gonna be in a great mood when I show him all these pictures from your latest match."
"Whatever. It wasn't like Citiesville was much of a challenge, anyway. Hey, can I get a brownie?" Buttercup asks, reaching for one. Blossom slaps her hand.
"Ow. What the fuck?"
"Language. And no, we're going to wait until dad get's home to eat them."
"What? They won't be warm by then!"
"Oh yes they will. Dad should be home any minute. His itinerary said his flight would be leaving by nine, so he should be home soon."
"Hey, don't you find it weird that he didn't call when he landed?" Buttercup asks.
"Well, now that you—"
A knock at the door inturupts Blossom.
"He's here!" Bubbles jumps up excitedly, running to the door to be the first to hug and kiss their father. She throws open the door, "Daddy—Oh! I'm sorry. I thought you were my dad." A tall man in a military uniform stands in front of her, stoic and intimidating. She places her small Polaroid camera off to the side, on the small table by the door. "Hi."
"Bubbles, who's at the door?" Blossom comes up behind her. "Oh. Hello. May I help you?"
"Miss." The man says, tipping his cap. "Is this the Utonium residence?"
"Yes. I'm Blossom Utonium."
"Is there an adult present?"
"No. Our aunt is at work. May I ask what this is about?"
"I'm sorry miss. This is sensitive information. There really should be an adult present."
"Yeah, well, our aunt works long hours. So unless you're willing to wait around until after dark, I'd suggest you just tell us and move along."
"Buttercup!" Blossom hisses.
"Very well." The man sighs and hands over a silver vase.
"A vase?" Bubbles questions.
"It's an urn," Blossom says, looking pale as a ghost.
"Oh my God." Buttercup whispers.
"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but there's been an accident. At your father's lab. He didn't make it." The military man continues, explaining the details of the accident. Something to do with a fire, but Bubbles isn't too sure because as soon as he states that her father is gone, she collapses. Everything becomes muted and blurry, and after a while, everything goes black. It isn't until later, when she wakes, that her sisters tell her she cried herself hysterical until she passed out.
Bubbles reaches for the camera, intending for this to be the day she finally starts using it again. Her hand halts, hovering above the small object. Four months is the longest she's gone without using it since her father gave it to her. She loves using it; it's how she discovered her passion for photography. It's the best gift her dad ever gave her. She still has all those pictures she took, the ones she took to show her dad what he missed while he was away so that it'd feel like he was always here.
Not today.
She drops her hand and leaves. Leaving her camera to gather dust.
Bubbles arrives at the clinic earlier than she had promised Dr. Baker. The good doctor doesn't mind though; she is always happy for the help.
"Hi, Mr. Gerald. Hello, Rudy. Good morning Ms. Sanchez," Bubbles says, addressing some of the familiar patients. She stops by a particularly colorful guy. "And a special good morning to you Crackers." The parrot, resting on his owner's shoulder, squawks "Good Morning. Good morning." He repeats. With a smile, Bubbles heads back to the doctor's office.
"Bubbles. Good to see you, as always." An old woman greets.
"Hi, Dr. Baker. Doing well?"
The doctor sighs. "My arthritis is acting up, and I've been getting these splitting headaches." She takes off her red cat-eye reading glasses. "I think it's time for a new prescription."
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do to make you feel better?"
"No, at my age these things are to be expected. If anything, I'm having a good day." The older woman smiles, her wrinkles spreading on her face. Dr. Baker has run the local pet hospital for over 50 years. She should be retired by now, but she loves animals too much to abandon them when they need her the most. She's also ridiculously short-staffed, and she doesn't have the budget to hire more help. Bubbles doesn't care about the money, she loves animals as much as Dr. Baker, and is happy to help whenever she can.
"Since you mentioned it, there's isn't much you can help me with today."
"Oh? Not even cleaning out your supplies?"
Dr. Baker laughs, "Well if you want to, then go ahead. But what I mean to say is, I'm taking on interns."
"Interns? I thought you said you hated teaching."
"I do." Mrs. Baker sighs, "But it's time I start looking for a replacement. I can't keep ignoring father-time. I hired my first intern just last week. Student from UT, he's starting today. "
"Oh, Dr. Baker." Bubbles lunges forwards, enveloping the much thinner woman in a hug. "I'm going to miss you!"
"Bubbles! I'm not going anywhere yet. Besides, you'll see me around. Fido isn't thinking about closing down the store anytime soon, and he is definitely going to need your help. My poor pooch can hardly pick up a stack of newspapers."
Bubbles lets go of the frail woman, "Really? You mean it?"
"Of course I do. Why don't you go over there now and help him out? I know he'd want to see your pretty face."
"Are you sure you don't need me? I can help break-in the intern."
"That's what I got the technicians for, and if I need you, I'll just give Fido a quick call. It's not like you're going far, you'll be right next door."
Bubbles nods her head, "Ok. I'll stop by later to say goodbye."
"Alright, honey. See that you do."
Bubbles exits the clinic, waving goodbye to the patients sitting in the waiting room. She doesn't have to go far to reach Mr. Baker's store. It's literally next door to the pet clinic. She enters the store to the familiar sound of excited dog barks, and bird chirps. If there is anyone else who cares about animals like Dr. Baker and herself, it's her husband—Fido Baker.
Bubbles walks around a bit, greeting the various animals. Her favorite is a small black and white puppy. He's chatty and excitable. Just like her! She walks up to the front register, surprised not to see Mr. Baker.
"Mr. Baker!"
Nothing.
"Mr. Baker! Are you in here!"
She hears a crash from the back.
"Mr. Baker!" Bubbles cries out concerned. She runs to the back to see poor old man Baker on his back, with a bunch of colorful hamster wheels on him. "Oh Gosh, are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm alright. Those hamster wheels were higher up than I thought." Bubbles clears away the wheels and helps the old man up.
"Thank you, sweetie. I tell you these shelves keep getting taller and taller, or maybe I'm just getting smaller." He mumbles.
"Mr. Baker, it's dangerous for you to be back here. I can help with all the stocking."
"Oh, it's alright. I may be old, but I'm not an invalid!" He grumbles and shuffles over to a large bag of dog food. He bends down and attempts to pick up the heavy bag. He lifts it about an inch off the floor before dropping it back down in a huff.
"Here. Let's do it together" Bubbles says, picking up a side of the bag. Together they take the bag outside and feed all the overexcited pups. She's just finishing feeding a small golden retriever when the pup rushes towards her, more interested in licking her hand than the food in his bowl.
"So, sweetie, how are you?"
"What?" She giggles distractedly, looking up at Mr. Baker.
Mr. Baker gives her a soft look, "How are things at home? Did your sisters resolve that fight you were telling me about?"
Bubbles sighs, taking her hand out of the cage and locking it. "They're not even talking anymore."
"Hmm. That's a shame. Sisters should be there for one another. Have you tried talking to them?"
Bubbles tugs on a pigtail, "Sort of" She groans, "Ok, no I haven't. They don't really listen to me. I made them breakfast today so that we could all talk about it, but Blossom had to leave early for work, and Buttercup is probably still asleep." Bubbles pauses, "Is…is it normal to sleep all day? Like, on purpose? It's not like, a sign of depression or anything, is it? "
"Sometimes all I want to do is sleep all day." Mr. Baker laughs, "But I don't suppose that's a thing young people are too into doing. Why you ask?"
Bubbles shakes her head, "Oh nothing. One of my sisters has been sleeping a lot lately. Kinda worried about it."
"I wouldn't be. Your sisters work right? And school is starting up again soon. Heck, in this heat, who wouldn't want to stay home and do nothing all day."
Bubbles nods, slowly, a smile spreading on her face, "You're right! That's probably all it is. Blossom actually slept in today and woke up late for the first time in…ever. That job must really be taking a toll on her." She closes another cage, the puppy rapidly enjoying the food, and sags down in defeat.
"You're a good sister, and I'm sure your sisters know that."
"Really? Even though I don't…you know…contribute? Doesn't that make me selfish?" Bubbles tugs on her pigtail harder, feeling frustrated in herself, but also fearing she may have insulted the man that employs her for free.
Mr. Baker sighs, "Bubbles, I really appreciate what you do for Twiggy and me, but if you're torn up about it, I won't object to you finding employment elsewhere. The pups sure would miss you though."
"Really?" Bubbles gets up from her crouched position, raising to Mr. Baker's eye-level. "Oh, but I don't know. I really like working here. It's the best job in the world!" A dog barks, highlighting her point.
"Don't I know it." Mr. Baker laughs, "It'll be a cold day in hell before I give this place up. Look, sweetie, do what you want, but if you're really stressed out about not helping out at home, and I can see that you are, then it might be time to spread those wings and fly little bird."
Bubbles giggles, "Thanks. I'll think about it."
Mr. Baker bops her nose, "While you do, could you go organize the stock room? Got a new shipment last week that I haven't gotten to yet."
Bubbles nods her head skipping to the back. She always enjoys her talks with the Bakers. They never had any kids of their own—the animals in their lives being enough children for them—but they're like the grandparents she never had. It's a comfort working here, like a home away from home. She's not thrilled about having to leave and work elsewhere.
Bubbles starts moving boxes around. Unpacking and stocking in easily reached places, it's not difficult, she's only an inch taller than Mr. Baker, and she's only 5'02". It'd be great if she could get a job nearby so that she could still come by and help the Bakers once in a while, but she knows she won't find anything. She already tried last year when she first started helping out at the clinic and pet store. At the time, she wanted a job to help pay for a designer prom dress she had seen in one of her fashion magazines. It was too expensive, her father had said, and Blossom said it was too unnecessary considering she wouldn't even be able to attend prom until this year. Looking back now, it does seem a little silly. To think her biggest problem was affording a sparkly dress. She had cried about too—wasted tears.
She's putting away a box when she trips over a hamster wheel on the floor. Mr. Baker must have forgotten to take them out front. She picks up the remaining hamster wheels and takes it out front for him. "Mr. Baker you forgot—"
"It be a real shame if you found yourself on the opposite end of a gun, and the police didn't get here in time. Who'd save you then?"
Bubbles pauses, surprised by the new voice. She peers out slowly, spotting a new figure standing opposite of Mr. Baker at the front register. He's wearing a police uniform.
"This is the third time this year the rates have gone up. I can't afford anymore. I'll go out of business."
The cop shrugs, "The price change ain't up to me. 'Sides, can you really put a price on your safety?"
"Mr. Baker?" She questions, voice shaking, although she doesn't know why. There's no harm with an officer around. Both figures snap their head in her direction. She lifts up the box in her hands, "You forgot the hamster wheels."
"Oh right. Thank you, you can put them over there." He says nervously. Bubbles slowly makes her way over to the second aisle, keeping her head down.
The officer clears his throat, "Right, well, I'll be back for my new…err…puppy in three days. Please have him ready by then."
Bubbles watches the exchange while she puts away the hamster wheels. The officer excuses himself from Mr. Baker and then turns around, catching her staring. She turns back around, quickly.
"Hey, don't I know you?"
Bubbles looks back up at the cop standing in front of her, Mr. Baker in the background looking anywhere but her.
"Um, I don't think so?"
"No, yeah. You're one of those Untonium girls, right?"
Bubbles looks at him, really looks at him. He has graying brown hair, a bushy mustache, and a rather big potbelly you wouldn't expect to see on a cop. "Oh, yeah, you were the one that gave my sister a ride home...like a month ago." Bubbles' mood flips, feeling at ease with the nice man that saved her sister's life. A charming smile replaces her worried frown. "What was your name again?"
"Officer Brikowski, at your service." He says with a jolly laugh. "You work here?"
"Yup!"
The officer nods, "Good to know." He turns back around, "Three days, Fido." He says, before walking out of the store. Bubbles goes back to stocking the hamster wheels. All negative feelings forgotten. "I wonder if he's going to train that puppy to be a K-9 officer. Wouldn't that be cute!"
"You know him?"
Bubbles nods, "He saved Blossom's life. Remember, she almost got assault. I told you about it."
Mr. Baker nods, "Have you made up your mind about working elsewhere?"
Bubbles shrugs, "Not really. It's kinda hard to let go of this place."
"I think you should go."
Bubbles pauses, "What?"
"I think you should go, find work elsewhere. It's what's best for you and your sisters."
"But…"
"When you're done with that you can leave."
"But, Mr. Baker—wait! Why…"
Her question hangs in the air as the normally gentle Mr. Baker slams the back door behind him. That's when she realizes how unusually quite the store is, not a single bark, meow, or chirp to be heard.
As promised she went back to the clinic to say goodbye to Dr. Baker. Bubbles offered to help her, but she looked just as frazzled as Mr. Baker and dismissed her rather quickly. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she had a feeling that it had something to do with money. Maybe they were behind on some payments, and Officer Brikowski was sent to remind them that not paying was against the law. Bubbles wishes she could help, but she is having money issues of her own.
It was only one in the afternoon. She had planned on spending her whole day with the Bakers, now with nothing to do, she was faced with talking Mr. Baker's words seriously. It was rather harsh and unexpected what he said. Did he really want her gone? He said it was up to her to make the decision. She hadn't decided yet. Maybe, he's pushing her because he knows what's best for her. Maybe he could tell that she wasn't going to leave.
A ping from her phone distracts her from her thoughts. It's a text message from Robin. She sent a picture of her rolling her eyes with her Grandma Birdie asleep in her rocking chair in the background.
this is a literal snooze fest
Another text message follows
wyd?
I think I just got fired. Bubbles responds
can u be fired? they don't pay you
Yea…I guess…they don't need me anymore :(
Awww…honey. Cheer up! You'll find a new place. Have u tried the mall? It's literally heaven, but like better cuz shoes
lol :) I wish u were here
Me 2! Be back soon! I'll give you like a million hugs
Promise?
Promise! :)
Bubbles smiles half-heartedly at the text then tucks away her phone. Robin has been texting non-stop since her family road-tip began. Robin has lived next door to the Utoniums since before Buttercup could pronounce the letter R correctly. The four of them have been great friends for just as long too. Robin was really sad about having to leave her and her sisters over the summer, with everything that was going on, but she's sweet and texts them multiple times each day. It's a nice little pick-me-up whenever her or her sisters receive a text, Robin's got an odd sense of humor and has no problems making fun of her family.
It sucks. Not having her here. It sucks not having anyone here. This summer has been so lonely. All of her friends are either on vacation or at cheer camp. She's had absolutely no one to talk to all summer. Part of it is her fault. She wasn't in her most friendly and social mood after her father's death. Her friends gave her space to grief, which is nice, except they haven't gotten in touch with her again. They're probably just busy. Despite feeling like the world ended, it actually just keeps on spinning. She can't blame people for going on with their lives.
Bubbles lets out a sad sigh. Maybe a trip to the mall is just what she needs. She could use a distraction. She could use some fun.
The only mall is the one downtown. It's the biggest mall she's ever seen, well it's the only mall she's ever seen, but still, it's pretty big! Before the financial downturn of Townsville, there were only small mom&pop businesses around, with a few chain stores here and there. Then the market crashed, and this giant temple of clothes, shoes and soft serve sprung up in the wake of all the closed businesses. The only reason she knows that is because her father complained about it every time they went to the mall. He really didn't like that the mall took away so many people's lively hoods. On the plus side, the mall does employ an awful lot of people. And she really hopes one of those people is her.
The mall is crowded, really crowded. It is the weekend, so it's expected, especially in this heat. More people have taken to going to the mall than the lake because at least the mall has air conditioning. Bubbles makes her way to her favorite store, squeezing past people and trying to avoid being bumped into. It's hard when she's as small she is, most people don't even notice her.
She stops in front of a small shop. The logo above the doorway read's Meryl's Pearls, with a picture of a feminine hand holding glossy white pearls. She flattens her face against the display window in awe of the mannequins. They all look so beautiful and sophisticated, vintage but timeless. She knows it was harder for women back then, for women who dressed liked the mannequins in the display window, but when she pictures them now, all she sees are wonder women in chiffon dresses. Dainty but powerful.
She walks inside, fingering the various clothes items on the racks, admiring the gorgeous and timeless fabrics. She's never bought a dress here, feeling much too silly to wear one. Like a little girl playing dress-up in her mother's heels. She usually only buys a top, or some cute accessories, and shoes! Lots and lots of shoes. She hasn't bought anything new in months. She could probably ask Blossom or her aunt for some money, but it's not right to just take and take when she has nothing to give.
"Hey, can I help you?" A bored teenage voice asks. Bubbles turns around to spot a rather dark dressing girl slumped behind the cash register. Her name is Molly, Meryl's granddaughter. She's met her four times before, but Molly never remembers her name. Meryl isn't the owner of the store, her daughter Margaret is, and according to her, Meryl isn't even alive anymore, but some of the most vintage pieces in the store belonged to her. Margaret opened the store after the market crashed, she got the idea when she had to resort to selling some of her mother's things to make ends meat. It's a shame to sell something so fine and personal. Bubbles couldn't understand why someone would do something like that, but she understands now.
"Hi, Molly! Your mother not here today?" Bubbles says cheerfully.
Molly looks at her with large unblinking and uninterested eyes. "No. You gonna buy something?"
"Oh…ok, um, actually…" Bubbles starts, hesitantly, walking up to Molly, "I wanted to know if there were any job openings?"
"It's the mall," Molly says as if Bubbles is the biggest idiot in the world, "There's lots of jobs."
"No, I meant here, like in this store."
Molly raises an eyebrow not looking amused. "Seriously?"
Bubbles is taken aback, not understanding Molly's sour attitude, "Yeah…is there a problem? Do I need to bring a resume or something?"
Molly snorts, "There's like a million people outside and no one besides you, Blondie, has walked in all day. So, just in case you don't understand, NO, there are no job openings here." She looks away from Bubbles, lazily flipping the pages of her magazine. "Mom can't even afford to pay me."
With an attitude like that, I'm not surprised.
Bubbles walks out of the store, humiliated. If there was anywhere in the mall she was sure she'd find work, it was Meryl's Pearls, if only because Margaret has known her for years. She rubs her eyes, wiping away some wayward tears. It wasn't like Molly was even that mean, rude yes, but not too mean. Still, she feels the stinging behind her eyes. Gosh, she is such a crybaby!
Think happy thoughts!
Bubbles closes her eyes and takes a deep breath, calming herself enough that she no longer feels like crying. She looks around at all the people walking around. They all look so purposeful, knowing exactly what they're doing and where they're going. She lets out a sigh, no longer thinking coming to the mall was such a good idea. Maybe, if she gave it a few days, she can go back and talk to the Bakers. Reassure them that she's fine and rather not work anywhere else.
She spots a hint of baby blue in the display window of a nearby store. Baby blue, her favorite color. The sign reads Nursery Rhymes on a giant plastic bottle. A baby store! How cute! Bubbles tugs on pigtail; well, she's here now. It might not hurt looking for some paid employment. That way Blossom can cut back on some of her hours, Buttercup too, and then they'd all have some more time to spend together. Yeah, she'd like that.
She wipes her face dry of the reaming tears and takes another deep breath. She can do this. She's going in there, and she's getting a job. She's going to be a mature and hard-working girl, just like her sisters. Besides, she loves babies! How can they not hire her?
They didn't hire her.
Said she didn't know enough about infants and toddlers. Like how to potty train, normal brain development, or other stuff…like—breast pumping. Bubbles is pretty sure she could have won them over if she hadn't pulled a face when they said breast pumping. But maybe they were right; she's just a kid, what does she know about pregnancy and babies? Nothing. Nada. And if parents were going to be walking in and asking her questions like that, then it's best she didn't get the job.
At least that is what she told herself, determine not to let another rejection get her down. But then she went to six other places, all of which turned her down. She was beginning to think that she was the problem. She for sure knows that the last place she went to was completely her fault. Her latest job search had led her to the food court, which is on the first level. As a vegetarian, she really didn't want to work as a fry cook ( no matter how happy it made Spongebob, she just knew it wouldn't be the same for her). Luckily, she had found a friendly vegan sandwich place. They served meat too but had more options for non-meat eaters. The guy working the counter was pretty cute too! His sandy wavy locks, were just—ugh!
She had managed to talk to him without making a fool of herself, which was a plus. His name was Brent, he's a vegan, a Pisces, and he was backpacking through the U.S. before moving to Europe. So cool! He said that InterBread (the name of the sandwich place) was the only decent place in Townsville that offered organic and vegan options. He smiled after, and she couldn't help but agree. They got to talking and after he found out she was vegetarian, he introduced her to his manager. She managed to win him over too and was promised a job if she completed her probationary period without any problems.
She hadn't known that her probationary period started immediately, if she had, she might have been more careful. So happy was she at the chance of a real job that she jumped for joy. She literally jumped for joy. Arms stretched out like she was cheering on the football team waving her pom-poms around. She knocked over an older woman standing in line beside her. The older woman fell to the floor, spilling not only her sandwich but her wig as well. The old woman didn't take it as well as she had hoped, neither did her new manager. Brent just winced behind the counter, shaking his head.
She wanted to die.
That makes two jobs she's been fired from in less than 24 hours. That's got to be a world record. She was so embarrassed she went up to the second floor to hide in one of the photo booths. She's been sitting in the photo booth for the past ten minutes. Her red, teary-eyed reflection mocking her. She wishes she were home right now, cuddled in bed with one of her stuffed animals. She lets out a breath, a very sad sounding breath. She should just go home; maybe she can cuddle up next to Buttercup. She's probably still asleep, and won't even notice. Bubbles gets out of the photo booth, the harsh lights of the mall assaulting her eyes. She blinks away the spots in her vision, and that's when she sees them.
Kitty, Kim, and Kristen.
The golden trio, or as some people have taken to calling them—the Triple K's (they use to be called the KKKs, but that was shut down real quick—for obvious reasons). They're the real-life versions of Mean Girls, except they're not mean and Gretchen is Asian. They're beautiful, wealthy, and they always say the right thing. They've got their lives figured out, and they're still just in high school. It's hard not to admire that.
They also happen to be good friends of hers, from the cheer team. They've known each other since they were twelve and first joined. She hasn't seen them all summer, or anyone else from the team. They all went away to cheer camp. She was supposed to go too, it was mandatory, but special accommodations were made for her. No one was going to force a grieving girl to cheer. She hadn't even known that the team had gotten back, no one told her anything.
The girls are just getting out of the adjacent photo booth, giddy and laughing at their photos.
"Kitty? Kitty!" Bubbles yells out.
A tall and slim girl looks around. Her platinum ponytail swaying as she does. "Bubbles? Oh my God is that you?"
Bubbles walks up to them nodding her head. The girls hug and kiss each other on the cheek in greeting.
"Hey, Kim. Kristen. It's great to see you guys again. How was your summer? Did you finally get the helicopter toss?" She jokes, the helicopter toss is illegal, but that wouldn't stop these girls from trying. They're as daring as they are glamorous.
"Oh, hey, Bubbles. It's like so…" Kim breaths, "great to see you!"
"Yeah, like I so didn't recognize you at first, but that's like 'cuz you kinda blend into the walls."
"Kristen!" Kims says with a small smile, nudging her in the side.
"Wh…what?"
"Oh, don't take it personally, Bubbles. She means that you're the only girl on the team without a tan. No offense, but you're looking kinda pale. Been spending too much time indoors?" Kitty says with a pitiful look on her face. "How are you feeling, boo-boo? Still sad?"
"Oh, well, I…I've been feeling better. Thanks for asking, you're actually one of the few that have—"
"That's good. Now you can go back to being you're regular cute self! The girls really missed you."
"Yeah… I really missed everyone too. When did you all get back? I haven't heard from anyone."
"It's only been, like, what? A week? Right, girls."
Kim and Kristen nod their heads. They look bored. Like they'd rather be anywhere else. Kristen is actually on her phone, taking selfies.
"A week? Why didn't anyone call me?"
The girls look at each other like they're debating telling her some secret she isn't aware of. "I'm sure they just didn't want to bother you. I personally don't know what it's like to lose a loved one, but I'm sure it's not easy. We're just giving you time." Kitty says, her yellow eyes glowing under the harsh lights. The pitiful look returns to Kitty's face. She looks almost like a conceded older sister, except Bubbles has one of those and she can tell Kitty isn't sincere. She notices Kristen and Kim fidget behind Kitty, both of them on their phones. Maybe they're just uncomfortable. None of them have any idea about what she's gone through. She must be someone very hard to talk to; what do you say to the grieving girl without setting her off or insulting her?
"That makes sense." Bubbles sighs. "So, what are you guys doing here?"
"Shopping, duh," Kristen says. Kim elbowing her side again.
"Oh cool! Me too! Can I join?"
"Actually, boo-boo, we were just finishing up. We have a movie to catch."
"Really? Is it scary?"
"No. It's the new Jennifer Lawrence movie. I swear she is like a goddess, totally my fav role model." Kitty winks, "I'd invite you to come, but tickets sold out. We had to buy ours last night." Kitty begins to walk away, Kristen and Kim following after her. "Sorry, boo-boo. Maybe next time?"
"Ok, may—"
Kitty doesn't give Bubbles enough time to finish. Already turning away and strutting out the mall. People moving out of their way as they walk.
"Maybe next time."
Bubbles walks, following the flow of the crowd. She spots an empty bench, and when she's close enough, she drops down letting her whole body sag. This day did not turn out like she wanted. Not even the mall was enough to cheer her up—if anything, it made her day worse.
She watches people pass and go. It's too crowded, the mall, but that's not the problem. Bubbles turns to look at the empty seat beside her. No, too many people aren't the problem. There could be double the number of people, and she'd still feel the same, lonely.
"Is this seat taken?"
Bubbles looks up, startled. A short blond girl stands in front of her. She's wearing a black and white striped shirt with a name tag that reads Julie.
Bubbles shakes her head, "Go ahead."
"Thanks. Been working all day. I just need a break, you know?"
"Yeah."
"Where do you work?" She asks, busy fixing her ponytail.
"Oh, um, I don't work. I don't have a job, at least not anymore."
"Yeah? bummer. Did the pet store fire you?"
"Yup, they—wait. What? How did…do I know you?"
"I'm not surprised you don't remember me. I'm Julie, Julie Smith. We met last year in science. We got paired together once when both our science partners were out sick. You looked like you were gonna hurl when we got to the frog dissection."
"Oh! Yeah! Ugh, no offense I sort pushed that memory way back."
"I figured, but that's not where I know you from."
Bubbles looks at the girl sitting beside her. She's nice-looking, but nothing about her features stands out to her.
"I'm your next-door neighbor, from across the street."
"Oh?" Bubbles pauses, thinking of something to say. She's lived on Maple Lane all her life, and she's never noticed. How do you go sixteen years and never notice the girl living across the street? "Yeaaah…Julie. Right…it's good to see you again."
"Ok, you don't have to pretend. I'm not at all surprised that you don't recognize me. I mean we don't exactly hang in the same social circles."
Bubbles tugs on her pigtail, embarrassed. "I'm normally better about remembering faces, sorry. We…we haven't talked before, have we?"
"Besides that day in science, no, not really. You were always busy with your cheerleading friends."
"Right…cheerleading friends." Bubbles mumbles.
"Hey, what's wrong? I didn't mean anything by it."
"Oh, it's not you…it's." Bubbles takes a breath, "…it's nothing." She finishes in a lighter tone. "Nothing."
Julie gives her look, "Riiighhhtt." She stresses. "Well, I don't believe you." Julie sits back, making herself comfortable."What? Did your boyfriend cheat on you with someone from the cheer squad or something?"
"What? No!" She pauses, her eyes growing large, "Why? Have you heard something?"
"Whoa. I was just kidding." Julie says, holding up her hands.
"Oh," Bubbles giggles, "Duh. I don't even have a boyfriend."
Julie laughs too, and the air around them turns friendly and familiar. It's been too long since Bubbles has had someone to talk too, someone her age.
"So, honestly, what's bugging you?"
Bubbles stops her giggling, "What do you mean?"
Julie sighs, "Ok, to be honest, I sort of saw you from far away, and you were looking pretty bummed. I mean, I know we don't really know each other, but that's just not the Bubbles I remember."
Bubbles looks at her confused and conflicted. Most people assume she's feeling sad because, well, her father died, which is technically the source of her woes if she really thinks about it. But Julie asks like she has no idea her father died, which is impossible. Everyone knows. Everyone at school at least. It's sort of nice. That she may or may not know, or that she doesn't care. Before…everything, she used to be seen as Bubbles, just girly, preppy Bubbles, and now, people—her friends have a hard time seeing her outside of what happened to her. All they see is a tragedy.
"Umm…it's a dumb cheer thing, sort of, and other stuff too, I guess, but I don't want to bore you. Just forget it."
"Hmmm…I can see this calls for drastic measures."
Before Bubbles can question what she means, Julie is pulling her up and dragging her away. Julie is a short girl, shorter than herself, but she can maneuver through a crowd like nobody's business. In half the time that it would have taken her, Julie has them both across the mall. They enter a store, but Bubbles doesn't have time to read the sign, so she has no idea where they are.
"So, what're you getting?"
"What?" Bubbles asks, dazed. She looks around, and that's when she sees it. Ice cream! And judging by the gross amounts of sugary toppings, this can only be one place.
"Cold Stone?"
"Cold Stone." Julie echoes.
"Whoa, I love Cold Stone."
"Who doesn't?"
"But I don't…I didn't bring any…"
"Totally cool. I just got my paycheck today, so it's on me."
"I can't let you—"
"Already done," She sings, pulling out her wallet and walking to the register. "Two waffle cones please."
In the end, Bubbles is too weak to resist the power of sweet, sweet ice cream and lets Julie buy her a cone. She tires not to go overboard with the toppings; it's the least she can do.
"Is this great, or what?" Julie asks, taking a lick of her strawberry ice cream. "There is nothing ice cream can't fix. Or chocolate, or cake, or pie—you get the idea."
Bubbles giggles, taking a lick of her own birthday cake favored ice cream. "I like the way you think."
The girls tap their cones together in celebration.
"Ready to talk about what's bugging you?"
Bubbles stops, mid-lick. What's bugging her? Well, there's really a lot of ways she can answer that. One, her sisters aren't speaking to one another. Two, one of her sisters is working themselves ragged and the other she's pretty sure is depressed. Three, her pseudo-grandparents no longer want her. Four, she can't get a job. Five, she made a fool of herself in front of a cute guy. Six, she thinks her friends are ignoring her, and she feels like it's her fault. Seven, she's still sad about most things, but mostly about her dad. Eight, she's pretty sure she's close to crying, which would lead to, nine, scaring off a potential new friend. All these things pass in quick succession in her head, but the only thing she can blurt out is.
"Do you think I'm pale?" Her voice breaks at the end, and she can feel a few stray tears break free.
Julie looks at her, stunned and probably a little freaked out. She's crying in the middle of an ice cream shop because she thinks she's too pale. If that doesn't scream crazy, she's not sure what does. Bubbles sniffs and more tears break free. She looks down, trying to control herself. She's pretty sure she's just scared off a completely nice and normal girl.
"Here."
Bubbles looks up at the sound of Julie's voice. Her hand is stretched out holding a napkin. Bubbles takes the napkin and nods her head in thanks.
"Sorry." She mumbles.
"No need. We all have sucky days. This…um…is this about your dad? I don't want to assume or anything, but…I mean you're not pale if that's really what's bugging you. Fair-skinned yeah, but it suits you."
Bubbles lets out a weak chuckle, "It's not about my dad or my paleness, but thanks."
Julie nods, clearly feeling as awkward as she looks. "Ok, so then…."
Bubbles sighs, a deep sorrowful sigh. "It's a lot of different things. I don't know. I guess you're right. I'm just having a really sucky day. I mean, earlier today I knocked over an old lady and totally embarrassed my self in front of a cute guy, not to mention my new boss."
"I thought you said you didn't have a job?"
"I don't…anymore. I was hired and fired all in the span of 30 seconds."
Julie snorts. She puts a hand to her mouth, trying to stifle her laughter and spare the sad girl a hard time.
"It's okay, you can laugh."
Julie does, letting out a deep belly laugh. Her laughter is contagious, and Bubbles finds herself joining in, her problems forgotten for the moment.
"No offense, but that's got to be a world record!"
"I know! I thought the same thing!"
The laughter dies down enough to give the girls space to breath, but large grins remain on their faces.
"So are you looking for work? Or have you suffered enough embarrassment?"
"For today, yes. But, I'm still looking."
Julie hums, "Look, don't take this the wrong way, but why?"
Bubbles tilts her head in confusion, "…Money?"
"But you're a cheerleader."
"I don't get paid to be a cheerleader."
"Duh. I know that! But you guys have practice like every day, plus football games, away games, and competitions, I'm sure. When are you going to have time for a job?"
"Oh," Bubbles says, taken a back. "I hadn't thought about that."
"I mean if you started looking at the beginning of summer, I would understand, but we go back to school on Monday. Kinda late, don't you think?" Julie says, taking a lick of her ice cream.
"I guess." Bubbles slumps down in her seat, "I really wanted a job, though."
Julie shrugs her shoulder, "You could get one if you quit cheer."
"I can't quit cheer!"
"Why?"
"Because…" Kitty, she thinks. "Because."
Julie hums. She's about to say something when a ping from her phone interrupters her. She looks down, at some message she's received. The text is clearly not a good one as her brows lower into a frown. She shoots back a reply before pocketing her phone and collecting her things.
"Sorry, Bubbles. Family emergency. I have to run." Julie says standing up.
"Oh. Is everything alright? Can I do anything?"
Julie waves her off, "Don't worry about it. But, hey, if you ever decided to ditch your pom-pom friends, call me. I might be able to get you a job where I work."
"Really? That would be great!" Bubbles jumps up and hugs Julie, being carful to avoid dropping their cones. One embarrassment is enough for today. "Oh! I don't have your number. Here." Bubbles hands her phone over. Julie pauses for a split second, looking at her phone like it's a bad idea. Bubbles panics, thinking maybe she read the situation wrong. Maybe this was a pity cone and not like a lets-be-friends cone. Maybe she just really felt sorry for her. Gosh, that would be horrible. Julie shakes her head, getting rid of whatever she was thinking, and enters her number before handing the phone back with a smile.
"Cool. Hopefully, we'll run into each other on Monday."
"Yeah! See you then! I'll be looking for you."
Julie smiles, "Bye, Bubbles."
"Bye!"
Julie leaves, leaving Bubbles alone in the ice cream shop. She may be sitting alone, but this is the least lonely she's felt in months. She enjoys the rest of her ice cream cone in silence, a giant smile plastered on her face.
Looks like my day did turn out alright.
After her ice cream, Bubbles decides to leave the mall. Robin said it'd be a great place to cheer her up, and that might not have been true at first, but now, feeling tons better, Bubbles thinks the mall has done its job. Feeling happy and carefree, Bubbles decides to walk home. Her house is more than an hour away, but Kitty was right, she hasn't gone out much this summer. She's lost color and problem some tone. Walking will do her good, help her built up some muscle and endurance. She's definitely going to need that for her first cheer practice on Tuesday. Uggh, Bubbles would be lying if she said she wasn't dreading practice. It's been four months since she's picked up a pom-pom. OMG! What if she's gained weight? She hasn't even tried on her uniform. What if it doesn't fit!
Relax, you're exaggerating. She thinks in her most calming voice that sounds suspiciously like Blossom. Bubbles pushes away her negative thoughts, instead focusing on the positive. Like the ice cream, like maybe having a job, like definitely have a new friend. She shouldn't be so giddy. She's sixteen, not five, sixteen-year-olds don't freak out about making new friends. The thought doesn't stop her hands from making little fist pumps, nor does it stop the skip in her step. As she walks, she basks in the warmth of the sun. Letting it soak her and exhilarate her. She's so happy she can skip all the way home, but she won't because she's not a little girl. She settles on humming instead.
It occurs to her that Julie lives right across the street from her. She could have gone home with her. Missed opportunity, but perhaps for the best. She doesn't want to come on too strong; she's been told she can be too happy.
She makes sure to walk on the most populated streets. There's still a lot of light out, but it's late in the afternoon, the sun will begin to set soon and well, she still hasn't forgotten what happened to Blossom. She's preppy, not dumb.
She makes it home just as the sun is beginning to set. She's hungry, and she really hopes Blossom brought food. She opens the front door with a greeting. "Hello! I'm home!"
Silence greets her. Guess, Blossom isn't home yet, and who knows about Buttercup. She walks to the kitchen with the intention to get a quick snack to tide her over until Blossom gets home. But when she enters the kitchen, she freezes shocked by what she sees. The food she left out for Buttercup, it's still there. Cold and ruined. The little note still attached to her glass of warm OJ.
Bubbles runs upstairs, worried that her sister hasn't gotten up all day. Not even to eat. What if she's not breathing? What if she was actually passed-out? She should have checked her pulse! She should have checked that she was still breathing! Gosh, what if Buttercup is actually depressed! Bubbles barges into her sister's room, the hesitancy of this morning gone. She hurries over to Buttercup's bed and finds—nothing. Nothing but a pile of messy clothes thrown around and an unmade bed.
"Buttercup!" She yells out. Bubbles checks the bathroom, Blossom's room, she peers outside to the backyard. Nothing. No sign of her sister. No sign that she's been at home at all besides an unmade bed. Light from the setting sun stings her eyes, breaking through the darkness of the second floor. Bubbles walks downstairs, slowly. Each step punctuated by a new feeling.
Worry.
Confusion.
Hurt.
Anger.
Sadness.
She makes it to the bottom step feeling drained. She walks over to the kitchen table and picks up the note she wrote.
Eggs and Bakey make you BIG and Wakey! Enjoy your breakfast! Love, Bubbles!
Buttercup didn't even bother to read it. She looks at the food left behind and then turns her gaze towards the refrigerator, thinking of the breakfast Blossom didn't get a chance to eat. She falls onto the dinning chair, still clutching the note in her hand. The remaining light fades as the sun finishes setting. The whole house bathed in darkness. Bubbles is afraid of the dark, but she doesn't feel fear. No.
She feels alone.
Lonely.
AUTHOR'S NOTE!
And now we all know how Bubbles is doing!
Ok, so I know these chapters are slow going but I really wanted to establish a few things with-in the first three chapters, which is why each chapter is dedicated to one of the girls. Now the real plot begins! I'm so excited! Also, reader Error291 asked a questionin chapter one about if we'll be seeing the other girl's perspectives (Which I forgot to answer—Sorry!) but yes, obviously, we will. But moving forward each chapter will have multiple perspectives and not just of the girls. There might be a future chapter solely dedicated to one character, but it will be rare.
Also, a little bit of trivia. The breakfast dishes that Bubbles made, those are canon the favorite dishes that the Professor would make for his girls (sort of, I made a few changes). I got it from a Powerpuff girl's book titled Powerpuff Professor. It's like an old book I have, at that's where I got that scene from. Also, Dr. Twiggy Baker is named after the Pokey Oaks' class pet hamster. The one Mitch almost killed. So, in this chapter, I introduced six characters from the show. Can you pinpoint them out? Some are like hardly mentioned, so good luck trying to figure it out. Also, Kitty is a human-version of an evil character from the show (it's a little on the nose but whateve), can you tell who it is?
And as always I would like to thank everyone that read, liked, favorited, followed, and reviewed this story. You guys are awesome! And are seriously my motivation to write. We got more follower! YAY!
SPECIAL SHOUTOUT TO READER SIAH1! OMG your reviews were so heartwarming! Like you are so awesome! Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm really glad you seem to be enjoying the story. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter! ;)
OK, until next time. Mucho love! XOXO
P.S. I'm working on making quicker updates, so expect to see the next chapter soon!