AN 1: Well, readers, here I am. Back after a long absence that was brought on by a severe case of writer's block among other things. Before we begin this story, I have a little something I'd like to announce for my Sunny Day stories going forward. After a bit of consideration, I've decided to follow the lead of my good friend, GreenWiggle2018, in his Sunny Day stories, where the characters are portrayed as living with their parents. I figured it might actually be nice to depict the characters as living with their parents rather than living by themselves, and it'll be a good way for me to feature them more often in my stories.
AN 2: This story features references to harassment and other content that readers might find unsettling, so reader discretion is advised.
One morning at the Salon, Sunny had just finished cutting a male customer's hair and was bidding him goodbye as he left the building.
"Have a sunny day", Sunny said.
As Sunny went to get the door, she felt a bit of cold air outside, causing her to shiver a bit before shutting the door.
"Man", Sunny said, "it sure is cool outside."
"No kidding", Doodle said, "we've been putting up with warm weather for months, and now it's finally starting to cool off."
"I know", Sunny said, "the weather has a strange way of shifting sometimes."
"Tell me about it", Rox said, "I was so used to the heat that when the temperature started going down, it kind of caught me by surprise."
"Same", Doodle said, "I wonder how long it'll be before it really gets cold."
"Not much longer", Sunny said, "according to the weather app on my phone, the weather should start feeling like fall and winter in about a week."
"Guess I'd better start getting out my winter clothes, then", Rox said.
At that moment, Blair walked over to the group with some big news.
"Hey, guys", Blair said, "what are you talking about?"
"The weather", Rox said, "and how it's changing all of a sudden."
"Yeah", Doodle said, "it used to be so warm outside, but now it's starting to feel chilly."
"So I've noticed", Blair said, "well, in recognition of the changing of the seasons, my parents are doing something special at our house tomorrow."
"What is it", Sunny asked.
"We're covering up our swimming pool for the fall and winter", Blair said, "but before we do that, we decided to throw a pool party so all our friends can swim in it one last time for the season."
"Sounds like fun", Rox said, "I'm in."
"Me too", Doodle said.
"Me three", Sunny said.
"Great", Blair said, "I'm looking forward to a fun last day in the pool with you guys."
"So are we", Sunny said.
And with that, the four friends went to resume their work, with Sunny thinking about the pool party as she got ready for her next customer.
"A day at the pool with my best friends", Sunny said, "that sounds like a recipe for the best day ever."
The following day, Sunny arrived in the Glam Van at the mansion where Blair lived with her family, then stepped out carrying a bag with her bathing suit and towel in it with Doodle following her.
"Here we are, Doodle", Sunny said, "are you ready to get your pool party on?"
"You bet I am", Doodle said.
"Then let's go make a splash", Sunny said.
Sunny and Doodle went into the backyard through the gate that led to it, and over by the pool, several of the child residents of Friendly Falls were hanging out either in it or around it and having a good time, including Rox and Blair, who proceeded to walk up to Sunny and greet her.
"Sunny, you made it", Blair said.
"Hey, guys", Sunny said, "we're not too late, are we?"
"Not at all", Blair said, "in fact, the party's just getting started."
"Yeah", Rox said, "so why don't you go change clothes and join the fun."
"You got it", Sunny said, "where can I change?"
"You can just do it in the bathroom inside", Blair said, "the one close to the kitchen."
"Thanks", Sunny said, "I'll be back in a jiffy."
Sunny made her way to the bathroom, and along the way, she noticed a teenage boy with brown hair wearing a light blue swim shirt and navy blue swimming trunks laying on a lounge chair.
"Hey, Sunny", the boy said, "remember me?"
"Oh, hey", Sunny said, "you're Blair's cousin, Blaise."
"That's right", Blaise said, "Aunt Lyla and Uncle Darian have some important business to take care of, so they asked me to help keep an eye on things around here."
"Okay, cool", Sunny said, "well, I'm just going inside to get changed real quick."
"Alright", Blaise said, "well, don't let me keep you."
"Thanks", Sunny said.
Sunny walked into the mansion to change into her bathing suit, but Blaise was watching her with a sinister look on his face.
"I've got that chick in my sights", Blaise said.
Sunny went to the bathroom inside and began changing clothes, and as she was putting on her bathing suit, she heard a noise.
"What was that", Sunny asked.
She slowly turned her head around, and there, standing at the bathroom door and staring at her was none other than Blaise.
"B-Blaise", Sunny said.
Her face went red with embarrassment.
"How long have you been watching me", Sunny asked.
"Long enough for me to decide that I like what I see", Blaise said.
Sunny's face went even redder.
"You know, I can't help but notice how happy you looked after you said hello to me", Blaise said.
"So", Sunny asked.
"So, you seemed really happy to see me", Blaise said.
"Because it's been a while since I last saw you", Sunny said, "is there something wrong with that?"
"Not at all", Blaise said, "as a matter of fact, I'm happy to see you too."
Blaise's words made Sunny feel very nervous.
"I was thinking maybe we could hang out sometime and get to know each other better", Blaise said.
"You mean grow close as friends, right", Sunny asked.
"Yeah", Blaise said, "something like that."
He put his hand on Sunny's back and began running it down until he reached her rear end and then proceeded to squeeze it, which startled Sunny and caused her to grab Blaise by the arm.
"Don't touch me, you creep", Sunny said.
Blaise wasn't happy with what Sunny just did and spoke to her very threateningly.
"Okay blondie, listen up", Blaise said, "if you know what's good for you, you'll keep your trap shut about what went down in this bathroom."
"Or what", Sunny asked.
"Or I'm gonna tell your buddies that you were flirting with me", Blaise said, "and everyone will think you like getting that kind of attention from older guys."
Sunny began to feel fearful about others finding out about it, and Blaise began walking out of the bathroom, but not before saying one more thing to Sunny.
"Remember, babe", Blaise said, "you don't open your mouth, I won't open mine."
Blaise left the bathroom, and Sunny put her bathing suit's neck strap over her neck, which she wasn't able to do earlier because she discovered Blaise spying on her, then she looked at her reflection in the mirror and sighed sadly.
"Some best day ever", Sunny said.
When Sunny went back outside to the pool, she wasn't in a partying mood anymore and spent the whole party sitting by herself in a chair away from everyone else, and her friends were quick to notice that something was up with her.
"Hey, Rox", Blair said, "is it just me, or does Sunny look a little down?"
"It's not you", Rox said, "I can see it too."
"I don't understand", Blair said, "Sunny was so excited about having fun at this party, but ever since she came back outside, she's just sat there looking depressed."
"Maybe something's bothering her", Rox said.
"Maybe", Blair said, "but what?"
"I'm not sure", Rox said, "you think we should ask her?"
"I don't know about that", Blair said, "she doesn't look like she's in the mood to talk right now."
"Oh, okay", Rox said.
"Let's wait and do it later, when she doesn't look as upset", Blair said.
"Sounds good to me", Rox said, "and in the meantime, I'm gonna go load up on some more snacks from the snack table."
Rox walked away to the snack table, and Doodle, who had also noticed Sunny's sad mood, began pondering to himself about it.
"Something's bothering Sunny, that much is certain", Doodle said, "but what could it be if it's made her this upset and want to avoid other people?"
The next day at work, Sunny was still feeling sad and afraid, and as she did her customers' hair, she didn't say much to them.
"There", Sunny said, "all done."
She had just finished giving Timmy a haircut, and when he looked at his reflection in a mirror, he was very happy with what he saw.
"Thanks, Sunny", Timmy said, "I look so much better now."
"Don't mention it", Sunny said.
Timmy got up from his seat and left the Salon, and as he walked down the sidewalk, he began to think about something that he thought was very odd.
"That's strange, Sunny didn't say 'have a sunny day' like she usually does", Timmy said, "I wonder what's up with her."
In the Salon, Sunny was cleaning up the hairdressing station when Blair spoke up.
"Okay, girls", Blair said, "it's lunch time."
"Alright", Rox said, "my favorite part of the work day."
Rox took the elevator down from the color lab to the ground floor and went to have some lunch, but Sunny stayed in the station.
"I brought some leftovers from the party yesterday", Blair said, "I've got pigs in a blanket, cheese and crackers, and fresh vegetables and veggie dip."
"Sounds delicious", Rox said.
"Sunny, what would you like", Blair asked.
Sunny didn't respond.
"Did you hear me, Sunny", Blair asked.
Still no response.
"Don't tell me she's still upset", Blair said.
"What do we do", Rox asked, "should we try talking to her now?"
"I guess we might as well", Blair said, "we'll never find out what's wrong with her if we don't try asking her."
Blair and Rox walked over to Sunny together and found her sitting in one of the chairs at the station.
"Hey, Sunny", Blair said.
"Oh, hey, girls", Sunny said.
"Are you feeling okay", Blair asked.
"I'm fine", Sunny said.
"Are you sure", Blair asked, "because you sure don't look like it."
"Or sound like it", Rox said.
"It's nothing", Sunny said.
"Are you sure", Blair asked, "you know, you shouldn't be afraid to tell us if there's something bothering you."
"Blair's right", Rox said, "we're your friends after all, and you can tell us anything."
But Sunny was still afraid of what Blaise had told her the previous day, and even more afraid of what Rox and Blair might think of her if she told them what had happened, so she remained silent.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have anything to tell you", Sunny said.
"But Sunny", Blair said.
"Anyways, I have to go and do something real quick", Sunny said.
"Aren't you gonna have something for lunch", Rox asked.
"No thanks, I'm good", Sunny said.
Sunny got up and walked away, leaving Rox and Blair confused and worried about their friend, then went upstairs to the roof, where she stood alone looking at the view, but she wasn't alone for long, because she heard a familiar voice.
"You know, you shouldn't keep whatever you're hiding a secret", the voice said.
Sunny turned around and found Doodle standing behind her.
"What are you talking about", Sunny asked.
"If there's something that's troubling you, you shouldn't keep it a secret", Doodle said, "you should tell someone so they can help you."
"Thanks for the advice, Doodle", Sunny said, "it would be useful if I had something I could tell people."
"But you do", Doodle said, "don't you see?"
"I'm sorry, but I don't", Sunny said.
"Sunny, I know there's something heavy on your mind, and I think you need to tell someone about it", Doodle said, "keeping whatever it is a secret like this will only make things worse."
"Sometimes, there are things that you just can't tell anyone about", Sunny said, "besides, I don't see how things could get any worse."
Sunny then walked towards the roof exit and went back inside, leaving Doodle by himself.
"This is bad", Doodle said, "I've gotta do something fast, or there's no telling what might happen to Sunny."
Later that day, when work was over, Sunny went home and walked inside her house, where her parents, Bruce and Paula, were waiting for her.
"Hey, Sunny", Paula said, "welcome back."
"How was work", Bruce asked.
Sunny didn't say a word to her parents.
"Sunny", Paula asked, "is everything alright?"
"Yeah", Sunny said, "everything's fine."
"Are you sure", Bruce asked, "it sounds like there's something bothering you."
"Nothing's bothering me, Dad", Sunny said, "now if you'll excuse me..."
Sunny went upstairs to her room, leaving her parents very confused.
"What was that about", Paula asked.
"I don't know", Bruce said, "maybe she had a bad day at work."
Doodle had seen the exchange between Sunny and her parents and was now more worried than ever.
"Looks like Sunny won't even tell her own parents what's going on", Doodle said, "if she doesn't say anything to them, things will only get worse."
That night, Bruce and Paula had finished cooking dinner, which was French dip sandwiches, and as they were getting ready to eat, Paula called out for Sunny.
"Sunny, dinner's ready", Paula said.
Sunny didn't respond or come downstairs.
"Sunny, it's time for dinner", Paula said.
"I'm not hungry", Sunny said.
Paula and Bruce were confused and worried about their daughter.
"Sunny's not coming down for dinner", Bruce asked.
"It doesn't look like it", Paula said, "I guess she's still feeling a bit down."
Nearby, Doodle was just about fed up with Sunny's silence and began walking upstairs to her room.
"Enough is enough", Doodle said, "it's time for Sunny to come clean about whatever's going on."
In her room, Sunny was lying on her bed covered up in her bed comforter, when she heard someone come inside.
"Leave me alone", Sunny said.
"Sunny, it's me", Doodle asked.
Sunny looked up and saw Doodle standing at the doorway.
"What is it, Doodle", Sunny asked, "are you here to try and make me talk about whatever you think is bothering me?"
"That's right", Doodle said, "you can't keep whatever it is a secret forever."
"Oh yeah", Sunny asked, "watch me."
"Sunny, what you're doing isn't good", Doodle said, "you're pushing away all your friends and family."
"What's your point", Sunny asked.
"That you need help", Doodle said, "there's something serious going on with you right now, and everyone's trying to help you, but they can't do it because you won't tell them anything."
"I told you, there are some things you can't tell anyone about", Sunny said, "and what's been on my mind is one of those things."
"So you admit that something's been bothering you", Doodle said.
"Yes, I do", Sunny said, "but I can't tell anyone about it, or else..."
Tears formed in Sunny's eyes as she remembered Blaise and his threat, and she covered herself up in her comforter and began crying, and Doodle, who couldn't stand seeing his owner in pain, tried one more time to convince her to talk about what happened.
"Sunny, you don't have to go through this", Doodle said, "if you just tell someone what's happening, maybe it'll help make things better."
Sunny didn't reply and continued crying under her comforter.
"If nothing else, you should at least tell your parents about it", Doodle said, "after all, it's their job to help you when you need it."
Feeling like he had done all that he could, Doodle walked out of Sunny's room, and under her comforter, Sunny thought about everything Doodle had said and realized he was right, and after a moment of thinking, she came to a decision.
"I can't keep this to myself anymore", Sunny said, "it's time to come clean."
Downstairs, Bruce and Paula were eating dinner by themselves and still worrying about their daughter.
"I just know there's something wrong with Sunny", Paula said, "but I don't know what it is."
"If only she knew we just want to help her", Bruce said, "I mean, she shouldn't be afraid to come to her parents about something that's bothering her."
Just then, who should come downstairs, but Sunny herself.
"Sunny, there you are", Bruce said.
"What's wrong, dear", Paula asked, "your eyes look red."
"Sorry, Mom", Sunny said, "I was crying."
"Why", Paula asked.
"It's a long story", Sunny asked.
"Is it too long to tell us", Bruce asked.
"No", Sunny said, "no it's not."
Sunny sat down at the table with her parents, and after plucking up enough courage, she told them everything about what happened at the pool party at Blair's the previous day: from Blaise touching her inappropriately to him threatening to spread the rumors about her, and when she finished, both Bruce and Paula were shocked by Sunny's story, as was Doodle, who had overheard them talking from nearby.
"That really happened to you", Paula asked.
"Yes, it did", Sunny said.
"Oh, Sunny", Paula said.
Paula and Bruce embraced Sunny in a hug, and she hugged them back.
"We're so sorry that happened to you", Bruce said, "no one should have to go through anything like that."
"I know", Sunny said, "I was so afraid by what happened that I didn't know what to do."
"Well, you did the right thing by telling us", Paula said.
"That's right", Bruce said, "keeping secrets like these to yourself can do more harm than good."
"Thanks", Sunny said, "but I have to admit, it took a little push for me to finally open up to you guys."
Sunny looked over at Doodle, who she could see nearby and smiled at him, and Doodle nodded back.
"We're just glad you made the right choice in the end", Paula said.
"That's right", Bruce said, "now if you'll excuse me, I have to make a quick phone call."
Bruce took out his cell phone and walked away to make his call, and Paula spoke to Sunny again.
"Now, why don't you have some dinner now", Paula said, "you must be really hungry."
"You can say that again", Sunny said, "let's eat!"
Paula went to fix Sunny a French dip sandwich, and the next day, Sunny arrived at the Salon with Doodle in a more cheerful mood than she was in the previous day.
"Morning, everyone", Sunny said.
Rox and Blair were both caught a little off-guard by Sunny's better mood.
"Sunny", Rox asked.
"That's me", Sunny said, "are you guys ready for another busy day of work."
"Sure, I guess", Blair said.
"Great", Sunny said, "then let's start getting ready."
Sunny went over to the hairdressing station and began prepping it for work, and Rox and Blair walked over to her, happy that she was in a better mood than before, yet still curious about why.
"Hey, Sunny", Rox said.
"Yes, Rox", Sunny asked.
"What happened to your sad mood from yesterday", Rox asked.
"Yeah", Blair said, "you were looking pretty depressed then, and now you're suddenly back to normal?"
"Oh, that", Sunny said, "well, I guess I might as well tell you what happened."
Sunny told Rox and Blair what she had told her parents the previous night about Blaise, and when she finished, both her friends could hardly believe their ears.
"Good lord", Blair said, "I didn't realize my cousin was such a creep."
"Just wait until I get my hands on him", Rox said, "I'll show him what happens when you harass my best friend."
"That won't be necessary", Sunny said, "my Dad called Blair's parents last night and told them about what happened."
"So that's what that was all about", Blair said.
"What what was all about", Rox asked.
"Mom and Dad were on the phone this morning, and they sounded pretty mad at whoever they were talking to", Blair said, "I guess it must have been Blaise."
"Ooh, sounds like he's in trouble", Rox said.
"What do you think happened to him", Sunny asked.
"I don't know", Blair said, "but I doubt he'll be coming back to our house anytime soon."
"Good riddance", Rox said.
"You said it", Doodle said.
"Well, I think that's enough about that", Sunny said, "we've got to get ready for work before the customers come."
"You got it, Sunny", Rox said.
"We're on it like glue", Blair said.
And so, the friends began getting themselves ready for work, with Sunny feeling happy with herself because of the lesson she learned about telling someone, preferably an adult, about something bad that's happened to you, especially if it's something like harassment.