When they pulled into Bulma and Vegeta's driveway, Trunks turned the van off.
"Stay in the van. I'll explain when I get back in in a minute or two." Trunks told his kids, stepping out of the van.
"Ok." They all replied before he shut the door.
"Is everything? Why aren't the kids getting out?" Bulma asked as she and Vegeta met Trunks in front of the van.
"Yeah, everything's just fine. I was just thinking." Trunks started.
"About what?" Bulma asked, curious.
"The twins—Lily especially. And all the changes they've already gone through: From wherever they were living in a closet before to a hospital. From the hospital to the hotel. From the hotel to here. They got to pick out their own beds and dressers. They got to eat regular, decent meals and cake. They got new, clean, clothes that aren't ripped or filled with holes. They got toys, blankets and pillows, balloons, flowers, and even cards. They'll get more presents as time goes on. They went from having one abusive mother to me. They got three older siblings and you two. Basically, they went from just the two of them, being alone and abused to being with a big loving, caring family. And then tomorrow, it'll be from her to the new place. I don't know about either of you, but if I were in their position, I think this would be too much change all at once—especially going from one place to another after only a week or so. I don't want to confuse or overwhelm them—especially Lily. Elm I think could handle it for the most part, but Lily I'm not so sure about." Trunks explained, looking at his parents.
"What are you saying? Are you not spending the night?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"No, I'm not saying that. I'm saying, I'm going to take them to the new house and explain to them that that's where we'll be living, but we'll be spending the night at your place. As much as I don't want any of them having to sit the van much longer because we've already been stuck in the van for over four hours—it's just what I think needs to be done. But none of them have been there yet—not even Knickers; he's only seen pictures." Trunks explained, answering his mom before she had a panic attack.
His parents have already done so much for him. Not only growing up but in the last almost twelve years with his kids.
And all Bulma wanted was for them to spend one last night with them in their house?
It's the least Trunks could do for her.
"Can we follow along?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
Well, there was another thing Bulma wanted; she wanted to take buttloads of pictures.
"Hold that thought." Trunks told his parents, walking to the backseat door.
"Can we get out now?" Kishu impatiently asked.
"I have to go potty!" Teddy whined.
"Yeah, you can get out and stretch your legs for a little bit. But just a little bit; I've got one more place I want to go before staying at Grandma and Grandpa's tonight. And Grandma and Grandpa want to come with. So, I need to rearrange a little bit." Trunks told the kids.
"Where are we going?" Kishu asked while Knickers got out.
"It's a surprise—for all of you. I can't tell you with them right here. Come on; come stretch your legs. Ask Grandma or Grandpa to unlock the door so you can use the bathroom. Does anyone else need to go while we're stopped here?" Trunks explained and then asked.
"I do." Knickers answered.
"I'll just use the backyard." Kishu replied.
"Oh, no you will not." Bulma and Trunks strictly responded.
"Why not? Grandpa does it all the time; he says he's helping the flowers grow." Kishu argued.
"Vegeta!" Bulma exclaimed, shocked.
"What? When all the bathrooms are in use and I have to go, I have to go. It's not like I'm taking craps out there. And hey, it really does help your flowers grow; you said they look the best you've seen in years. And I don't piss on the flowers; I piss in front of them." Vegeta defended himself.
"Vegeta, language. There are tiny children present now." Bulma scolded. She couldn't argue about what he said about the flowers; she did say that the flowers looked better than they had previously.
"Elm, do you have to use the bathroom?" Trunks questioned once he got him out of his seat.
"Yeah." Elm replied, stretching.
"I have to go potty!" Teddy whined even louder, bouncing from foot to foot.
"Who has the keys?" Trunks asked, looking at his parents.
"I do." Bulma answered.
"Ok. Please let the kids in to use the bathroom and take Elm with; he needs to go as well. Come back out when you get done." Trunks asked his mom and then instructed Knickers, Kishu, and Teddy; Bulma would bring Elm with her.
"Ok." Everyone replied, going to the house.
"Vegeta go unlock the house before there's an accident." Bulma told her husband, handing him Elm—or tying to; something bothered Vegeta about him. But he took him and took him inside.
"What is it, Ma?" Trunks calmly asked; Lily was still asleep.
"She can really sleep, can't she?" Bulma asked.
"Yeah. But I don't think she's feeling her best yet. As much as she had yesterday; I think it may have been a little too much for her at that time. Not the food, but the Super Bounce place. Is that what you wanted to ask?" Trunks explained and then asked, looking at Bulma.
"No. I wanted to let you know while I was thinking about it. I have to apologize." Bulma started but stopped.
"For what?" Trunks asked, confused.
"When we were using the bathroom at the Rustic Log Cabin, Lily was didn't have to pee; she pooped. I asked her if she still had to potty; she shook her head no. I asked her if she was done; she nodded her head yes. At the time, I remember thinking, I didn't think she had pooped at all since we met her, and she had the catheter taken out. And she really did have to go. I didn't say anything because we had all just eaten and wanted to get home. But she went. There was no forcing it out. There was no blood. But there was a lot. I don't think she peed, but I could be wrong, and she could've gone while pooping. But I couldn't be so sure—and I didn't know if she'd have to poop again. So, I traded her underwear for a pull-up. I had purchased some that second day here; I set them aside and forgot all about them until we got to the Rustic Log Cabin. They had been wearing underwear and been good about saying when they had to use the bathroom. But I just had this gut feeling and placed her in one. So I have to apologize for doing that without asking or even telling you." Bulma apologized, babbling as she explained why. She looked so guilty.
"Mom, stop." Trunks stopped his mom's babbling.
"What's going on?" Knickers asked as he, Kishu, and Teddy walked out, followed shortly by Vegeta and Elm.
"I'm sorry." Bulma apologized again, confusing Vegeta and the kids; Vegeta was going to say something, but Trunks beat him to it.
"Mom, stop. It's fine. You were only doing what you thought was right. And, although I have three more kids than you and Dad had, you've been doing this longer. You've been helping me with my kids since Knickers was born. It started with him and has continued all the way with Teddy. And I'm sure it will continue with Elm and Lily. You helped me even when I was with Mai. And after she left and I was a wreck, you let me, and the boys move in—no questions asked. You've been a great help to me, and I appreciate it more than you will ever know. You and Dad both. I wouldn't be where I am now without you two. As much of a pain as she was, even Bulla helped a little. I owe you two so much. I couldn't have done it without you. I couldn't do it without you or Knickers. Because once he reached a certain age, Knickers was a great help with Kishu and Teddy. All three of them have been a big help with Elm and Lily. If anything, I have to apologize to all of you for not saying anything when I found out Luna was pregnant—and the babies were mine. I know that was wrong and could've nearly cost me the twins in the first place. So no, you have nothing to apologize for. If you truly felt she needed a diaper, then she should have one—especially for a four-hour car ride. If she had an accident, you made the right call. If she didn't have an accident, it was better safe than sorry. It's better to have something and not need it vs needing something you don't have. You taught me that. Mom, I love you and Dad more than anything—except my kids. They're first, then you and Dad, followed by Bulla, Goten, Vego, and Chiulma. I always have and always will. That's one reason why I'm out here, rearranging my van. You asked if you could follow along and I told you to hold that thought; I figured it'd just be easier to take one vehicle and we could all go together." Trunks sincerely told Bulma.
"Trunks!" Bulma cried, hugging Trunks.
"How are we all going to fit in there?" Kishu asked, speaking up.
"We figured it out last night." Bulma replied, not letting go of Trunks.
"But that was so crowded…" Kishu complained.
"Mom, please let go of me. I have to get Lily and the van organized." Trunks told Bulma.
"Sorry." Bulma sheepishly apologized, letting go of Trunks.
"It's fine. And Kishu… If that's what it took, we'd do it that way. It's not that long of a drive. Everybody will fit. But we're not going to do it that way. It never dawned on me yesterday because it was a long day—and that Super Bounce place was a last-minute plan. Don't worry; I have it figured out. First things first; I have to take care of Lily. Mom, did you pick up wipes?" Trunks asked, looking at Bulma.
"Yes, but it's somewhere in the back." Bulma replied.
"Ok. Ummm… Everyone inside or out back. I'll just give Lily a quick shower; she didn't have one this morning. None of you did. So at some point today, you'll have to shower. Well, except for Knickers; he showered last night." Trunks explained, looking at everyone.
"Mmmm! Mmmm! Mmmm! Wahhh!" Lily started bawling.
"Lily? Princess, what's the matter?" Trunks asked, unhooking Lily from her seat and removed her from it.
"Is everything ok?" Knickers asked, concerned.
"Yeah; she's just tired—and maybe hungry. And I'm not sure what she did, but the diaper was a good call." Trunks replied, closing the van's back door.
"Not exactly the plan… But sometimes plans change." Bulma told Trunks as they started heading inside.
"Right. Lily, do you wanna take a bath or shower and get clean?" Trunks asked once Lily settled down and just laid her head against Trunks's shoulder.
"Yeah…" Lily cried, sniffling a little.
"Teddy." Trunks calmly spoke.
"Yes, Daddy?" Teddy asked, looking up.
"You come with; you and Lily can take a bath together. Elm?" Trunks asked, looking at Elm.
"No, I'm good; I'll take one later." Elm calmly responded.
"Are you sure?" Trunks asked, looking at Elm.
"Yes, I'm sure; I don't want to take a bath with girls. Besides, I can shower on my own; I've done it before." Elm calmly replied.
"Ok." Trunks replied,
'He's no normal kid. And what's with that attitude change? Before, he was all for not leaving Lily's side. Now, he won't go near her.' Vegeta thought to himself.
"Oh, wait. Mom, what'd you do with Lily's underwear?" Trunks asked, looking at his mom.
"Right. Here you go. I grabbed a clean pair." Bulma replied, passing a pair of pink panties with little blue ribbons.
"Thanks." 'I don't know why she buys underwear with ribbons. Nobody's going to see them.' Trunks thanked and then thought to himself.
"Daddy?" Teddy asked once they got to the bathroom.
"Yes, Teddy?" Trunks asked, setting Lily down.
"Since I changed my undies this morning, can I just keep wearing the ones I have on now?" Teddy asked, looking at Trunks.
"Yeah, that's fine. Let me see what your sister did so I can figure out if I need to spray her with the showerhead." Trunks told Teddy.
"Ok." Teddy replied, happily swaying back and forth.
"Arms up?" Trunks asked, looking at Lily.
Slowly, Lily raised her arms, and off came the dress.
Next, Trunks removed the ribbons in Lily's hair before turning around to check her diaper.
"Ok. Teddy, you might as well sit on the toilet." Trunks told Teddy.
"She pooped?" Teddy asked, looking at Trunks, scrunching up her nose.
"Yes, she pooped. No. Don't cry; it's perfectly ok. Your big brothers and Teddy all used to wear diapers and would poop and pee in them. But that's what diapers are for. Grandma put you in a diaper just in case because we had a long car ride to Grandma and Grandpa's. And even if you didn't have a diaper and you had an accident in your underwear, that would've been ok. Accidents happen. They happen to everyone. I had a few accidents when I was your age. Aunt Bulla had a few accidents. Knickers, Kishu, and Teddy have all had accidents in the car. Kishu had an accident on a rollercoaster. Knickers had an accident at a movie theater. Teddy here; she's had accidents watching TV, playing outside, in bed, and in a neighbor's sandbox. Although, her accidents were because she's stubborn and refuses to stop what she's doing for the minute it takes to get in the bathroom, go, wash hands, and head back out. She's gotten better with that. However, I'm still wondering about the whole sandbox fiasco." Trunks explained, looking at Lily before looking at Teddy.
"I'm not saying that it wasn't an accident. But even if it wasn't, he deserved it. He pulled my hair too many times." Teddy spoke.
"The point is, you're not in trouble. We're just going to remove the diaper, throw it away, clean you off and then you and Teddy are going to take a bath. Would you like bubbles?" Trunks asked, looking at both girls.
"Yeah!" Teddy happily exclaimed, raising her arms.
Lily had no clue what he was talking about.
"Teddy, grab the bubbles from under the sink; they should be pink with cherry blossoms on the label." Trunks instructed, pulling the showerhead down.
"Yes, Daddy." Teddy replied, going to the sink.
"Here we go." Trunks sighed as he started removing Lily's diaper.
"Well, you're definitely making up for a few weeks, aren't you?" Trunks asked once he got it off.
He rolled the dirty diaper up, placed it in an old plastic bag, and threw it out; he then set Lily in the tub.
"You need to stay standing, ok?" Trunks asked; Lily nodded her head.
"How does this feel?" Trunks asked, turning the water on.
"Good." Lily replied.
It took a few minutes because of how shy Lily was, but Trunks got her body cleaned.
He rinsed the tub out before filling it with water.
"Now we put the bubbles in, right?" Teddy eagerly asked, handing Trunks the bottle of bubbles.
"We'll see. Get undressed and get ready. Do you wanna smell?" Trunks told Teddy and then asked, holding the bottle to Lily.
"Yes, Daddy." Teddy replied.
"Yeah." Lily replied; she liked it.
"Ok, Lily; watch this. See if you like it." Trunks told Lily, getting her to sit before pouring just a little bit of bubble soap in the tub.
At first, she didn't know what to do, but as soon as some bubbles hit her foot, Lily reached to touch them. And then she started hitting them, so Trunks added more bubble soap, followed by Teddy.
Trunks placed Teddy in front so that Lily wouldn't smack her head on the faucet; she was just going after those bubbles.
"Ok, you two can play in the tub for a little bit. Water stays in the tub. Any water ends up outside the tub, you're done." Trunks told the girls once the tub was filled just enough so they wouldn't go under.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
"Yeah?" Trunks called, smiling as both girls splashed around.
"It's Mom." Bulma called.
"Come in." Trunks responded.
"How's it going in here?" Bulma asked, opening the door.
"See for yourself." Trunks insisted, sitting on the toilet.
"Aww! Do you care if I take a picture?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"Knock yourself out; just don't put it on social media or show anybody outside of the family." Trunks replied.
Bulma just smiled as she took a few pictures.
"You know what this reminds me of?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"Hmm?" Trunks hummed, looking from the girls to his mother.
"When Knickers and Kishu were their ages. Teddy is Knickers age now that he was then, and Lily is Kishu's age now that he was then; Teddy was just a baby. You used to give them baths together because it made it easier at the time. Knickers would sit in the tub, making bubble hats or beards, watching as Kishu attacked the bubbles—until Kishu would splash water and bubbles at him. Knickers would get so mad and water would get everywhere—including the ceiling. I'm kind of surprised there's no water outside of the tub now. Teddy usually has the floor drenched." Bulma fondly remembered before saying as she watched the girls.
"I actually hadn't thought of that. I mean, I remember that, but I didn't think of that. And I told them they could play for a little bit. And that if any water ends up outside the tub, they were done. More to Teddy than Lily, but I told Lily as well. I only wish I had some of their bath toys… But Lily seems content on killing the bubbles. Teddy, no splashing in her face or ears." Trunks replied to Bulma before giving Teddy a warning.
"I don't suppose you need any help in here, do you?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"Nope." Trunks replied.
"Ok. Well, I'll head out." Bulma replied with a smile.
"Oh, wait." Trunks stopped Bulma just as she opened the door as something clicked in his head.
"Yes?" Bulma asked, turning around.
"Would you mind watching them while I rearrange the van?" Trunks asked, looking at his mom.
"I'd love to. What needs to be done?" Bulma eagerly asked.
"Teddy needs everywhere washed. I got Lily's legs, back and everything below her stomach. It wasn't easy, but I got that. She still needs everything above her stomach, face, and hair cleaned. Umm… Let them play for another ten minutes before you start washing them. And do Teddy first so that Lily can play with the bubbles—unless the bubbles are gone. If they're gone by that time, it doesn't matter who's first." Trunks explained, watching the girls.
"Can do." Bulma happily replied.
"Teddy, Lily." Trunks spoke, kneeling next to the tub.
"Yes, Daddy?" Teddy asked, looking up at Trunks; Lily just stared at him.
"I'm going to go get the van set up and everything so we can go on a small trip. Ok? Grandma is going to sit in here and watch you. If I'm not back in in ten minutes, she's going to start washing you two. I need you two to behave and be good girls, ok? Listen to Grandma, and do as she says." Trunks told Teddy and Lily.
"Yes, Daddy." Teddy replied with a smile while Lily continued to stare at Trunks.
"I'll be back; I promise." Trunks told Lily, noticing a little fear and confusion.
"…K…" Lily softly replied.
Trunks sighed, getting up before leaving his mom in charge, shutting the door behind him.
"Oh, wait. Are you going to bring her shoes in for her? They were on the floor of the van." Bulma asked, stopping Trunks.
"Nah. I'll just put them on in the van when I get her buckled in." Trunks replied.
"Ok." Bulma replied with a soft smile.
"Hey, Dad. What's up?" Knickers and Kishu asked when Trunks walked into the living room; Elm was watching TV.
"Not much; I'm just going to get the van set up so that it's ready to go." Trunks answered.
"Where are Teddy and Lily?" Elm asked, not looking away from the TV screen.
"They are still in the tub; Grandma is watching them. Right now they're playing around. Grandma will wash them up in ten minutes." Trunks answered, watching Elm.
"Ok." Elm replied.
"Ok. I'll be in after I finish the van. Listen to Grandpa—and Grandma if she and the girls come out before I get in." Trunks told the boys.
"Ok." Knickers, Kishu, and Elm replied.
"Knickers, you're in charge until Grandma gets out with the girls. Listen to your brother." Vegeta told Knickers, Kishu, and Elm once Trunks closed the door behind him.
"Ok…" Knickers and Kishu replied, confused as Vegeta walked out.
Outside:
When Vegeta got to the van, Trunks was in the back, removing Lily's car seat from the seat.
"What are you doing?" Vegeta asked, looking at his son.
"What are you doing? Why aren't you inside?" Trunks asked, stepping out of the van.
"I came to talk to my son. Knickers is watching Kishu and Elm; we both know he's reliable. Now, what are you doing?" Vegeta answered and then once asked.
"There's a spot between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat that is meant for a car seat—once the cupholders are removed. I'm going to put Lily between Mom and me. Elm will stay where he is, and you'll sit where Lily was. Knickers, Kishu, and Teddy will sit in the back. Why are you really out here? Is about Elm?" Trunks answered and then asked, looking at his dad.
"There's something unsettling about him… Don't take that the wrong way because I know you've been looking for these two for the past few years—which your mother and I could've helped you with. But that's in the past. This is now. I didn't notice anything until we got here, but there's something different. I don't want you to take that the wrong way…" Vegeta started until Trunks stopped him by putting his hand up.
"I want to say it's because he's nervous or scared. I want to say he's just adjusting to everything. But I don't know. I started noticing something changing on the way home—about halfway. I really sense something different here. Is it just me, or is his distancing himself from Lily?" Trunks stated, agreeing with Vegeta before asking a question of his own.
"No, it's not just you; he is. That's the first thing I noticed. And I'm trying to figure out why I didn't say or notice anything back at that hotel, but what three-year-old takes baths or showers by themselves?" Vegeta answered and then asked.
"I don't know. I don't sense anything dangerous, do you?" Trunks asked.
"No." Vegeta simply answered.
"We'll keep our guard up. But if he doesn't do anything, I'm not going to worry about it." Trunks said, looking at Vegeta.
"Sounds like a plan." Vegeta replied.
With that, they got the van rearranged.
Inside:
Bulma had just finished cleaning and dressing the girls; they were just leaving the bathroom.
"Is your dad still outside? Where's your grandpa?" Bulma questioned, looking around.
"They're both still outside." Elm responded, still staring at the TV.
"Dad went out. And as soon as the door closed, Grandpa went out." Knickers explained.
"Ok. Should we go see if they're ready to head out?" Bulma asked, looking at everyone.
"Yeah!" Kishu and Teddy exclaimed, jumping up.
"That sounds like a plan." Knickers replied.
"Ok. Come on, Elm." Bulma kindly called Elm.
"Coming." Elm spoke.
"Is everything alright, Dear?" Bulma asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm just a little tired." Elm answered.
"Ok. Let's head out." Bulma spoke, concerned, picking Elm up.
"Lily, please wait; you don't have shoes." Knickers spoke.
"Her shoes are in the van; I saw them on the floor before your dad shut the door. He said just let her go out without them; he'll put them on when she's in her seat. Just make sure she doesn't fall down the steps." Bulma replied and then sternly warned.
"Right." Knickers replied, getting his shoes on.
"Do you want to go outside?" Knickers asked Lily as she stood by the door, hitting it with her palms.
"Out pease." Lily softly spoke, looking back at Knickers.
"Will you let me pick you up, so you don't fall down the steps?" Knickers kindly asked.
Lily didn't say anything; she responded by lifting her arms.
Knickers picked her up, took outside, carried her down the three steps, then set her down, and she was off.
"Why does she run like that?" Kishu asked, confused.
"Like how?" Bulma asked, stepping out with Elm and Teddy.
"She's not running how a normal person runs; it's kind of like a weird waddle. I'm not making fun of her—I'm not trying to anyway. I just don't understand why she runs like that." Kishu explained.
"Well, part of it's her age; you all used to have weird runs when you were younger. Knickers run was like a really fast skip. Kishu, you used to run like you had fire in your pants. And Teddy, she ran kicking her feet to the side. Another part of its because she's pigeon toed—like Teddy was. Another part is probably because of the arthritis she has. And finally, it could also be a side effect from all the abuse." Bulma explained.
"Oh…" Kishu replied, unsure of what to say.
"It's fine. You'll all just have to watch out for her. Incoming Lily!" Bulma replied with a smile before calling to Trunks and Vegeta.
"Now what is she doing?" Kishu asked as Lily started doing a U-turn.
"Oh, I think Lily thinks I told her to come back in. Knickers tell her she doesn't have to come back." Bulma replied before instructed.
"Right." Knickers replied, walking over to Lily.
She stopped and looked up at him, confused.
"You don't have to come back in; Grandma was just letting Dad and Grandpa know you were coming so they could watch for you." Knickers explained to the confused little girl.
"It's ok. Go get Dad and Grandpa." Knickers tried again, this time picking her up and turning her around.
Lily was once again on the run to Trunks and Vegeta.
With Trunks & Vegeta:
Trunks and Vegeta had just finished rearranging the van and were now leaning against it, talking.
"This'll be the first time you and Mom will have seen my house, isn't it?" Trunks asked, looking at Vegeta.
"I don't know about your mother, but I know I haven't seen it. I'm sure if your mother knows the address, she's probably drove past it or whatever." Vegeta answered.
"Yeah—that does sound like Mom." Trunks agreed.
"You're truly happy with this house? One hundred percent sure?" Vegeta questioned, looking at Trunks.
"Yes, I'm extremely happy with this house—one-hundred-fifty percent. Not like the apartment. The bank is who owned it before me; they said it was only built five years ago. The people who lived there previously moved out to be closer to family twelve or fifteen hours away. I don't remember that detail. The house itself is on four acers of land. But there aren't any leaks, creaks, busted floorboards, cracks, broken windows. There's no mold growing anywhere. Nobody died there. There's not been any satanic rituals done there. Nothing's falling apart. There's central heat and air. Each kid will have their own room—unless Elm and Lily want to share, but I don't see that happening right now. All the rooms, except the master are the same size. There are four bathrooms total: the master, two full, and one half; they are in great condition. The master bath and both full bathrooms have a tub and a shower. Not that I actually, but the kitchen is huge; the dining room is right next to the kitchen. I can see the living room from both the kitchen and dining room. There's plenty of land for the kids to play on. The first three acers of land are fenced in so that the kids can't run off—and in case we get a dog; Kishu really wants a dog. The fourth and final acer is brick walled in with padding on the inside; it will be used for training purposes. It's even bigger than your training room. I had three pools installed in the back; it's fenced in—which I'm even happier that I had done now. The only things I need to do is get some kind of play set in the yard for the kids to play on. Swings, slides, yada, yada, yada. And then on the inside, I have to paint the walls in—all of the rooms." Trunks explained, listing off just about everything the house had.
"So, it's sturdy?" Vegeta asked with a cocky smile.
"Very much so." Trunks replied.
"What are the floors made of?" Vegeta asked, looking at Trunks.
"The kitchen, dining room, and bathrooms are all tiled. All the bedrooms, the living room, and hallways are carpet. The basement is polished wood, and the attic is some kind of wood. Yeah, it's kind of weird, but it's nice at the same time. More or less, I'm just glad the bedrooms are carpeted. I know I don't have to worry about Knickers; he's pretty mellow. I don't think I'll have to worry about Elm too much; he's pretty calm, but I don't know; he could do a complete one-eighty once he's comfortable enough. Kishu and Teddy: they like to rough house and are always knocking each other down—or running so fast they trip. And then there's Lily: she falls often. I feel awful because it's not even her fault. Pigeon toed? Fine, that can be fixed; we had to do it with Teddy. But that RA… That kills me. Because of her mother, she all of her other issues. And you know, I don't give a crap what she has or doesn't have; I'll deal with it all and take care of her. But it's just not fair; she shouldn't have to deal with ALL that. The worst part of it all? There's really nothing that can be done about any of it except for medicating her—which I'm not thrilled about. I never in my wildest dreams thought I'd have to medicate any of my children." Trunks replied and then continued to explain before airing some of his concerns.
"But it's safe to say she's not weak. Not if what that doctor said was true. She packs a powerful kick. She wasn't even three yet, plus she's tiny; and yet, she was able to kick away from a grown-ass man and knock him to the floor. And even if that was only a onetime thing, she has a dad who loves her more than life itself. She has three brothers and one sister who love and will protect her. She has two grandparents who will do anything and everything for her. She's not alone anymore—neither is he. What? What are you looking at?" Vegeta sincerely explained before asking when he noticed Trunks looking past him.
"Sorry; I thought I heard the front door open. And thanks for that." Trunks apologized, answered, and then thanked Vegeta.
After a few seconds, Trunks saw Knickers carrying Lily down the stairs.
"What is it now?" Vegeta asked when Trunks looked past him again.
"Lily's coming." Trunks answered, watching.
"Incoming Lily!" Trunks and Vegeta heard Bulma yell at them.
"Where is she?" Vegeta asked, looking back.
"I don't know. I would've thought she would've been around the van by now. I don't think she fell; I don't hear screaming of any kind." Trunks replied.
After a few seconds, they heard Knickers talking.
"You don't have to come back in; Grandma was just letting Dad and Grandpa know you were coming so they could watch for you."
"That makes sense…" Trunks and Vegeta sighed, kicking themselves for not even thinking about what Bulma said and how it could confuse Lily.
"It's ok. Go get Dad and Grandpa." They heard Knickers again.
After a few seconds, they saw Lily running past the van and the car.
"Where is she going?" Trunks asked, watching as Knickers went after Lily.
"I don't know, but I'm surprised she's in the same dress she was in before the bath. I was sure your mother would've put something else on her." Vegeta replied with somewhat of a smirk.
"All of Lily's clothes are in the back of the van or your and Mom's car." Trunks replied.
Just then, Lily came running around the back of the car; she stopped and looked around, confused.
"Lily, over here." Trunks called, getting Lily's attention right away; she started waddling over to them.
"Hey, there you are!" Goku exclaimed, flying over with Gohan—scaring Lily; she went running behind the car again.
"What was that?" Gohan asked, confused, referring to Lily as he and Goku looked towards the car.
"Knickers, are you still by Grandma and Grandpa's car?" Trunks called.
"Yeah!" Knickers replied.
"Did you see a large cat-like creature run back there?" Goku called, causing Vegeta to twitch.
"Dad, relax; they don't know yet. Can you please bring her over here?" Trunks stated, holding his dad back, getting Goku's and Gohan's attention before asking Knickers.
"Umm… Not really." Knickers replied.
"Why not?" Trunks asked, immediately pulling away from the van.
"Umm… Well… She crawled under the car." Knickers replied, unsure exactly how to explain that Lily was under the car.
"How did she get under the damn car?" Vegeta asked, shocked.
"She's small enough; she can probably fit into a lot of different places at the moment—especially when she's scared." Trunks replied, walking over to the car.
"I'm sorry; I tried to get her, but she faster than me." Knickers apologized.
"It's not your fault; don't worry about it. Cats move faster when they're scared. Nekodians are obviously no exception—Lily is no exception. Saiyans are just as fast." Trunks replied, walking over to the car, bending down to lay flat on his stomach to look under the car.
Sure enough, Lily was under there; she was curled up, shaking like a leaf—her tail wrapped around her waist, and her ears were flat on her head.
"What's going on? Where's Lily? Oh, hey Goku, Gohan." Bulma asked and then happily greeted, walking over with Teddy, Kishu, and Elm when she noticed Goku and Gohan.
"There's another one. What are they?" Goku asked, looking at Elm.
"Who are they?" Gohan asked, immediately picking up that they were important.
"Kakarot and his boy showed up—Kakarot yelling like a buffoon. He scared Lily and she went running—under the car." Vegeta explained.
"What?! Is she ok?" Bulma asked, panicked.
"No; she's petrified. She's tightly curled up in a ball, shaking." Trunks answered, getting up.
"And to answer your questions: that's Elm and his twin sister, Lily, is under the car. They're half Nekodian and half Saiyan; and they're youngest son and daughter." Trunks answered, shocking Goku and Gohan.
"When did this happen?" Gohan asked as Trunks went to the other side of the car.
"They were conceived three years and eight months ago. They were born three years ago as of two days ago. Knickers, go wait by the others, please." Trunks answered and then told Knickers.
"And before you ask, they've been with their abusive mother, Luna—who for whatever reason, kept them from me. No, I didn't tell anyone; I was going to wait until I found out what Luna wanted to do, but she just up and disappeared. Doctor from North City called a week and a half ago; they were admitted with pneumonia, bruises, bumps, etc. after a vehicle crashed into the car they were. Luna died in the car accident—and of an overdose of several different drugs. Now, if you'll excuse me; I have to get my daughter." Trunks explained before kneeling to lay flat on his stomach to look under the car.
"This is a sensitive subject. Their mother was severely abusive: physically, mentally, emotionally, and she let other men abuse them—including sexual abuse on Lily." Bulma explained to Goku and Gohan after handing Elm to Vegeta.
"Wow. But—I guess that explains why he's so off and tense these last few years. Not while he was with Knickers, Kishu, and Teddy—but when he wasn't with them. It looked like he was always deep in thought, not all there, or insanely agitated." Gohan explained.
"Do you think he knew about them being abused?" Goku asked, looking at Bulma.
"No, he didn't. You should've seen him the day they met—after he found things out. He was so distraught that he broke down, crying." Bulma answered.
"I can't imagine. I don't know what I'd do if I were ever in that situation." Gohan sympathized.
"Take the boy." Vegeta told Bulma, handing her Elm; he then walked over to the car and got on his stomach.
With Trunks & Lily:
Trunks had just gotten on his stomach and looked under the car to see Lily not only curled up and shaking; she was also crying.
"Lily? Lily, it's Daddy. It's ok; everything's ok. Goku and Gohan didn't mean to scare you. In fact, Goku and Gohan are family friends. You remember Uncle Goten, right? Goku is Uncle Goten's father and Gohan is Uncle Goten's older brother. You could actually say that Goku and Gohan are like family. Lily, please; can you look at me?" Trunks explained, trying to get her to at least look at him.
Yes, Lily was closer to that side of the car but was still far enough under that Trunks was an inch or two short of being able to reach her.
"Lily, I have a surprise for you and your brothers and sister; it's a little ways away, but I have it. If you want to see it, you have to look at me." Trunks tried again.
After a minute or two of nothing, Trunks saw his dad's shoes walking towards the car; he then saw that he was kneeling to see what was going on.
"Lily, Grandpa's here as well; he would like you to come out from under this car. Grandma, Knickers, Kishu, Teddy, and Elm want you to come out as well.
"What was that?" Trunks and Vegeta asked, confused.
Lily had said something, but because she had her face buried in her arms, and she's already soft-spoken as is, they couldn't understand her.
"Bad girl. Twubel. Sowee. Pease no hit. No wan be hit. I sowee." Lily very softly spoke, tearfully apologizing as she uncurled just a little so they could understand her.
"Oh. Baby, no; you're not a bad girl. You were just scared; you're not in any trouble for being scared. Nobody's going to hit you. Nobody's going to ever hit you like your mom hit you ever again. It's ok; we understand. I promise you, Goku and Gohan aren't bad guys; they're good guys. They're two of our friends and they will help keep you safe. Goku's just a big…" "Idiot." Trunks calmly explained, trying to get her out; he started to say something, but Vegeta butted in.
"Dad…" Trunks sighed, shaking his head.
"What? Kakarot's a big idiot. At least his boy has a brain…" Vegeta argued.
"Don't confuse her by calling Goku "Kakarot." I know that's how you know him, but she's going to get confused because everyone else calls him Goku. Baby, what Grandpa means is that Goku is a big goofball. Ok, that's not what he means, but that's only because Grandpa and Goku are very best friends. I think Grandpa would be very sad if you didn't come out and meet his very best friend. If Grandpa keeps staring at me like that, his face is going to freeze. And if Grandpa doesn't say something nice soon, I will repeat what I just said a little louder so that everyone else can hear. So, go ahead Grandpa; tell Lily something you and your very best friend like to do together. Maybe tell her about how you and Goku got somewhere with someone who was scared and stuck in a tree. Tell her about how you got that someone down." Trunks explained and then blackmailed his dad, watching Lily; her ears popped up, and she was barely peeking at Trunks over her hands. It showed she was listening.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the car, at the mention of him and Goku being "very best friends," Vegeta stared at Trunks, eyes twitching.
"Fine… My friend, Kak—Goku, and I helped a boy a little older than you down from a tree. Unfortunately, we had not been getting along that day because he was being an even bigger idiot than normal—and he was really ticking me off. We were arguing about something stupid when we heard this kid in a tree; he wanted his dad but was too afraid to come down from the tree had climbed up. Uhh… My idiot friend suggested we fly up to help him. I mean, at least he was trying to think logically, but the kid was even more afraid that some guy was flying because normal people can't fly. So that plan was thrown out the imaginary window…" Vegeta started telling the story about how he and Goku "helped some kid down from a tree." He was doing horribly. However, it had Lily's attention; she straightened out, and her ears were twitching as she listened.
"And—what happened next?" Trunks asked, looking at his father.
"Umm… I can't say I really remember. But I bet you anything that my very best friend does. If you crawl out from under there, I bet you anything I can get him to tell you the rest of it." Vegeta told Lily, trying to bargain with her, sarcastically saying his "very best friend."
"What do you say?" Trunks asked, looking at Lily, who was lying on her side, watching Trunks.
After a few seconds, Lily rolled onto her stomach and started kind of shuffling backward, towards Trunks.
"Good girl. Tell Grandpa to get his friend ready to tell his part of the story." Trunks told Lily, who was facing Vegeta.
"Story?" Lily softly breathed, looking at Vegeta with big, innocent blue eyes as she tried shuffling her way out.
"Yeah, yeah…" Vegeta replied, getting up.
"Ok. Just a little more. Can you roll onto your back? If you can do that, I get a hold of your ankle and pull you out." Trunks calmly told Lily, coaxing her out when he noticed her struggling.
"It's ok. Take your time. You're doing great." Trunks praised Lily; she was struggling to roll over.
"Wait a minute. Lily stop for a second. Teddy, can you please come over here?" Trunks called when a thought came to his head.
"I'm coming!" Teddy responded, running over.
"Yes, Daddy?" Teddy asked.
"Can you get under the car and help Lily roll over?" Trunk asked Teddy.
"I can try." Teddy responded, getting on the ground.
"Hold on a second. First off: this is the only time you get to crawl under any vehicle. Secondly, don't go all the way up; just go to where your hands can get her hips to flip her over. Once she's flipped over, hook your arms under her legs and lift them a little. I'll pull you two out once you have her. Ok? Do you know where her hips are?" Trunks explained and then asked.
"Yes, right here." Teddy answered, holding her hips.
"Very good. Go on." Trunks instructed.
With Teddy's help, Trunks got Lily out from under the car.
Meanwhile:
Vegeta got up and walked right over to Goku.
"Vegeta what were you talking about? We never helped a boy down from a tree." Goku asked, confused, looking at Vegeta.
"Shut up… Now, listen up here, very best friend. Trunks is getting somewhere with Lily and I had to make up some ridiculous story about us rescuing some kid from a tree and being best friends. You listen here, Buddy; when Trunks brings her over, you will finish the story. The kid is a boy a little older than Elm and Lily. Elm and Lily are three. He is stuck in a tree and can't get down. You thought of flying to him to get him down. But he's human and can't fly—nor has he seen anyone else fly. So he is afraid of you. Also we were arguing about something stupid before we got there. You finish that story and make it good." Vegeta sternly explained, demanding Goku do this.
"Ok." Goku replied.
"Wait. What? Just like that?" Vegeta questioned, narrowing his eyes, confused.
"Anything for my very best friend!" Goku happily replied, placing his arm on Vegeta's shoulders.
"Get off me!" Vegeta yelled, backing away.
"Whatever you say, Best buddy." Goku happily obliged.
"What's going on under there?" Bulma asked Vegeta.
"Your son blackmailed me, that's what." Vegeta grumbled.
"With Lily." Bulma calmly snapped.
"Teddy, can you please come over here?" They heard Trunks call Teddy.
"Go on." Bulma told Teddy.
"I'm coming!" Teddy called, running to the other side of the car.
"What's going on with Lily?" Bulma asked again, demanding an answer.
"She was curled up in a tight ball, shaking and crying. She's scared and confused. She apologized after she said she was a bad girl who was going to be in a lot of trouble and was going to be severely punished. She asked—no, she begged us not to hit her." Vegeta answered his wife, shocking her, Knickers, Kishu, Gohan, and even Goku. Elm didn't say anything; he just sat in his car seat.
"Ok. Here we go." Trunks told Lily, carrying to where everyone was with Teddy leading the way.
"I helped!" Teddy happily announced.
"Did you now?" Bulma asked with a smile.
"Yeah! I got to go under the car, flip Lily over, and hold onto her legs as Daddy pulled us out!" Teddy happily explained how she helped get Lily out.
"That was very brave of you. We're so proud of you. Thank you so very much." Bulma praised Teddy, hugging her.
"Lily, are you ok?" Bulma asked, walking over to her; Lily hid her face in Trunks's shoulder.
"It's ok; Grandma's not mad at you. She, like everyone else was just worried. Nobody here is going to hit you. We now know to never go under any more cars—or any other vehicles." Trunks gently spoke, rubbing Lily's back; he stopped so that Bulma could take his place and rub her back instead.
"Ok. We have to be going soon; we have a special surprise to see. However, I think we have a story to finish. So, it's time to meet some friends." Trunks told Lily, pulling her from his shoulder; he then turned her, so she was sitting in his arms, leaning against his shoulder.
"Hi." Gohan calmly greeted with a friendly smile.
"Hello, Little Lily. I'm sorry I scared you. Can I tell you a little secret?" Goku greeted before asking her.
Lily responded by putting her finger to her lips.
"Truth is, you scared me. I thought you were somebody who used to pick on me all the time. She was very scary." Goku told Lily, getting her attention.
"You had better not be talking about me…" Bulma growled, glaring at Goku.
"No, of course not! You're grandma is one of my best friends—even if she can be a little scary. But she wasn't as scary as the person who used to throw rocks at me. I'm so very sorry for scaring you. I hope we can get past all this and be best friends like your grandma and dad. Or maybe we can be very best friends like your grandpa and me. I heard he was telling you about the boy we helped get down from a tree." Goku happily told Lily.
Meanwhile, Vegeta was stewing at being called Goku's very best friend as far away from Lily as possible; he didn't want her to sense his waves.
"Your grandpa was in a bad mood that day because he didn't get to train me earlier. I was a little late in meeting up with him. But you're not interested in that. You want to hear about how we got that boy out of the tree…" Goku started talking, and talking, and talking.
Forty-Five Minutes Later:
"Bye! See ya later!" Goku called, waving as he and Gohan started flying home—or wherever.
"Have a fun trip!" Gohan called before they disappeared.
"What doesn't he understand about finishing ONE story? One story! What does that idiot do? He finishes one story and then tells two more! And what's worse? They weren't short stories! What doesn't that idiot understand about we have to get going?" Vegeta complained.
"Oh, come on, Dear; it wasn't so bad. He was being nice. And Lily liked the stories. That was the point, now—wasn't it?" Bulma calmly spoke, making a point.
"Everyone in the van; we have to get going so that we can get back here before it gets too dark. It's nearly four. We still need to be back so we can have dinner and get ready for bed because tomorrow's going to be a busy day. Kishu, you still need to take a shower; I still need to take a shower. So let's get going. Knickers, Kishu, and Teddy; you three are in the back. Dad's going to sit where Lily was sitting." Trunks started explaining.
"Where's Lily going to sit?" Teddy asked, confused.
"She's going to be up front, in between Grandma and me." Trunks answered.
"Why can Lily sit up front and I can't?" Kishu complained right away.
"Because she's still little enough that she needs a car seat. And before you say anything, Teddy; your car seat isn't compatible with the hookup up here." Trunks explained, looking from Kishu to Teddy.
"I don't wanna sit up front; I don't wanna sit in a car seat." Teddy spoke right away.
"Ok… Tell you what. Teddy, if you sit between your brothers—and you behave, you can go without your seat this once. I catch you jumping around or not sitting still, you're in that car seat until you're big enough. Do you understand me?" Trunks asked, looking directly at Teddy.
"I promise." Teddy promised right away with a smile.
"And Kishu… If you promise to behave the entire way the surprise—and at the surprise; I'll consider letting you sit up front on the way home this one time. Do you understand me?" Trunks asked, looking at Kishu.
"Yes. I'll behave." Kishu promised.
"We'll see how this goes." Trunks sighed.
"Trunks?" Bulma asked, opening her door.
"Yeah?" Trunks asked, walking over.
"Which way do you have her car seat facing?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"I think it's facing the back. Why?" Trunks asked, looking at his mom.
"Does it matter which way the seat faces?" Bulma asked.
"I don't think so; I just got it strapped in." Trunks answered.
"Don't you think she'd like to sit facing the front? I mean, she can watch all the cars and trees and such." Bulma suggested, looking at Trunks.
Trunks knew that look in his mom's eyes; she was going to get her way one way or another.
"Ok Lily; you're going to have to wait a little bit longer. Grandma wants to switch you around." Trunks told Lily, walking around to the other side of the car, after closing the back door as everyone else was inside.
"Yay!" Bulma happily exclaimed as she leaned over and started removing the car seat so she could turn it around.
While she was doing that, Trunks got in with Lily, shut his door, and waited.
"Awww!" Bulma happily cooed when she saw Lily hitting and holding the steering wheel; she couldn't help herself and took pictures.
"Mom… Could you please just finish setting the seat up so we can go?" Trunks asked, keeping a hold on Lily so that she wouldn't fall.
"Now we just need Elm, and we'll have a picture of them all on Daddy's lap, driving." Bulma happily smiled before going back to changing Lily's seat.
"Your grandmother…" Trunks sighed but smiled as Lily stood up to look out the window.
HONK!
Lily found the horn—and she did not like it.
The noise shocked her so much that Lily fell backward into Trunks, ears flat on her heard. However, she didn't cry.
Once Trunks saw she was about to start crying, he placed her on his knee, firmly held onto her, and started bouncing his leg; it's what he used to do with Knickers, Kishu, and Teddy when they were little like Lily and were upset.
However, he wasn't sure it would work with Lily; she certainly was not like her brothers or Teddy. Yet, she didn't cry and seemed to enjoy the ride.
"Ok. All ready." Bulma stated once she got the car seat situated.
"Ok. Here we go." Trunks told Lily, picking her up and placed her in her seat—after Bulma moved her blanket and pillow.
"What would we like for dinner tonight?" Bulma asked, looking back at everyone.
"Special short ribs!" Kishu answered right away.
"No! Pizza!" Teddy argued.
"Tay-toes." Lily quietly mumbled; nobody heard her.
"Kishu and Teddy; you don't need to yell. We're in a small space, remember." Trunks told Kishu and Teddy once Lily was situated.
"Sorry." Kishu and Teddy apologized.
"One: we're not doing pizza; we've all had enough of fast-food type of food. Two: I can't make my special short ribs because there's no time; I have to start those earlier in the morning." Bulma explained, causing Kishu and Teddy to groan in frustration.
"Neither of you two are getting off to a good start: do I need to get your car seat, Teddy? And Kishu, you must really not want to sit up front on the way home." Trunks stated, looking towards the back.
Kishu and Teddy quickly quieted down.
"Knickers, do you want something specific for dinner?" Trunks asked.
"Nah, it doesn't really matter to me so long as it's not anything with Jalapeños." Knickers replied.
"Yuck!" Kishu and Teddy immediately exclaimed, sticking their tongues out and gagged.
"Tay-toes…" Lily mumbled again, this time kind of getting Trunks's attention.
Elm didn't like he cared too much as he sat in his seat with his eyes closed.
"Tay-toes…" Lily mumbled yet again. Unfortunately, Trunks couldn't understand or even hear her over Kishu and Teddy arguing over what food they wanted.
"I'll be right back." Trunks sighed, getting out, shutting his door, and heading around to the other side; he could hear Kishu and Teddy outside.
"Uh-oh." Lily softly spoke, holding her pillow as she tilted her head back to try to see; she knew Daddy was mad.
"Uh-oh is right." Bulma sighed, buckling in.
"That's enough, now. Teddy, up; you're in your seat. And Kishu, you're not going to get to be up front on the way back. Knickers, I want you in between these two." Trunks stated, trying not to yell.
"Why?!" Kishu and Teddy complained.
"You lost your chances." Trunks calmly stated as Knickers got up.
"Do you want me to set that up?" Knickers asked, looking at his father.
"Please." Trunks replied.
"What do you mean we lost our chances? We haven't even started going yet!" Kishu complained.
"Precisely; we haven't started moving yet. You both know the rules; there's no yelling in the van—in any vehicle. I gave you your warning when you two were yelling out what you wanted for dinner. And don't think I don't know you're back there, hitting and kicking each other. Teddy, I could see your legs and Kishu, I saw a foot. I don't want to hear it. You lost your chance. Maybe we'll try again a different day. But for today, no. Teddy, you're in your car seat. And Kishu, you stay in the back. Knickers is in charge. If you don't behave and listen to him, Grandpa will have to get involved. And you both know what that means. Knickers, that does not mean you get to be controlling. Now, before we get even further behind schedule, let's get a move on it." Trunks explained as calmly as he could before getting out after Knickers got Teddy strapped in.
"Ok…" Trunks sighed, once again getting in his seat, and shut the door.
"Are you alright?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"Yeah, I'm fine. A little frustrated because I wanted to be there earlier. But what can I do? Stuff happens." Trunks replied, watching Lily; she was bouncing her legs up and down as she looked at the ceiling.
"Lily?" Trunks asked, getting her attention.
"I know you don't like them, but I need you to wear your shoes. Ok? Can you do that for me, please?" Trunks asked, watching Lily bounce her legs.
"K." Lily softly replied, holding her legs still.
"Thank you, Lily." Trunks told her, carefully placing her sandals on her feet before starting the van.
"Well-well." Lily softly replied.
"Well-well?" Bulma asked, looking at Lily.
"I think she's saying welcome." Trunks explained.
"Yeah." Lily softly spoke, squeezing her pillow.
"Now… Before we get going: Lily, I have a question for you." Trunks calmly spoke, looking at Lily; she looked back at him, waiting.
"When Grandma asked what everyone wanted for dinner, what did you say?" Trunks asked, getting Bulma's attention.
"She said something?" Bulma asked, shocked.
"She said something, but I'm not sure what." Trunks repeated, looking at Lily.
"Do you want something special?" Bulma asked, looking at Lily.
Lily didn't understand… Well, she did, but she was afraid they were going to punish her, so she hid her face in her pillow.
"No, no, no. Lily, it's ok; we want to know what you'd like. That's why we're asking; you're not in trouble for wanting something." Trunks told Lily, removing the pillow from her face; she just tilted her head up, trying to look back again.
"She was doing that when you were talking to Kishu and Teddy." Bulma told Trunks.
"Oh? Oh. Lily, no. Don't worry about what just happened; that had nothing to do with you. Kishu and Teddy got in trouble because they were yelling and fighting with each other. You're not in trouble. So, what would you like for dinner?" Trunks explained before gently asking her.
For a few seconds, Lily just looked from Trunks to Bulma: back and forth a few times; she looked like she was becoming overwhelmed.
"Ok. We'll try again later." Trunks spoke, backing out of the driveway.
"Tay-toes." Lily finally spoke up—not very loudly, but not as quiet either.
"Tay-toes?" Kishu asked, confused, indicating he heard what Lily asked for.
"Potatoes?" Trunks asked, stopping at a red light.
"Tay-toes. Tay-toes. Tay-Toes." Lily happily repeated, kind of bouncing around in her seat.
"Ok. Potatoes and what? Steak?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
At the mention of steak, Lily stopped moving and made a face.
"Well—it doesn't seem likes that idea." Trunks spoke, noticing Lily's face as he waited for the light to turn green.
"But how would she know what steak tastes like?" Kishu asked, knowing her history.
"Normally, Mom fed us bread or scraps of food she didn't finish; it was usually enough to keep social workers or whoever away. However, once a month, she fed us really good for almost a week. Usually steak, pork, catfish, sardines, an array of vegetables, brown rice, or ghost peppers mixed with creams and stuff. The steak was always pink or red; Lily doesn't like the taste of blood. If she's eating meat, it can't be even the slightest bit of pink; it has to be cooked all the way through. Also the steak was usually incredibly thick. Mom can't cook catfish to save her life; it always tasted like mud. As for pork: it makes Lily sick. So Lily doesn't like Steak, pork, catfish, brown rice, or peppers of any sort." Elm answered with an annoyed sigh.
"Who gives a child a ghost pepper—in any form. Do you know how dangerous that is?" Bulma asked, pissed off.
"That's not what I want to know; I want to know why she fed you for roughly a week once a month." Trunks asked, looking in the rearview mirror.
"Mom had this friend who would come over for a few days; she was different when her friend was over. We used to go to her house for a day or two. She's been to America, Italy, and Germany; she learned how to cook some interesting dishes—mainly a lot of potato or pasta dishes. She can't cook German food for anything, but she can bake it. Actually, she can bake a lot. I personally didn't like the potato dishes she made, but Lily loved something called hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, and her chicken fettuccine alfredo. What she really loved though, were her cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and homemade or freshly made bread. She was talented in many other things as well. But she was denser than a bag of rocks." Elm explained.
"That's not very nice." Bulma replied, shocked.
"It's not my fault. Always making promises she couldn't keep. But Lily still absolutely loved her." Elm stated.
"Does she have a name?" Trunks asked, butting in before Bulma could say anything.
"I don't remember. She spent more time with Lily; she didn't seem to like me very much." Elm replied with somewhat of a smile.
"Ok. Well, let's talk about something different now. Lily, are you ok?" Trunks insisted before asking Lily, concerned.
Lily was watching everything going on outside the window, bobbing her head side to side; it was like she was dizzy or something. And then she threw up all over her dress and pillow—and she kept going until Trunks told Bulma to cover Lily's eyes.
"Lily gets motion sickness—especially when looking out car windows." Elm spoke up as Trunks turned into a gas station.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Knickers asked, annoyed.
"Didn't really think of it." Elm plainly stated.
"That's enough now. We'll talk about all this later tonight. Dad, please fill the van up; I'm running low on gas. Mom, please turn Lily's car seat back around. No, I'm not mad at you; most kids like to look out windows. Lily's just not one of them. Knickers, Kishu, Teddy, and Elm; unless Grandma or Grandpa say, you stay in the van. And make sure you listen to and do as they say. Come on, Lily; let's see if we can find you a clean outfit. No, don't cry; you're ok. This isn't on you." Trunks instructed and then calmly told Lily, removing her from her seat.
After a little bit of searching, Trunks found a towel, a clean outfit for Lily, and an empty plastic bag to put her dress and towel in once he was done.
Trunks walked to the van and opened the back door.
"Kids, come on; you're coming with." Trunks instructed, holding Lily.
"Ok." Knickers, Kishu, and Teddy replied.
"I'd rather stay in the van." Elm replied.
"That's just not going to happen. Knickers, please unhook your brother." Trunks told Elm and then instructed.
Once that was done, Trunks set Lily down for a second before getting Elm; he then handed him to Knickers.
"Bathroom?" Trunks asked a lady at the checkout counter.
"All the way in the back. If you need, you can use the lady's room; the men's room doesn't have a changing table." The lady politely replied.
"Thank you. Come on." Trunks replied and then instructed.
Lily was just small enough to sit on the changing table while Trunks cleaned and changed her into a light blue and white striped tank top and light blue shorts.
Elm was thin but was tall for his age and could be mistaken for a four-year-old. In comparison, Lily was tiny and could still be considered or mistaken as a two-year-old.
"Why did we all have to come in?" Kishu asked once they left the bathroom.
"Do you want something small to eat?" Trunks asked, looking at Kishu.
"Yeah." Kishu and Teddy replied.
"I could eat something." Knickers replied.
"Doh-Doh." Lily softly spoke, looking over Trunks's shoulders.
"Doh-Doh? Oh, doughnuts." Trunks asked and then noted, noticing the doughnuts behind him—and the relatively large white doughnut with chocolate frosting and sprinkles that Lily was staring at.
It went against his better judgment but caved, "do you all want a doughnut?"
"Are you serious?" Kishu asked in shock.
"Do you want one or no?" Trunks asked, looking at Kishu.
"Yeah." Kishu and Teddy replied.
"Lily? Elm?" Trunks asked, looking at Lily.
"Doh-Doh pease." Lily responded.
"No thank you; I don't eat doughnuts." Elm replied.
"Ok. Anything else you'd be interested in?" Trunks asked, looking at Elm.
"No, thank you; I'm not all that hungry." Elm replied.
"You're sure?" Trunks asked.
"Yes, I'm sure. Thank you anyway." Elm replied.
"Ok. Lily, which doughnut would you like?" Trunks asked, looking at all the doughnuts.
"Dat one, pease." Lily pointed to the large doughnut she was looking at.
"What about this one? It's the same as that one—just smaller." Trunks asked, but Lily kept looking at the big one.
"Do you all want a large doughnut?" Trunks asked, sighing.
"Really?" Kishu, Teddy, and Knickers asked, shocked.
"If I get you all a large doughnut, you realize you're not eating them all at once, don't you?" Trunks asked, looking at his kids.
"What do you mean?" Teddy asked, confused.
"I mean, they're for after dinner—and with how big they are, you can have them in halves or thirds. That's two or three days of one doughnut. Do you understand?" Trunks asked, looking at his kids.
"Yes." Knickers, Kishu, and Teddy answered.
"Lily, do you understand? You're not getting the doughnut all at once—and you can't eat it until after dinner and maybe lunch." Trunks explained to Lily.
"Doh-Doh. K." Lily replied.
"Ok… Which one does everyone want? Keep in mind, Lily wants the white doughnut with chocolate frosting and sprinkles. And Kishu, you're not getting one that's all chocolate. One at a time. Youngest to oldest." Trunks asked and then explained.
"Can I have the white doughnut with white frosting and sprinkles?" Lily asked, looking at the one down from the one Lily wanted.
"Ok. Kishu?" Trunks asked, looking at Kishu.
"I'd like the chocolate doughnut with blue frosting and Oreos on it." Kishu replied.
"Knickers?" Trunks asked, looking at his oldest.
"Umm. The White doughnut with white frosting and nuts on top." Knickers answered, looking through the doughnuts.
"Can I walk now?" Elm asked, looking at Trunks.
"Yeah, sure. Stay with and hold Kishu's hand. Knickers, can you take Lily?" Trunks told Elm before looking at Knickers.
"Of course." Knickers gladly obliged.
"Ok, Lily; Knickers is going to take you so I can get the doughnuts. Ok?" Trunks told Lily, handing her to Knickers, hoping she'd go right to him.
"Knick-Knick." Lily softly spoke, latching onto Knickers.
"Knick-Knick?" Kishu asked, confused.
"Right now, that might be easier for her to say. At least she knows who he is." Trunks answered as Lily latched onto Knickers.
"Do you think she knows who we are?" Teddy eagerly asked.
"What's going on over here?" Bulma and Vegeta asked, walking over.
"Doh-Doh." Lily spoke.
"Doh-Doh?" Vegeta asked, confused.
"Doughnuts." Trunks answered.
"You're getting them doughnuts?" Bulma asked with a soft smile.
"Yep. Lily wanted a doughnut, so I agreed to let them all pick one out—except Elm, who didn't want one." Trunks replied, pulling out a box; he then started removing doughnuts.
"Holy crap; those are huge." Vegeta stated, looking at the doughnuts.
"Yeah, I know…" Trunks sighed.
"Can't you get them something smaller? Why doesn't Elm want one?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"Lily saw the big one and wasn't looking anywhere else. So, I told them they could all get a big one, but they were for after dinner—and they weren't getting them all at once. It will be divided in halves or thirds. They all agreed or there wasn't going to be any doughnuts. Elm says he doesn't like doughnuts and isn't hungry." Trunks answered, pulling out a second doughnut.
"Guess what." Teddy told Bulma and Vegeta.
"What?" Bulma asked, humoring Teddy while Vegeta just watched them.
"Lily calls Knickers "Knick-Knick." Daddy says it's because it's easier for her and that at least she knows him." Teddy happily announced.
"Really now?" Bulma asked with a smile.
"Yes. Lily, do you know us too?" Teddy replied and then right away asked Lily.
"Knickers, please show Lily Kishu, Teddy, and Elm." Trunks told Knickers.
"We'll start with an easy one. Who's he?" Knickers asked, having her look at Elm.
"Em." Lily happily answered.
"Ok. And our other brother?" Knickers asked, having her look at Kishu.
That took her a few seconds, but Lily answered with, "Kishy."
"Kishy?" Kishu asked, turning red.
"Behave." Trunks warned.
"And our sister?" Knickers asked, turning Lily to Teddy.
After a minute or two, Teddy was starting to worry Lily didn't know her—and it was upsetting her.
But then Lily took a breath and happily answered with, "Tiddy."
For a few seconds, everyone just stared at Lily; she was so proud of herself.
"Well, she knows who you are. It seems she has a hard time with "E." But she knows who you are. Dad…" Trunks answered and then groaned as Vegeta stood there, trying not to laugh. Unfortunately, he had to leave the store; he couldn't hold it in and had to go outside to laugh his ass off.
"That's going to need to be corrected. But it's not horrible. At least she can say her "D's" ok. She doesn't replace them with "T's" like some kids." Bulma spoke with a smile; she was laughing on the inside because she knew better than to out loud.
"Lily, what's our sister's name?" Kishu asked with a smile.
"Tiddy." Lily answered, looking at Teddy.
"Kishu, behave." Trunks scolded, looking at Kishu.
"Knickers, can I take your sister, please?" Bulma asked, looking at Knickers.
"Sure." Knickers answered, handing Lily to Bulma.
"Bulba." Lily said as soon as she saw Bulma.
"No, I'm Grandma. You call me Grandma." Bulma told Lily.
"Geta!" Lily cried when Vegeta walked, back in—a lot calmer now.
"No, that's Grandpa. Grandpa." Bulma told Lily.
"Gamma? Gampa?" Lily asked, confused, looking between Bulma and Vegeta.
"Yes. That works." Bulma replied with a smile.
"Gamma. Gampa." Lily said, pointing to each of them.
"Yes. Very good." Bulma praised Lily with a smile.
"Who's that?" Bulma asked, turning Lily to Trunks once he finished placing doughnuts in a box; he had even picked out a small jelly-filled doughnut for himself.
"Daddy!" Lily happily cried, her voice going up an octave.
"Well, it's safe she knows who her dad is." Vegeta stated, sticking his pinky in his ear, and twisted.
That was one of the things Trunks worried about: Lily not knowing who anyone was. She had never said any of their names; she hadn't even said "Daddy" since they've known her.
"Give me the damn doughnuts and take your child." Vegeta ordered Trunks, holding out his arms to take the box of doughnuts.
"Ok. Let's find something to eat." Trunks told his kids as he took Lily from his mom.
When Trunks told them to find something to eat, he meant a sandwich or something—not what they actually left with.
"Do you have everything?" Bulma asked, looking at Trunks.
"I have the kids and Dad has the food, drinks, and doughnuts. Dad, can you get Lily set in her seat?" Trunks replied and then asked, setting the kids on the van's floor.
Lily waddled her way to her seat and stood there, holding it, bouncing a little.
"Yeah." Vegeta replied, crawling over to Lily and her seat while Trunks got Elm.
"Well, you're not warm… Are you sure you're feeling ok?" Trunks asked Elm after feeling his forehead.
"I'm fine—just tired. Can I please have my water?" Elm replied before asking.
"Yeah." Trunks sighed, handing him his water.
"And how are you feeling?" Trunks asked, looking at Lily, sitting there bouncing her legs; she was hooked in properly. She was also starting to become fussy.
"What is it, Baby?" Trunks asked, concerned; she was just fine a second ago.
"Pillow?" Lily asked, opening and closing her hands.
"Oh. I'm sorry, Baby, but your pillow needs to be washed." Trunks calmly told her; it didn't seem to help as she started arching her body, about to have a panic attack.
"Isn't that why we got a spare?" Kishu asked, looking up; he wasn't buckled yet.
"That's in the back—buried somewhere." Trunks sighed.
"What about her blanket?" Vegeta asked, speaking up.
"It's too hot…" Bulma started.
"I'll turn the AC on if I have to. Where is that?" Trunks asked, interrupting his mother.
"Hold on." Bulma sighed, bending forward; she had placed it in a bag on the floor in front.
"Thank you." Trunks thanked as Bulma handed him the blanket over the chair.
"Lily, look what I have." Trunks told Lily, barely getting her attention.
"Eh?" Lily asked, slowly calming down.
"What's this?" Trunks asked, holding her blanket up.
"Blanky? Pease?" Lily softly asked, reaching for it.
As soon as Trunks handed her blanket, she was rubbing her face all over in it.
"Tank you." Lily softly thanked, rubbing her face.
"You're very welcome. Ok—let's see… Mom, you have egg rolls and berry flavored tea?" Trunks asked, looking at Bulma.
"Yep. Thank you." Bulma replied, taking her food and drink.
"Dad, you have a roast beef sandwich, cheese sticks, and an instant coffee." Trunks stated, handing Vegeta his stuff.
"Thanks." Vegeta huffed, taking his food.
"This is mine…" Trunks stated, looking at a ham sandwich with chips and a Pepsi.
"Teddy, you had a cheeseburger with cheese curds and a pink lemonade, yes?" Trunks asked.
"And teddy grahams." Teddy added.
"Yes, but you have to eat your cheeseburger and curds first before you get those. Same goes for you two." Trunks replied and then sternly told Knickers and Kishu.
"Ok." Kishu mumbled while Knickers nodded that he understood.
"Yes, Daddy." Teddy replied.
"I'll just have Grandpa hold onto the cookies. Now, I know each of you got a slice of pizza, but I don't know who got what, so you'll just have to figure that out. Knickers, I know you got a Sun Drop, and Kishu, you got an orange soda. Dad, Teddy got teddy grahams, Kishu has mini Oreos, and Knickers has mini chocolate chip cookies. Oh, and Lily wanted mini fudge-stripe cookies." Trunks explained, handing Vegeta a bag of cookies. He gave Knickers the two pizza boxes: Knickers got the slice of sausage pizza, and Kishu gotthe slice of pepperoni pizza.
"Don't worry, Lily; you'll get your food when I get up front." Trunks told Lily before shutting the door behind him.
"It's going to be a late night…" Trunks sighed, opening Lily's milk and poured it into a blue sippy cup with a butterfly carved on each side.
"Knickers, can you please make sure Teddy's being careful with her lemonade. Please make sure the lid's shut tight so it doesn't spill all over." Trunks asked his oldest.
"Yeah, I can do that." Knickers replied before taking a bit of his pizza.
"Thank you. Here's your milk. Grandma will get your food in a minute." Trunks thanked and then told Lily as he handed her her milk.
Now, with how her car seat was facing, Lily could see everyone. She could even see Kishu and Teddy if they leaned over.
Bulma gave Lily her chicken sandwich with ketchup, and Lily took it apart, licked the ketchup off the top bun, ate the top bun, followed by the bottom bun.
One by one, Bulma handed Lily a cheesy-tot, which she dipped in the ketchup left on the chicken patty.
When she got sick of the cheesy-tots, she at the chicken.
"Well—at least she's eating it all." Trunks stated with a smile.
While eating her chicken patty, Lily was kicking her legs—so much so that she kicked her left shoe off.
It was going to hit Knickers in the face with how hard she kicked it off; however, Vegeta caught it, causing Lily to stop moving and just stare at Vegeta, who stared back at her.
And then, Lily just started giggling as she started kicking her legs again—this time flinging her right shoe. And again, Vegeta caught it, and she just laughed.
Vegeta sighed, unbuckled, got on his hands and knees, crawled over to and put Lily's shoes back on her.
As soon as Vegeta got back to his seat, Lily started again—laughing while flinging her shoes, and Vegeta catching them.
"What's going on back there?" Bulma asked as Trunks smiled and watched the road.
"Lily keeps kicking her shoes off. Grandpa caught the first one, and stunned Lily for a few seconds before started laughing and kicked the other one off. Grandpa put her shoes back on… But once he got back to his seat, she kicked them off again." Knickers explained.
"She just keeps laughing." Kishu and Teddy added.
"It's a game." Trunks told them, smiling as he watched the road.
'Soon…' Elm thought, watching Lily…