I Knew You Were a Weirdo
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XI - Let it Sink in
"Should I try to hide what I feel inside…"
Nooshy, eyes closed and a soft smile on her sleeping face, earphones on as the video on her phone played on loop.
Her sleep that night was a peaceful one.
No nightmares. No fear. No horror. Nothing but peace.
She opened her eyes and breathed in deeply and lightly.
Morning.
It was very dim through the window as the sun had only begun to rise over the horizon.
Sitting up, Nooshy felt something smooth slide down and she saw that it was Johnny's jacket. Although it was still a bit dark in the room, she knew it all too well.
The rich texture and the rich scent of his favorite shampoo and conditioner. The scent of ginger and honey.
How she loved that smell.
Her heart flipped inside her chest and she hugged the jacket tight to her body.
"Mmmm," she said, utterly lost in the warmth she felt in her heart and cheeks.
There was a knock at the door.
And Nooshy, half awake, shuffled out of bed, but not before placing the jacket on her shoulders.
It was several sizes too big for her but it was warm all the same.
She vigorously skipped to the door as though all was well in the world.
"Who is it?" Nooshy said in a sing-song voice.
There was a light chuckle. "You seem to be in high spirits, Nooshy. You slept ok then?"
It was Rosita.
Nooshy blinked as a dreamy grin spread across her lips. "Beautifully Rosy."
"I'm glad, I was worried." Rosita cleared her throat. "Could you open the door?"
"Right." Nooshy slowly pulled the door open.
"So I was wondering if you've seen some makeup lying around…?" Rosita came into view as she rummaged through her handbag and she looked up at Nooshy. "I seem to be missing-"
Rosita stopped and her face became blank.
"What?"
Blinking, the mother of 25's face went from blank to startled amusement.
An obnoxious yawn came from behind Nooshy.
"G'morning Noosh, Rose," Porsha said, stretching, her mouth wide open in a yawn.
As soon as she came into view, Rosita's hands flew to her mouth, stifling startled laughter.
"What?" Porsha said.
Nooshy turned to look at her and gasped.
"What the?!"
"What? What is it?!" Porsha exclaimed, slightly alarmed.
Her face was a mess of makeup, mascara and lipstick, giving her the appearance of a twisted, demented clown.
"What is that on your face?!" Nooshy cried in bewilderment.
"What is that on your face?!" Porsha echoed, staring dumbfounded at Nooshy. "Wait. Do I have stuff on my face too?!"
Nooshy's eyes grew huge. "What?!"
Her laughter coming out in gasps, Rosita pulled out a makeup mirror from her handbag.
She opened it and held it up so Porsha and Nooshy could see.
Both of their mouths dropped open so far, their jaws felt cramped.
They both looked like ridiculous clowns. They both had lipstick that covered their mouths all over. They had mascara around their eyes in a circular raindrop pattern. And they had powder and blush all over their face, mostly their cheeks.
Demented clowns indeed.
They had to cover their mouths to keep from screaming.
Nooshy rushed to the bathroom in their bedroom.
She gawked when she found that the door was locked.
"Why is this door locked?!"
Porsha rubbed the back of her neck. "I...might've...locked it by accident last night."
"What?!" Nooshy snapped. "How do you-?!"
Rosita was on her knees, laughing hysterically, trying to stifle it but to no avail. This was too much.
"It's not funny Rosita!" Nooshy cried.
"I-I'm sorry!"
Nooshy grit her teeth, her cheeks burning with embarrassment and anger. I know this scrawl and art pattern. But no...as if she'd muster up the courage to do this on her own.
"Vida and Casper!" Nooshy breathed in indignation.
Porsha looked at her with a start and then narrowed her eyes. "I thought I heard childish giggling as I was waking up."
Rosita was beside herself with hysterics, her laughter echoing in the hallway.
"Rosy, shhhh!" Porsha said, putting a finger to her lips. "Someone will hear you!"
Rosita covered her mouth. "Th-hehey are sohoho grounded!" She pointed down the hall. "Thehehere's a bathroom...that way...second door to the leheheheft!"
Without thinking, Nooshy and Porsha took off running, trying to cover their clownish faces.
"Run Porsha, Nooshy, run!" Rosita called out, continuing to bust a gut as she rolled onto her back, holding her stomach.
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In under a minute, they were there.
Unfortunately, it was already occupied as the door was locked.
Porsha knocked incessantly.
"Someone's in here!" called the familiar robust yet delicate voice that belonged to Ash.
"Ash, let us in!" Nooshy cried. "It's an emergency!"
"Why, what's wrong?" The bathroom door knob began to move and its locking mechanism began undoing itself.
"No!" Porsha almost screamed, grabbing the door knob, preventing Ash from opening it.
"What are you doing Porsh?!" Ash said, startled and annoyed. "Let go of the door!"
"You can't come out! You can't see us like this!"
"Huh?" Ash said.
"What's going on here?"
Nooshy and Porsha froze at the new voice.
They slowly turned and saw both Nana Noodleman and Suki Lane, standing there, eyes wide and staring.
Nana on the other hand was nonchalantly wafting herself with her ever present fan but she did not take her eyes off the pair of impromptu clowns standing before her.
And what was Nooshy doing with Johnny's leather jacket?
Porsha grinned sheepishly. "H-Hey Suki, when'd you get here?"
There was a choke of laughter.
Porsha and Nooshy flinched.
They both looked in Suki's direction, expecting to see her bent over in hysterics.
Instead, they saw the talent scout looking to her left, shocked and surprised.
It wasn't Suki who laughed but the stern Nana Noodleman.
The elderly singer was bent over slightly and had a hand to her mouth as she belted out a powerful laugh which seemed so unlikely for an old woman to have.
Her laugh was a high-pitched Ah ha ha ha. Very youthful and almost obnoxious.
Porsha and Nooshy were about as bewildered as they were embarrassed.
Their ears and cheeks burned red at the same time.
Using Johnny's leather jacket, Nooshy covered her face.
Suki blinked. "Isn't that jacket a little big for you?" she asked, pointing a finger.
The bathroom door opened and there stood Ash, toothbrush in hand and in her mouth.
As soon as she laid eyes on Porsha and Nooshy, as well as their new makeover, she nearly gagged on her toothbrush.
She covered her mouth. "Ohohoho my God!" She laughed. "What?!"
Nooshy rolled her eyes. "Yeah, it's real funny. Everyone laugh. Ha bloody ha." She looked hard at the porcupine. "Can we use the bathroom now?"
"Ah-haha! Sh-sure!" Ash said, in between laughs. "Take as much time as you need." She strode off down the hall, laughing to herself all the way until she turned a corner, out of view.
Porsha's ears were down as she, almost like a zombie, went into the bathroom, followed by an extremely irate and annoyed Nooshy.
A sly grin stretched across her lips. Oh Caspar, have I got plans for you. The grin fell as she thought better of it. Nah, better leave that to super mom.
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It was roughly forty-five minutes before Porsha and Nooshy emerged from the bathroom, washed and dry, but no less displeased.
Nooshy folded Johnny's jacket, nice and neatly just the way he'd like it.
She carried it in front of her chest as she walked down the hall, with Porsha on her left, toward the kitchen area.
She eyed Porsha with an arched brow.
The young wolf mammalite noticed the look. "What?"
Placing the jacket under her arm, Nooshy pulled out her brand new phone and held it so Porsha could see it.
Porsha froze, stopping dead, her face awash in utter panic.
"You...you got a new phone."
Nooshy nodded. "Yep."
Porsha looked horrified. That means...she must've seen the video I sent her.
Nooshy smiled, reading the rich girl's thought. "Porsha, it's ok. Water under the bridge, remember?"
"Did...did you see…?"
Nooshy blushed, eyes looking downward. "I did."
Porsha looked painfully stricken.
Nooshy took Porsha's hand and looked her straight in the eye, not a hint of anger in her own. "Like I already said, I put it behind us."
Ears drooping, Porsha pursed her lips anxiously. "You're not mad?"
"Well…" Nooshy said, shrugging her shoulders. "I'm a bit annoyed at the lengths you went to spy on us...but mad? No."
Porsha smiled weakly. "Really?"
Nooshy nodded.
Clenching her eyes, which welled with tears, Porsha hugged Nooshy tightly around the neck.
"Easy Porsh," the young lynx choked, patting her on the back. "Losing consciousness here."
"Oh!" Porsha cried, releasing her friend. "Sorry."
Waving a dismissive hand, Nooshy cleared her throat, rubbing the back of her neck.
"Anyway…" she said, unsure of what to say next. "Let's get some breakfast...and let's never speak of the makeup thing again, 'kay?"
Porsha gave a nonchalant thumbs up.
They continued down the hall.
Porsha eyed Nooshy, eyes full of anticipated inquiry. "So…?"
Nooshy looked back at her. "So?"
"The video?"
Nooshy averted her gaze, trying not to make it look obvious. "What about it?"
"What about it?!" Porsha said, throwing her hands up. "C'mon Noosh!"
"What?"
"C'mon!" She's got to be faking. No one is this clueless. "You're crazy about him, aren't you?"
Nooshy arched an eyebrow. "Who?"
Porsha groaned. She's playing dumb, I just know it.
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Breakfast was quiet this morning.
Compared to yesterday anyway.
The dreadful bit of news that was shared the night before and just now was almost enough to put everyone off their breakfast.
Almost.
At Rosita's insistence, everyone had their breakfast but uneasily.
"Someone is targeting us?" Ash asked, trying not to show the fear in her voice. "All of us?"
"Afraid so Ash," Clay said with a frown.
Porsha anxiously fiddled with a lone grape on her plate of fruit salad with her fork. "So...my dad is not involved? Are you sure?"
Nana nodded, sipping at her ever present cup of tea. "Fairly certain, it's just a guess but looking at your father's psychological profile and how he operates, we're quite sure such a scheme is just too subtle, even for him. Besides, I'm extremely doubtful he would do anything to put his own daughter, his only child and only living family at risk."
Porsha sighed, somewhat relieved and yet…
"I dunno about that."
Rosita frowned sadly. "Oh sweetie, I know your father was terrible but I don't think he'd ever hurt you."
"But he has...more than you know."
Rosita said nothing as her heart swelled. She had wanted to probe, but in her heart of hearts, this was not the time or place.
Any inner healing would not come overnight.
Alfonso ate a bowl of oatmeal, raisins and apples mixed into it. "This is nuts," he said. "I knew people in Red Shore got up into some nasty business, but this?"
Meena's eyes were downward, her fruit salad practically untouched. She sighed wearily.
"You ok babe?" Alfonso asked, patting her hand.
"Just worried about my mom and grandparents, and them being worried about me."
Alfonso put an arm around her shoulders and she leaned into him. "You should eat Meena, keep your strength up."
"She's right dear," Nana said, giving Meena a hard but not unkind look. "I know you're scared but we need to keep our heads. And you can't afford to stop eating. And don't worry about your family, I've taken care of them."
Meena looked up. "You have? How?"
"It's been arranged for the local police to carefully inform your families, all of your families of your predicament, in no uncertain terms, and they'll be watched for their own protection."
Ash frowned suspiciously but wanting to remain respectful, she forced herself to drop the expression. "You've gone through a lot of trouble on our account Miss Nood-sorry, Nana."
Nana looked at her, the implication of the question not lost on her. She wasn't angry. She was used to people looking at her good deeds with a certain degree of suspicion.
She sighed. "It's more than just seeing to the safety of performers of a theater I'm shareholding, Ashlyn, it's a matter of paying it forward." She slowly blinked, breathing deeply through her nostrils. "And justice."
Ash furrowed her brow. "Pay it forward?"
Nana gave a mournful smile. "A story for another time." She sipped her tea, albeit with less vigor as an unpleasant memory crossed her mind.
Ash paused for a moment and she immediately felt regretful. "I...I didn't mean…"
"Yes you did, it's alright Ms Ash," Nana said without taking her eyes off the contents of her teacup. "We don't know each other quite so well and I haven't been known for my generosity as of late, but I want you to know that it is not without reason."
Ash bowed her head. "I'm sorry."
"You don't have to apologize dearie, like I've said, I understand."
Drinking a mug of coffee, Suki Lane turned to Porsha, who was still not eating her breakfast.
"Porsh. Please eat."
Groaning, the young wolf popped a pineapple slice in her mouth.
Suki took a seat next to her. "How've you been holding up?"
"I've been better," Porsha replied, not looking up. "But I can only recall one time I've been worse."
Suki closed her eyes sadly. "When your dad got arrested?"
Porsha clenched her eyes and nodded. "And when I did something I never thought I'd be capable of."
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"Officers, arrest that wolf!" Suki said in a commanding voice, pointing a finger at her now former employer.
Jimmy Crystal, CEO and Founder of Crystal Entertainment, stood there, dumbfounded and numb with shock as two police officers, a rhino and a gorilla laid hands on him.
The theater audience of Crystal Theater watched in awe and shock as this startling and scandalous arrest took place. The room was filled with gasps, shocked murmurs and questions as to why this was happening.
They soon got their answer when the lead officer, a gazelle said, "James Crystal, you are under arrest for the attempted murder of Buster Moon. You have the right to remain silent."
Hearing this, the gasps and murmurs intensified tenfold.
Ears down but his rage and humiliation unfettered, Jimmy glared murderously at his now former talent scout before being handcuffed and taken away.
Suki watched him go with a look of disgust and anger.
And hurt.
Making their way to the patrol cars in the back, the police, with Crystal in tow, had to make their way backstage.
Unfortunately, the Moon troupe, along with their newest additions, and some of the production team were among the witnesses of this walk of shame.
Looks ranged from anger, disgust, dumb shock and confusion at seeing Crystal's arrest and departure.
As soon as Crystal came in close contact with the Moon troupe, he threw a look of murderous rage at Buster Moon, who trembled fearfully at the mad wolf's hateful gaze.
Johnny stepped protectively in front of him, throwing an angry look at the entertainment mogul.
The other performers of New Moon Theater did much the same.
Ash simply looked confused. She didn't catch the part of what Crystal was arrested for. She threw Rosita a look and she simply whispered that she'd explain later.
They all turned to leave but one person remained behind.
Jimmy Crystal spotted her daughter, his only child, still clad in that absurd alien suit.
He was angry, so much so, that he almost couldn't speak.
Almost.
"I can see that you've chosen a new family, Porsha."
Porsha narrowed her eyes and she bared her teeth.
She strode forward until she was right in front of her father, stopping him and the officers in their tracks.
"Ma'am, please stand aside," said the short dog officer.
Jimmy scoffed arrogantly. "What? You got something to sa-?"
SMACK!
Jimmy's face was thrown so hard to the right that he hadn't even realized what had happened until a quarter second later, he felt a stinging, burning sensation on his left cheek.
Eyes wide, his mind blank, Jimmy had registered that he had been slapped.
Slapped hard.
By his own daughter.
Shock and hurt utterly overwhelming him, Jimmy looked back at his daughter, her arm still extended across her chest, palm outstretched.
Rage was writ large on her face as she lowered her hand and looked her father straight in the eye, breathing heavily.
Everyone who bore witness to this had their mouths wide open, eyes huge, shock and awe writ large on their faces. Even Klaus Kickenklober followed suit.
But Suki most of all was beyond shocked and awestruck. Her heart tore at this tragic scene taking place, of the estrangement of a father and daughter, a family that she had worked closely with for over a decade.
Gawking, Jimmy Crystal almost didn't speak.
Almost.
"Porsha...you just hit me."
"YOU ALMOST KILLED HIM!" she screamed, angry tears streaming down her face. "You almost killed him!"
Porsha's eyes were already raw and red, her tears ruining her alien makeup.
Jimmy's face fell. "Porsha…I...I never...I never wanted..."
Porsha raised a hand to stop her father from speaking.
She looked at him, a harsh coldness in her eyes. "I never want to see you again."
Those words were like a knife in his heart.
"Never." Porsha turned and stormed out without another word.
"Porsha!" Jimmy called out, anguish filling his voice.
She never looked back.
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Porsha had a hand to her forehead as she looked down at her now empty plate.
Suki looked sad. "You were upset. You had every right to be angry at your father."
"I wasn't just angry Suki," Porsha said. "I was mad, mad enough that I'd hit my own dad and tell him I didn't want to see him again, ever. I didn't even know I could get that angry. I...I never said or done anything close to that, not even on my bad days." Porsha wiped her eyes. "I didn't even know I had it in me to do or say those things."
She chuckled mirthlessly. "I know I shouldn't feel bad, that dad deserved every bit of what he got and more, and I shouldn't lose a wink of sleep knowing that he might rot in prison for the rest of his life…" She clenched her eyes. "But I do. Despite everything he did and said, I wish I could take it all back. He...he's still my dad."
Suki pulled Porsha into a comforting hug. "I know. I know Porsh."
Porsha nestled her face into Suki's neck and cried softly.
Nana closed her eyes, sighing deeply, her aged heart going out to the Moon group, the people she had deemed as her unofficial, extended family.
It could be so much worse and yet so much better.
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It was almost noon before breakfast was finished.
Everyone shuffled out of the kitchen quietly.
Buster had wanted to say something, give some kind of encouragement, a motivational speech in hopes of lifting everyone's spirits.
Seeing how downtrodden everyone was, it was clear that they needed time to let the bit of bad news sink in before saying anything else they'd be in a position to listen to.
Carrying Johnny's leather jacket under her arm, Nooshy approached him from behind.
She seemed to hesitate when she tapped his shoulder.
Johnny turned and his glum look lightened up instantly . "Oh, hey Noosh. What's up?"
Nooshy opened her mouth to speak but her words were choked. "Uh…" Her mind went blank. "...um…" Her ears drooped.
Johnny quirked an eyebrow. "You ok?"
"Oh yeah! Yeah!" Nooshy said frantically before presenting the jacket. "Just wanted to give this back."
She held it out with both hands and turned her head away.
Johnny's mouth was slightly agape. What's wrong with her? "You didn't have another bad dream did you?"
"Oh no no, I slept great." Nooshy smiled sheepishly but then froze up when she remembered the song.
If I feel that I...could be certain then...I would say the things I want to say tonight…
As she heard the song in her head, a curious thing happened. It was as if Nooshy was observing Johnny with other-vision or in a dream.
His face seemed to shine and there were dazzling balls of brilliant light all about him, making him look radiant and more handsome than she had ever seen him.
It brought a chill up her spine and as quickly as the feeling came, a new feeling came like hot water that didn't burn was poured into her, heating her up in a way that no sauna could match.
She hadn't realized she had been smiling like a fool.
"Nooshy?" She barely registered Johnny's voice.
What she really did register was a cool hand touching her forehead.
"You feel a little warm Noosh, do you need me to get Nurse Sue?"
Her face dropped as all blood rushed to her face. Any hotter and if it were possible, smoke might've started coming out of her ears.
Without thinking, she pulled back and buried her face in the leather jacket.
Johnny looked stricken with bewilderment and confusion. "Uh...Noosh?"
"Just take it!" she almost snapped, practically shoving the jacket into Johnny's hands. "Thanks for letting me borrow it."
That said, she practically ran out of the room.
Johnny stood rooted to the spot. "What just happened?" he said, holding his hands out in the universal not-knowing gesture.
After a few short moments, with his mind reeling, Johnny unconsciously put his jacket on.
And he too walked away, completely oblivious to the fact that there was a colorful childish scrawl on the back of his jacket that read a phrase in shaky block letters:
JxN 4ever!
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Clay Calloway sat on the luxury sofa on one end.
Nurse Sue Beadling sat in the middle. She had a sour look on her face.
"I'm sorry," Clay said finally.
"For what?"
"For what I said the other night. I should've kept those speculations to myself. I didn't mean to scare your nephew."
Sue turned her head to look at the veteran rockstar. "I know...but you really should've thought your words through before opening your mouth, Clay."
"I know, I know," Clay said meekly. "I...I don't...I'm still learning how to be around people."
"I quite understand Clay," said the nurse. "I know you've been hurting for many years ever since…" She hesitated. "...your wife died and you shut yourself in for over 15 years. You haven't really let anyone in and as a result, you've forgotten how to behave around people."
Clay shifted uncomfortably.
Sue's eyes widened at her own boldness.
Before she could apologize however, Clay smiled grimly. "Sounds like just the thing my Ruby would say," he said softly.
"What was that?"
Clay cleared his throat. "Nothing."
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Johnny laid on his bed, staring at his phone, hoping to get some kind of update on the events as of late, some kind of tip that might tell him where Sean DiMarco might be.
And perhaps some word on the whereabouts of his father.
0 results.
Johnny groaned in frustration.
"Sorry Johnny but I don't think you'll have much luck finding anything online. You heard what Nana said."
Johnny looked from his bed to see Alfonso in his own bed, reading a book.
"I know," Johnny said, feeling defeated.
He turned his phone off and dropped it on the dresser.
He immediately regretted it. That is a brand new phone from Nana. I should treat it better than that.
He picked it back up.
Feeling anxious and sheepish, he decided to message her.
Johnny: Hey
He waited for an answer. The little symbol which indicated a message having been sent and had now been seen by the recipient was shown bright on the messenger page.
He waited.
And then he waited.
Nooshy: Hey what? ;)
Johnny chuckled.
Johnny: Hey you
Nooshy: Hey you too
Johnny: So...you ok?
Nooshy: Of course, why wouldn't I be?
Johnny: You kinda freaked out
Nooshy: …yeah
Johnny: Wanna talk about it?
Nooshy: I dunno
Johnny frowned. Whenever Nooshy didn't want to talk about something, it was something that was really, really bothering her.
Johnny knew her well enough to know that prying would do nothing but aggravate her.
So he decided to change the subject.
Johnny: How are your injuries? Your head? Your ribs? Your stomach?
Nooshy: :) My head aches but only a little. My ribs are ok, just aches. My stomach is fine, just need go easy on eating.
Johnny: Nurse Sue said you should be good as new in a month or so. Until then, go easy on any serious dancing
Nooshy: :(
Johnny: I know, it sucks. But it's for the best.
Nooshy: Don't mean I have to like it
Johnny paused. He hated that the circumstances meant that Nooshy would have to take it easy, including with dancing, but whatever happens, he'd be there every step of the way for her, no matter what.
Johnny: We'll get through this together. I'll be there for you Noosh, always.
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Nooshy laid on her bed, reading her latest message and she put a hand to her chest and felt her heart begin to race again.
What is the matter with me? It's only Johnny. Why am I freaking out so much lately?
Sighing deeply, she put a hand to her mouth as she reread the message. He's so sweet.
Her thoughts went back to how Johnny has been nothing short of a gentleman this past week. And how he went above and beyond on her account.
Taking the ambulance with her.
Singing to her while she slept.
Carrying her when they escaped the hospital.
How he held her when she broke down in tears.
How he held her with those strong, warm arms.
And that singing voice of his.
And then, almost without talking and having no time to stop herself, smiling toothily, a high-pitched girly giggle escaped her lips.
Her hand flew to her mouth instantly. What the?
Off to the side, she could've sworn she had just heard childish snickering coming from Porsha's side of the room.
Nooshy scowled as she felt her cheeks burn up.
She decided to ignore that.
Nooshy: You're so sweet.
Johnny: No you are
Nooshy clenched her teeth to keep from laughing again.
Nooshy: No you are
Johnny: XD So how's the new phone?
Nooshy: Oh it's great. How's yours? I mean, after yours got lost after you were
Nooshy found that she couldn't finish that message, one of the worst memories of her life in her opinion. She decided to send it as is.
Johnny: Yeah, police managed to find it though. It was smashed but they were able to save its data.
Nooshy: Good, hate to lose what I have on mine
Johnny: So…
Nooshy: So…?
Johnny: Got any new messages since you got your new phone? I mean after yours got busted?
Nooshy paused.
Nooshy: a few
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Johnny raised an eyebrow. A few?
He shrugged and continued to text. Something is definitely off with her.
Johnny: dad still hasn't gotten back yet
His heart ached. It was already past noon and his father hadn't come back yet. He said he'd be back in the morning.
Nooshy: I'm sure he's ok. Your dad's tough. I mean he took on the DiMarco brothers and won right?
Johnny shook his head.
Johnny: He was in his prime then. My dad is not as young as he used to be. Don't tell him but he's been having some problems with his health lately
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Nooshy covered her mouth to stifle a gasp.
"What's wrong?" Porsha asked.
"Family stuff," Nooshy replied.
Nooshy: What kind of health problems?
Johnny: Heart disease
Nooshy gaped in disbelief, her mind riddled with alarm and shock.
Nooshy: Is he going to be ok?
Johnny: his doctor says it's treatable but it can be aggravated if he exerts himself. That means he has to take it easy and you know my dad
Nooshy: Oh Johnny, I'm so sorry
Johnny: Thank you. It's ok, just scared for my dad. I already lost my mom. I don't want to lose him too
Nooshy felt her eyes sting. Her heart ached terribly.
Nooshy: I know how you feel. I lost my dad when I was 6. But you already know that
Johnny: Yeah I do. It was first time you really opened up to me
Nooshy smiled at the memory.
Nooshy: I almost cried you know
Johnny: I know, I could see it. Tore me up
Nooshy's cheeks hurt from smiling.
Johnny: Hey Noosh?
Nooshy: Yeah?
Johnny: I was wondering when all this mess is over and done with, do you maybe want to see a movie or something?
Nooshy's eyes shot wide open, her ears rigid and burning, and her face seemed to go as red as the suit she wore to Nana's film premiere.
Her temperature rising, she unconsciously fanned herself with her free hand.
Did he just…?
00000
Johnny tugged at the neck opening of his long sleeve. Did I seriously just do that?
Nooshy had not answered but she clearly saw the message.
Oh man, I hope I didn't spoil things between us!
Johnny suddenly felt the familiar vibration of a message being sent.
Nooshy: Johnny...are you asking me out?
Johnny gulped, his mind blank.
Johnny: Um...yeah?
Nooshy: that's forward ain't it?
Johnny clenched his jaw. He felt like something was pulled out from under him, like he had broken something between himself and his best friend. Oh man.
Almost like a zombie, he shakily texted back.
Johnny: sorry, that was forward
He was just about to finish the message saying, I hope this doesn't affect our friendship, but stopped when Nooshy messaged back.
Nooshy: XD Johnny, I'm kidding
Johnny blinked, almost not breathing.
Johnny: Really?
Nooshy: YES, you big weirdo. You just surprised me is all
Johnny: Yeah, I'm sorry. The last thing I ever want to do is make you uncomfortable.
Nooshy: I know. ;) You've always been a gentleman and you've been especially gentlemanly for the past week. Carrying me, holding me when it felt like the world was being pulled out from under me. Thank you Johnny...for everything.
Johnny blushed madly.
Johnny: My pleasure, so...is it a yes?
Johnny pursed his lips anxiously.
His heart seemed to have skipped a beat when the answer came.
Nooshy: I'll buy the popcorn.
A big smile stretched across Johnny's face, so big it made his face hurt.
He pumped a fist. "Yes!" he whispered triumphantly.
Johnny: Great! Any movie interest you?
Nooshy: XD Who cares? They're all terrible!
Johnny: I know right? So...just whenever this whole mess blows over?
Nooshy: it's a date. ;)
Johnny grinned goofily.
Johnny: See you at lunch then :)
Nooshy: You too :)
Johnny laid his head on the pillow of his bed, arms outstretched.
He sighed almost dreamily. Perfect.
Johnny heard a whistle and he lifted his head to see Alfonso grinning at him and giving a thumbs up.
"What?" Johnny said.
00000
Smiling radiantly, Nooshy sighed deeply, savoring the warm feeling washing over her. Her cheeks and ears were burning but this time, it was a soothing, relaxing feeling like an intense ray of sunlight.
Oh goodness...I...I can't think of a thing to say.
Closing her eyes, she placed a hand over her chest and found her heart was racing. Oh God, heart just slow down.
She blinked and when she opened her eyes, she saw someone standing by her bedside.
Startled, she yelped and jumped from her bed, nearly falling off. She looked up and saw that it was Porsha, hands folded in an excited manner, smiling widely.
"Porsha?!" Nooshy cried. "What-?!"
"He just asked you out, didn't he?" the young wolf exclaimed.
Nooshy stared and she pulled her hood over her head. "What was that?"
She mentally kicked herself. That was a lame response.
Porsha squealed excitingly and jumped up and down like a juvenile school girl.
Nooshy covered her face with both hands. This is just what I need.
00000
Johnny heard a knock at his door. He stood up from his bed and answered it.
"Hey Johnny!"
Johnny smiled. "Jimmy!"
The young golden retriever was looking well considering his predicament he had endured the night before. All the concrete had been cleaned off from his body, he was given a change of clothes and was looking well rested.
"I see you're doing well," Johnny said, sounding pleased.
Jimmy smiled. "Aunt Sue sent me to come get you, your dad just got back."
Johnny's mouth dropped. "He did?"
"Uh...Johnny?"
Johnny held up a hand. "One sec Alfonso."
"Yeah man," Jimmy said, nodding. "He's coming up the elevator right now."
Sighing in sharp relief, Johnny walked out of his room but was stopped when Jimmy stood in his way.
"Johnny, wait."
Johnny looked down at the teenager. "What's up Jimmy?"
Jimmy, suddenly looking crestfallen, wrapped his arms around Johnny's middle, surprising him.
"Jimmy?"
"I never got to thank you properly for saving my life, man, twice!" he cried, tightening his hold.
Johnny, smiling lightly, returned the hug. "It was nothing."
Jimmy laughed, tears in his eyes, but then paused when he felt something odd on the back of Johnny's back.
Is that...paint?
Patting the young dog's back, Johnny gently released Jimmy from the embrace. "I'd better go see my dad Jimmy. See ya around."
Johnny turned to leave.
When Jimmy examined the hand that touched the strange substance on Johnny's jacket, he found what looked like dried paint on his fingers, of various colors. He looked up and saw at once on the back of a departing Johnny.
JxN 4ever? "Who's 'N'?" Jimmy asked out loud.
"Guess," Alfonso said, walking out of the shared bedroom, with a demure grin.
Jimmy looked at the elephant ice cream vendor for a moment before gasping.
He covered his mouth to keep from laughing. "Should we tell him?"
Alfonso paused in thought.
"Al?"
"I'm thinking," he said with a coy smile.
00000
"Oi! Johnny boy!" Marcus said heartily with his arms out.
"Dad!" Johnny cried as he happily crashed into his father, giving him one of the biggest hugs of his life. "Where have you been?! You said you'd be back in the morning!"
"I know son, I know," Marcus said, sounding guilty. "But I got a little sidetracked."
"With what?"
Marcus winked. "I'll explain later." He turned aside. "Miss Nana?"
The old sheep stopped fanning to look at the gorilla patriarch. "Yes Mr Egerton?"
"An old business partner of mine wanted me to give you this." Marcus handed the aged singing sensation a thick, sealed envelope. "And don't worry, I checked it. No tracking or listening devices. Big Daddy always knows what to do."
Nana frowned as she eyed the former petty criminal. "Who approached you with this? Were you followed?"
"No ma'am," Marcus said firmly. "I say that with complete confidence. I took a secret passage way back here. Like I said, I always know what to do."
"Good," Nana said, nodding. Then she wrinkled her nose and her face twisted with slight disgust. "And judging by the smell, I think I can guess what secret passageway you used. Shower and change immediately."
Marcus, looking sheepish, bowed his head respectfully. "At once madam."
Nana chuckled and then turned her head a fraction to the left. "Douglas?"
The penguin butler nodded obediently and approached Johnny's father. "Right this way sir."
Not used to being waiting on for anything, Marcus hesitated.
After a stern look from Nana, he relented and followed the butler down the hall towards the guest washroom.
Johnny tried very hard not to snicker.
Nana gave him a stern look as well. "That includes you too, considering you just embraced him."
"Huh?" Johnny said before sniffing his arm. "Ugh!" he exclaimed. "He's been in the sewer?! DAD!"
There was boisterous laughter echoing in the hall.
Nana shook her head. "Well, go on. Make haste."
Johnny lowered his head. "Yes ma'am."
Just as he turned to leave, a spritely voice called out to him.
"Oi Johnny!"
Johnny turned to see Nooshy running towards him.
He felt his heart soar upon seeing that radiant smile of hers.
How he loved that smile.
Nooshy held her arms out, she leapt and wrapped her arms around Johnny's neck and he gladly followed suit as he wrapped his long arms around her tiny waist.
"What's that for?" Johnny asked, smiling.
Nooshy grinned as she held on tight, one foot in the air behind her in a graceful poise. "Consider this routine from now," she cooed.
Johnny blushed. "In that case." He spun her around, causing her to giggle bashfully.
Nana put a hand to her lips, smiling at the sweet scene. How romantic.
"Probably shouldn't have done that," Johnny whispered in her ear.
"Why?" Nooshy whispered back.
"Cuz I kinda stink."
Nooshy wrinkled her nose as she inhaled and then she grimaced. "What the?"
"My dad just got back, he went through a sewer line to cover his tracks...found out too little too late."
Nooshy pulled back so that she was looking in his eyes. She gave him an unimpressed look.
Johnny smiled nervously.
She shrugged. "I needed a shower anyway."
Smiling bashfully, Johnny placed her back on the floor. "Are we ok?"
Crossing her arms, Nooshy raised a playful eyebrow at him before punching him in the shoulder. "Course we are." She patted his chest. "Go get clean big guy."
Face still a bit red, Johnny gave a gentlemanly bow. "At once m'lady," he said in a royally posh manner.
Nooshy laughed as her own blush intensified.
Then she did a little lady-like curtsy of her own, bending her knees as though wearing an invisible dress. "Much obliged good sir," she said in an equally posh accent.
Nana chuckled. Under normal circumstances, I'd rail them for butchering my own proper mannerisms.
Johnny turned to head to the washroom.
Nooshy's smile ceased at once when she caught a glimpse of what was on the back of Johnny's jacket.
Nana saw it too and she covered her mouth in shock.
Her blush intensified even more. "Uh…Johnny?"
"Hmm?" Johnny began to turn around and almost as if the universe had planned this, Ash, followed by Rosita, Meena, Buster, Eddie and Clay turned a corner in the hall, coming from behind Johnny just as he was about to turn his back to them.
"Wait!" Nooshy cried, putting her hands out frantically. "Johnny, don't!"
But it was already too late.
"Hey! Heard your dad just got back John-!" Ash started, but stopped dead.
The others did the same.
Rosita's hands shot to her mouth.
Meena's eyes grew huge, a blank look on her face.
Buster's mouth dropped open.
Eddie did much the same.
Clay simply cocked an eyebrow.
Turning his head to see the new arrivals and when he saw the looks on their faces, Johnny gawked, realizing that something was definitely up. "Oh no! What is it now?!"
Hood hiding the mad blush on her face, Nooshy motioned to him and pointed at her back.
Getting the message, in a flash, Johnny removed his jacket and looked at the back of it.
His mouth dropped open so far and fast, his jaw clicked.
JxN 4ever!
It was obvious who the 'J' and 'N' were referring to.
Johnny narrowed his eyes. I know that artistic scheme. "Caspar, you little munchkin!"
Stifling another fit of laughter, Rosita called out, "Johnny, I promise, Caspar will be punished for this too."
Johnny turned his head to look at the mother of 25. "Too? Did he do something else?"
Nooshy crossed her arms. "Yes...he did." She swiped the jacket from Johnny's grasp. "I'll clean your jacket. You go clean yourself up."
Johnny sighed in defeat. "Fine."
Begrudgingly, he walked down the hall past the others in a slump.
Both Eddie and Clay had amused smirks while Buster was giving them a slashing gesture across his throat, the universal sign saying, 'cut it out.'
It didn't help and both Eddie and Clay started roaring with laughter.
Johnny bared his teeth in embarrassment.
Clay called out to him. "Oh Johnny, I'm sorry. It's just that this has truly never happened."
"I'll bet," Johnny said through clenched teeth.
Nooshy, pulling at her hood, walked in the opposite direction with Johnny's jacket under her arm.
She heard Nana chuckling from behind. "This is almost as good as Nooshy and Porsha's makeover this morning."
Nooshy snapped. "NANA!"
"The what now?!" Meena asked.
Ash snickered. "I'll explain later."
"You will not!" Nooshy cried, pointing at Ash, unwittingly with the folded jacket in hand, the motion causing it to unfurl and reveal Caspar's latest graffiti.
Upon seeing it again, it elicited a new round of laughter from the group, including Buster who could not hold it in anymore.
Even Nana couldn't help but laugh as well.
Groaning exasperatingly, Nooshy refolded the jacket and stormed off. "If anyone needs me, I'll be in the bathtub...with a toaster."
As she made her way down the hall, she came across Porsha who fixed her with an inquisitive look.
"You ok?" she asked before her nostrils caught something pretty foul. "Ugh, were you swimming in the sewers or something?"
Nooshy fixed her with a hard glare. "Quiet you!"
…..