Author:
Audience Rating:
Publication:
Genre:
Character Age:
TG Elements:
TG Themes:
Other Keywords:
Permission:
Jem… Chapter 10.
Chapter 10
We laugh together and there was another one of those moments like the girls just had been talking about. Where our eye met and there was this something but I just not sure what she’s seeing or what she’s looking for.
“Okay, you need some more sleep.” I say taking the empty mug from her once she’s done.
“I feel better.”
“That’s because the Midol’s kicking in and so’s the soup. You’re still glassy eyed and stuff.”
I push her gently back into my bed and kiss her forehead while waving the girls out. I look at her. “Yup, you’ve still got a temperature.” I get up to go out but she reaches for my hand.
“Stay.” She looks so ….vulnerable right then. “Stay please….”
“Okay…”
I move to look for a place to sit and she pulls me to the bed. “I don’t bite.”
“I know but it’s just….I don’t want to cross any lines.”
“Any lines?” she gives me this she doesn’t get it look then nods biting her lip and pulls me in further. “Angel…Jason, look I’m a lesbian that doesn’t mean I’m allergic to anything male. We’re friends and I just want my friend here with me…okay? Like I said I don’t bite.”
“I just wanted it to be okay Raven, believe it or not you’re the first gay person that I’ve ever known and I just didn’t want to…” she hits me in the face with one of the pillows.
“Shaddup I’m sick I need my sleep.” She teases me.
I slip into the bed and we adjust to get comfortable and I slip in behind her and wrap my arms around her with the blanket. “This better?”
“Yeah….” She sounds a bit weepy.
“Raven?”
“I’m okay it’s just I…I…just (sniffle) hate sleeping alone.”
“Well I’ve only slept with Roxy before so I’ll try not to wake you okay?”
“Okay…….tramp.”
We both end up sort of snickering and settle into sleep. I sort of hear the others as they’re doing what ever in the rest of the house and I think I hear Roxy going on downstairs in this cute girly imitation of Cookie Monster singing C is for cookie.
It didn’t wake me but made me smile. I do hear Raven snoring every once in awhile and I actually don’t mind it, it just kind of cute.
………………………………………….. It’s about 3:30 when having to pee wakes me up. Sorry for the TMI.
I set the coffee maker too and while I’m awake and in the kitchen I have a cup of the hot lemon tea after I reheat it. I’m kind of awake from crashing so early with Raven so I take the leftovers from the Tacos and use them to make a couple of fajitas for the girls to take to school. I paper bag them and write their names on them and toss in some cookies…. “Holy shit.” Okay I made six dozen here and I might have had six, but there’s over half of them gone.
I can’t help but sort of feel good about that. If it’s a maternal thing then fine if it’s the whole guy provider thing then fine too. I just think that these girls have been so starved for stuff like this for so long that their like desert flowers seeing water.
I’m pissed actually at their folks, all of them. None of these girls really deserved the stuff they got handed to them family wise. I’ve thought it before that I had a really shitty life but even then I knew that there were people worse off than me…I had my family, and they loved me and dad still loves me even with the whole Angel thing going on it didn’t matter one bit.
They didn’t have family like I did. And they made their own until Summer broke it up.
I heat up some more broth and add a frozen chicken breast I chop up into it and some egg noodles. I get some crackers too and get it on a plate with some of the tea and carry it upstairs to my room. I wake Raven up.
She blinks at me with this WTF look all bleary eyed and stuff. I pass her two more Midol’s and the lemon tea. She takes them and takes a sip. “You woke me up for this?”
“No, you need something to eat in you and…” I pass her, her cell-phone. “you’re calling in sick today.”
“No I’m not.”
“Yes you are.”
“No, I’m not I can’t afford.”
“I got us a paying gig next week and it’s more than you make on your shift.”
“Oh…what?” she’s sitting up and looking surprised, still a little off and just getting awake sleepy eyed but that got her to take notice.
“I did what you said. We’ve got a couple of gig’s playing after Summer’s band with the first one this Thursday and we’ve got a paying gig at a pub next week.”
“Wow…..Uhm…..you….y’move fast on stuff don’t you?” she’s staring at me. I don’t know this look.
I look at her, then the floor then look her in the eyes. “You needed to get out there sooner than later Raven. Summer didn’t just leave it’s been months. I know it hurts, and I know the girls are hurting too but you need to get out there and get playing again.”
“I know but.”
“But nothing Raven, there’s seven billion people on this planet and you’re letting one wreck your life.”
“Hey, that’s……….You should talk Jase, look at your life.”
I could say something, It hurt and…..and….. I set the stuff on my dresser, no…on the dresser. “You should call in sick…and eat that before it get’s cold.”
I leave the bedroom and head downstairs and pace in the living room. She was right, who the hell am I to tell anyone how to live or love or even how to mourn losing that love. This whole thing was just stupid.
I go and I get some of the more neutral stuff of Mom’s from the basement laundry and I go to the bathroom and change, I get out of everything “Angel.” And start to get or try to find something to get the pink out of my hair. I’m looking over the instruction for using peroxide to like bleach it out or something when Raven takes the bottle from my hands.
“Don’t go.” She’s staring at me with tears running from her eyes.
“Why? This whole thing was a stupid idea. I just wanted to pay back what you girls did to help me out but maybe this wasn’t a good Idea? I can just go to the RCMP or something and turn myself in.”
“Fuck that!” She steps into the bathroom and closes the door. “I seen just how beat the shit you were went we first ran into you and you got away. I’m not going to let you do it. You turn yourself in and eventually they’ll release you pending a trial date and you’ll be back on the streets and easy pickings for Adam and his assholes.”
“Raven!” I glare at her.
“Angel!”
We’re glaring and staring at each other and normally it’s be one of those perfect scenes where the main character would kiss the girl in the show or in the story but right now there’s only a small part of me thinking about kissing her. Part of me wants to yell at her or maybe just yell and part of me just want’s to……..I don’t know it just hurts.
“Angel…Jason…I’m sorry…part of me is scared all to hell of you.”
“Of me?......oh.”
“No, it’s not that well it is that but its other stuff too but just… I let Summer get close, and you… (She’s kind of shaking he arm up and down as she’s trying to find the words.)…you’re not her hell she’s not you and in a good as not even close way but I’m just scared of the whole Trust thing…I was a bitch, I lashed out…we do that.”
I look at her and kind of let out a Really shaky breath and I don’t hug myself but I do shove my hands into the pockets of the sweats that I’m wearing and hunch a bit.
“Okay, I shouldn’t have called you on the stuff with Summer.”
“No, you were right. I need to get back out there and we need to get past what she did to me and to the band by showing her that we actually just didn’t dry up and blow away because she wasn’t there anymore.”
“It’s true, she’s just a little narcissistic all her stuff with the new band is very, very all about Summer.”
Raven leans over and she hugs me tight. “We good?”
“Yeah, we’re good.”
“C’mon back to bed, my soups getting cold.”
“Whose fault’s that?”
“I called in sick.”
“Okay, I’ll reheat your soup.”
Apparently with the whole me being upset and the fit I was throwing and the emotional stuff between me and Raven took a lot of time. I was taking the soup out of the microwave when the coffee maker turned on and Raven came in and ate her soup and had a coffee doing what Dad actually does half the time and moved the pot out of the way and put her mug right under the machine and let it fill that way.
I tried that once and I found it really bitterly strong stuff. I guess she makes up for it by eating three cookies. I look at her as she’s dipping them. “Stomach feeling better?”
“Yeah, enough that I feel hungry, sort of.” She blushes. I roll my eyes big time. “What!” she asks.
“You’re not fat, you’re not chunky, you’re not chubby or anything else like that. You were…were…healthy. I honestly think the way you’ve been trying to knock off pounds that you didn’t need to lose ran you down to getting sick.”
“It was the flu Angel.”
“Hey, this is me remember Raven, I went through the chemo and the puking and the weight loss and there is a reason they fight so hard to make you eat and that’s because you need it to stay healthy. Too skinny isn’t healthy.”
“But…”
“Summer didn’t leave you because you we’re attractive Raven, you’re fucking beautiful. Doing shit like extreme dieting and all that crap is just taking away from that.”
“Angel…..”
“Eat your cookie.”
“Okay…..Nom…Nom…Nom…” she’s smiling, this smile that’d honestly catch anyone’s breath as she makes Cookie monster noises with each bite. She’s looking at me and her eye just sparkle and her hair’s a mess and she’s got no make up at all on and she’s just.
Stunning.
I make some breakfast the last third of the pound of bacon and a bit of scrambled eggs and toast and I look over to her and start to sing as I’m cooking just A cappella as I’m cooking.
“Why are there so….many songs about rainbows…”
“and what’s on the other side?”
“Rainbows are visions……..but only illusion….”
“and rainbows have nothing to hide….”
“So we’ve been told and some choose to believe it…”
“I know they’re wrong, wait and see……”
“Someday we’ll find it……..”
“the rainbow connection…”
I hear the strum of the acoustic and Raven must have gone into the living room as soon as I had started to sing and she’s not singing but she’s playing along with me singing.
“the lovers the dreamers and me…”
I keep singing and Raven keeps playing and we get into the song and we’re still going when Brooklyn and Kimmie come in and they both get coffees and lean on each other and they’re hugging an arm around each other.
It’s good.
It’s better than good.
I’m not really sure just how much I wanted this.
But I really, really wanted this.
If you liked this post, you can leave a comment and/or a kudos!
Click the Thumbs Up! button below to leave the author a kudos:
And please, remember to comment, too! Thanks.
Comments
It's not easy being green
is it folks?
*giggle*
We all have our blind spots and insecurities and people in good relationships provide mirrors so you can see the former and reassurances or protection for the latter, and the ability to be honest about them is so essential.
This is still such a cute work in progress.
Kim
Thank you Kimmie:)
I'm so glad that you brought up those things in a relationship. It made me think at another angle for the story. Raven's never had a relationship like this before even if it isn't one and Angel is getting mirrored back to Jason when I think about it and I'll have to take tat into account.
*Big Hugs*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
Eyes shining and a smile
This is going to be a busy day for me, but because of you, I've got a good start with my eyes shining and a smile. Nothing like happy tears to get you pass the ups and downs of a tough day. A message here perhaps? :) Cookies!!!
Big hugs!
Grover
Looks like he is the catalyst healing them all...
And getting healed in return..
Can he an Raven make it? There is attraction but she is hurt and a declared lesbian. He has been hurt, is on the run and was somewhat emsaculated by the cancer treatments.
Can he ever get justice back home? Will he and Raven ever find happyness? Together or just as friends? As himself and Raven or as Jem and Raven or a combination? What of the rest of the band? What do they think? Though I suspect they love him ansd want he best for him/her and Raven. And what of Summer the selfish girl? Will she be a problem?
Sweet.
John in Wauwatosa
P.S. A thought. The girl with the rich but distant parents she got emancipated from. Could they help him -- AKA Jem-- in his legal troubles?
John in Wauwatosa
Thanks John:)
To most of those great questions I'm going to leave to the story. Jase/Angel and Raven are friends and their good for each other, both have a tendency to take care of others before themselves.
On the P.S. Note if Kim's parents got involved they's see Jason as a threat to Kim and their families good name too and would call the police and lord the bad choice in friends over Kim's head.
Glad You're liking this.
Great Comment.
*Big Hugs*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
You're more than Welcome Grover:)
There's nothing like a good song and the thought of Cookies to make the day a little brighter.
*Big Hugs Back.*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
Jason needs them too
it just goes to show we all need help sometimes. I'm glad to see Raven willing to open up no matter how scared she was.
Jason really needs them also.
thanks
Thanks Lonewolf:)
And you're right. Jase really might have gotten in trouble if Raven hadn't stopped him. Jason has a tendency to go off when upset regardless of the consequences....like fighting back against Adam while being outnumbered.
Thanks for reading and commenting:)
*Hugs and Howls*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
C is for cookie
and G is for Great chapter, as always!
Dorothycolleen, member of Bailey's Angels
Darn you
Now I'll get that song stuck in my head!
Thank you Dorothy:)
I had a really odd dream with Jem as in from the cartoon but as a live person singing with Elmo after I posted this.
Thank You Angel Dorothy:)
*Big Hugs*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
Um, hate to ask
but can I borrow whatever drugs you've got? Sounds like I could relive my childhood all over with them
LOL! Thank You:)
No Drugs but some sleep dep, and lots of writing and an overactive brain anyways and mix it up with being a little weird and there you go.
Bailey Summers
Join the Gang Bailey!
We know what you mean, however you have a way of putting it which makes great reading.
LoL
Rita
I'm a dyslexic agnostic insomniac.
'Someone who lies awake at night wondering if there's a dog.'
Age is an issue of mind over matter.
If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!
(Mark Twain)
LoL
Rita
LOL!:) That's great Rita!
I've always had a weird imagination and I get to enjoy it now more.
*Big Hugs*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
Another great chapter... I'm
Another great chapter... I'm glad that Raven was smart enough to listen to Jem. He's been hurt too and I think he underestimates the way he's been treated. I think he doesn't really realizes the extend of his problem. Jem has been totally set up, had to live with murder attempts and forced to flee so bought policemen won't do whatever with him.
That might become a real problem for him, and maybe the others too. I think it's forbidden to aid a wanted criminal. And that's what he is, isn't it?
It's good that Raven takes his sensibilities more serious than he does. Maybe Raven doesn't love him in a sexual sense, but she surely loves him somehow.
Thank you for writing this captivating story,
*hugs*
Beyogi
You're definitely on the right track Beyogi.
Without the proof that Adam was the instigator of things and given the witness statements that after awhile considering he fled he'll be charged in-absentia basically and there'll be a warrant out for his arrest. The girls could get in trouble for aiding and abetting.
Angel/Jase was so hurt and upset he wasn't thinking of just what might happen after her got turned in and just was trying to get away from the place before he made it worse or he got hurt again and that led to the drama moment in the bathroom.
There is love there between the two of them, but what kind and how it'll mature will have to occur in the story.
Thanks for the great comment Beyogi:)
*Big Hugs*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
Ok I don't think I made a
Ok I don't think I made a comment on the last chapter, but both are very good, things are getting more and more interesting, I can't wait to find out how they do at the gigs Angel set up for them :)
And it seems that the fast track diet that Raven put herself on wasn't a good idea at all.
*Hugs*
Thank you for another good Chapter Bailey :)
Robinverse
Have a mew of a day!
=^.^=
Click Me!
Become a Patron!
Have a mew of a day!
Definitely a bad idea the crash dieting.
Raven has a very common issue with a lot of girls over her weight. Then having a break up, it get's in your head, messes with the self-esteem pretty bad. And a really bad diet can make you sick pretty easy.
The first gig will be coming up soon.
*Big Hugs*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
Mutual support
In a way, that conversation between Raven and Angel!Jason emphasises the nature of the relationship between him and the girls - they need each other. Before his arrival, they'd been just surviving together, drifting along without doing much about reviving their musical hobby and I expect not doing much in terms of moving on from before. With Angel!Jason taking on an almost parental role, their lives are getting better and they're about to put their band back into gear - really moving on from the aftermath of Summer's departure.
Meanwhile, Angel!Jason's life is a lot more secure, he's found a trio of firm friends, he can be himself and do what he wants to do without fear of being bullied or victimised. Added onto which, especially if you throw in Angel!Jason's song writing, self-motivation and organisational skills; Starlight Butterfly could be destined for great things, given several dozen gigs and a few years...
It's possible that 'wearing' Angel becomes a long-term prospect, but unlike other band stories, I doubt he'll be stocking up on C18H24O2 or taking an intense dislike to his built-in hosepipe :) Of course, if Starlight Butterfly do become famous, then (especially in other towns) by removing the breast forms, wearing a cap and 'drab', Jason could roam around between concerts without being mobbed as the sweet / pretty lead vocalist of the group.
There are 10 kinds of people in the world - those who understand binary and those who don't...
As the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body, then only left-handers are in their right mind!
Hey Mittfh:)
Great comment and it seems I'm getting a lot of imagery with this story and the scene of Jem hiding from fans maybe is really strongly flowing through my head. Painters hat pulled low, grey hooded sweatshirt and a denim jacket moving through the crowd at a shopping mall.
*Great Big Hugs.*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
The Rainbow Connection
Confession time. After reading this chapter I ramped the volume up on my iphone and skipped around the kitchen as I prepared my dinner to a short looped playlist of Sarah McLachlan singing Rainbow Connection and Ok Go singing the Muppet Show theme (there was also Jane Lui's 'Edelweiss' on there but it's not Jem related, so we won't dwell on it). I think my cat still isn't speaking to me after being serenaded by my off key singing.
Wow. What a chapter. We had a 'nom, nom, nom' impression and 'c is for cookie' (which is now stuck in my head *sigh* it better be on itunes) and the most amazing scenes between Raven and Angel as they both face up to the fact there is 'something' between them. I'll guess we'll have to call it their 'rainbow connection' for now, which seems apt given she's a lesbian and he's sort of tg right now. It seems a little more than friendship but a little less than true love at the moment.
The scene between Raven and Angel in the bathroom was probably my favourite. When she says "don't go" it felt like she was saying to Jase not to stop being Angel as much as she was asking Jase not to leave the house.
And on top of that, the first gig is looming. Get practicing that set list Bailey!
Thank you for this wonderful story.
(Also Erin needs to change the kudos button to a cookie button to properly show my appreciation!)
"Just once I want my life to be like an 80's movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason. But no, no, John Hughes did not direct my life."
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
Wow, Jemima what a great comment:)
I love the balancing act between Raven and Angel being called the Rainbow connection. I really liked how the story is turning out and the arguments with the girl's drama added into it and the getting over it morning scene.
Already building the first show in my head.
*Great Big Hugs*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers
Raven likes Angel, angel
Raven likes Angel, angel likes Raven but Angel still thinks she's Jason wonder when they'll finally figure it out that Raven's a lesbian and Angel's her intended future girlfriend?
Great story looking forward to more, I winder at the mention of the RCMP will Cass run across Angel?
Thanks for sharing.
Lizzie :)
Bailey's Angel
The Godmother :p
If I Remember...
...the locations correctly, not unless the band does a cross-country tour.
Eric
I know just how he/she feels!
When I was driving semi trucks, that was my dream-to just be in a loving family, someplace I could really call home. Ever since I left the family home to live on my own, things have changed. My parents divorced, all of us kids went our different ways and we only saw each other (hopefully) at Christmas. Trucking is unpredictable, and I even missed a few Christmases. (Whine, whine, whine! Geez!)
So I know how it feels to be all alone and far from anyone you know. That's why I was happy that I was forced out of my driving job. It took a while, but now I have my own family and a home. It's wonderful!
Great story, Bailey! I just read the whole thing, making sure I got caught up on my reading. It's very good, and I love the characters. I can't wait to see how things go with Summer. I hope they blow her away!
Love ya!
Wren
Thanks so Much Wren!
Being all alone really sucks and there's a whole lot of people who really don't know how good they have it. I'm really glad that you liked this and everything because there's another one coming soon!
Love Ya Back!
*Great Big Hugs*
Bailey.
Bailey Summers