Chefness

Author's Note. I do not own the setting of Delacroix, Delacroix High,
Delacroix Blue Devils. Nor do I own the Characters Faye, Lust, and
Nick. I would like to thank Red_Elise and Amy K. for allowing me to use
this setting and these characters.

Ch. 1

Some people learn the hard way. They either live their lives in such
reckless pursuit of pleasure, that they never take responsibility for
themselves. Yet others deny most of the pleasures that come with being
human. Few get to see the other way without their thinking ruined by
the path they've chosen. Sometimes a middle road opens up. Sometimes,
things are so get far out of control that the only way to survive is to
ride the wave.

Before that, Robb's life belonged to what seemed a typical family.
Saturday afternoon movies with his dad, watching Buckaroo Banzai drive
through the mountain. His dad, passing him a root beer while he drank
his Michelob. Sylvia, his mother laughing at something that happened in
one of his stories, baking cookies, or watched him playing with
Kimster. Riding their bikes together, Robb's lack of friends kind of
forced a bond between the two. There was an unspoken trust that
existed. They wrestled together, with her never getting out of the
dreaded 'spider' hold. She was always a little tomboyish. She would
pretend her Barbies were soldiers just so he would play with her. Robb
even sat with her as Darth Vader and G.I. Joe had high tea with Barbie
and Skipper. It was a relationship that could have belonged on a
sitcom.

Then his Dad died. His mother became distant, backing away from the
world she knew, it was some time before she could live again. Robb had
retreated into his room, into a world of Wizards, heroes, and online
communication. It seemed his mother didn't have much to say, unless she
was prodding him or yelling. Their relationship deteriorating, the
worlds they moved in occupying different galaxies, let alone different
orbits. His dad had been his best, and only male friend. The rug that
tied the room together.

Robb was one of those guys in high school. Due to his unusual
personality, he was definitely a victim of Wallflower Syndrome. He was
not at the absolute bottom of the totem pole, definitely not popular.
Certainly in the lower third. That fear of rejection always naggling at
him, preventing any kind of social action. He was an unabashed geek,
his young mind filled with movies, science, comics, his short study of
martial arts. He wasn't great at anything. Well, his stories always
got 'A's. Book reports and research papers, no problem

Then there was Melanie. By all accounts, she had gotten him out of his
rut. He stopped moping around his room. She seemed annoyed by Kim, who
wanted nothing more than to be her best friend's friend. They had met
while waiting at the bus stop. All he knew about her was that she was
new and had a very edgy look. All curves and revealing clothes, with
multiple piercings and tattoos; He lost count of the colors in her
hair. He remembered hearing in a movie once that 'you only need to be
bold for twenty seconds. Fuck it, what's the worst that could happen?

:20 "Hi, I'm Robert. I just wanted to say hi and welcome to Delacroix

She's gonna tell me to get lost.

:17 She smiled. "You're the first person to talk to me, I've been here
for three months, and everyone has avoided me."

:11 "Hey, like your earrings."

Okay: Threat detected: Missile inbound

:09 "Oh, She said." Touching her ear. "Etsy. Some of that handmade
stuff is really... Oh I'm so fuckin' scattered."

:03 "I'm Melanie." She offered her hand.

:01 "You wanna go get a coffee after school."

Alright, this is where it all falls apart.

"Sure, but. I don't go to school. I..I.. dropped out." She brightened
as she looked at him. "We could still go. Wanna play hooky?" Melanie
said behind a grin both beautiful and sinister.

"Sure," Robert said nervously, instantly. He'd never done that before.
As long as he didn't make a habit of it, Besides, a girl like this was
unlikely to say 'yes' again. They had a good time. He let her do most
of the talking. Mostly about her being emancipated, and how hard it was
to keep herself together. He was half listening. At that moment, he was
the luckiest guy in the world.

As he months went by, he spent more time with her. His grades began to
drop. And drop. He'd stayed with Mel, despite all her warnings. Sylvia
hated the way she led him by the nose. Everything she said or did was
gold, Robb wouldn't even allow them to question what they were doing.
The end came when finally he'd dropped out of high school, with one
semester to go (her idea). Then he started wearing more black, He had
shaved his head, and after a couple of false starts, grew a goatee (all
her idea). Then came the drugs. He felt funny about doing them at
first. It started lightly with pot and coke, graduated to pills and
ecstasy. He became more comfortable with repeated doses. The new things
in his life completely crowding out the old. The thoughts he had of
writing and going to college drifting away in the clouds of smoke,
replaced by Melanie's embrace. Knowing that he wasn't was alone the
greatest balm in all of Gilead.

His interest in comic books and science fiction novels began to wane.
The relationship with his sister, while once close and tight. had taken
a darker turn. Him alienating her, and some dark secret forcing her to
retreat into the black pit of tween girl angst. Kim started fighting,
the nice girl she had been slowly fading away. Jeans replacing skirts,
My Chemical Romance mostyl replacing Katy Perry. Sylvia's relationship
with her children was fracturing more and more.

Sylvia finally kicked him out, after a Thanksgiving meltdown. He'd
screamed at everyone, defending Melanie. He wasn't high, which everyone
believed in retrospect. But he'd felt justified. They were
marginalizing her, again, the way they always did. He'd had enough of
the way they treated her. He loved her, couldn't they see that?

What bothered him the most what was what he had said on the way out:

"I fucking hate you all." Twelve year old Kim was crying as he walked
out the door, slamming the screen door behind him. The last thing he
saw before leaving was his sister, mother, and aunt staring after him
and Melanie. The picture of them never faded, no matter how much he
tried. Kim looked like she just lost her father... again.

He'd moved into her small apartment, did odd jobs at first. He thought
that there was a way he could get a job, start writing that book, give
them both a shot at a normal life. Getting high started to occupy more
and more of his time, to the exclusion of anything else. After a couple
of years of dead end jobs he couldn't hold. Melanie took charge. Do a
couple smash and grabs a month, everything's covered. He didn't mind
that he was doing wrong. They weren't carrying guns, they weren't going
to hurt anyone. Everything would be just fine...

...as long as he had Mel.

...three years later

Blood.

It was running down his side. Making the denim feel slick to the touch.

"Robb." Melanie gasped as she helped him in to the bathtub, dripping
blood in a wavering line of splotches on the grubby, ash-stained
carpet.

It should have been simple. Get in, hit the register, grab the cash,
and run. Stupid old guy had a pistol under the till. He never heard it.
The bullet punched through both sides of his abdomen. No vitals hit,
but the bleeding wouldn't stop. All the clothes from the back of the
stolen car couldn't mop it up as fast as it was flowing out.

They ditched the car, he was moving the two blocks to their place on
autopilot. One foot in front of the other. So much blood.

He remembered his mom. ..

...his sister, Kim.

His mother smelled the wrong on Mel right away. He saw that now. He
could feel the drugs in his system draining away with his blood. Black
edges began creeping into his vision. He wasn't gonna make it. He
wasn't gonna make up with his mother...

...or his sister.

Christ! That bothered him. Kimster, I'm sorry.

"... s-scared." Robb said, shivering. "... cold. Give me a cigarette, Mel."
Melanie shook out one of the Camels out of her pack, lit it, then put
it in Robb's lips. He inhaled, wincing. "Should have gone to the snow,
like I wanted to do..." He laughed, Fighting off a painful cough.

Melanie lit a joint, puffed it to life. Robb expertly juggled the two
in his one good hand, the one that wasn't clamped down on the wound.
She took the joint back, pausing to see it was coated with blood before
setting it in the ashtray.

"Oh, Robb," Melanie said through her white face. "There's so much
blood. I don't know how to help you." She wanted to touch him, but was
afraid of getting his blood on her.

"Take some of the cash," he wheezed. "Go to the Rite Aid and get some
bandages. I'll be okay for a while."

Melanie kissed him. "Okay," she said, trying to hold back the tears.

"Go, I'll be alright. Bending over a mirror, Melanie inhaled one of the
pre cut lines of cocaine from the mirror. She pinched her nostrils
together and inhaled, tilted her head back...

... and headed out the door, crying.

Robb began to wonder how he ever got into this mess. Every bad decision
he'd ever made began to play out before him, reflected in the pooling
blood. When he told Mel to go to the store, he knew it would be over
before she got back. The cigarette slipped from his fingers, hissing as
blood wicked into the leftover paper.

He saw and felt the dark edges around his vision. He was cold and
tired...

So very tired. He could feel himself drifting off into sweet, sweet
sleep.

A gong rang out with a piercing "CLANG", pure sound rocking him to his
core, cutting through the pain.

A figure stood before him, jerking Robb into alertness. She was...blonde,
cute.

Swirling robes of white, whispered promises of perfection underneath,
even as she moved toward him with inhuman grace.

"My, my. You have gotten yourself into a pickle, haven't you?" She
looked at the cigarette butt."Not exactly the healthy, are we?" She
glanced at the mirror, spying the cocaine. "Feeling good is important,
but why that way? The joy of others ought to be enough. The happiness
of all creates the happiness of the one, which strengthens the
happiness of the all.

"Who... wwhaaa." Robb shivered. Lucidity gradually overtaking him.

"SHHH." She started making gestures with her hands, all the while
staring into his eyes. Such a perfect diamond blue... swallowing up his
entire field of vision. Her smooth, contralto voice sucked all the air
and sound from his senses.

"You have a good soul. Granted it's buried pretty deep. Don't know how
that happened, but it's not important. What is important is that things
are starting to unfold, and unfortunately you won't quite understand
it, yet. You are going to help me.

"Or you could die. I mean, it's up to you, but..."

"I don't wanna die," Robb whimpered, eyes darting. "Please," he
pleaded."Help me. I..."

The Woman smiled," You're safe, not to worry. When you wake up, things
will be a little different. Don't question it. Just remember: you're
getting another chance..."

Don't waste it. The voice said into his soul as the darkness crept all
the way to the middle of his vision and sleep came. Content, restful
sleep.

*******

Melanie came back from the store, clutching the package of bandages
under her arm. "Robb," she called, flinging the door closed as she
rushed to the bathroom.

"Robb?" Panic rose in her voice. "Robb?"

"In here," a voice said weakly. A feminine voice. Oh, no, who'd he
tell?

Coming around the corner, She got nervous upon seeing the empty
bathtub, a thin coat of blood showing pink ran in rivulets down toward
the drain. Mel saw a young woman with platinum blonde hair and a
model's body. Not a trace of Robb, just this woman. Wearing Robb's
clothes, with the same bullet holes in the side of the plain blue t
shirt he'd been wearing. With a large amount of blood in the same
places that Robb's wounds were.

Wait, that can't be right.

She stood there, ran her hands over her side, where he had been shot.
The clothes, Robb's clothes clung to the curves of her body. There was
blood in her shiny hair and around her big, diamond blue eyes.

"Who the fuck are you?" Melanie rasped, cocking hr fist

"It's me, Robb, I..." Their eyes met, level for the first time. "I passed
out, and then my clothes didn't fit...and then... and then" He started
to move his head around the room, settling on a mirror. He hesitate,
staring at an alien shape.

Breasts? Robb began tearing at his shirt, ripping from where the
bullets had torn the fabric. His gunshot wounds had vanished. He looked
back to the mirror as time stopped. Beside the blood and baggy clothes,
what he saw in his reflection appeared to be a normal blonde young
woman.

Her arms and legs were slender, delicate. Her eyes wide and deep, a
perfect diamond blue. The skin flawless, from her tiny, pointed nose to
the dainty tips of her fingers and toes. Her breasts and hips curved
out almost stereotypically. Blonde, almost white hair shined in the
light. His eyes widened, making his reflection seem more seductive.

He brought his hands up to his breasts, accidentally brushing a nipple
with his thumb, Hands shot down to his groin... nothing. He recoiled in
abject horror face screwed up, tears and sobs following each other like
thunder and lightning.

"That's not me," Robb whispered, his voice sounding different, higher.
He covered his mouth instantly.

WHACK. Melanie's fist crashed into the side of Robb's head, knocking
him over. He began to cry.

"It's me. It's Robb. Stop. Stop hitting me." Too many things were
happening.

"Bullshit. You can't be Robb..." Melanie cocked her hand back for another
swing.

"No. No, it's me. I swear." This girl shivered on the floor. Stammering
as she curled herself into a ball.

"Remember that time we stole that car, drove it all the way out to
Loveland? And I left the weed at home?" She was talking faster, her
voice going up an octave. Melanie kept advancing.

"Or when we ripped Felipe off for that 8 ball of coke. And we traded
some of it for that shitty ecstasy. It made you fall asleep." Melanie
stopped moving.

There was that time..." She shuddered, a shaky voice coming between
sobs "...you wanted to have a 3 way with that crazy girl who thought..."
Tears mixed with crusty blood that she wiped away with the back of her
dainty hand. Red and brown smeared into patterns that made her skin
only appear more exotic.

"Or that joint you hid in that hidden spot in my dresser..." The joint in
his dresser? Why would he tell anyone that? Melanie's eyes widened.
Seeing the truth of it. "Robb? This is bullshit. This... this just
doesn't happen."

"What am I gonna do," Robb whimpered. His life, his identity, gone in
an instant.

"I'm happy to be breathing." He staggered over, hugging Melanie. "I'm
alive, Mel." She squirmed in Robb's embrace. Then broke away when Robb
tried to kiss her. She didn't mind girls, wouldn't be the first time.
But, this was too sudden.

"Whoa!" Melanie said. "I'm... I'm not ready for this. Is there any of
that weed left? The beer? I need to get blazed."

Melanie made her way to the kitchen, retrieving two beers out of the
dirty refrigerator. Popped the tops and gave one to Robb. They drank in
silence, as Robb felt the beer going to his head a little faster than
he'd expected. Come to think of it, he coughed a lot when they'd been
doing bong hits. He hadn't felt anything so harsh in his whole life.

Must be really good weed, he mused, feeling the dulling that came with
getting stoned.

Later, after hours of trying to puzzle out how Robb somehow became
Playboy's all- American girl, and after the alcohol and drugs took
their toll. Robb drifted off to sleep. Melanie stared at him, shocked.

"What a cheap date," Melanie lamented, swigging her third beer.

Cheap date... huh? She had an idea...

Chapter 2

"Wake up, sleepyhead."

Robb came to, and...

Oh, My God. The world is way too loud. The throbbing and churning of
his stomach forced him to move, he quickly got up, and ran the two
steps to the bathroom.

And puked. Puked everything he ever ate, his mother ever ate, his
grandmother. Was that a dinosaur bone?? He'd heard about hangovers,
even had the general feeling like shit morning. But, nothing like this?
He retched again.

And again. After what seemed like an eternity. Robb was finally able to
stop hemorrhaging stomach acid. Running his hands over his face, he
brought his hands around, something silky caught in his hand. As his
vision cleared, he saw in his hand what looked like... Shiny blond ha...

Wait a minute. He probably looked like he was having an epileptic
seizure, throwing his body around as he tried to wake up from the bad
dream that wouldn't stop as his hands caressed unfamiliar breasts,
shooting down into his pants. His gaze locking on the mirror...

His diamond blue eyes looked big enough to drink in the world. The
platinum blond hair fell messily around his striking face. His lips
pouty, teeth perfect. He gasped.

"It's real," Robb wailed, bringing his hands to his cheeks, smooth
skin. Tears misting his eyes. "It's real!" Racking sobs came to him,
his knees buckled. He felt a couple of vertebrae connect with the
paneled wall. Melanie came up awkwardly and knelt beside Robb. She put
her hand on him, he didn't seem to notice

"It's okay," Melanie said, her eyes gleaming and red tinged from the
pot. "This is a big improvement over dead." Robb had to agree. He may
not have understood what had transpired, but it was obvious to him that
he had to deal with it.

Melanie tried to hand Robb the bong. " Nah, too early." The fear really
being that any more coughing would start a new fit of vomiting. The
world spun while standing still. He rose to his feet uneasily. The
tears started again, and they just wouldn't stop. He collapsed in
Melanie's arms. She tried to jerk away at first, then just let it
happen. She closed her eyes and pretended it was the same Robb.

"What are we gonna do?" Robb whimpered, his breasts squeezing against
Melanie's. They stood there for a while, long enough for Robb to run
out of tears.

"You feeling better?" Melanie held Robb at arm's length.

Robb looked down. "I guess." He ran a hand through his hair and held it
there.

"Here." Melanie threw him a scrunchie.

"What's this for?" he asked.

"Your hair, dipshit. Ponytail." Melanie pointed to her own hair.

"Oh, yeah. Not used to this," he said, gathering up the shiny mass.
Haven't had hair in a while...."

"Hey," Melanie said, snapping her fingers, exhaling smoke toward the
ceiling. "You're gonna need some kind of ID.... I guess we can call Frank
for that... Clothes. We're gonna have to do something about that, too.
We need to figure out your measurements. It looks like oversized t
shirts until we can figure that out." She poured coffee into two cups,
handed the pack of Camel's to Robb. He lit one, inhaled deeply...

It tasted terrible, never tasted like that before, not unless he was
sick. He grimaced, His head swimming and throat burning as the nicotine
did it's familiar work. He swirled black coffee in his mouth to chase
away the taste of the cigarette. Oh, God, that's almost worse. Melanie
looked at him, confused.

"Is this different coffee? I dunno. It tastes..." Robb looked in the
bottom of the cup. "Bitter."

"You take it black. Always have." Melanie looked puzzled. Robb also
thought it strange. His father had taken it black as well. There was a
hundred trillion things wrong with this.......

...this second chance. Second chance? I guess, why does that seem so
familiar?

What else had changed? What else could? Suddenly sporting chesticles
and getting shorter... How much more could possibly happen? Oh, shit.
Robb thought. I asked. Do I want to know the answer? His head was a
maelstrom. Too many things, too many things.

"Sorry, just don't feel like myself and..." Robb looked up, smiled and
they both dissolved into laughter. Robb's laughter sounded tinged with
nervousness. A slight pain in his abdomen, a dull ache that ebbed and
flowed.

"You don't even have to try to be a smartass, do you?" Melanie smiled.

Robb scrunched up his face. Melanie laughed.

"Well, I've been thinking. No more robbing shit. There are easier ways
to make money."

"I couldn't agree with you more. I don't want to ever get shot again."
He sniffed back tears again, while chuckling. "In fact, I...I." He
looked down at his breasts.

"What am I gonna do?" Realization again. "I'm a girl..."

"Yes, you certainly are. And do you know what that means? Remember how
nervous you were when you first talked to me?" He did. Forget
butterflies. There was Mothra, Godzilla, Rodan, Ghidorah Battling for
supremacy of Monster Island in his stomach. He felt so nervous.

"And you know how most guys like girl on girl, riiiight?"

"So you want me to be gay?" Robb asked shocked.

"I object, your honor. I submit that it would be more gay to have a
penis involved?" Melanie cocked an eyebrow and looked at him sideways.

"I.."Robb started. He slumped his shoulders. "I don't know. Hadn't
thought about sex, seems kind of unimportant."

"Well, Don't worry your pretty little head about it." She grinned
devilishly.

"You might even like it more," Mel cooed, running a hand down his arm.

Melanie had it all figured out. Webcams. A show or two alone could net
them quite a bit. She'd been checking. Ok, So Robb was a girl. Makes
everything different. How did that happen? That thought was chased away
by the thought of the money. Moving from one score to the next, this
seemed like a good idea.

How did it happen? Who cares?

A little girl on girl with Robb... They could start lightly. There would
be a lot of money in this. She looked at Robb, seeing the feminine
creature that used to be her boyfriend. She was beautiful, no doubt
about that.

Blond hair, blue eyes. It came to her. But she would need some things
first. She started making a list, she just hoped this whole idea of
hers would work. There was a lot to do. But, it could be done quickly
with Robb's help. Melanie would make sure to get his help in any way
she could.

Three hours later Robb felt something wrong, a wetness that reminded
him of when he'd been shot, on top of the stomach pains he had earlier.
Fearing that the wound had somehow returned, he bolted for the
bathroom. Hooking his thumbs into the badly fitting jeans, he sent them
to the floor in a jumble. They landed next to the sink. There was a
wet, red smear running down his left leg.

Blood. An inhuman shriek emerged from his throat. A lot of blood. He
started probing, adrenaline flooding his system, his hands slipping in
the blood, hoping to find the wound. He couldn't feel any pain
anywhere.

Melanie practically kicked the door open. "What what? What's wrong why
are you screaming?" His terrified face, paler than usual pleaded for
help.

The blood was, to Robb, gushing. There seemed to be no end. Thoughts
chased each other like a high speed Ouroboros.

"I don't know," he hyperventilated. "I don't know what's... I don't
know" shock creeping into his voice with each repititon, driving his
voice upwards a couple of octaves.

Melanie knew what was going on. Trying not to laugh, she bent over him.
Placing her hands on his shoulders. "Robb, it's okay."

"No," breathing hard. "I'm gonna bleed to..."

"Robb," she said louder. "It's okay. I know what's wrong."

"What... what." Breath coming in ragged gasps.

"You're having your period." Melanie laughed.

As if a switch had been flipped, the hyperventilation stopped, replaced
by peals of girlish, infectious laughter. Wiping tears from his eyes,
Robb saw the humor in this, abstractly. As well as a painful reminder
of things lost. He spent the rest of the day running back and forth to
the bathroom. Melanie had to show him how to use the accoutrements.
Robb refused to call them maxipads, Melanie reminded him that he would
need to change them every so often. He absolutely refused tampons. Like
one would refuse infection with the Ebola virus.

"Uh-uh. I'm not sticking anything in there," he said, the slight bulge
of the pad reminding him of the bulge that was there only yesterday.
While he was irritated, he also felt weak and annoyed.

"Hey, you might like it," Melanie said.

"Do you?" Robb asked. his anger giving way to helplessness. "I don't
seem to recall you acting like one of those commercials you thought
were hilarious."

Melanie frowned. "Any other symptoms? Cramping?" Robb nodded. Melanie
went to the pill stash and fished out a vicodin. "Here. This'll help."

It did, about a half an hour later the squirming of his insides started
to settle. With everything that happened. There was far too many little
things he was going to have to get used to. Getting to the next score
was hard enough. And now, there was even more things to worry about.
Everything was so complicated.

He was bitchy, and that's what bothered him the most. Guys aren't
supposed to be bitchy, godammit.

He was irritated. He was scared.

And, even though Melanie was there...

He felt alone.

********

CLANG! There it was again. That clear, pure sound

"Oh, you're back," said the blonde from the ... dream?...

"YOU!" Robb said, recognizing the face and eyes. After all, they
mirrored his own. "You've got some explaining to do, what the..."

She held up her hands. "Calm down. I just try to provide balance in the
universe. Some things are going to be way over your head at first, but
you'll get the hang of it. There are those who suck the energy out of
the universe. I try to put it back, in whatever way I can. You are to
be my Advocate."

"Advocate? And I have to be..." he gestured to his body. "You? Look, I
mean I'm grateful. I was gonna die."

"But," Robb hefted a breast."I'm supposed to be male. How am I supposed
to live like this?"

"Hey, it took some energy to make that body. So, a little gratitude
might be in order? I needed a giving soul, yours fit the bill. Soul
like yours is usually female anyway. It does happen from time to time.
As to how you are supposed to live? Much like you did. Breathing,
eating. Being female isn't any more wrong than being male is. What is
important is how you go forward from here. Would you make Robb's
choices again?

"Or would you do it better? I have to ask. How did such a giving soul
like yours get into that predicament?"

Robb felt heat rise in his face. He looked at his feet. "I was a good
guy. D&D, video games and comic books. My dad died, school sucked.
Then, Melanie. How do I see all this?...My head, it's so clear..."

"That's because you're using all of your brain at the same time. It's
easier after you do it first time. Usually people just die. Soon there
will be a moment when it'll all come to you, but not yet," Justice
said.

"Tell me more about Melanie."

"I was so surprised she wanted to be with me. She didn't have any
friends, she seemed kind of aimless. I wanted to help her, instead I
got high... a lot. I just stopped caring about what happened anymore.
Yelled at my mother, my sister. Couldn't get a job. Started stealing."

Tears began forming in Robb's eyes. "I didn't want to. But, I was so
afraid of losing her. I remember thinking that."sniff... sniff." I could
help her...and... and. Then we were robbing stores. Like 'no shit, this is
a gun' robberies. Nobody was ever supposed to get hurt. I feel so...so."
The sobs came, heavy, racking sobs, as all of his mistakes coalesced.
The sadness and guilt he had harbored for three long years.

"Well, that explains everything. Kind of like jumping off the bridge
after someone, in the end, two fall."She stepped forward toward Robb.
Embracing him. "It's okay. All will be forgiven. You're going to help
the make the world a better place." Being held by this... epitome of
womanhood seemed to complete him in a way that being with Melanie never
did.

Ever. He was reminded of his mother, his sister.

"You won't remember our conversations here at first, which is kind of a
shame. It'll get through. Slowly. You'll figure it out. You can fix
your life, and help others along the way."

"It's never simple is it?"

"Nothing worth having ever is."

As their embrace broke, Robb stood there wiping his eyes, he asked,
"Who are you?"

"Call me Justice." She smiled, two identical pairs of eyes locking.
"Don't worry your pretty little head about it. It'll come to you," she
said, clearly mocking Melanie.

"We'll talk again. "

* ************

The sound of the coffee pot gurgling, woke Robb. Melanie was standing
by it. Smoking her first cigarette of the day. He felt great, despite
having woken up about a day and a half ago as a male who got shot
during a botched robbery. It still felt like his insides were in a
vice. Yesterday, Melanie had to show him how to use all of those
feminine products he never thought he'd have to worry about

Coffee, cigarette. The thoughts were automatic. He pushed the hair out
of his face

"Good morning, sunshine. Still a girl, I see," Melanie said, throwing
him a scrunchie.

"Thanks," he said. It's strange how I keep being reminded, Robb thought
as he poured coffee into a cup after shaking in some creamer and sugar

"Yeah," Melanie said. "Look, I'm get hold of Frank. We're gonna have to
get you some clothes, too. I don't know how much more of this weirdness
I can stand. You seem to be handling the loss of your cock pretty well.
How are you so calm." She lit the joint. Holding in the smoke tersely.
She offered Robb the joint. He shook his hand at it negatively.
Melanie shrugged and went in for a second toke.

He moved his slender shoulders up and down. "But what good is freaking
out gonna do? I mean 'Excuse me officer, I was shot during a robbery
yesterday and now I'm a girl.' Is guaranteed to get me a room at the
laughing academy." He caricatured a girl the way he always did. The way
he had always imitated Melanie when they argued. Bending slightly over
and widening his already wide eyes. It looked a lot less like a
caricature, and more like a modeling shoot. and the delivery...

He even did the duck face. The delivery was so perfect so...

"Fuckin' Robb." Melanie said as she burst out laughing. It was a truism
that if you talked to Robb for longer than a minute, you would say
either that, or an equivalent. She laughed, the weed going right to her
head.

"I'm gonna go get some thrift store clothes and find Frank. Let's get
you an identity. And what we gonna call you? Don't think 'Robb' is
gonna do it." She giggled. "Robb. I guess 'Bobbie'. That's close
enough, right?"

"Hmmm. Bobbie." Melanie drew out the name for effect. She left.

Great, Bobbie. He had a relative that had called him Bobby as a boy.
How he hated that. 'Bobbie', looked around the place. God, what a mess.
She picked up one thing. Which led to another, and another. Soon, the
house was clean. He turned on the TV. Cooking Channel was on. Some
woman was baking cookies. And it looked so... so...

Simple. God, now he wanted cookies. Melanie was still gone. With no
idea when she'd be back. Robb fired up the laptop and started looking
up cookie recipes. He found one. He'd found all the necessary
ingredients. Even had some chocolate chips left. Saving a handful for
himself, Robb dumped the bag into the bowl. As the ingredients mixed,
Robb could feel a calm, a quiet.

A zen.

Some twenty minutes later, there were cookies. Warm cookies, the
chocolate inside still in its viscous deliciousness. Robb suddenly
remembered rainy Saturdays as a child, when his Mom made cookies. His
dad had still been alive then. He smiled, a happy, slightly less
clouded memory in the jumbled confusion that had been his last two
days.

Melanie walked in the door that evening. She had two bags, one filled
with thrift store clothes, that she hoped was at least a useable size
and the other with burgers. She looked around the room. It was quite
clean. Robb was asleep on the couch, a plate of cookies next to him.

What the...? Melanie had never seen the place so clean. She dropped the
packages and turned to the sleeping form on the couch. She gingerly
eased the laptop away from him. And after setting the device down on
the floor and sliding it under the couch.

She pounced on Robb, startling him awake. Something she did from time
to time, just to see his reaction. He reacted as if he was being
waterboarded. "Hey, Robb, wassup?"

"ummm, Hna way?" Robb was coming around, flailing his arms.

"Got burgers," Melanie said, handing him one. Good, Robb thought,
seeing the yellow paper.Louie's Burgers, definitely better than Pam's

"Ooh, double burger," Robb said, that place that uses the white paper's
burgers are...

"Robb," Melanie said. "Bobbie...Geez, I'm gonna have to get used to
that."

"Could you still call me Robb? Please. At least while were alone." Robb
said, still not used to the new sound of his voice. "I don't think I'm
ready for that." He tore into the burger, shreds of lettuce hanging out
of his mouth. He rolled his eyes skyward. The flavor was almost too
much.

Mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish... jalepeno..

"Khzlpno"

Melanie looked at him funny. "Robb?"

She swallowed, wiping the back of her hand across her mouth. She opened
her mouth and burped, loudly. Melanie burst out laughing, louder than
the burp.

"What?" Bobbie said, the lettuce still clinging to her lip.

"Cute. Sexy, very ladylike."

"Blow me."

"Can't," Melanie said. "No penis."

That deflated Bobbie as she took another, smaller bite of the burger.
"Sorry. Robb," Melanie said.

"You didn't have to remind me." Robb studied his burger, a pink smear
of special sauce interrupting the green of the pickle."Jalepeno."
Bobbie said quietly.

"Huh?"

"The ingredient I could never figure out? The one in the special sauce?
Jalepeno." Robb said contemplatively. "Wuch wich arr doos ghags?" He
said around a mouthful of burger, gesturing to the remaining bags.

"Oh, just some things. I'm not gonna let you sit in the house like some
animal. We've gotta get you ready to go out. But, we'll deal with that
later." Melanie started unwrapping her burger. "How's Aunt Flo?"

"Huh," Bobbie asked. "Aun.."

"Your cycle, Robb," Melanie said, pointing at her groin

Robb glared at her, as if practicing the head exploding trick from
Scanners.

She laughed. "What? You, on your period. From where I sit, it's
hilarious."

"I was forbidden to talk about that," Robb pointed out.

"That's because you couldn't have one."

Robb's eyes narrowed, he could see metal daggers flying through the air
straight from his eyes to hers. "Fall on a porcupine. Not funny."

The squeezing had subsided some, she had to admit "Better."

"Okay." She snickered as she gave Robb another vicodin. Melanie set her
burger down and went to the bags on the ground. She opened one and
fished around inside. She came out with some panties. "I wasn't sure of
your size, so just try stuff on till it fits." Robb reached inside the
bag, Melanie insisted on him taking the whole bag.

He closed the bathroom door behind her. After a few tries, he began to
feel like Goldilocks. Which, after a look into the mirror drove that
image home.

Too big, too small...

Just right. It felt wonderful as the fabric slid up his smooth legs. It
reminded him of just after Melanie cut his hair. The skin of his scalp
seemed oversensitive. His hands gripping at the sides of the garment,
he pulled up...

...a little too hard. He gasped as the pull on his groin caused an
intensely overwhelming wave of sensations. He bit his lip, so as not to
lose control. He looked at the bras, after testing a few, he found one
that felt like it would fit. He hooked it in the front, as he had seen
Melanie do. Turned it around and fed his arms through the straps. When
he looked for more clothes in the bag, all he found was more underwear.
He grabbed the bag and opened the door. Melanie sat on the couch,
lighting a cigarette.

"Was there anything else? All that's in here..." Melanie got up and
crossed the room. "Bobbie... I mean Robb." Melanie said, smiling. She
putt her hand on Robb's wrist. "You're gorgeous." Robb smiled weakly.
Everything was turned upside down, this was probably the best piece of
news since everything happened.

Melanie brought her hand up and touched his face. "I'm not sure how
this all happened, but we've got to help each other... Hmmm. You're a bit
shorter. You look like a teenager," Melanie said, realizing that she
could now look Robb in the eyes. She put his height at around five foot
six. Robb leveled his eyes at her, Melanie leaned in for a kiss. Their
lips touched, tongues probing.

Thank God. Bobbie thought. At least one thing hasn't changed.

Melanie left early the next day. She said something about getting
ready. Robb sat in an ill fitting (though not as bad as his 'Robb'
clothes.) pair of low-rise jeans. She punched a hole in Robb's old
belt, figuring that would do. And his old Go, Betty, Go t-shirt, which
now hung almost to his knees. He tucked the shirt in after looking in
the mirror. The shirt hanging to his knees looking a little too Playboy
for his tastes

At least the bleeding stopped, he thought. Thankful that was over.

Until Melanie reminded him it would happen again in about four weeks.

That tore it. Robb seethed. Here he sat in a body that wasn't his.
With a voice that wasn't his. A life that wasn't his. What was his
anymore? He jumped when he saw a mirror out of the corner of his eye,
thinking someone was behind him. Only to realize that the blonde in the
mirror was him.

After Melanie shaved his head, he couldn't pass a mirror without
looking for a second, as if to say "Oh, yeah. That's right. I got a
haircut." But that was just hair, something that grew back. This was a
whole body. He wondered when he'd get used to the reflection. He wanted
everything to be normal again. He pulled the end of the ponytail and
studied it. He thought of Gwen Stefani. Every gaze at his mirrored
doppelganger made him feel more cut off from everything. Robb never
really had any life plans, but 'Bobbie' was certainly never a part of
it. He wanted to scream, but didn't know what good that would do. He
also knew it would be a girly scream, while he wondered what that would
sound like. NO! He thought of the 'scream queens' from the horror films
he watched.

Why did I think of that? He hadn't thought about any of that stuff
since...

...Melanie. She didn't like movies as much as he did. Hell, nobody did.

That might be something. He began searching the internet, like he used
to. Movies, comics, it was like a homecoming. The joy of finding out
that random tidbit of information. He'd nearly forgotten what he was
like. Soon, it was like the old days. Parkour videos, some cat videos,
his old gaming community. He was working through the tabs when Melanie
came back. Looking up at the window, he saw it was evening. Time had
just flown by. It was then that he noticed more bags.

"More shopping?" Shopping always bored him stiff. Some band tees and
ironic shirts, done. The thought of having to learn how to dress all
over again disturbed him.

"Oh, yeah. You know it," Melanie said, brandishing a cloth measuring
tape. "Come here."

"I don't like that look, you do remember that I know you, right. There
must be some dark purpose you're workin' at," Robb said, trying and
failing to sound ambivalent.

She looked at him, pouted. "Just trying to help. C'mon."He got up and
walked over to Melanie, reluctance showing in her steps. "Gotta get you
measured. We've got to get you ready."

"For what?" Bobbie asked, widening her eyes.

Melanie smiled an evil smile."Tell you later, first things first. Let's
get you measured. Arms up." Bobbie raised her arms as Melanie looped
the tape around her breasts, her waist and her hips. "Let's see, 32-21-
33, about a 'c' cup... You should be pretty easy to shop for. I'm gonna
take a shower. I'm gonna be a while." Bobbie sat down. Melanie began
stripping her shirt off, her breasts lit from the side by the bathroom
light. All of her tattoos were completely visible, even the tribal
'tramp stamp'. With that, she grabbed one of the bags she entered with
and entered the shower. She looked at the bags strewn around the room.
Bobbie contemplated a cigarette, decided against it, and went back to
the laptop.

It was over an hour later when Melanie had come out. She had dyed her
hair. It was now obsidian black, and spiked around her face, like
female anime demons often did. She had done her makeup, mostly blacks,
greys, and other dark colors. Wearing a bustier and some very tall
boots, Robb's jaw dropped.

"Mel?" He felt a stirring he hadn't felt in days.

"You like?" she purred. "Come here, 'Bobbie'" Melanie beckoned semi
seductively.

He went to her. Her use of Bobbie not even bothering him. She slid her
arms around Robb's slender frame and caressed her. Touching lips,
Bobbie inhaled sharply as her nipples rubbed along the inside of the t-
shirt. It was a long, delicious moment, tiny explosions traced up and
down Robb's skin in Melanie's Embrace.

"C'mon, let's get you fixed up. Give me your shirt. Put this one on."
Robb saw that Melanie had bought enough cosmetics to cover fashion
week. We are going to have to ..."

"What?" Robb said, Melanie surveying his face.

"You need a look. I've got mine, and I've figured out yours."

Robb sat in front of Melanie, his eyebrows were being tweezed and
plucked. It hurt. A lot, every time she pulled back there was a sharp
pain, followed by an itch. And, she did it again and again. How did
women do this? I bet they just get used to it, he thought

Then, there was the makeup. Eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, lipstick,
foundation, powder, Robb kind of got lost in the process, retreating
into his head. How did they do any of this? He remembered all the times
in his life that his mom, or Melanie for that matter had said "That's
what you're wearing?" It had been t shirts and jeans for as long as he
could remember. Getting first hand experience about exactly why women
needed so long in the bathroom, made him feel like kind of a dick.
Getting ready had never been more than a twenty minute operation. But
now, there was eyebrows, and makeup, and...

Chapter 3

"Ow." Robb said, jerking his head back.

"Oh, don't be such a..g"

"If you say girl or sissy, I will beat you to death with that curling
iron.

He just didn't want to think about it. He was already looking forward
to scrubbing this crap off. It was like his dad's funeral. He had to
wear a suit and tie. From the moment he put it on, it had to come off.
It felt like wearing another person, not just their clothes. Now he was
wearing another person, and yet another person's clothes. Robb wondered
how much of Robb would survive by the time this was all over.

Oh, God. I must have like 60-65 years in this body. I'm. He saw a part
of his face in the mirror. I'm in here for good, aren't I? Robb slumped

"Hold still," Melanie said, moving the light. She moved back, studying
her work.

"There. You can look now." Robb looked at the clock.

Two hours?

Bobbie looked into the mirror. Where the brows were once flat and
uniform, they had been thinned, arched slightly. It drew even more
attention to her eyes. Making them seem more open. Her makeup had been
done, tastefully. Her reflection practically screamed 'GOOD GIRL
CHEERCOMING QUEEN'.

"Gimme an 'A'," Robb said sarcastically.

"Hmmm, cheerleader, we'll have to do that one. There, now that that's
done, I can get started. Robb, Could you set up the webcam?"

Robb looked puzzled. "Yeah." He said, cocking a sculpted eyebrow. He
ran his slender finger over the mouse pad, activating the camera. Robb
wondered what she was up to. She moved the laptop near the foot of the
bed . Melanie opened the top drawer of her nightstand and pulled out
her vibrator. She leaned forward and repositioned the screen, clicked
the mouse. Then, through the crotchless panties she was wearing,
Melanie reached down, into the velvet. Her fingers probing, caressing,
entering.

Robb looked a little shocked at first. It wasn't the first time he'd
seen this. But, it was the first time he'd seen recorded it. She was
putting on a show, moving and writhing. Alternating the position of the
vibrator, using it in various places, moaning and making faces, Melanie
proudly let her voice be heard. And when the orgasm built to a
crescendo, she turned and beckoned Bobbie over seductively. Melanie
pulled her into the frame and forced their lips together, turning into
a passionate kiss. After breaking contact, Melanie purred at the
camera. "We take PayPal. Information Below. We're waiting." Then she
waved, breaking the fourth wall.

Clicking off the webcam, Melanie turned to Robb. Still short of breath
and covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

"Fuck, I need to rinse off. I shall return." Bobbie looked down at his
vagina. In a small way he refused to think of it as his. Nearly every
step or unfamiliar touch was like touching a live wire. He was just
getting used to walking again. Bobbie went to the refrigerator, grabbed
two of the remaining cookies and poured herself a glass of milk.

Melanie came out in a robe, left untied at the front smoking a
cigarette. "Okay. Here's the big plan." She sat across from Robb at the
card table that doubled as their dining room.

"Yeah, I was curious." Robb said. It was never good when she was
secretive. It was also when she could be at her most devious. This
wouldn't be the first time she talked me into doing something stupid,
wouldn't even be the thousandth.

"Look at you." 'Bad' Melanie said. "You look like an angel. So lilly
white. "She pouted. "So, I'm gonna be the bad girl." She laughed. This
is gonna be great. I bet we have like a thousand bucks by the end of
the week. Do you know how much people pay to see this? And we can close
down, move, do it again. No one will really be able to tell us what to
do."

"We'll be free."

Robb wasn't feeling too sure about this, but there it was. Back to the
'one score to the next' thing. Granted, this was the best plan she had
ever come up with. But, that still didn't make it a good one. He bit
into the cookie, chasing it with milk. Melanie laughed. "Milk and
cookies? Oh, they're gonna eat this up. I'm grabbing a beer."

* ***********

Melanie found Bobbie's costume online the next day. They were going for
a 'sexy angel' thing, she had told him. They set up the website(If
anything Robb's geekiness was finally coming in handy for something) ,
linked the paypal to Robb's old bank account... and waited for some money
to roll in. Melanie was right, for once. "Never underestimate the power
of porn." She said. The money came in pretty fast. With the one video
alone, there were subscriptions coming in, and it had only been a day.
Melanie decided that the next show would be live, and also recorded.

The costume came the next day. Thanks, Amazon. Melanie insisted that
Robb try it on. Robb truly did look like an angel. Lace gloves, a snug,
one-piece garment clung to his body. There were stockings. Melanie
clipped the wings and halo onto his back

"Ready for your big debut?" Melanie said. Offering him one of the
Ecstasy pills she got from one of the many contacts. He took the pill,
swallowing it dry.

Bobbie looked himself(herself) in the mirror. Melanie had done his
makeup and hair. He did, truly look like an angel. The skin flawless,
the makeup perfect. He was either the picture of feminine grace...

Or Hugh Hefner's next wife. Bobbie thought. It had taken hours for them
to be ready. He'd never really thought about it. But so much went into
getting ready. Couldn't deny the result though. Robb lightly touched
the ends of his hair. Definitely sexy, he thought. The world gaining a
shine. Like that shine videogames use when they try to show you the
future. What made him think of that? His body began to feel the
pleasant tingle that was the mark of good ecstasy. The music came on.
The throbbing baseline of VNV Nation's Believe vibrating his skin...
Everywhere. The heat, the flush, the total surrender to the sound.
Melanie cut through the reverie of sensation. Her voice fading into the
beat.

"Ready? "{to believe in something?}

"Ready as I'll ever be." Robb said. Wondering how much more sensory
overload he could stand. The throbbing was everywhere. It was good, so
good, the tingling became...something in his groin. Robb hadn't 'used the
equipment' yet, so he didn't know what to expect. Melanie thought it
would make for a better show. Robb's nervousness was evident as Melanie
looked at the camera.

"Why choose Heaven or Hell, when you can have both?" And with that,
Melanie began kissing Bobbie's neck. He felt warmth spreading through
his cheeks. She pointed her toes, curling them downward. Warm moisture
began oozing from his vagina. He knew it was his, now it wouldn't feel
that way if it wasn't. The pleasure threatening to engulf him, he
grabbed Melanie by the back of her hair and dove toward her. Melanie
moved smoothly downward, trailing her tongue. The ecstasy and Melanie
drowning out the world, threatening to drown out all existence

Down. His chest was on fire as she flicked a nipple with her tongue,
sending shockwaves down his abdomen. Down. Uhhh. The electricity he
distinctly avoided swallowed him whole, fingers twitched, feet shook.
She swung Melanie around to repay her in kind. His face buried in her
crotch. The thrumming of the stereo adding a soundtrack and somehow
editing reality.

It wasn't like the sex he remembered. Not at all. It wasn't necessarily
bett...

UNHHHHH! Oh, yes it was!

UNHHHHH! Control: gone. He bucked and thrashed as he gave in to each
delectable sensation. It was too, too much, each second melting into a
glacial eternity of pleasure and joy, singularity, oneness with the
universe, falling into infinity, and drinking in infinity at the same
time. His whole body shook as wave after wave of pleasure. His tongue
probing Melanie's nether regions. He could feel the pressure build, and
build, and build and just when it built to a point of no return....

CLANG!! WAKE UP!! REMEMBER!! It was more than a sound, more than words.
It jarred him to the quanta of his being, sending every particle
humming with the same resonance, the music fell away, light fell away.

Coherent thought fell away...

"OOOOOOOOH!" Robb bit his bottom lip so hard copper blood mixed with
cherry lip gloss. He climaxed, feeling suddenly full of energy as it
passed through her into the universe. A warm glow emanated from her
midsection as every muscle in her body tensed, then relaxed. He felt...
hollow. And with that, the blow of a thousand hammers entered his mind.

Justice was there and not there. Like a movie he saw it all clearly for
the first time in a 'big picture way.' All of the mistakes he'd made.
He saw the hurt he had caused. He no longer saw Monet's dots, but
Monet's Path in a Forest.

And for what, for this? Dulled senses and hollow feelings? He realized
what Melanie was. What Robb's mother and sister had seen, yet he clung
to it just to drown in sensual pleasure. A pleasure that was eclipsing
him, lessening him.

CLANG!! And with that pure, clear sound, he remembered all of the
conversations he'd had with Justice. Lust, being the Advocate, giving
energy back. The orgasm subsided. His breathing rushed, his body limp
and useless. Tears began forming in his eyes. Something completely
misread by Melanie.

"It's okay," she said, reaching over to shut down the webcam. "It's
okay. I cried my first time, too. Huh, I took your virginity twice. We
got what we needed. Just relax. I'm gonna shower. This makeup is hell
to get off."

He felt... dirty. It was a new feeling. He didn't like it so much. He
thought as he drifted off to sleep. And he suddenly saw what was wrong.
He saw how Melanie had led him by the nose during their whole
relationship. His look, his life.

And all the things he lost. He was being given a rare gift. This second
chance. Wasting it with Melanie, like he had the last one...

No, not this time. And with that. Robb decided that Melanie was right
about one thing.

"Bobbie...' Robb breathed as he drifted off.

* ***********

CLANG!!

"Finally." Justice said. Sitting on the sofa. "I've been waiting for
this. Robb... well 'Bobbie' now." She smiled. " You are going to help me.
I know I haven't explained anything to you yet. I had to wait until I
could get your undivided attention. There are others like me. In fact
there's another one in your town. Nasty piece of work called 'Lust'."

"Lust?" Bobbie looked at Justice.

"You would call her a succubus, steals sexual energy. When she does
that, other energies go with it. You're going to help put it back. How
will become clear to you, you probably know already, inside. Now, this
isn't going to be like some action movie, with constant peril. You're
just going to live your life, and do the right thing. But know this.
There is no going back. Use that creative energy to constructive
purpose."

Bobbie's concerns melted away. Justice was right. Who was Robb now,
anyway? Professional Loser, Junkie: Expert Level? Pariah to his family?
Melanie didn't love him for him the way he did her. He had to put this
all behind him.

He had to change.

Had to be someone else. Someone he could be proud of.

Someone good. Bobbie could be that someone.

Justice saw the change in her resolve and smiled. She knew, she saw the
understanding in Bobbie's eyes. "Good, now go. Put some joy back in the
world. Be my Advocate."

Bobbie saw, truly saw.

He could fix it. And by it, he meant everything.

Bobbie quickly clasped Justice."Thank you. I never said that." Tears
coming, not tears of sadness or loss, but of happiness. Knowing the
holes he had to fill. Before he could build, he had to repair."Mission
accepted." Bobbie said, smiling. Really smiling.

"And I think I know just where to start. I'm going to do this right
this time. I promise."

Bobbie came to, sat up, grabbed some things, and got quietly dressed.
Grabbed his wallet and headed for the door.

Armed with the ATM card that had all of the webcam money(It was in his
name anyway, well Robb's. And it was partially his. He did the work,
after all.). Looking at the mirror, he saw Bobbie. There was a little
Robb still in there, his internet browsing habits unchanged. He wanted
more than anything... To start fresh. And the best place to start is the
beginning. This is gonna be okay. I'm gonna start over.

Robb knew what he needed to do. He got up, grabbed some jeans and a t-
shirt. Pulled on a jacket.

And left. Left to start his new life.

And to tie up all the problems from his old one

Bimbo Kisses, Lollipop Dreams: A Platinum Chef/ Delacroix side story, Part I

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Sex / Sexual Scenes

Audience Rating:

Adult Oriented (r21/a)

Publication:

Serial Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Body, Mind or Soul Exchange

TG Elements:

Bimbos / Bimboization

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Bimbo Kisses, Lollipop Dreams: A Delacroix Side Story.

Robert didn't have anything left to live for. The drugs were barely getting him from one day to the next. Without any money, he and his girlfriend decide for one more score to buy the drugs they craved. But things go wrong, and Robert is watching his life bleed out of a gunshot wound. But he was saved, redeemed by a spirit of justice who only demanded one thing in return: Use this gift to help the lives of others.

Robert was reborn as Bobbie: A cute, blonde teenage girl with a gift for baking and the ability to heal the emotional scars of people who come into her life. One of the first people was Tim, a loser who'd walked down the same dark path she had. With Bobbie's help, he claimed the life he was meant for, along with Bobbie's love. Together they revitalized the bakery he lived above, and bought Cheepskates baked goods to the town of Delacroix.

But her good deeds attracted the attention of those who were Justice's enemy. Lust was a malevolent spirit who fed on pleasure and carnal delight. She targeted Bobbie, first by using her old girlfriend into a "Thrall" who served Lust unquestioningly in exchange for the power and pleasure she offered. Newly christened as Roxx, she tried to destroy her life from the outside. When that didn't work, Lust sent her unwitting Thrall Faye into her life. Faye was confident, seductive, buxom and beautiful. Bobbie was envious of her life. Justice switched their bodies confident that all Bobbie needed to what she was fighting against, but Bobbie developed a taste of the pleasures Lust had to offer.

Bobbie was at first consumed by the new freedom and pleasure that Faye's life offered her. Sex and carnal delight came easily to her, while Faye struggled to adjust to her new life in Bobbie's body. Eventually both girls adjusted to their new lots in life, Bobbie with pleasure and power, Faye with the love of Tim as her boyfriend. but it couldn't last, and eventually the two girls found a way back, their twin resolves strengthened by the challenges they had faced.

Now with the end of the school year coming up, Bobbie has been trying to help her sister Kim become adjusted to the life of a Thrall since she too fell victim to Lust's deception. At the same time, Tim has been growing increasingly impatient to learn just what misdeeds Bobbie had indulged in during her time in Faye's body....

Chapter 76

Faye was looking at her phone. Tim? What the hell did he want?

Does it matter? You’re gonna go.

The timing was confusing, simple as that. Tim’s not gonna cheat on Bobbie.

Driving to the bakery was strange, especially since he was just at her house. What could he possibly have to say to her that he couldn’t say in front of Bobbie?

And, as if to garnish everything, he had asked her to take the back stairs. No, not suspicious at all.

Tim was sitting at the table, drinking a coke. Staring at his phone, he addressed her without looking up immediately.

“What is so important that you had to make me drag my ass all the way out here?” Faye narrowed her eyes slightly, focusing on Tim. Instantly a shower of ribbons exploded around him, humming to life as they whipped and twirled about him like seaweed in a coral reef of color. She smiled to herself, knowing each different color represented a new emotion or desire that he was currently burdened with.

Faye was marked as a Thrall, a servant of a darker power named Lust. That kind of mark has its drawbacks: Bottomless libido, breasts that grew instead of allowing her to put on weight, and a body that was literally made for sex. The trivial matter that she used to be a regular guy before having to deal with any of that only heightened the confusion.

But being able to read peoples emotions at a glance?

You never lose at poker, so at least that's something.

So, thanks for that, Lust.

***

“Hi, Faye.” Tim was staring at the screen of his phone. To him it was funny, because he was looking at a photo of a nearly nude Faye Valentine, whilst the real one stood only feet away. He had the picture strip from Fresh! up on his bedroom wall. The dream he had starring both of them came into crisp focus…Bobbie, Faye. He had this whole strange dichotomy in his head. There was Bobbie on the one hand, while Faye occupied the other. He had been intimate with both of them and both of their bodies, just not at the same time. Trying to figure it out was like trying to decide who was indeed on first.

“Okay,” She said. “I’m here. Please tell me that there’s some new experiment you want me to try. This diet is causing me to be something of a bitch.”

Tim finally looked up. “You could never be a bitch. Like your namesake, coolness makes up for it.” That smile of his popped up, brightening the rooftop. “I asked Bobbie what your real name was.”

Faye’s blush disappeared as quickly as it appeared.

Tim shrugged and chuckled. “But, hell. You are Faye Valentine, minus the ever-present cigarette, of course.”

She watched him look down; yellows, reds and blues were throbbing like an infected wound. Twisting in between each other in tight coils.

“I…” Tim paused for a breath. He couldn’t think of anything clever to say. Every line of memorized movie dialogue fell short by miles. There was a moment that I’ll be back was a good idea. “I…” Tim let out an exasperated sigh. "I don't know what I was thinking. I just got all worked up thinking about Bobbie and the prom and everything afterwards and I guess I started to panic."

"If you're gonna tell me we need to have sex so you can get straightened out, you're in for a serious case of blue balls."

"No!" Tim's cheeks were flushed with embarrassment, streaks of crimson moved in lava lamp like blobs. "I just thought...” He put a hand to his forehead. “Crap...it's so dumb. I'm so dumb. I’m sorry I brought you out here. Now I feel like I’m cheating on…"

Faye felt a pang of regret for being so harsh. Tim was sweet, but fragile at the same time. It was one of the things that drew her to him as Bobbie.

"You thought what? I mean, we kind of did have sex, in the graveyard." Faye felt a concession was in order. Her history

Tim pulled out his phone and showed her the pictures he had amassed from forwarded emails and selfies. “I…”

Faye wanted to slap him, everything she thought about him started to evaporate.

Tim saw her demeanor change. “No.” He said, shocked that anyone even thought he could have the idea.

"I could never… It’s just I’m so confused. I mean. We… when you… were her…. And then we when you was she…” The bodyswapping madness was difficult to verb tense around. “I just wanna know what happened. She won’t tell me, does she not trust me...? I sort of told her everything. She got the freeze dried version. You got the full Dobler. I mean…I don't want to lose her, Faye. She's a part of me. That’s my problem. Is it me? Says she doesn’t want to hurt me. Maybe I’ve seen too many movies, but…”

“Definitely.” Faye snickered. If anything about Tim Flaherty and Bobbie spoke in movie references, the more obscure the better. From silent films to the post modern weirdness of today, they truly had seen it all. The fact that they understood each other formed their secret code; one that only just barely went over Faye’s head.

He still overlooked it when I got it wrong. Bobbie explained with great laughter when she had explained how off her reference mistakes were. Faye overlooked it now.

Tim exhaled hard nasally. “Manic Pixie Dream Girls, Faye. Once they’ve helped you…”

“They leave.” Moisture accumulated at the corners of his eyes. “I can’t just be okay with losing a part of me, right?” The yellow took over with supernova intensity.

“I mean, I can ask you. I mean, am I? Do you think we? Because you've been out with me…”

"What?" Faye said. "You are not Han Solo, nor are you James Bond. Hell, you're not even Ace Ventura."

Tim could see she was struggling for names he’d recognize. Dammit, why couldn’t it be video game characters?

Faye softened the rest of the way."But you are Tim Flaherty. She loves you, and I can see why. She doesn’t do anything without a reason." She moved closer to him, looking even more intently. The colored ribbons of his emotions and desires taking on a solidity she had never seen before. Wish I knew how to help him. “One thing though." she walked closer to him feeling suddenly dazzled by his colors and dazed by the brightness. She grabbed at a yellow blob and pinched it, elongating it into a thread. Then, she dragged it through one of the red patches, only to find a purple one deep beneath the other two.

To Faye, it felt like she poked the handful of ribbon further into the miasma of color. There was resistance as she dragged her hand around. Coming to, she jerked her hand away quickly.

The color swarm began to rotate quickly, the color siphoning away from the center. Tentacular ribbons of many colors shot out and surrounded Faye, closing around her. Squeezing her ever tighter into a tiny point…

“I just wanna know, Faye….” Tim pleaded, he didn’t care what happened. It was Bobbie, he loved her.

“That’s all I want.” Was the last thing she heard before all sound and light got more and more distant.

***

Tim felt strange as the world dissolved away and was instantaneously rebuilt in front of him. He stared upward into brown eyes.

Faye’s eyes aren’t… A flash of Bobbie talking to him with Faye’s mouth, and…

“Ai ya, tien ah. Tzao gao…”

***

Faye looked into eyes that he recognized all too well. The same eyes he'd seen every day for the last year staring back from a mirror while doing makeup, or studied from headshots for modeling portfolios.

Son of a bitch, not again.

Tim screamed something in what Faye could have sworn was Mandarin. He winced reflexively, words jettisoning from his mouth reflexively. “Wrong kind of Asian.”

Tim's cute new features contorted into an expression that might have passed for angry if Faye was too hungover to care. She threw up her slim hands in shock at the unfolding situation.

"Gah! What the hell did you do?" Tim stumbled backward, mind racing to try and reconcile how different her body suddenly felt, voice now seeming to drip with honey. She looked down and couldn’t see her feet, the view obscured by two bowling balls someone must have stuffed under her shirt. How the hell was this even possible? She...she was Faye. Just like Bobbie had been. It made no sense. It wasn't what she'd asked for when she wanted when she'd asked Faye to meet her!

"I don't know!" Faye pleaded with Tim’s voice, "You told me that finding out was all you wanted.. And I got caught up in trying to think about how it happened!"

All you wanted.

Bobbie’s words echoed in Tim's mind. Maybe you don't want to know what happened. If this was what she mean, then Bobbie couldn't have been more right.

Faye stumbled backward, shaking his head as he struggled with his newfound height and shifted center of gravity. He blinked, looking down at himself in a mixture of despair and elation, the two polar emotions mixing like oil on water. A guy again....male? The dream he'd given up on so long ago was suddenly a reality. "Holy crap...I'm a dude...I'm a dude!" His voice betrayed a hint of elation that caught Tim’s ear.

"Wait....are you happy about this?" Tim’s new eyes widened in shock.

Faye looked back at the buxom Japanese girl that was now Tim… he? felt a sudden stirring in his jeans that he hadn't experienced in over a year. "What? No...I mean...well, a little. Maybe. Fuck."

Tim's violet eyes went wide with indignation and a sudden burst of anger. "You did this on purpose, didn't you?!"

Faye recoiled slightly, holding up his hands defensively. The distinctly feminine gesture looked odd coming from a male body. "Tim, breathe. Listen to yourself. You're panicking for no reason, jumping at fucking shadows."

"I think not being me… Me being Faye Valentine is a great reason to panic." Tim shot back, voice trembling.

Tim didn't know what to do. Her whole body was shaking now, completely overwhelmed by fear and emotion. In a moment of absolute weakness, she latched on to her old body. Faye clumsily brought his arms around the body she was driving just a few short minutes ago. Tim's head came to rest against his firm, unyielding chest. There was something about the way Faye’s arms encircled her, like the wagons under Indian attack in old Westerns.

Tim felt safe, like everything would just turn out okay as long as he was there.

"Listen to me.” Faye said, slowly letting go. Tim wondered if the hand that brushed her ass was an accident. “I think I know...how we can fix this. I did it just now. I can do it again, but-"

Tim's blue eyes widened in horror "There's a but?"

Faye paused, trying to give Tim a moment to calm down. "I need time, okay? I can't see the ribbons any more. I need to talk to Bobbie, figure out what she did when she was in your position. So just chill..."

“Ribbons?”

“Look at me.” Faye said. Tim looked up into his brown eyes. “Do you see colors floating around?”

Tim squinted slightly, “So it’s not acid?”

“No,” Faye said, shaking her head. “It’s emotions and desires. What do you see?”

Tim looked closer, someone had spilled a bag of ethereal Skittles over Faye.

His own face. “You look like a vampire from Twilight, all colorful and sparkly.”

Faye laughed. “You couldn’t have said anything more girl right there? Maybe you should give it a chance.

"Why the hell would I want to do that? Prom is next week. I have a hotel room… I can’t go like this."

Faye bit her tongue, resisting the urge to say that being a guy again was all she'd ever wanted. The one forbidden pleasure she couldn't have; thoughts of the girl in his arms and Bobbie together at prom crowding out all others. “This isn't as bad as you think. Bobbie did it for weeks, right? Besides...you might learn something. Fuck, did I ever.”

Tim gave Faye an odd look. Faye rolled her eyes, noting how gaining a second X chromosome clearly hadn't helped Tim's intuition yet. “Understand her more, dipshit. This could bring you two closer."

“Any closer and…” Tim tried to picture being closer to Bobbie, but the thought was suddenly hijacked by a vision of her waiting at the Bakery, lying naked on the countertop, eyes filled with wanton lu-

Tim blinked, shaking her head lightly. Where the hell did that come from? An unfamiliar warmth and tightness in the space between her thighs suddenly rang out like a church bell.

Faye smiled a dudely smile. “Just a little… excited?”

Tim blushed as much as Faye’s skin would allow.

“It’s cool, dude.” Faye said laughing. She hadn’t thought about this moment since those early days when she had still been run over by bicycles and victimized by cheerleader rage.

“Faye… um… my boner’s poking me.” She looked down at him.

“Is it weird that it doesn’t feel weird?”

Faye reached down into his pants and readjusted himself. Tim thought there was part of an ecstatic eye roll in there.

“Look.” Faye said, straightening to his full height. Tim noticed that he seemed to be stretching. She’s just never been that tall before, the vomiting kaleidoscope hadn’t stopped. If anything it sped up, adding inhuman hues into the already dancing miasma. “I might know what to do.” She flipped out Tim’s phone.

“You have to …” Tim started, but to her surprise, Faye already had the call sent.

“Kim? Hi, you think it’s cool if I come by in a few minutes? Cool, I’ll see you in a bit, short stuff.”

Short stuff? What the hell? It was Tim’s voice, but didn’t sound like Tim at all.

“So what about me?” Tim asked, brushing hair over a shoulder.

“Sure you don’t want to try it out just a little?” Faye smirked.

“You haven’t given me a really good reason to consider it.”

Faye’s smirk broadened as he brought his hands forward. She gave the ‘tits of destruction’ a firm squeeze.

Tim wore a frightened look for a second as Faye’s brawny hands grasped the massive protrusions that thrust proudly from her chest. She gasped as the nerves did their choreography into the pleasure centers of her brain.

“Not fair…” Tim said as her eyes tried to look at her brain.

“It’s not all bad, is it?” Faye asked.

No, it isn’t… “Not fucking fair.”

Chapter 77

Faye stood in Tim’s room, looking around. “Blacklight posters?”

“Hey.” Tim said. “Shut up. I used to smoke a lot of weed, remember? There’s probably some old issues of Heavy Metal in here somewhere.” She plopped down on her unmade bed. “Fuck. I…”

“Look, don’t worry. I’m gonna go get Kim, I think she can help.”

“How?” Tim didn’t sound convinced.

“She can still see the ribbons. She’s one of us. Just stay calm and don’t…”

“Don’t what?” Tim asked, the sudden fear of being left alone rising. “If anything, I’m gonna lock myself in my room. Just glad my mom’s not here.”

“I was gonna say don’t go to the bathroom until I get back.”

“I like that skirt.” Faye finished

Faye got Tim as comfortable as he could before Faye went down to the EVO. Getting into the vehicle proved problematic, as his knees rapped sharply against the steering wheel and his head in the frame of the car. A quick look to the mirror and a hand run over the short hairs that stood straight up. The crispy feeling familiar yet different.

“Fuck.” Faye said, reaching down between his legs for the metal bar that allowed the seat to slide back. When she brought his arm back up, forgotten sensations tingled pleasantly through him as he brushed the alien area. Elation of the testosterone that was coarsing through his brain, momentarily reveling in the feeling of the blood coursing through his ears brought out the forgotten joy of added strength and vitality.

Hello, old friend…

***

Tim collapsed in a heap to her bed, trembling. The long, strange hair trailed down towards her lap, the ends folding gently atop her bare legs. She sighed and attempted to gather it behind her neck, opting instead to let it all fall down one side. She looked up reflexively at the mirror and was startled to see Faye there. Her head whipped to the left, sending the newly gathered hair flying. Tim’s gaze rested on the mirror just long enough to see the black and pink waterfall settle.

A small drop of moisture crept into the corner of an eye. Not of sadness, not of dread…

Tim stared downwards, his field of vision engulfed by that very cleavage, straining to be held by a corset top. They were his breasts now. This was his body now.

He was a girl.

Not just any girl, he was Faye. He was stuck in the very body he'd been drawn so inexorably to when Bobbie walked into the bakery naked, save for strategically placed chocolate icing. Just the thought of that caused his body to react in acute fashion. He felt his pulse quicken slightly, his nipples stiffen and swell in their confines, seemingly aching to be touched. and even more strange, instead of he familiar hardness that would spring forth between his legs when confronted by such an image...he felt a warming, a swelling and tightening...followed by a trickle of wetness.

Wow…I…I…I’m…

Beautiful. She widened her eyes and traced a hand down her side, lovingly feeling every tiny supple variation. Even underneath the fabric, the electricity of touch conducted its magical charge.

What does the rest feel like? She knew what it looked like, but if it felt this good now…

Tim knew how to unhook a bra; maybe not one handed, but operation of the garment was not an enigma to her. The springy pop of the suddenly released clasp removed all of the support at once, the heavy breasts falling to a more natural resting position.

If we had tits… He’d said that to Kurt once, finishing the remark about how he’d never leave the house.

Now I have them, and I don’t plan on leaving the house. Not quite what I had in mind. Tim gingerly hefted a breast in each hand, noting their weight. The tactile overload promising to envelope her. Fighting to keep rational, she ran her hands around the large globes. Eyes squeezed shut and trying not to moan too loudly. When her thumbs and forefingers finally reached her large, dark nipples the promise was kept.

“Oh, God.” Tim said luxuriantly as the worry took a back seat to the here and now. “They’re real…”

“And they’re spectacular…”

***

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!!

Kim opened the door and the expected tall form greeted her. “Hi, Tim. What’s going on? Everything okay? You sounded…” She stopped midsentence, the porch light reflecting the pink gem in her lip. Something was different about Tim. When she focused and the ribbons came into view, they were agitated, like something was disturbing their natural flow. Twisting like a spiralling worm; there it was, a slender thread whose complete absence of color only made it stand out amidst the others.

And the colors…

Oh, no way. This is too good to be true.

“Hi, Faye.” Kim started giggling uncontrollably, her body heaving with ragged gasps of breath.

“How in the hell did you…” Faye rasped his hand down his scratchy face.

Kim pointed to a spot on the left side of his chest. “There’s this thread there that’s sort of invisible, but I can see everything around it… That means one of us. Couldn’t be Roxx, had to be you.”

“Elementary, my dear Valentine.” The small girl said, a smile suddenly occupying her cute features.

Faye wrinkled his nose. It was maddening to have everyone know what was happening before him. “Great. Could you come with me so we can get this situation unfucked?”

Kim looked over at the EVO. “Sure.” She reached out a hand and gently ran it along the side of his stomach. He shuddered and half closed his eyes.

“What is that like?”

“You can find out after we get everyone back where we belong. For all I know you might be in here before this is all over.” Faye said, the raging protrusion in his pants making thought a shade more difficult than usual.

“Fine, just let me get my purse.” Kim said. The small girl was gone and on her way back down the stairs. In her hand a blood splattered meat cleaver…

Faye froze. What is she…? There was a sudden fear… blades. I stab, she chops. Makes perfect sense. Relief spread as he realized what it was.

Oh, it’s her purse. He saw the zipper that ran along the upper spine and started to laugh. “Cute.”

“Thanks, Like you said. You embraced it, just thought my thinly veiled anger needed a thinner veil.” She shrugged.

***

Bobbie was still looking at the little figures, it was shocking the level of detail that Beth was able to bring out with a few simple strokes. Tim’s questioning continued to bother her. I wish I could make him understand. But, how could she do that without explaining Rach, Nick, Luka, Heather…

Agee? The thought of him nearly made her gag. The parade of carnal activities read like a demon’s resume, as much as he loved Bobbie.

…If I feel I can’t trust you…

God, that bothered her. Not telling Tim was going to nibble at her psyche.

As she set the figure into the plastic bowl, she wondered what could be done to make him understand.

***

The top and bra had found their way onto the floor. Tim was still staring at the body she now occupied; the supple skin, the pouty lips. And those breasts… She was having a hard time taking her hands away; the unfamiliar tingling sent new signals singing through her body. How far does it go?

Does she feel like this all the time? The mystery of the sensations deepened as the burning traces moved further down to the top of her skirt. She bit her bottom lip as her thumb hooked into the waistband of her skirt, something sounding like a moan and a gasp had a love child. The fire burned hotter as it trailed further down, working its way into that most sensitive of deltas.

She couldn’t help but smile as the skirt slid effortlessly to the floor. Turning, Tim wiggled her hind end and flipped her hair back over the other shoulder. The diagonal lines reaching out from her panties to greet the elastic at the hip, she smacked at her own ass and gave the mirror a smile and a wink… Even the sting feels good.

Tim turned back to face the mirror, she was down to just the panties now. An off white quasi triangle of fabric emblazoned with the unmistakable logo of a popular game console. The broken circle in green proudly proclaiming ACHIEVEMENT LOCKED.

An evil thought crept into her mind. Whatever she looked like, Tim was in there, and judging from the torrent of touch, everything was hooked up properly.

Come on, you wanna know. It can’t be that difficult.

The rationalizing started even before the first finger found its way underneath the snug waistband.

It finished the moment her fingers found what they were looking for.

***

When Bobbie saw that Tim was calling, she thought it was to apologize.

“Hi.”

“Hey, blondie.” Faye’s voice returned through the speaker. “What are you wearing?”

“Blondie? What the…?” Tim had never spoken like that to her.

“That’s right, toots. It’s Faye.”

“Faye…” Bobbie let confusion play on her face. “What the…”

Reading her thoughts, Faye continued. “I don’t know. I did it this time, and I’m not sure how. I have Kim here with me…”

“Kim? Why?”

“I can’t see the ribbons anymore, I need Kim for that. Don’t worry. I’m sure we can fix this quickly. I just got the body back, don’t want Tim pulling a Bobbie 2.0”

The confidence in Faye’s voice made Bobbie relax a little. “How are you holding up?

“Me? Fine. Just like riding a bike right?”

“Hmmm.”

“I’ll keep you posted. I’m headed back there right now.”

“Okay. I’ll see you soon.” Faye flipped the phone shut and tried twice to lodge the phone in cleavage that wasn’t there.

***

Roxx had the icepack on her wrist. Need to stop doing that catch with this hand. For the first time this month, there was a little extra money left. Roxx took that money and purchased a new couch, finally getting rid of the old one that had so much mileage on it from Robb, Kim, Mary, and only Lust knew who else over the lifecycle of shitty American furniture.

After the little altercation that left at least one assailant concussed; or probably worse now that she thought about it, she knew that Nikki was following her home.

Not good business to leave your best player unprotected, right? Boris and Yevgeniy were no fools; unauthorized activity was dealt with swiftly. Definitely swifter now that their ownership of the club had been consolidated. All of the operations were running under a single roof. Boris and Yevgeniy even had converted the old cistern into a safe.

Roxx watched the ice melt around her wrist for the next hour, reducing the swelling. She considered a painkiller, but decided that she needed to keep the pain at the forefront to avoid exacerbating the injury. She was due to pick up some new product tonight, just glad to have a minute to think. Now, if only someone would kill that music…

***

“…then the ribbons were solid. That ever happen to you?”

“No.” Kim said. “At least not that I know of. Didn’t know that was possible.”

“Me neither.” Faye said, resting an elbow on the EVO’s door.

“So?” Kim asked.

“How’s the penis?”

Faye’s raucous laughter played out over the heavy bass of the dubstep track, cancelling out the music and turning it into discordant noise.

***

Tim’s rough sheets had a different smell to them, musky, different. She turned her head into both her shoulder and the mattress. Pain blossomed as her teeth found purchase, the hurt blended with the heavens. Her hands moved faster against her crotch as the swelling plateaued while the tightening built. The confusing trickle threatened to burst the dam that she was finding more and more difficult to reinforce with thought alone.

What the hell…oh my god. Scenes from a thousand movies played at once

She pressed her tongue into the roof of her mouth as control slipped away. Time, too was lost in the fog; one of the thoughts that Tim couldn’t have involved the length of time that had passed while she lay there.

***

“Glad I have the key. I really hope this is an easy fix.” Faye said, shaking the keys loose.

Kim was still chuckling. “Still can’t believe its Tim up there, can’t wait to see this.”

They climbed the stairs, just before reaching the top there was a sound; a single yap from one of those flipping toy dogs.

That can only mean…. Shit.

Faye walked in, greeted by the sight of her body sprawled out on the bed, naked and glistening with sweat as Tim writhed about in carnal ecstasy.

"Oh god..." He said, smacking his palm against his head.

Tim squeaked in surprise, yanking her hands away as she stared at the intruders. "I...uh..."

“Busted." Kim said, smiling like a Cheshire cat. Faye was still laughing, its severity renewing itself. Tim was scrambling to get the sheets over her nakedness.

“No no.” Faye leered. “Take your time.”

“Jeez, Faye. Narcissus much?”

“What? Not like I’m not gonna do that later.” Faye let the honesty hang out.

“Ewww.” Kim said. “Don’t wanna know.”

Faye rolled his eyes at Kim. "You're a Thrall too last I checked, so I'm gonna assume you did exactly the same thing as soon as you got your mark."

Kim blushed, looking away "Maybe..."

"That's what I thought." He said, tossing a bundle of clothes that landed at Tim’s feet. "You did, I did, and Tim's having her turn."

Tim picked up the bundle hesitantly, not familiar enough with her new anatomy to know which part of her naked body she should give priority to covering first

. “Wait...you mean you're...uhm..." Tim pointed a delicate finger at Kim. Kim was Bobbie’s sister, duped into giving over to Lust while she lay in a hospital bed recovering from an overdose orchestrated by Roxx.

Kim nodded. "Yeah, a Thrall. Look, it's just a thing with every girl marked as a Thrall, from what I can tell. We get sexier, we get more curves, and we get a sex drive that would make a nymphomaniac blush."

Tim swallowed. Hard.

"Just part of the package." Faye shrugged. "There's other stuff, like being able to see peoples emotions. And every Thrall gets one unique ability, too."

Kim nodded. "Yeah, I haven't had much chance to practice mine, but...I think I can affect people’s desires."

This was way too much to take in at once. Tim stared at Faye. "What's yours, Adamantium claws and a healing factor?"

"Inflatable boobs." He said flatly. "Stay away from the snacks."

Tim was about to object, when Faye looked at his phone. "Shit, we've gotta get going. C’mon, buttercup. Get dressed.”

Tim got up and slowly fed her legs into the undergarment, she felt the fabric slide smoothly up her legs, nestling into the spot that had so recently seen much activity. The bra proved more difficult; after wrestling her breasts into the cups, she began to contort herself into impossible shapes trying to get the small metal hooks to meet up. She grunted as the first hook caught.

“So, is this gonna be easy to fix?” Tim asked, pulling the top over her head and pulling her mass of hair from behind her back. Tim was pulling up the skirt, the sliding fabric caressing every square inch of her proved to be almost too much. Absently, she wondered how much her bottom lip could take.

She stood before them. “Okay.” She said timidly, using her hair to hide the blush.

Kim turned around and looked. She whistled lowly.

“What?”

The small girl squinted. “I can’t read you like everyone else.” There was a small thread, it moved through the colors like a living prism, burrowing into infinity. “But, I see how it ended up.” She turned to Faye. She reached out and touched the thread, the sudden jolt made her jump.

“I…I’m kind of afraid to touch this, it feels weird.”

“What do you mean?” Tim blurted, sounding vulnerable. “I’m… I’m stuck like this” She wailed.

“I’m sorry, Tim. Let’s get you to Bobbie.”

“Okaay.” Tim said, inspecting Faye’s footwear and looked at the multitude of straps. “Now, how do you put these boots on?”

***

I guess it’s my turn to do all the worrying. Bobbie’s thoughts were starting to run counter to each other. “I guess I can skip school and run the bakery, with Prom going on next week… Dammit, now I’m talking to myself.” She was also pacing around the living room. Bobbie was thankful that Nick had gone to bed; between finals and studying, his schedule had been hectic.

The EVO pulled up and Bobbie leapt like a coiled snake she got out to the car quickly. Kim waved, her face stuck between a wince and a smile. After Tim got out of the car, Faye followed. He stood to his full height, closed the door and leaned on the car. Tim ran awkwardly towards Bobbie, but stopped just short.

“What happened?”

Tim threatened to burst into tears. “I wanted to know what happened, so I asked Faye when you wouldn’t tell me…”

Bobbie’s face hardened, acquiring a motherly disappointment. “Why would you do that? Maybe I didn’t want you involved in all this… this…”

“Bullshit.”

Tim groaned, slumping her shoulders. "I'm sorry, I just didn't know what to do...I panicked. I love you, I just thought…"

Bobbie's stern facade melted at the sight of Tim's obvious fear and confusion. She slipped off the apron she was wearing and smiled warmly as she approached him.

"Just calm down, okay? I've been in your position..." She paused as she saw him glare are her.

"Poor choice of words." She conceded. Probably not the best time to bring that up.

Tim groaned softly. "But this is so...weird! At least you were still a girl. I...feel so strange. My body feels so different...the sensations are overwhelming. Ecstasy without the lockjaw." He closed his eyes and leaned into Bobbie. Safe behind a wall…

Full…

Complete…

Protected…

Whole…

Bobbie hid a grimace, her mind flung back to when she'd first awoken to find Robb had vanished, only to be replaced by Bobbie. She knew all too well what he was going through, and it made her heart heavy for him. Tim let go after she realized that the sudden urge for chocolate needed to be sated. Reaching into the case with a dainty hand, he retrieved one of the few cupcakes remaining, the chocolate icing inviting.

“Oh, god. Not again.” Faye said.

“Tim, wait.” Bobbie reached forward and grabbed her wrist, Tim released the chocolate treat. She turned and grabbed a cookie from another plate. “Here.”

Tim brought the eyebrows together. “Sugar free. Give the girls a break.”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Faye grinned. “I could stand to see a little more.”

“Faye.” Bobbie turned back to him, her face stern again. “Stop talking. This isn’t going to last.”

Tim bit into the cookie, tired of not understanding.

“Oh, please someone tell me what’s going on?” Tim said, scooting up onto the fondant station. She bounced on her

“Faye’s a Thrall, and through the magic of bullshit. So are you.” Kim said, opening her hand as if unveiling the Prestige.

“What is all this Thrall business?” Tim asked. “I don’t understand, is it like a succ…”

Faye grinned as he sat on the countertop, leaning back with his legs spread obnoxiously wide. "Lemme make this really simple for you."

"Oh please do, since this is your fault to begin with." Tim said, cute face twisted into a scowl.

"I'd always had Lust knocking at my door. She was always trying to get something from me, always trying to make an offer that I couldn't refuse." Faye beamed confidently. "Never knew what it was, because I never did what she asked. That meant that I got to live life like a fairly normal girl."

Tim contemplated that for a moment. "Why did Lust follow you to begin with...I mean, did you always look like...well...me now?"

"Not important." Faye said dismissively. Tim already knew too much about her shared history with Bobbie. And he had bigger problems to deal with now. "What is important, is that the second Bobbie got the keys to my body, she folded to Lust’s requests faster than The Flash on laundry day."

“Hey. Not the best time.” Bobbie snapped.

“She wants to know so bad, let her find out.” Faye said; her distinctive hand wave seemed more violent, quicker. More male.

“Not that way.” The more things change… Bobbie thought.

“Let’s just get this fixed.” Bobbie said, exasperated. “Seriously, body swapping… Kirk Cameron ...” She shuddered.

Tim shook her head in agreement. “Please.” She put the rest of the cookie into her mouth.

“Yeah, Bobbie.” Kim started, squinting again. “There’s this… wait a minute. It’s different, shorter.” She turned back to Faye, the invisible skein was similarly shorter.

Bobbie took a turn to look. She understood Faye’s colors, even though she couldn’t see them. Bobbie looked forward to the day when she had it all figured out. Learning to readapt to seeing the darknesses rather than the ribbons of color had been relatively simple.

But she saw it…

A slender, sickly grey thread pulsating through itself with all the splendor of a black and white bloodbath.

Bobbie turned to look at Faye and saw the same emptiness that both she and Roxx had given off, struggling for air and writhing near his heart. Her blonde hair trailed behind her as it whipped around to look at the thread of Tim that was trapped inside Faye.

“Tim.” Bobbie breathed, putting her hand on Tim’s chest.

“Mmmm.” Tim gasped, grasping her wrist and forced her to squeeze. “Your turn.”

Bobbie shook her hand away. She knew Tim couldn’t help it, it only made her feel more sorry for her trapped boyfriend. She reached for it to no avail, her hands passed right through it as sure as if it was being held prisoner in another non-Euclidean spacetime.

“I never wanted this for you.” It was Bobbie’s turn to cry, all of this had gone far enough. She turned again. “Kim?”

“Yeah, I’m on it.” She moved towards Tim and reached for the thread and looked nervously at Bobbie. “Just keep an eye on things, okay. I don’t wanna.”

Bobbie cut her off. “Yeah, just be careful.” She smiled at him. “He’s a part of me.”

“Me, too.” Faye called out. “You’re the only one to ever really get inside Faye Valentine.” He snickered.

Kim pulled at the thread, moving it slowly. Just like Operation… Don’t touch the sides.

Bobbie saw it get hung up on something and it seemed to stretch. “Stop.” She said abruptly.

Kim let go of the thread. “What? What’s wrong.”

Bobbie pointed, “There’s like a block… there.” She circled her finger.

“But it’s just a yellow patch with some blue in it, there shouldn’t be…”

“Trust me, Kim. Something’s wrong.”

“Tim.”

“Hmmm?” Tim brought her eyes up, they were blue. Not the same blue as Bobbie’s; a deeper blue, a darker blue shot through with tiny purple flecks.

“Oh, shit.” Kim said.

“What?” Bobbie asked.

“Everything just changed. He’s all…”

“You’re pretty.” Tim said, with a giggle that bordered on impossibly cute.

“I don’t…” Kim gasped. Tim’s hair started to lighten, the dark streaks of the extensions holding their color to the bitter end. They, too changed to the golden blonde that was rapidly taking over. Bobbie’s face also showed surprise. Faye rose and crossed the space between them quickly. He reached out and tugged on the blonde locks that were still lightening as he moved.

“Owie.” Tim said. “That hurt.”

"Blonde?!” Faye exploded, his anger sounding unusually distressed. “Are you fucking kidding me? Like I don't get enough crap looking like a bimbo without the blonde hair! Fuck, “ He said, pulling his hand away. “And it looks like I’m stuck with the length for the time being. Godammit, Bobbie, how long am I gonna pay for all of your shit?”

“C’mon, Faye.” Kim said, adding a small laugh. “You make a cute blonde.”

“Goddamn.” Tim said, looking at her reflection in the dead screen. She pulled the new curtain of hair away from her face. “You’re not kidding. This is ….. a… terr… horr… …um, a bad thing.”

“Hey.” Kim said. “This is just as much my fault as anyone’s.” She looked back at Tim, her Asian features looking even more exotic surrounded by the blonde hair and blue eyes.

“Look,” Bobbie said. “We need to get… her back to your place. And I’ll keep an eye on her tonight. Faye. You’re gonna have to sleep here. Can’t have Myka asking questions…”

Faye sighed. “At least I’ll be able to change clothes.”

Kim snickered. “Yeah, especially socks.”

Faye grinned back. “Trying to creep into my fantasies?”

“Ewww no.” Kim put up a hand. “Now I want a shower.”

“Bobbie?” Tim asked mousily.

Bobbie softened as she faced the room’s other blonde.

“Yeah?”

“Can I have another cookie?”

Chapter 77

Faye’s taxi service made its stop at Sylvia’s. Kim walked up to the house.

“You’ll be back early tomorrow?” Tim said from the back seat.

Bobbie turned to look at her. “Did your voice just change?”

Did it? “Just something in my throat.” Tim said with a chirpy cough.

“Don’t say that.” Faye said, pulling away. “God, I don’t wanna sound like I have a helium tank crammed up my ass.”

“Well, there’s enough room.” Bobbie shot back.

Tim giggled again, allowing it to continue for a length of time far longer than anyone would deem appropriate.

“Fuck.” Faye said, rolling her brown eyes.

The trip to Faye’s was mercifully quick, Everyone got into the living room to find Nick sleeping in front of the television, the game’s title screen on a repeating loop.

“Shit.” Bobbie whispered. “Stay here.” She went over to Nick and gently shook him awake.

“Nick.”

“Hmmm.” Nick was communicating through the wall of sleep.

“You should go to bed.”

“’mmmmkay.” Nick rose and shambled his way down the hall. A sock stuck to the back of his shirt. Tim started giggling again.

After the door closed, Faye turned to the girls and said… “Welcome to Casa de Valentine.”

“Oh, and Taylor.” He twitched his thumb down the hallway.

They got Tim into Faye’s room and the place suddenly seemed crowded with way too many people. Tim climbed up onto the bed. “Ooh, soft.” She placed her hands over the comforter, feeling the smooth fabric play underneath her fingers. She saw GIR off to the side. Aww, he’s kinda cute, even if he is green and weird. The stuffed animal came into her hand and she stared at its face.

“This is starting to go too far.” Bobbie said.

“Tell me about it.”

“Easy for you to say. Looks like the only one getting what they want right now is you.” Bobbie looked back to see Tim with her phone out, arm extended and smiling prettily at the camera.

“Son of a bitch.”

“Yeah,” Faye said back. “And she has to go to school tomorrow.”

Bobbie sighed. “I can run the bakery. Not too sure how long. You gonna be okay with Myka?

“Yeah, no problems. Just leave and act busy a lot?”

Bobbie scowled. “You take care of him.” Her face showed concern, but on an epic scale.

“Like you did?” Faye snapped.

“This isn’t about me, Faye. He’s a part of me, remember?”

Plans were made for the following morning.

Bobbie sighed.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this…” She said as she watched the EVO pull away.

***

The room was dark, and she felt amazing. Sure there was no light and it was frightening to wake up in a strange place. But I feel so good.

Why is my hand down there? Withdrawing them seemed like such a horrible thing, why would anyone take their hand away if it felt that good? Something brushed against her chest. It, too felt fantastic. In the dark, she could make out the black stitch lines.

Hi, weird doggie.

She got up and crept around the unlit room. Bobbie was here somewhere. Tim looked around for a second before realizing what had happened. Bolting upright and looking at all of her surroundings. Her breasts tingled as a hand brushed them, the nipple stiffening instantly.

Shower. Tim grabbed the small pile of clothes that sat next to the bed and snuck into the bathroom. She was still startled at her reflection.

It was almost like someone had cast Bobbie in one of those Japanese cartoons. She put her fingers up in the peace sign lips pursed slightly. When the shower came on, it sounded like an inviting rain. Stepping in felt invigorating, the tiny splashes working their way up and down the unfamiliar territory.

Tim stood in the shower, cascades of steaming water clinging to every curve of her luscious, curvy body. She glanced down at herself, mind still in awe that this was even real. That she'd gone from being just a regular guy who baked cupcakes for a living to being stuck in the body of an Asian sex nympho.

Suddenly the image of Tim...no, Faye catching her pleasuring herself popped into her head, and her body seemed to instantly respond, signing with delight as her hands roamed around the slick, soapy landscape of sensitive curves and forbidden treasures. Her mind seemed fixated on that expression on his face as he watched her wantonly rubbing her smooth, hairless crotch, desperate to satisfy the newfound cravings that overwhelmed her body. T...no, Faye dammit. Why was it suddenly so hard to remember that he is really the girl and she's the guy? Tim was fantasizing about him as she touched herself, unable to control her mind. When he walked in on her, he wasn't upset that she was naked or touching herself. That look on his face...he was enjoying the show! The sudden realization rocked Tim's mind as a sultry moan escaped her lips, hands roaming about her body, rubbing and squeezing with a mind of their own.

If only he were here right now... She thought. I would wrap my boobs around his thick cock... Or better yet my lips.... I mean, it’s mine, right? The thought was enticing for a fleeting moment as her hand slide effortlessly down her wet body.

It wouldn’t be weird, would it?

She was carried away in the fantasy, fingers rubbing the wonderful, sensitive slit between her legs. It felt soooooo good to rub, too! Without her knowledge, the tattoo on the small of her back was glowing feverishly, new lines forming on the Kanji as it seemed to...evolve...growing into a more elaborate and ornate design, developing fangs and wings that elongated and crept towards her shoulder blade. At the same time Tim felt the sensations coming from her crotch increasing, and all of a sudden she in full climax, body jerking and spasming with little explosions of pleasure. It was fantastic. Better than anything she'd ever experienced with Bobbie or Faye.

"Oh yessssssss..." She moaned. A great release swept over her, and Tim fell to the shower floor, huge tits bouncing softly. It felt so good...and she was so horny, the water stinging her face as she moaned in delight. Her mouth gasped for air as she continued to squeeze and fondle herself.

As the orgasm began to subside, Tim reached up to turn off the faucets, mind struggling to process what just happened.

"Do I like boys now?" She wondered aloud through the fog of arousal. It seemed like kind of a rheto...reetor...dumb question. She was definitely just fantasizing about a guy, and it felt really good! Why should she be worried about that?

Stepping out of the shower, Tim looked at herself in the mirror and was shocked by what she saw reflected back. She had barely begun to get used to seeing Faye's face in the mirror....but now it was different! She was still Faye, but...different. She had full, pouty lips and a gorgeous face, framed by long, thick blonde hair and big, gorgeous blue eyes you could get lost in. She looked like almost like a real life Barbie...!

Blonde hair and blue eyes… just like Bobbie. She’s so pretty.

Tim giggled at the thought, eyes roaming down as she discovered her body was different too...somehow it was even more curvaceous, her hourglass shape looking like Jessica Rabbit with an almost impossibly narrow waist, flat tummy and bigger boobs. She hefted them gently and bit her puffy lower lip at the amazing sensations radiating from them. They felt like big, sensitive bowling balls in her dainty hands. God, this feels good, she thought. No wonder Bobbie said they were her favorite part of being Faye.

Before she could stop, Tim was gently smoothing and rubbing them around her chest, pinching the nipples and groaning hotly in a new, breathier voice. They felt so good, it was incredible! She fell against the bathroom sink, fondling them in earnest.

***

Bobbie heard the sounds from the bathroom and didn’t think anything of it at first, then… Tim. She’d been in that body too, and knew exactly what Tim would be doing to make those kinds of sounds. Tim was exiting the bathroom when Bobbie appeared at the door. Bobbie had to do a double take, not just for the fact that her boyfriend was completely naked, but Tim's body had changed so radically without warning.

Bobbie couldn't believe what she was seeing: Thick platinum blonde hair that reached down to her bare ass. Sparkling wide blue eyes. Thick, plump pink lips. A body that seemed even more impossibly curvy and alluring. Wha...how was this possible?

“Hi, Bobbie.” Tim whispered, smiling. Her eyes sparkled with their wide open expression. “I took a shower and something weird happened. I look all sexier and stuff now!"

“Tim...” Bobbie was speechless. She still looked like Faye, if Faye crossed "Asian" off her character card and wrote "Bimbo" instead.

“It’s okay, Bobbie." Tim bit her lip like she was sharing a secret. "I didn’t know my body could feel like that, it was so nice and…” Bobbie’s mind reeled, trying to reconcile what had happened to Tim. This didn't make any sense! When she'd been in Faye's body, the worst that would happen was her breasts would grow if she ate too much junk food. This seemed like a whole other level.

"Tim!" She hissed though clenched teeth, trying to keep her voice down. "Aren't you freaked out? This isn't something to be so calm about!" Tim crooked her head to the side, giving Bobbie a curious look.

"Why not? I know I didn't want to be a girl before, but that was before I took a shower. Now it feels really nice and tingly."

Bobbie shook her head, "Are you even listening to yourself? You're smart Tim, Smarter than me. But now you sound like a total airhead!"

Tim pouted. "Don't be so mean. I didn't ask for any of this...I'm just trying to do the best I can."

"Okay, you're right..." Bobbie took a deep breath, trying to relax. The bimbo has a point.

“Besides, it'll be okay." Tim beamed, going from upset to upbeat without pondering the gears in between. "Kim and Faye can fix this; you guys are all so smart.” Bobbie was about to question the logic of that when Tim brought up her arms and hugged Bobbie, leaving wet spots on the front of her clothes and a nipple partially visible through her white nightshirt. Tim giggled, cupping her huge breasts in her dainty hands as much as they would allow. “My nipples look like yours.”

Bobbie's cheeks flushed. “Are you okay?”

“Okay?” Tim giggled again as she brought up those narrow eyes that sparkled azure. “I get to go to school again, isn't that awesome? I missed you guys. And now I can really be part of everything.” Tim was bouncing on her heels, clumps of wet hair dancing about. “I know that I’m ‘posed to be someone else, but…” Tim shifted her weight, settling on the opposite hip. Her breasts bumping into each other like a Newton’s Cradle of tactile joy. “This is okay if it’s just for a little bit." Bobbie nodded her head. This is weird, but I can deal, she reminded herself. She's still Tim, just...ditzier. "I wanted to ask you…” Tim leant in close, speaking in a hushed voice. “Do you feel like this all the time?” Bobbie looked at her strangely.

“Like what?”

“Y’know…” Tim blushed. “...Horny?” Bobbie inhaled to speak when there was a soft knock at the door. Tim eeped and ran back into the bathroom, peering cautiously out of the door.

***

Faye stood at the door and waited for Bobbie to open it. When she did, he was greeted by part of a pink nipple as it stuck out through the transparent spot that the water caused on Bobbie’s white shirt.

“Jeez. Who got naked first?” Faye asked.

“Definitely her. I thought Heather made him burn that shirt?” Bobbie quipped, gesturing to Faye's grungy ensemble.

“Why? It’s the coolest shirt he had. I found it in a bag with a bunch of other stuff.”

Bobbie looked away nervously. “Uh...I’m a little worried about Tim.”

“Yeah?” Faye said, widening his eyes. “Did you hear that he’s in Faye Valentine’s body?” Bobbie made her mouth a tight line.

“Why don't you see for yourself?” Bobbie looked at the body of her boyfriend as she walked out of Faye's bedroom. The t-shirt Faye was wearing was too tight for his chest, depicting a winged heart on fire that had been wrapped in barbed wire. She'd never seen Tim wear that shirt before. Tim’s long blonde hair trailed down in drying clumps to her crotch, highlighting the fact that she wasn't wearing anything below her navel. Faye stared at Tim, his face aghast with shock before he turned back to Bobbie and silently mouthed the words "What. The. Fuck?"

Bobbie pushed him into the hallway as Tim obliviously milled around the kitchen, trying to figure out breakfast. "Don't make a big deal about this, okay?"

"Big deal?!" Faye was having trouble not shouting. "My body looks like it should be on the cover of Playboy!"

"Your body is on the cover of Playboy." Bobbie remarked dryly.

"Yeah, well...Playboy of the Year." He muttered sheepishly. Faye turned her head to check out if the back had improved as much as the front had.

“And who’s idea was that?”

"I'm not kidding." She hissed. "I have just as much right to be freaked out as you. That's MY boyfriend in there.” Bobbie forced a smile. “But if I can keep a lid on this, so can you."

"What the hell happened?" Faye said as he tried to steal another glimpse of the pantsless bombshell from around the corner.

"I don't know!" Bobbie's voice was strained with exasperation. "She went in to take a shower looking normal. Then I heard her...well... doing what Thralls do...then she came out looking like that."

Faye smacked a palm against his head, though he seemed to be calming down. "Mighty fuck. For any other group of people, this shit would seem unusual."

"Right." Bobbie muttered. "Then you should know as well as I do that freaking out isn't going to get us anywhere. And, don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Movie references. It just sounds weird.”

"Fine." Faye groaned. "Lemme go talk to her at least.” Faye harrumphed as he pushed his way into the kitchen. Tim’s tortured t-shirt was barely covering her breasts, the fabric wicking water away from the long blonde hair that trailed to her midsection. “Blonde. Good god. At least that didn’t happen to me.” Faye wondered what would have happened if Lust had decided that Kane become a beach bunny.

Tim seemed confused for a moment, not knowing how to react. The body she had just been fantasizing over was standing here in front of her. But, Bobbie was here too. And she was her girlfriend.

Or was she?

“Faye!” Tim hugged herself close to him. “You figure anything out? You’re so smart.”

“No.” Faye said, giving a perfunctory pat on the back as Tim’s breasts squished and flattened against his midsection. The response was so fast, it nearly violated causality. Tim felt it too, her new instincts taking control as she held herself against him.

“Mmmm.” She said dreamily. “That’s for me, huh?” Faye looked nervously at the bathroom door that Bobbie has slipped into.

“C’mon, babe. Let's get you ready for school.” Tim let go and jumped a tiny jump and clapped her hands.

“Babe.” Tim giggled.

We really need to fix this, Faye lamented. The girl and the former girl made their way to the makeup table that sat in Faye’s room. “Okay, just sit there.” Faye said. Tim complied docilely, turning towards the mirror. Faye looked at the various things on the table and looked over at her closet. He opened the wardrobe and started pulling things out. The low rise jeans that were pulled out met with disapproval.

“I think I can handle the skirt.” Faye stole a glance of her bare lower half, feeling hardness return like he switched on a lightsaber.

"I don't think you're an authority on how to dress yet."

"I think I know what I want to wear." She said matter-of-factly.

"Here I just thought you were just really friendly and hated pants."

Tim wrinkled her cute nose and squinted her eyes with a tiny headshake. “That shirt makes you look like a douchebag.”

“It’s your shirt.” Faye shot back. Tim rolled her sapphire-blue eyes as if Faye was the dumbest person in the room. “Fine. But remember you asked for it.” Faye handed her the skirt as he reached into the closet and started with the underwear. When he turned around to hand over the corset top, Tim was completely naked, slowly sliding the panties up her smooth legs, allowing the sheer, silky triangle to nestle in its natural position tight against the source of all the new sensations. Her knees buckled some as she struggled to regain balance, oblivious to the scene of pure, untainted sexuality she presented.

Faye swallowed. Hard.

“Uh....Need to crawl before you can sashay, princess.” Faye said, handing over the top. Tim had the shell of the support garment around her torso, but had a hard time lacing it up. Her dexterity stumbling with the aglets.

“You need to… here.” Faye turned to pull the laces tight through the eyes.

Tim put her hand atop his hair. She giggled. “It’s all crispy.”

Bobbie walked in to see Faye kneeling in front of Tim, face within licking distance of her breasts. “Really, Faye? I can’t leave you two alone, can I?” Faye scowled as he looked to Bobbie.

“Tell that to your boyfriend.”

“I wanna be pretty." Tim shrugged as she looked at Faye. "You always dress pretty when you're a girl.” Bobbie facepalmed. When she brought her hand away, Faye was pulling out belts and a top that was just long enough to cover the corset, leaving a tiny slit that exposed the bellybutton.

“Still got hair and makeup, we good for time?” Faye asked.

Bobbie checked her phone. “Yeah. I guess I’ll make the coffee.”

Faye grinned impishly. “Any chance for-”

“You say a sandwich and I will remove a testicle through your ear.”

Faye scowled again. “I swear, I'm glad I'm a guy."

Bobbie’s stern look got hard enough to cut diamond.

“Faye? Fuck you.”

Tim giggled again at the sound of the profanity.

Faye turned back to Tim’s hair and felt a slight exasperation. Running the comb through, he noticed that the color had gone all the way to the roots. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the comb had failed to find the extensions. Faye looked, but couldn’t find the added hair.

Which means… Goddammit, Lust.

***

The coffee was filling the living room with its aroma while Faye and Tim sat on the couch. It would have been an unusual sight, seeing Tim putting makeup on Faye and fixing her hair.

Nick stumbled across the hallway blearily. “Mmmm. Hey, Kane.” He murmured as he entered the bathroom. Faye stared back at where his friend was. a moment ago, face aghast.

Tim, confused looked down at Faye. “Who’s Kane?” Tim asked with a look of vexation.

“Nobody.” Faye said, affixing the hair bow with the glass eye at its center.

Bobbie brought in three coffees, stopping to look at Faye’s handiwork. “Faye, what do you think you’re doing?”

Faye looked up from behind Tim, now working a comb through her hair. “She said she wants to be pretty. What do you want me to do, give her a potato sack?”

“Just going to throw her in at the deep end?”

“Yep.” Faye said, depressing the actuator on top of the hairspray can.

Tim couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. Sure, she wasn't supposed to be a girl, but now that she was one, it just made sense wanting to look pretty. It's still kinda confusing with happened to her in the shower and how she got totally blonde and super curvy, but it just felt awesome! So why not get some cute clothes to show herself off?

It'd be dumb not to.

Bobbie went to prepare her own routine while Tim and Faye finished with Tim’s state of readiness. When she came out, Bobbie was more than a little stunned. Tim was dressed in Faye’s clothes, the new proportions made the clothes even more suggestive than they would normally. Faye had done her makeup with heavy eyeliner and purple shadow, her pouty lips coated with an eggplant color. The hair had been weaved into French braid that allowed the bulk of the length to trail down to that luscious derriere. “Faye…”

“What? I didn’t overdo it.”

Tim looked down. “I wanna see!”

A split second later she was in the bathroom, Nick unceremoniously ejected into the hallway... “EEEEE!” She squealed with giddy excitement.

Faye glanced nervously at Nick, wondering if he'd caught on to what happened yet. Instead he sighed and retreated to his bedroom, muttering "Chicks..."

“Wow, I thought I was pretty before.” Tim beamed as she twirled, hoping to catch a glimpse of the piece of reflection she couldn’t see. She marveled at how the gorgeous blonde staring back from the mirror was really her. Tim was just a guy who blended into the background wherever he went, but now she was a total hottie! Tim almost wished she was a guy again just so she could check herself out.

Wait. Did she just almost wish she was a guy again? Wasn't she supposed to be a…?

“That’s right, honey. You’re gorgeous.” Bobbie called from the living room, wishing Tim would hurry up so they could get out of there.

Tim giggled as she blew a kiss to herself in the mirror, reveling in the sight of her reflection doing the same before she sauntered out of the bathroom, hips swaying alluringly with every step. Faye couldn't help but stare as the sight of sexual fantasy that stood before him. Everything about the girl seemed to whisper promises of fulfilling every desire you didn't even know you had.

“Kim’s gonna meet us in the parking lot. You’re not gonna be there. I can’t be.” Faye put a hand into a pocket, thumb hooked just outside.

Tim wilted. “You mean you’re not coming?” Bobbie looked at Tim, her expression that of a five year old being told that she couldn’t take her cat to show and tell. Her heart melted. Even as a pretty girl, all Tim wanted was to be with her.

“I can’t, sweetie.” Bobbie said, wondering if the term of endearment sounded condescending. “Someone has to watch the bakery.”

Tim’s eyes got even wider. “Oh…oh… darn…”

“You can see me after school, okay?”

Tim’s smile crept back. “Okay.” She said as she bounced into a hug with Bobbie.

Faye looked at the almost sweet scene and laughed, only to be surprised by an armful of Tim. “You’re gonna be there too, right?”

“I’ve got…” Faye noticed Bobbie nodding with wide eyes. “Sure.”

“Yay.” Tim clapped again.

“Alright.” Faye said. “Let’s get this short bus running.”

***

During the whole ride to school, Bobbie stole glances at Tim in the back seat. Every time she looked, Tim had out the pocket compact Faye had given her and seemed to be studying every nook and cranny of herself.

Tim ran her tongue across her plump lips, the sweet taste of her lipstick made her totally giddy. No wonder Bobbie did all those Playboy pictures when she had Faye's body...it'd be a crime not to show off your body when you look this good! Tim's sapphire eyes widened as she realized that she was even hotter now, since all that stuff happened in the shower.

And she had Faye's body now, not Bobbie! Tim's thoughts clouded over as she began to daydream about what it would be like if she was the one they were taking photos of. Her body responded instantly with a thrill of delight, her fat, pink nipples stiffening against the fabric of their confines to the point where they were clearly visible the next time Bobbie turned around.

The sudden stop caught her off guard, and she turned to see that true to her word, Kim was waiting at the parking lot’s entrance. Bobbie climbed out and walked around the other side of the car, opening Tim’s door.

“Thanks, Bobbie.” Tim said, turning to hug Bobbie again once the door closed.

“You two can kiss, it’s totally okay.” Faye said.

“Yeah.” Tim said. Bobbie kissed Tim on the cheek and said. “Have a good, day. Kim here’ll keep you out of trouble.”

“Right?” Bobbie said, turning the full blue gaze on her sister.

“Yeah. C’mon Tim, let’s get you to class.” Kim said. Bobbie and Faye watched Tim chatter excitedly to Kim as they walked away.

The two Thralls walked off. Sending Thralls together alone to a high school, great idea… What’s the worst that could happen?

Faye kept watching as Tim’s hindquarters swung back and forth like a metronome. He inhaled hard through his teeth as he started the car.

***

Faye’s science class would have bored the pants off of Tim when she was a guy. Now it was positively soul destroying. She bit her lip, thinking about the tiny skirt she was wearing. It was all breezy, which was nice. Tim didn’t understand why people were staring at her. But she liked it! Being Faye was so cool; everyone kept looking at her and trying to pass her notes when Mr. Hodgenson wasn't looking. Most of those were messages like, "What's your number?" and "Are you free for prom?" One even said "Show us your tits", which made her giggle. That would definitely make the class more interesting.

One of the really neat things about being Faye was that when she kinda squinted, Tim could see all these colors around people, like ribbons and stuff. She liked the way the colors cavorted and danced.

When the bell rang, Tim got up and walked slowly to the door. Wondering if her hair was okay, she decided to go to the bathroom before class. It turned out that her hair was indeed, okay. But, her lipstick showed a smudge. She pulled out the lipstick and removed the cover…

SMACK! “Excuse me, you wanna…”

Tim turned to the voice. Rachael… I remember her! She’s so cool.

“Ho. Lee. Shiiiit.” Rach said, surprise showing on her face like she had won all the lotteries. “Oh my fucking god. BABE! You’re fucking gorgeous.”

Tim giggled. “Now you sound like Bella.”

Rach reached out and grabbed the braid. “Blonde? Never would have thought you’d go for that. Tired of listening to me try to girl you up a little more?”

“Tired?" Tim gave her a curious look. "It makes total sense! I’m a girl, right?”

Rach laughed. Faye was acting different, that was for sure. Was she trying to prank her or something? Okay Faye, let's see how far you wanna take this...

“You sure are, babe. Hey, wanna go get our nails done later?”

Tim looked at the tips of her fingers. The old polish had flaked off in a couple of places. “I’d like to, but I’m gonna see Bobbie and Tim tonight.” The thought of not getting her nails done seemed like such a horrible thing.

“Ooh. Mom’s out of town this weekend. Some craft fair.” Rach grabbed Tim’s hands and held them together. “I think we definitely are overdue for a sleepover.”

"A sleepover? Sounds fun."

SMACK! Kim entered the bathroom, a nervous look shot through her face

“Hi, Faye.” Kim said, a little worried that Rach was there. Don’t blow it, Tim.

“Kimmie!!” Tim said, causing Rach to give an even more baffled.

“Kim, right?” Rach asked

“Yeah, Bobbie’s sister.”

“Oh. Cool. Well. I’m gonna get a move on. See you tomorrow, Faye?”

“Of course, silly. Can’t wait.” Faye launched into an unexpected hug.

“O…okay.” Rach said, turning away and wondering how far Faye would take this.

Tim turned to Kim. “Did I do okay?”

“Yeah, I think we’re in the clear. Now what’s tomorrow?”

***

Bobbie had managed to get everything ready and open, and only five minutes late. The two customers that waited patiently outside got an extra cookie in with their purchases. It illustrated just how much Tim was doing to keep everything running smoothly. Now, instead of working too hard, she marveled at how much he got done.

When Hudson and Hobson came in with the morning coffee, Bobbie was glad to have the extra caffeine.

“Where’s Tim today?” Hobson asked…or was it Hudson?

“He’s sick. I’m kind of playing hooky today.” She smiled brightly, handing over the banana bread. “You’re not gonna arrest me are you?”

“Why? You have a suitcase full of heroin back there?” Hudson said…or was it Hobson?

Bobbie took the banana bread back and replaced it with another one that she inspected closely.

“Yeah. Take this one. Can’t have you guys itching suddenly.” She put a hand to her mouth. “Oops.”

They laughed. “Tell Tim we said hi, hope he feels better soon.”

“Me, too.” She said to the closing doors.

“Me, too.”

***

Tim couldn’t believe how nice everyone was being. If only he could have been a girl the first time. I mean, I totally just would have gotten a ride home and then…. It was just a bunch of sad thoughts back there. They were nice people, especially Stephanie.

The bell rang and kept any serious thoughts from becoming too serious. It was lunchtime, she remembered that that was the best time to see her friends. It would be different friends, but it was always fun with friends.

She saw Kimmie wave her over with Bella and Amber and Heather and….

Beth, she was really cool, too…

Tim scooted in next to Kimmie and Beth retook her position. Heather kept staring at her, she couldn’t figure out why.

“Holy fuck, Faye.” Bella said, Tim giggled. “What in the fuck happened?”

“What do you mean?” Tim asked blankly.

“I don’t know, Bella.” Beth said. “I think it’s pretty.”

Heather’s face was looking like a slow motion kaleidoscope, so were Bella and Amber’s. Beth alone seemed unperturbed by Tim’s appearance.

“Ooh.” Tim said, pointing at the rolled up magazine sticking from her backpack. “Is that the new one?”

***

Rach couldn’t believe what she was seeing, Faye was sitting with Bobbie’s friends and reading Teen Cosmo?

How far can she possibly take this? The sleepover would be the place to find out. Her mind started turning over, wondering form the final test would take.

***

Heather couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Faye, the tough and sexy iconoclast that let her set herself free had…

Devolved into some Alpha Male fuckbunny fantasy? In a day? Does Playboy have some virus that does that to people?

And where can I get a vial?

Suddenly, Faye was just that much less cooler.

Faye turned a page while Beth looked on.

***

Faye was having a fantastic day. His face itched a little, but that didn’t bother him, small price to pay.

Hey Lust. Bite me.

Having something to bite again was a hell of a consolation with what happened.

The EVO swung around Delacroix. The feeling of being big enough to own the rice rocket was a distinct change of pace. What to do first?

First stop? A huge pastrami sandwich with mustard and pepperonicis?

Faye conceded to his strange urges and sought out the nearest deli. It didn’t take very long, and soon the greasy sandwich dazzled his tongue with the sharp acidity of mustard and crunchy pepperonicis. The liter bottle of Coke was nestled between his legs as he continued his tour of town.

The auto parts store caught his eye and Faye suddenly remembered his brake lights.

Not what I would have chosen to be my first official male activity, but why not.

Faye knew that he had some time before he had to get Tim from school. There was definitely enough time for everything.

Bimbo Kisses, Lollipop Dreams: A Platinum Chef/ Delacroix side story Part II

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Restricted Audience (r)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

TG Elements:

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 78

Bobbie was still trying to figure out the plans for the school cake; it was just such a daunting project. There’s got to be something like 20 sheet cakes here. The amount of limes that would give their lives to form the tasty grass of Slacker’s cove would number in the dozens.

She took stock of the inventory and saw the small amount of inventory that remained. Worry about Tim sent her deep into the freezer to get one of the root beer ice cream sandwiches. Bobbie bit into it. The cookie snapped perfectly, the ice cream separating. The tiny black flecks perfectly distributed throughout the smooth creamy center…

Tim. Bobbie wanted to cry, but wouldn’t allow herself to. This was his idea; all of it, the bakery, and the ice cream…

And these goddamn cookies.

The treat was long gone and Bobbie was lost in thought. She knew something was wrong, why was Tim acting so…

Blonde?

It had to be something about whatever it was that she saw that made Kim stop. Had to be.

The door opened and a wall of blonde and purple suddenly appeared before her.

“Bobbieeee.” Tim said, grabbing onto the bakery’s occupant. Faye followed in soon after, the shirt dirty and a smudge on his face

“Hey.” He said.

“What did you do today?” Bobbie quirked an eyebrow.

“Finally fixed that goddamn brake light.”

Tim gasped. “You know how to do that?”

“Yeah.” Faye said with an unspoken of course. “Don’t you?”

“Don’t be silly.” Tim laughed, letting go of Bobbie and latching onto Faye. “You’re so manly.” She giggled. Turning back to Bobbie. “Did you sell lots of goodies?”

Bobbie smiled. Still thinking about the bakery.

“Most of them. How was school?”

Tim smiled broader than she had ever seen Faye smile. Her blue eyes were clear, but vacant. “It was sooooo fun! The boys were all super nice to me and Rach invited me to a sleepover and…”

“What?” Bobbie asked.

“Ummm, yeah. I was gonna mention that. I guess Rach’s mom is out of town, usually we…”

“I know.” Bobbie said. Tim looked around for the muffins.

“The carmapples are gone? Awww. I really wanted one.”

Bobbie went to the freezer and retrieved another of the ice cream sandwiches. Tim’s eyes widened.

“They’re done?” Tim clapped and took the cold circle, Bobbie turned to make sure the freezer was latched. Faye looked at Tim out of the corner of his eye.

Tim immediately began licking the middle seductively while stealing a glance at Faye. She knew he saw, the skin got all red around the dark smudge.

Silly boy, he’s embarrassed? Why?

“Here, put this on.” Bobbie handed a glove over to Faye.

“What gives?”

“Beth and I have this; just keep out of the way.”

“I’ve worked here before.” Faye said, indignant.

“What goes in the banana bread, walnuts or almonds?”

“I…I….” Faye reached for the knowledge, but it just wasn’t there. “Dammit.”

“Right. You burned your hand; you can keep an eye on Tim.” Bobbie looked back to see Tim snapping a selfie, the flash dazzling her eyes and making her blink several times.

When Beth finally showed up she was excited to see Faye there.

“Hi, guys. Ready?” Beth seemed happier than usual.

“Hi, Beth.” Tim said, waving cutely. Beth waved back.

“Awesome, now that we’re all here. How about we add some extra bacon to the first batch?”

“Yeah.” Bobbie said. “We can do that.”

“Someone burned his hand today.” Bobbie jerked her thumb to Faye, who held up the gloved hand.

“Oh. I was just thinking that maybe we could sell it. I tried some on a salad and it was really good.” Beth said, Tim brightened.

“That’s a good idea. That means you can still have sugar and bacon on a diet…” Tim bounced, as if the revelation were of biblical importance. She looked down as light caught the glossy paper of the Teen Cosmo she had started earlier, but she couldn’t remember what she read exactly. “Can I read that again?”

“Good idea, Beth.” Faye said, leaning towards Bobbie. “Can I get a kiss?” Faye’s smirk threatened Bobbie’s personal space.

Gritting her teeth. Faye, you’ll die for this. Bobbie acquiesced and kissed. She braced against the tongue. It didn’t feel familiar at all.

Breaking the kiss, Bobbie hugged Faye close.

“Don’t ever fucking do that again.” Bobbie whispered to her boyfriend’s body. She brought her hand down hard on the glove.

“Ow, shit.” Faye blurted.

“Oh, sorry.” Bobbie said. Faye knew from her expression.

She wasn’t.

***

Rach was having so much fun planning this. But if Faye was pranking, she could keep up. Money be damned, the photo record will be worth it. The mall stretched out before her.

Or everything goes back unopened. Either way, someone wins.

Drowning Faye in the feminine had long been a fantasy for Rach, and she was going to put every last thing she wanted in the impromptu shopping trip. After several stops, one large peanut butter cookie, and a large iced tea, there was a pink purse, pink sunglasses, a teddy bear backpack. Pink cat barrettes…

And the piece de resistance…

She looked at the piece of jewelry in the box and chuckled.

It was a gold colored necklace encrusted with rhinestones that flowed Faye’s name in a beautiful script on a gold chain.

Alright, babe. Let’s play.

She wondered how long Faye would let it go on before freaking out. Rach laughed as she headed to the drug store to finish the shopping.

***

Tim’s phone buzzed and Faye answered. “Hi…” God, it was awkward answering his phone. He'd only just grown used to answering his own phone after spending time as Bobbie.

“Yeah. Sure… mom. No problem.” Faye cringed slightly at the word 'mom', looking up at the other occupants. “I’ll be right back.”

“I wanna go, too.” Tim said, bounding to her feet. “She’s my mom!”

“Yeah.” Faye sighed. “Come on.”

Tim followed Faye upstairs. Myka was sitting at the computer as they arrived. “What’s Bobbie’s size?”

“Zero.” Faye said without hesitation. “She has a dress. Heather took care of…”

“I know, Betty asked me. She’s pretty cool. We’re gonna do that girl’s… Faye? Is that you?” Myka asked, curious about the girls new look.

“Yeah.” Tim giggled.

“She had a photo shoot, long story. Probably bore the pants off you.”

“Right, you told me Faye was a model. I may have been a homecoming queen, but I was never as pretty as you.” Myka smiled at Faye, allowing the fleeting memory of that long ago high school day to run unfettered. “I was wondering if you knew where the last week’s printouts were?”

“Oh.” Faye said. “My room.” She remembered seeing the stack of papers on Tim’s nightstand.

Tim followed Faye to ‘his’ room. As she watched him walk, eyes lingering on his firm butt....wicked thoughts began to coalesce in her mind. She knew it was weird to be attracted to her old body, but she couldn't help it. Was it normal to be so horny all the time? He had certainly never been as a guy. This body constantly ached, yearned for sexual release. Tim suddenly stopped in her tracks as she was struck by an eerie epiphany.

Wait...Does that mean I like boys now?

Tim thought about it for a moment, trying to rationalize what she was feeling, but it's too hard to think when you actually try. Besides, she was totally a girl now, aren't girls supposed to be turned on by guys? Female arousal was so strange, so inverted from normal. She tried to imagine what that would be like, to lie with a man, to have her pussy, wet with arousal, spread open by a hard cock... she felt her crotch tense and grow warm in anticipation...

No! She protested. Never, never, never! She told herself again and again, shaking her head slightly, feeling soft blonde hair brush her shoulders, but her body was excited by the thought! Damn it, she could feel her big pink nipples erecting!

Am I really just a dumb slut now? Tim wondered, body all tingly with desire as she watched Faye disappear into the bedroom. She felt pretty slutty... but it felt nice. What's wrong with that? She liked having big titties, and nice pink girl nipples.

"This is so confusing!" Tim said aloud, not thinking about who might hear. "I need to figure this out the easy way..."

Faye barely had time to hear the door lock behind him, before Tim had him cornered.

“I think you’re cute.” Tim whispered, letting her Thrall instincts and arousal take over. “You’re cute every time we’re together. Even when I was a boy. But now I'm wearing the skirt, and I think I look better in it than you did.”

She giggled, hand along the inside of his thigh. Her body just seemed to know what to do with him, and Tim didn't mind one bit. This was way more fun than she thought it would be. Faye looked so cute when he was embarassed.

“Bobbie won’t go out with me now, ‘cuz I’m a girl, but you totally can.” She purred.

Faye stiffened, in every way possible. This was the first time Tim had ever seen Faye struck speechless. She grinned impishly...wow, I can really knock 'em dead, can't I? She idly wondered if her body had that effect on other guys...

“Whaddaya say.” Tim smiled as she felt the felt the rousing inside his pants.

He looked at her nervously. “Tim, we can’t. I mean, what about Rach?”

“What about her?” Tim looked at him, oblivious.

“She’s my girlfriend.” Faye said matter-of-factly.

Tim brightened. “I have a girlfriend? Awesome, and we have a sleepover tomorrow? Oooooh, that’s gonna be so fun. Maybe…. “ Tim licked her lips as a male fantasy popped into her mind through the pink fog of arousal.“…we can call you?”

“Yeah. Rach would probably decapitate me with a butterknife. But, you have fun and we’ll talk about it later, okay?”

“’Kay.” Tim said, turned and wiggled her shapely ass, winked at him over her shoulder. She didn't know why she was so worried about being attracted to guys. Toying with Faye was so much fun, she couldn't wait to try it again. Her mind began to wander as she stepped outside, remembering how her body used to look naked when she was a boy. It was a minute or two before Tim realized she was just staring at herself, huge tits rising and falling softly with each breath.

“Here you go.” Faye walked past Tim to living room and handed the sheaf of papers over. “Gotta get back. See you later.”

“Oh, I’m going out in a little bit. Betty’s coming to get me. You have the place to yourself tonight.”

Tim caught up to Faye halfway down the stairs when Tim grabbed Faye’s hand, stopping him. Using her height from standing on a taller stair, she turned Faye around. Lips met and a tongue invaded. Faye felt Tim’s hands slide up his sides, her right moving up over the clipped short hairs of his right side. The kiss continued as Tim brought her hand down the back of his neck.

“I know you want me. I want you, too.” Tim said. “Bobbie won’t mind. She knows I’m a girl.”

“Tim…”

“I don’t like it when you call me that.” She pouted. "Tim is a boy’s name. You're a boy, I'm a girl."

"What should I call you, then?" Faye looked at her curiously.

Faye could almost her straining for a response. “Call me…. Timmi.”

Faye widened his eyes. “Okay… Tim….”

“Ah ah… Timmi.” ‘Timmi’ wagged a finger.

“Fine, Timmi. I…”

"We went out before when things were all strange and you were Bobbie. You had a good time, right?” She looked up at him hopefully.

“Ti… Timmi.” Faye held her hand gingerly. “You showed me what that’s supposed to feel like.”

Timmi smiled. “See? Now it can be your turn to be the cute guy. Besides. What else am I gonna do tomottow night?”

“Bobbie…”

“Bobbie won’t mind, I promise. Let’s have some fun!”

The bulge in his pants did Faye’s thinking for him. “Sure, but let’s get back downstairs.”

“Don’t worry, Faye.” She lowered her voice to a sexy whisper.

“I won’t tell.” Timmi crossed her heart and raised a hand in a Boy Scouts salute. The remainder of the trip down the stairs, Faye wondered exactly what in the hell he was thinking.

Or is little Faye doing the thinking?

Little Faye?

Jesus Christ, how do things get this confusing?

***

The bakery continued its operations, with Beth and Bobbie taking care of everything. Faye came down a flustered, while Timmi came down behind him looking oddly pleased with herself.

Bobbie noticed Faye’s grey rainbow, her abilities as Advocate told her that something shocked him. Timmi’s smiling face told a tale that all the colored ribbons in the world couldn’t. Crap, Tim’s hitting on him.

Faye turned her down, obviously. He’s not a Thrall right now. There’s no way that he’d…

Bobbie paused, taking a moment to remind herself that Timmi was the walking incarnate of sex on legs. Would Faye be able to resist? A shiver ran down her spine as she pushed the thought aside. She didn't want to know.

It was late; Beth’s little bags of candied bacon were set by the register. Timmi had found herself a comfy chair to sit cross-legged in, and was studying the Cosmopolitan magazine with Oxford scholar intensity. Her ditzy mind was slowly gaining knowledge of things that would have left her completely disinterested just days ago. Makeup. Fashion. Hairstyles. Hot gossip. Sex tips. She was totally enthralled.

This stuff is so cool, Timmi thought to herself as she scanned each page with an insatiable hunger for more. It seemed like a total crime to live without pretty things now that she was a girl. She wanted to look as sexy as she could, just to see that befuddled look on Faye's face.

Tim giggled to herself. She idly wondered if all boys were so easy to toy with. As a guy, Tim had never been all that confident around beautiful girls, even when he first met Bobbie. But now that she was a gorgeous blonde, Timmi wanted to see how easy it was to make all the boys do whatever she wanted.

“You can keep that one, I’m done with it.” Beth said smiling, wiping the last of the chocolate scraps off of the fondant station. Timmi took a second to register that most people were still calling her Faye, before she jumped up and hugged Beth, giggling at the memory of the marble slab’s secret.

“Thanks! I need to get some of these.” Timmi held the rolled bundle against her heaving bosom. “They are cool.”

             Bobbie watched the exchange. Dammit, Tim. Fashion magazines? She was still trying to get her head around what had happened...when she'd swapped bodies with Faye, their bodies remained the same. But this time… what was so different about the process that Faye's body had transformed into that of a total bimbo? It was obviously affecting Tim mentally: The boy she knew was in there, but it seemed like the longer he stayed, the more he was starting to get all Jake Sully. She rolled her eyes, thinking mirthfully that this would still make a better movie than Avatar. Screw Prom, I just want him back.

            There had to be a way to fix this whole mess. She’d been in his position not all that long ago. Sure, she'd fallen victim to that body and its seemingly limitless sex drive, but at least she didn't turn into a total ditz. She was worried about what would happen if Tim started to enjoy herself so much that he wouldn't want to go back. Or worse still, what if there was no way to go back and he was stuck that way forever?

           “You’re the Advocate, figure it out.” Bobbie said to herself, shaking her head.

“Huh?” Timmi looked up from an article called 10 Ways To Make Him Love You.

“Nothing.”

“That’s daddy.” Beth said. “I’ll see you all tomorrow. Bye, Faye.” Beth left, the door chime ringing hollowly.

“Bye.” Timmi said waving and strangely not smiling.

Faye twigged to it first. “What’s wrong?”

“My daddy’s gone.” Timmi sauntered over to where Faye stood. Her hips swung alluringly with every step as she took hold of his arm. Bobbie cleared her throat. What the hell...was there something going on between those two for real?

“What?” Faye asked innocently, like having his arm around your girl- ugh, boyfriend wasn't something worth objecting to.

“Just…let’s go.” Bobbie shook her head.

             ***
            They stopped for gas on the way home, Timmi quiet. Faye took an extra minute to grab a small Cherry Iced Sucky and a couple of fashion magazines. Should keep Timmi busy for a while.

            At the checkout, he noticed a display of locally made braided leather bracelets. The rack seemed full of dreary ones. Then, there was the one. It stood out. Five cords; braided together with intricate knotwork, black and tan beads holding together the ends.

“These.” Faye put the magazines and the slushy drink on the counter. Thirty on five and this guy right here.” Faye pointed a strong finger. Waiting on his card to be run, he got the bracelet tied onto his left wrist.

“Thank you, come again.” The clerk smiled and turned back to his duties. With the drink in one hand and a roll of magazines in the other, Faye got back to the car and presented Timmi with the contents of both hands. Bobbie gave a peculiar look.

“Awww, thanks.” Tim smiled, accepting the drink. She unrolled the magazines and tried to study the cover in the waning light of late day.

“That should keep her busy for a while.” Faye said to Bobbie’s look.

Bobbie noticed the bracelet as Faye had his hand atop the steering wheel.

“Decorating the walls again?” Bobbie said.

“Please, not like I'm dying my hair.”

Bobbie looked back in time to see her boyfriend in the back seat, posing seductively. Her finger was twirled in her hair as she positioned the camera to show off as much cleavage as possible.

“Owie!” Tim yelped as the flash went off. “Why does this thing keep doing that?”

Bobbie sighed, shaking her head. "You've got to turn the flash off Tim."

Timmi blinked a few times, blue eyes trying to adjust to the darkness. "That's not my name anymore. Call me Timmi."

"Timmi?" Bobbie balked. "Are you serious?"

"Sure." Timmi stated like it was no big deal. "I'm a girl, so I want a girl name."

Oh crap. Tim, we're gonna fix this. I swear.

***

Nick was sitting at the tv again, waging war on a colorful array of opponents. The door opened and the trio from Cheepskates arrived. He wasted no time laughing.

“Holy shitsnacks, Faye.” Nick chuckled. “Get caught in the gears at the Barbie factory?”

Timmi barely noticed Nick enough to look up from the magazine, instead walking towards Faye's bedroom. “I’m gonna go to bed.”

“Wait, what?” Nick asked.

Bobbie looked at Faye. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” She turned in to hug him and pecked at his cheek. Faye took the hint and disappeared towards into the darkness outside.

Bobbie took a seat on the couch beside Nick, letting out a frustrated sigh. "Faye gave me the keys. I have some deliveries that I need to…”

“Faye let you borrow the EVO?”

Bobbie looked at him curiously.

“What’s wrong?”

Bobbie paused, trying to phrase this as delicately as possible. “Look...I don't really know how to explain this, but the magic that turned Faye into a girl is acting a little wonky.”

“Wonky how?” Nick adopted a scared look, his darkness expanding for the first time in Bobbie’s experience

Bobbie shook her head. “I don't know what’s changed, but something’s wrong. But relax, okay? Weirdly enough, I think I can help.”

Nick studied her closely “So...what's her deal then?”

Bobbie put her hand on his. “Look, it's not a big deal or anything. She's not going to turn into a pumpkin at midnight. I just need you to…”

“Stay out of the way?”

“No, you're probably one of the best things in her life right now." Bobbie smiled warmly at Nick. His darkness radiated strangely pulsating greys, showing genuine concern, the tight movements precise. Giving the other parts of it deeper meaning, love…

"Something about the magic has changed her physically. She just seems...well, ditzier. Can you just talk to her a little? We need to smooth this over until I can figure this out.”

Nick sighed. “If I didn’t love her… Bring her out here.”

Bobbie went to the door and opened it to be greeted by yet another flash of light. Timmi was posing in front a full length mirror, wearing only her underwear and a pair of sunglasses.

“See? Sunglasses. Glad Faye left these. That light doesn’t bother me anymore.”

Bobbie resisted the urge to facepalm. “Nick wants to see you.”

“Why? Is he gonna be mean again?" She pouted, pulling off the glasses. "I’m prettier than Barbie.”

“Why don’t you go find out?”

               “Okay.” Tim said, resigned to her fate.

               Nick looked at his now blonde roommate. “I’m sorry, Faye. I wasn't trying to be mean earlier. You…er… look very pretty.”

“THANK YOU!” She said, propelling herself toward the blond dude that stood in the center of the room.

Nick saw Bobbie mimic hugging back, which he did.

“You’re a good friend.”

Tim skipped down the hall, in her underwear.

Gonna be a long night.

***

"oooooooo!" Timmi heard herself scream, thrashing in bed as she woke from a good dream into something even better. Her breasts bounced freely underneath her PJ top and she could feel the hot, wet emptiness in her bucking hips as her pussy ached for attention.

Timmi licked her lips, fingers trembling as she reached down to the still unfamiliar swell of her new womanhood. She didn't know if she should be doing this, but her body ached for it so badly. It needed release in the worst way. As she felt her fingers delicately slip off her panties, touching the wet, luscious flesh of her hairless pussy, she arched her back and moaned. Without thinking, Timmi started rubbing, feeling the smooth folds part, and felt the wetness of a girl's secret hole beyond it. She moaned wantonly as her digits pushed against that void, and felt a finger slide into her vagina.

She gasped sharply, pleasure filling her hips. Timmi thrust further in and wiggled the finger. She could feel hot, wet and feathery flesh squeeze her finger, but she could also feel a finger wiggle inside the contracting canal of her vagina. The dual caused another moan, but she didn't stop. Couldn't stop. She explored further, discovering a small, swollen bud that was exquisitely sensitive. She rubbed it, already hungry for more of these wondrous sensations that were permeating her whole being.

Timmi's mind reeled with the pleasure being thrust upon it. The sensations were more intense than any drug high she'd ever experienced. This was peerless. Timmi was already adamant that she needed more of this...no matter how she attained it.

This pleasure.

A girl's pleasure.

She had to have more.

Images of Faye's now masculine body suddenly floated into her mind, and her moans quickly grew into fevered cries as the pleasure rose in her hips, back arching as she lifted her PJ top to thrust out her huge jiggling breasts, capped with thick erect nipples.

"More...more...more! MORE! OOOOOHH!" She screamed as the dam burst, and pleasure suddenly flooded her body from the cramping, seizing canal in her hips! Her feet drummed on the bed, pussy throbbing and pulsing as a wetness flooded from within her, down her pulsing slit to drip down into the crevice of her rounded ass.

Timmi lay on the bed for several minutes on the bed, basking in the delicious, fading glow of the orgasm. She felt sticky, but it felt good, too. Her mind started to wander as she thought about how aroused she felt.

Eventually she sat up, smell of girl-sex still lingering in the air as she peeled off her PJ top, leaving her completely naked. Timmi decided she needed a shower to clean off all the sweat and stuff. She began walking to the bathroom, but paused for a moment, distracted by her reflection in the full length mirror Faye kept in her bedroom.

Timmi posed, giggling lightly as her reflection followed suit. God, being this sexy was so awesome! She bit her lip as her eyes settled on her huge tits. They seemed as big and round as volleyballs, capped off with big, thick pink nipples. She'd already seen them yesterday when she was in the shower, but they were just so big and alluring. No wonder Bobbie said they were her favorite feature when she was Faye. Timmi smiled to herself, pulling her shoulders back to thrust them out proudly. They were even bigger than when Bobbie had them, and she loved that...Timmi, more girly and feminine than Bobbie? The thought just made her whole body shiver delightfully. Her eyes wandered down, marveling at how her hips were almost freakishly wide compared to her waist, especially when she looked down at herself. Her crotch was small, pink and completely hairless, which Timmi thought made it look totally cute and super girly. She had to resist the temptation to reach between her legs and stroke it gently, lest she wind up in another screaming climax.

For a long time she just stared at herself, watching her tits rising and falling softly as she breathed. She reached up and groped her boobs on impulse, mind still fuzzy with thoughts of boys and Faye. Wow! They felt even better than before. They were so big and heavy, she wanted to lean forward and just swing them around.

Birds chirping outside the window snapped Timmi out of her reverie. It was dawn, and Nick would be up soon. Bobbie too, if her cries hadn't already woken them. And there was something she was dying to do before they had a chance to stop her...

Timmi had crept into the bathroom, making sure nobody saw her...but at the same time a little disappointed that Nick hadn't caught her walking around naked. Would he act like Faye did and get totally embarrassed? Or would he make a move on her..? Timmi tried to focus on the task at hand, which is totally harder than you would think it could be. But she'd already made up her mind: She wanted to try out all the new stuff she'd learned from Faye's magazines. She looked around the bathroom and searched high and low in a berserk scavenger hunt.

“This is gonna be fun.” Timmi said, taking inventory. Wow, Faye had everything a girl would ever need to make herself pretty forever.

There was every form of facial paint available, from foundation to a rainbow of eyeliners, both liquid and pencil. There were curling irons and straighteners. Sprays, creams, gels, and so much more.

Faye always looks pretty, that’s why the boys like her. But it’s a different pretty.
And it always pays to be pretty.

Boys… Thoughts of being groped and caressed by viselike hands. Feeling the hard…

Timmi felt sweat start to bead on her skin, the looked to the shower.

All those magazines say to start with clean skin.

Timmi turned on the faucets and stepped into the shower, letting the warm spray of water strike her breasts, causing her to gasp in surprise. After a few minutes, Timmi as awestruck as to what an unbelievable experience this simple exercise was turning into. The act of lathering up a sexy female body dovetailed with the fantasies of many teenage boys, Tim included! Her heart raced and she breathed shallowly, watching suds run down curvy, dewy skin. The menial act of washing had turned into something else.

The dripping wetness between her thighs came from more than just the
shower the aching void in her hips was intense! Timmi was shocked that she would already be so aroused after already experiencing one climax just minutes ago. She recalled Bobbie vaguely mentioning how Thralls are like, total nymphos or something. But she'd never believed it until she found herself in the body of one of Lust’s servants.

She soaped up her chest, and watched the foam slide down between two enormous, swollen mounds, their tips sporting bubblegum-colored nipples that were erect with excitement! She pinched them gently, and reeled as she felt her pussy started to tense, passage cramping, and then she was moaning as pulses of pleasure shot through her shaking hips!

Timmi heard a girl crying out in lust for the second time that morning, and blushed, knowing it was her voice! The tremors and pulses died down, her pussy quivering gently with the aftershocks of the orgasm. Her clitty was still tingling as she stared at herself in disbelief...she couldn't believe she had an orgasm just by soaping up her tits! And she still felt horny... although thankfully the second orgasm had taken off the edge.

Stepping out of the shower, she began to dry herself as she looked around the bathroom. This is gonna be so fun. She knew that Faye would be surprised that she wouldn’t have to dress her or do her makeup or…

The tingling intensified when she thought of Faye. He was cute, just like she thought that Bobbie was so pretty when she was a boy. Timmi felt it was her solemn duty to be not just pretty, but a new pretty that surpassed the old, boring Faye.

It was good that Bobbie was asleep in the front room. She had to talk to Nick about something, but Timmi was so busy learning how to make her hair prettier, or how to make boys do what she wanted. Those magazines are so smart. Why didn’t I ever read those before? All the advice is totes amazing.

And that bag she'd found buried in Faye's closet? It had all the cutest stuff in it! Why does Faye keep all the super pretty stuff hidden? Thoughts returned to Faye, and Timmi giggled. She just wanted to always feel tingly like this.

Besides, confusing boys is super fun. She smiled when she thought of how the rainbows twisted and warped in the stairway.

See? You were so confused by Bobbie. I bet she had so much fun watching me be all silly.

***
Tshhhh! Tshhhhhh!

Tssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

Bobbie heard the noise in her dream. A teapot was jetting steam into the air; it burned her hand as she woke up to hear the noise continue into consciousness.

She looked over with one eye to see a column of red. The other eye opened as if spring loaded.

“What the…?” Bobbie had the words out of her mouth too fast for thought to stop them.

“Morning, Bobbie.” Timmi turned and smiled. Bobbie couldn’t even believe what she was seeing.

Timmi had done her own hair, makeup, and wardrobe.

And even Bobbie had to admit… She did a better job than I could have in a couple of days. Hell, she studied everything’s perfect placement. Hell, better than Heather could’ve.

What’s happening to him?

Timmi had gone from bombshell to goddess in the time Bobbie slept. She seemed a little taller from her vantage. She smoothly came over to where Bobbie lay. Six inch heels adorned her feet. How is he even walking in those? The dress was a similar shade of red and clung to every part of her with just the right amount of tensile strength. Green eye shadow added some color to the petite eyelids and cateye eyeliner so precise, it could have been drawn with a compass. She was tugging the ends of the red bow that sat off to one side of her head while voluminous curls cascaded suggestively towards her midsection. The blue eyes sparkled with happiness.

“I studied those magazines last night.” Her eyes widened even more. “There was soooo much to learn, how do you girls keep up?”

Nick came outside of the bedroom, only to turn around and go back in.

“Aww, come on Nick.” Timmi whined.Nick reopened the door.

“I…I…I’ve never seen you look like this before. It’s different.” Nick smiled, worried for his friend. “It’s very pretty.” Nick said his smile as vacant as Timmi’s eyes. “Bobbie. I’m gonna hit the shower, you?”

Bobbie was stunned. Nick’s darkness was still tight; although his always acted funny. He moved quickly down the hallway to retrieve his clothes, leaving the two blondes alone

Timmi returned to the mirror and snapped a couple of quick pictures.

Bobbie was up and making coffee while Timmi remained absorbed by the person she deemed most beautiful.

Mirror, mirror on the wall…

***

Faye’s face itched, rubbing at the skin of her face, the tiny hairs seemed to scratch themselves as he rubbed. The familiar tightness of his boxer briefs alerted him to the fact that, like yesterday.

Still not dreaming.

He got up and headed for the shower. It was still dark outside, and he still had to go home.

There was sound in the living room. Peeking through the door. Faye saw Myka and another woman with a resemblance to Heather. Must be Betty. They were laughing and talking.

Must have been out there all night. Faye smiled, knowing that some of the time she spent in Bobbie’s body had done some good. The shower beckoned, He knew that he had to get to the place she actually called home. Tim…no, Timmi. Timmi? Jesus, this was nuts.

“Tim. Come say hi to…”

“Hi. Miss Sweet.” Faye said.

“Ha, my reputation precedes me. Heather’s told me a lot about you. I bet she hates that shirt.” Faye was careful as he shook Betty’s hand. “Probably not too big a fan of the bracelet either.”

Faye laughed. “I’m gonna run. I need to get Bobbie and Faye today.”

“I’ll see you later…”

“…mom.”

***

Nick was just getting out of the shower when the EVO pulled up to the house. Bobbie answered the door and wanted to laugh. Glad I could save him from that. The thought of him willingly dressing like this again made her shudder.

It looked like his old clothes were still somewhere, remnants of the days before Heather gave him some style. Some sort of trendy urban graffiti scrawled across the front. Faye had managed to get the hair right at least.

“You need to see…”

“Hi, Faye.” Timmi waved excitedly. Faye’s jaw opened and the eyeballs threatened to go with it.

The red dress clung lusciously to every skin cell, showing off more than was hidden. The red bow and lipstick balanced out the pretty face and the wide vacant eyes.

“See? You got those magazines for me and I read them. I can get myself ready now.”

Faye was responding in that special way again.

“How’d I do?” Timmi was far too cheerful for this early in the morning.

Faye was stunned.

Bobbie’s face went still. “Yeah. That happened. I’m going to hit the shower. Coffee’s ready.”

Bobbie looked nervously over her shoulder as she left the hallway.

Faye went into the kitchen and pulled down the Aperture Industries mug. He looked over and pulled down another mug.

“You didn’t answer me.” Timmi said in a singsong voice. She bent, showing the plunging neckline.

“You look beautiful.” Faye said.

Timmi sprung towards him. “I like the bracelet.” She ran a hand along his face and giggled. “The stubble is cute.”

Faye scratched at his face. “Tomorrow is gonna be so fun.” Timmi continued. “Just you and me…”

Faye finished mixing the coffees and offered one to Timmi.

“See? This is fun. I always had to make two coffees. Now I don’t even make one.”

“You’re sweet.”

***

Timmi sipped at the coffee while Bobbie was in the shower. It was awesome the way that she didn’t have to make coffee. It was almost like the extra work she did getting pretty paid off in things she didn’t have to do.

Too bad I had to work so hard to bake those cookies and stuff.

She moved over and sat next to Faye. She eyed his distressed jeans and how they seemed to cling like plastic wrap before relaxing into wider pant legs.

“Tonight Rach and I are…” Timmi started to bounce again, the scoop neck’s integrity fluctuating wildly.

“I know.” Faye said. “Just be sure to…” Timmi moved closer to Faye

Timmi set her coffee down, the red lipstick mark a red gash against the beige mug.

As if Faye had said nothing, Timmi continued “Everything’s been so fun since yesterday. I know that it seems funny, but I never knew how cool this stuff could be.” She pulled a lock of hair away and studied the ends. “I burned myself on the curling iron a couple of times. But it didn’t seem to take long at all.”

Faye smiled at Timmi. “You did great, I’m sure that…”

“You’re gonna dress up tomorrow, right?” Timmi asked. “It’s so cool when we go out dressed up. Everyone stares.” She giggled, scrunching her face into an impossibly cute expression.

Bobbie came out of the shower. As if bit by something, Timmi moved across the room taking a seat on the other side of the couch.

“Let’s get going. I’ve got a bakery to run.” Bobbie sighed.

Piling in the car, the three magic victims headed off to keep up appearances one more time. First was Bobbie, running to the door, coffee in hand. Timmi came around to the front seat.

They pulled away and it took about seven tenths of a second before she had the visor down to check her makeup. “I wish we were going out tonight.” Timmi flipped the visor up and snaked a hand into Faye’s lap. She giggled as she felt the bulge return.

“Timmi…” Faye said. She responded by moving her hand back and forth.

“It’s not weird. I was doing that last week.” Timmi giggled so hard she ran out of breath.

“And two weeks ago I was doing that with you.” She pulled her hand away and folded her arms. “I don’t see what the big deal is. Wouldn’t it be weirder if it was someone else?” Timmi’s confused countenance belied a weakening resolve.

Sweat appeared on his forehead by the time they got to Delacroix High. Timmi kept giggling every time she looked over.

“Okay, darlin’. Ride’s over. See you later. Call if anything happens. You have the number.”

Timmi leaned over and kissed Faye’s cheek. Giggling again as she watched her old face turn a red to match her dress.

Damn she’s…. friendly. Faye watched the curls bounce from side to side. He knew that she was looking back through the compact to see if he was watching.

It wouldn’t be weird, it isn’t you… not really.

Faye couldn’t keep from thinking about Timmi. As he watched her walk away, he exhaled hard.

Opening the vibrating phone screamed that for his attention. it, Faye saw that ‘Faye’ had sent five pictures.

All selfies.

One in a bra, two without, one completely made up of cleavage. The last in a mirror showing the finished product.

Timmi: Blonde personification of male wish fulfillment.

“Jesus Christ.” Faye said, stirrings twitching with each finger swipe.

BZZT!

You have a fun day, too. Silly boy ;-p

“Fuck me.” Faye muttered to himself, squinting against the harsh light of the day.

Exactly.

***

The giggle in Timmi’s head wouldn’t stop. Feeling his… his…

Cock. The word was weird with its new connotation.

She laughed at the thought. How is it weird, she’s just using it.

I can use it, too. Oh the look on his face.

If it was possible, the bracelet and the stubble made Faye cuter. Maybe it was something about the way he stood. He had this glow like he was golden, it reminded her of pretty jewelry. She remembered that time when they went out when she was Tim and Bobbie was Faye…

Timmi giggled at the thought of who she used to be, Faye was a cuter Tim than Timmi was.

But it’s okay. I’m a prettier Faye. The confused look played heavy in her mind as she walked towards Kim.

***

Bobbie got the doors open on time and figured out Which was Hobson and which was Hudson. It was a quiet day. The goods sold early and there was no issue, Bobbie went as far as to start weighing flour and sugar for that evening’s prep. She knew that there would have to be something done over the weekend. Just need to look at a few things.

Faye was something else. The shirts only got progressively worse.

And that bracelet?

Don’t make me sic Heather on you.

She thought about when she first met Tim. Longish hair and a far less developed sense of style.

Bobbie remembered that party so long ago. When he said “I like you, Bobbie Sharpe” she felt so…

She just wanted him back, to be held in those arms.

“Good morning, Welcome to Cheepskates.”

Bobbie made a note to stop by Sylvia’s and see Kim. At least find out what’s going on at school.

***

Rach was nearly asleep. Yeah yeah, Appomattox, white people. The night was spent planning what, in her mind was the ultimate prank.

If Faye went all the way with this, then even Barbie would throw up. Pink, I’m sure. Rach even picked up the Pepto Bismol only because of its color.

She sent a text before school, but her phone showed that she hadn’t read it yet.

If only this history shit would get to the end already. C’mon lunch.

***

SMACK!

Kim had the yellow nail polish out and had an inverted guitar painted on the wall.

She felt that that weird Anarchy symbol needed a friend. The Ramones shirt and skinny jeans came into focus. She looked closely at Kim’s addition to the artwork.

“That you?” The newcomer asked.

“Yeah.” Kim said with a defiant tone.

“Cool tag.” She said noncommittally.

SMACK!

The door opened again, this time to reveal Faye in all her glory.

“What the hell, Faye? Playboy go to your head?”

“Huh?” Timmi said, she turned her attention to Kim.

“Hi, Kimmie.” Zoe’s face morphed into another expression of confusion.

“What gives, Faye?”

I know her….Zamantha…. no, Zoe.

“Hey, Zo.” Timmi said. “What do you mean?”

“You.” Zoe said with a look of mock shock.

“I wanted to be pretty.”

Zoe’s face got distant, as if looking at something from a great distance. “What have you done with Faye Valentine?”

Kim blanched. “Crazy time at the house, I guess. Bobbie told me that things are hectic, what with the bakery, and Faye’s shoots…”

“Makes sense, I guess.” Zoe said, picturing a gaggle of blondes packed into the EVO with shutting down a club in mind. “Gonna show those bunnies what a real party looks like?” Zoe smiled.

“Party?” Timmi asked.

“She’s kidding, Faye.”

“Am I?” Zoe asked, sharkish grin appearing.

Timmi giggled.

***

Two thousand dollars.

Roxx looked at the money laid out in front of her. The measured half grams in their green bags. If I could keep all of this… But, no. She had to get the money to the people it belonged to.

It had taken her a while to figure it out, but the main reason people always came to her was that no matter what…

Her drugs were better. She knew it had to be Lust, no other explanation. Every dealer had to see different levels of people. But the hardcore? Those were the ones she watched. When the stuff she got was only okay? They ate it up like it was freshly harvested and cured inside a supermodel’s pussy.

Roxx could see that they were higher. Hell, some of the die hards got high just from the test taste. There was no way the shit she got was able to be that potent, unless. She knew that there was more money out there, this grind of grinding was starting to grind.

Obvious boredom is obvious.

Still, she had to admit. There was more money now than ever before. She ran her hand over the new couch slowly. Gotta be a better way…

Boris and Yevgeniy make all the money and they don’t do shit. Roxx thought about how to get more out of this. She moved more product than the rest of the runners. She knew that the club brought in a lot, and the product flowed. Products of all types, black market stereos, fake handbags from Asian sweatshops. One thing her time at Vesuvius had taught her, organization was important.

“Maybe I’ve been going about this wrong…” Roxx said as she lit a cigarette.

Fuck all this noise. It’s time for a promotion.

She already had all the contacts, she knew how the business worked.

Then she thought about her hidden ace. I know what you don’t want.

Lying is easy, working is hard.

***

Rach had sent a text to Faye after third period. She sat parked by the hole in the fence, looking around nervously. The red dress shimmied towards her, The blonde girl checking her dress for snags in a panic. Rach watched her get to the car quickly and get in.

“Whew.” Timmi said. “I thought I was gonna get caught for sure.”

“Well, dressing like a stop sign didn’t help.”

Timmi pouted. “I thought…”

Rach smiled as she thought of everything that she’d planned. If I don’t get a fuck no from her at some point tonight, then I have failed.

The car headed out a full minute before the campus cop showed up.

***

Kim was worried. Her cigarette was half gone and still no Tim.

“Timmi.” Kim exhaled through her nose. “God, Lust. You could fuck up a Tom Petty guitar solo.”

No Zoe, Rach…

Nobody.

Well, it’s lunch. Maybe she’s there.

Sandwiches and sodas were gone when Kim sent the text to Faye. No point getting Bobbie worried now.

***

Faye was tying his shoes from the sidelines. The pickup game had being going pretty well. It turned out that there was a hell of a jumpshot in Tim’s muscles. The twinge in his right knee made him wonder.

The ball bounced towards him, Faye caught it from the air with one hand. Dribbling and switching hands, he spun on his right foot and took the shot when he saw the other two guys on him like white on rice.

God, I’m tired of thinking in food.

Judging the angle and launching the ball, Faye watched the ball sail smoothly towards the hoop. It rolled along the rim’s inner surface three times before falling in.

“That’s three.” Faye yelled, bringing a victorious fist in front of his face.

The game had gone well. Faye remembered a time when playing was something he watched rather than did. The strange sensations of being shirtless in public faded after a few minutes.

“That’s game, time for me to hit the shower. Got work later. See you guys tomorrow?” The scruffy looking guy asked everyone.

“Yeah.” Faye said. “I’ll be here.”

“Right on, new guy.”

Can’t call myself Faye…

“Kane.” It felt weird to say again after all this time.

“Rad, see ya tomorrow. Kane.”

“Cool.” The two engaged in a brodude handshake.

“Sick bracelet.”

“Thanks.” ‘Kane’ said.

At the EVO, he wiped the sweat off of his face and grabbed the extra shirt from the back. The Gatorade tasted good as the electrolytes allowed the rehydrating fluid to refuel his parched body.

Missed message.

Timmi’s not here… K

Faye sighed. Rach broke her out again.

He dialed Rach and it went straight to voicemail.

”Dammit, Rach.”

Now I’m worried.

***

“We’re your three o’clock.” Rach said to the receptionist of Sassy Nails.

“Very good. This way.” The older Vietnamese lady led them to their chairs.

“Any idea what color, Faye?” Rach asked. “Same old purple?”

“Purple? Nah, too boring.” Timmi grabbed the color chart and squealed with delight.

A chipped, purple nail came down on a color that had more in common with a highlighter than bubblegum, but Neon Pink Panic it was.

Rach quirked an eyebrow. She’s gonna call my bluff on this one. You win round one Faye.

Rach and TImmi stood together for a second. “Faye. I wanted to ask you something.”

“’Kay.” Timmi asked vacantly.

“I managed to get Prom tickets for us. Thought you might like to…”

Timmi gasped, her eyes wide. “Of course, yes!” She hugged at Rach. Timmi remembered when she asked Bobbie out back when she was…

What? Pink nails are gonna be so cool.

Rach wants to go and dance with me. It sounded fun, but she wanted to dance with Faye…

Again?

She wanted to feel that stubble and run her hands over his short, clipped hair… the warmth of his inner thigh… his… Timmi felt her nipples respond.

“Easy, Babe. The real fun is after prom.” Rach said with mock admonishing.

“Ooh. Do I need a new dress? I bet I need a new dress, and I need to look for my makeup and find out where the shoes are…
So many things to do and not a lot of time to do it…

I’m gonna be so pretty.

The nails were worked on. Wow this is so relaxing. Nothing like feeling your stress drain away after listening to all that boring stuff. Now that she was here with Rach, they could do some important stuff. She loved the mall.

***

“She’s gone AWOL.” Faye said on the phone.

“Oh, shit.” Bobbie said, pressing the phone against her shoulder.

“Not too worried, Rach probably just broke her out. I’m headed there now.”

“Good, everything sold out early and…” Dammit, Tim’s voice just makes me want to…

“Great.” Faye said back. “Be there in five.”

Bobbie sent a text to Timmi’s phone.

Have a good time with Rach, call me okay?

Knowing that it was Rach, she suddenly wondered about what that meant for the evening. Bobbie resigned herself to the obvious.

***

The mall was not as full of sights and sounds as it usually was, Fridays during lunch was set to pick up soon, but now it looked like the final refuge from a zombie invasion. Rach noticed that Faye was looking around wide eyed, like she had never seen the mall before. A small look of confusion crossed her face when she passed the game store without even looking into the window.

She’s acting a little funny. Apology or no.

“EEEE.” Faye squealed.

The ear splitting sound brought Rach’s head around to look in the display window of Debs Forever. There were so many candy colors in the window. Rach’s ears were still ringing when she looked to see a bunch of mannequins dressed either for the club or in a Halloween costume for sexy highlighter.

“We have to go in…” Faye said.

Now I know something’s up.

But what?

Faye was blurring through the racks like a jungle creature hunting Arnold Schwarzenegger, picking up one item after another.

“This is so cute, and this, and this…..” Faye had an armload soon.

Well, she’s about to parade in front of you in skimpy outfits. Can’t be all bad.

***

Timmi looked at the text. It was Bobbie…again.

It’s sweet that she keeps checking on me…

But give it a rest. Bobbie always worried, made sure everything was alright.

Timmi pulled out the phone in the confines of the dressing room. Better text her back.

But first.

Timmi snapped a couple of duckface selfies and sent them to Faye. Then flipped the text window up.

I’m okay. I’m with Rach. Shopping is so fun! See you later k? :-p

***

Bobbie got the text after getting off the bus. She was tired, and she still had homework And worrying about Timmi wasn’t helping.

Seeing that she was okay, Bobbie sighed relief and opened the door. Once inside, she collapsed on the couch and after a few minutes of the mental whirlwind dying down…

She was asleep.

***

Timmi was eating a corndog, much to the chagrin of several onlookers. She made it a slow process, savoring every last morsel.

Rach sipped at her lemonade, okay, she did the nails.

Timmi was looking at the fries that were left. They didn’t last long. The new pink nails screaming to have the volume turned down clashed with the tan corn dog stick.

The first lap around the mall continued. It was easy to distract Timmi. Rach knew something was up when she lingered for far too long at the PiercingPalace.

“What gives, Faye?”

***

“What gives, Faye?”

Rach asked. It took a second for her to remember that she had to listen when people called her Faye. She was looking at her stomach. It was cute and flat and was soo narrow. It wasn’t like she could see everything with those lovely mounds of flesh obscuring the view. But people needed to see more than her breasts.

“Oh, nothing.” TImmi said.

“Come on, tell me. What? Thinking of getting something pierced?” Rach snickered.

Timmi looked up and brightened. “Yeah! That sounds like fun.”

Well she hasn’t gotten another ear piercing in a while.

They stood in the lobby and looked at the jewelry. The girl at the front had enough metal in her face alone to set off metal detectors. Large gauge ear piercings stood out sideways.

“Just looking.” She said, bored. These preppies are just here to look. Especially Barbie over there.

Rach and TImmi stood over the case and looked at all the various adornments in their wide array of colors and styles.

“OOH!” Timmi exclaimed, pointing. “That is totes adorbs.”

Rach gave an odd look.

“How much for this one?” Timmi asked

“Babe, that’s a navel ring.”

“I know, it’s just that I totally have the stomach for it and…” Timmi stopped as if another thought had crowded it out.

“Don’t you think it’s cute?”

“It is, just never thought you’d…”

Timmi giggled. She looked up at the pierced girl behind the counter. “I’ll take it.”

Timmi handed over Faye’s fake ID and took the offered forms.

“Trench!” The girl called, a heavily tattooed bald guy came out from the back. “Got a navel for ya.”

“Which one?” Trench asked.

Timmi raised her and giggled as she went back behind the partition.

Her dress was hiked up and she was laying back on the table. She absently wondered if Trench was staring, or if he was busy with the gloves and the individually wrapped needle.

A gloved hand swabbed Timmi’s bellybutton, leaving it pleasantly cool as the antiseptic evaporated.

“Okay.” Trench said. “Keep your arms at your sides and relax.”

Timmi knew it would hurt, she wanted to pout over it. But, the thought of a new piece of pretty jewelry pushed it aside.

“Okay. It’s gonna pinch some. Take a deep breath.”

Timmi inhaled slowly. She felt the tickle of the sharp needle on her tummy.

“One…”

“Two…”

“Three.”

The needle was shoved home. Timmi squeaked in surprise. That didn’t really hurt at all.

“Okay.” Trench wasn’t finished yet. “I’m gonna put the ring in now.”

Timmi felt some twisting and pulling for a minute before…

“All done.” Trench said, turning around to get the preprinted sheet of aftercare instructions.

“I wanna see!” Timmi exclaimed. She jumped up and looked into the mirror.

“EEEE. I love it.”

Rach was out in the lobby waiting, flipping through one of the many tattoo magazines in the waiting area.

Timmi handed over Faye’s card and paid the balance.

Rach smiled. “Look good?”

Timmi went to hike her dress again before Rach stopped her.

“Let’s wait till we get to my place.”

“Can’t wait. We’re gonna have so much fun!!”

The itching started before they left the mall.

It had mostly stopped by the time they got to Rach’s

***

Bobbie was laughing and twirling with Tim, his quasi muscular arms around her slender shoulders while the music played. The darkness and pinpoints of light flashed by in many colors, she was reminded of the color displays she had seen as Faye.

It was so good to be back where she belonged; in his arms. There was an almost tangible happiness that wrapped her up like a blanket.

But, it was getting so hard to keep her eyes open. She blinked and Tim had disappeared.

Looking down put Faye’s face in her field of vision.

“You’re so pretty, Bobbie. Just like me…”

“Like me…”

“Can I cut in?” Tim’s voice reappeared in her ear as a hand was placed on her shoulder.

Bobbie turned to see the original face of her boyfriend, it was different in an abstract way.

“Can I…”

The shake again.

“Cut…” Again…

“In?”

***

Bobbie gasped and jerked awake to see Faye standing over her.

“Bobbie.”

It was Faye.

“Faye. Oh, shit. Must have passed out. What time is it? Where’s…”

“I guess that Rach has Timmi. If I know her, they’re at the mall. They’ll be back at the house soon enough. We can stop by later if we need to.” Bobbie returned to normal and let the new information out into the open.

Faye could still feel a little nervous. How would Rach handle Timmi?

Hell, how would Timmi handle Rach?

“Yeah, shouldn’t be too difficult. I was going to see Kim and mom today, see what’s going on with her at school.”

“Alright. We can do that.” Faye said, grabbing an oatmeal cookie.

“So, you’re letting her down gently, right?”

Faye swallowed and looked at Bobbie. “Huh?”

Bobbie tapped her temple. “I can ‘see’ you, dumbass. Maybe not in color, but she’s hitting on you, isn’t she?”

Faye blushed. “A little. Not too sure it’s her fault.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Bobbie pointed at Faye. “Takes two to tango.”

“What? You want me to be a bitch…?”

“…asshole? Whichever.”

“This isn’t easy for any of us.”

“Easier for you. You got your dick back.”

Faye laughed.

“Not funny.”

“You didn’t mind when you were in there, did you?

Bobbie swore silently under her breath.Of all the times to be right, you have to pick now.

“Probably not the time to bring this up. But, I’m taking her out tomorrow.”

“What? Faye…”

“Hey, That boyfriend of yours is just too sweet. No one ever made me feel like that. Now that he’s… she….”

“I kind of feel like I owe her. Dinner, movie, keep it simple… what else is she gonna do? Stay home and parade every outfit in front of you?”

“And the thought of having a hot blonde next to you…” Derision crept into her voice.

“Of course not, sweetheart.” Faye’s dudely smile returned.

“Fine. But keep your hands…” Bobbie pointed at Faye.

Faye put his hands up. “I won’t try anything. I promise.”

“You’re not the one I’m worried about.” Bobbie said.

“Fear not, darlin’ I can be a gentleman.”

Bobbie wanted to laugh derisively, but couldn’t.

***

Kim got home, still a little worried about Timmi. Faye’s not worried, so why am I?

“Kim?” Sylvia called.

“Yeah, mom. It’s me. Bobbie and Tim are stopping by in a minute.”

“Really?” Sylvia said, coming out of the kitchen. “Good. Been wondering how she’s been doing.”

“I’m gonna go change. If they get here…”

“You’ll know.”

Kim was in her room and getting the dress off, changing back into the casual jeans and shirt that signified staying home. She thought it funny how she was starting to enjoy dressing like Heather used to.

Did I change? Or did Lust change me?

The Bettie Page poster sat on the wall and towered over the room.

You were one of hers too, weren’t you Lust.

As she pulled her L7 shirt over her head, she wondered what it would be like to embrace the Thrall’s life.

As long as I keep some control, right?

Kim heard the doorbell and ran downstairs to open the door. Bobbie and ‘Faye’ stood there.

“Hey.” Kim said. Turning her head, she yelled. “Got it mom.”

Kim laughed. “You look kinda douchey. And what is up with that bracelet?”

“Screw you.” Faye said sharply. “I like it.”

“…and that shirt.”

“Okay, Heather.” Faye said.

Kim rolled her eyes.

Sylvia came out. “Bobbie. Hi.” Her broad smile came closer as Sylvia hugged Bobbie.

“Tim.”

“Hi.”

“I just came by to say hi. Haven’t been here in a while.”

“You know you can come back whenever you…”

“You can’t take her.” Faye said. “Who’s gonna make dinner…”

“…uhhh, for them?”

Kim laughed.

“Just wondered what was going on.”

Sylvia and Bobbie talked and played catch up while Kim gestured with her eyes for Faye to follow her outside.

Kim had a cigarette out after they got about a block away. She lit it with a practiced motion, smoother, more graceful.

“Alright, how’s everything going?” Faye asked.

Kim exhaled smoke slowly. “Fine, I guess. You’re getting a lot of attention.”

“I already do.”

“Yeah, not like this. Timmi has been smiling and taking all the compliments and the invites.”

“Invites?”

“Dates, Prom, just to hang out… Blonde Faye is popular. And the fact that Timmi hasn’t threatened to stab anyone.” Kim studied the ends of her brown hair that now reached her shoulders.

Faye facepalmed. “That dude is gonna undo my rep.”

“Yeah. Well, maybe you should have thought of that…”

“Kim.” Faye warned.

“What? You messed with his colors.”

“I didn’t mean…”

Kim dragged on her cigarette. “Then you brought me into it, now Tim is closer to Girls Gone Wild than he ever wanted to be.”

“I know you’re a little confused. But do you wanna explain why you’re not scared or anything?”

“Huh?”

Kim exhaled. “God, you are dense. All that testosterone?”

“You can’t hide your feelings in there.”

Faye had forgotten about that.

“Just that Lust has fucked with me before. Panicking does nothing.”

“I know that’s not a straight answer.” Kim said, crushing out her cigarette.

“Deal.” Faye said. “Right now, I just want to get everything fixed before he does too much damage.”

Kim ran a hand through her hair. “Let’s just get back.”

When the duo reentered the house, Bobbie and Sylvia were talking. Kim liked what she saw, Roxx and her bullshit finally gone, they can get back to being…

Family.

***

“Look, Benny. I don’t know what happened to him. Haven’t seen him since…”

A burst of yelling crackled across the line.

“Just come in guns drawn and demand to see the cistern. They’ll know what you mean.”

More static.

“’Course not. Just do it tonight. It’s a slow night, less people.”

“See you then.”

Roxx hung up the phone and smiled.

If you want anything done...

***

“Will you stop rubbing at it.” Rach said as she swung into the driveway.

“It’s itchy.” Timmi said. It sucked having the bandage on it. Such a pretty thing should never be hidden. She was already rethinking her wardrobe, eliminating things from the rotation that covered her navel. Timmi drifted back to Trench.

He was kinda cute. His tattoos were really cool.

Skulls and flames and….Timmi giggled. She thought about running a hand over his smooth head. Can’t wait to use that one with the pink and white chain. Timmi thought about how it would sway when she moved.

Rach opened the door and let Timmi in.

Okay… 3…2…1…

“EEEE!” Timmi squealed. The room was awash in pink, there were pink things all over the place. Pink rose petals on the ground. The lamp had a special shade that bathed the room in a bubblegum glow.

***

This was starting to go beyond freaky. Faye so far today had eaten a corndog in public, pierced her bellybutton... Was she giggling back there with that guy?

That squeal that she emitted upon entry was pretty much the exact opposite of what it should have been. Rach expected explosive laughter followed by occasional profanity, which would end in 100% humidity and torrential downpour.

But this…

This was a desert; Faye seemed completely oblivious to any of it. She’s gotta be fucking with me. Rach grabbed the remote and hit play. The media system came to life, sound pouring from the conglomeration of speakers.

***

“Ohmigod… I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!”

Timmi knew this one, it used to play at the bakery a lot when Beth played it. She always smiled when it played. She’s cool, we need to hang out more. The thump of the bass seeped into her bones, commanding her to move. Arms starting to windmill.

Within three steps, Timmi had the six inch heels on the ground. Her balance was pristine. Luscious ass cocked one way, neck the other, blonde curls flying in all directions. Pointing at Rach and singing.

You don’t have to feel
            Like a plastic bag
            Twisting in the wind
            Wanting to start again

Rach giggled for a minute as the song continued to play.

***

The giggling continued until the confluence of events grew to an astronomical tipping point.

No way she knew the words to that, would listen to it, know it would be on. No, the impromptu dance routine had to something else. In fact…

I’ve never heard her sing before.

Maybe she’s trying to apologize. She’d never allow me to…

Awww. She’s really sorry. She really meant it.

“Dance with me!” Faye screamed over the music.

Rach smiled as she began to bounce.

***

The club was slow. Old timers and flashers at the tipping rail. A couple of frat boys sat in the corner with their ever-present grins and backwards baseball caps.

Roxx was nervous. She knew Nikki wouldn’t hurt her unless they told him to. Confidently, she strode to the booth that held the two men she feared as much as Lust.

“Preevyet, Roxx.”

Roxx smiled. “Dobra deyn.”

“You wanted talk?”

“Da.”

“Somebody’s coming. Not sure who he is. But he’s coming tonight.” She activated her phone and turned it to the two gentlemen.

“I hear things. A lot of things.” Roxx could tell that they were worried.

“Maybe you should lay low for a bit. I know that I’m just a girl…”

“N’yet. You very good at everything.”

“Good, then you’ll understand when I say that…”

A trenchcoated man shoved himself into Roxx, shoving her into the older man. The telltale click alerted the three to the weapon under the table. Benny…

“Cistern. Real quiet, we all….”

Clank Cough, Clank Cough.

Nikki’s face was steel as the man slumped. Roxx felt the sticky mass seep under her ass.

Both Boris and Yevgeniy looked to Roxx.

“She came good time.” Nikki said, bringing up his silenced Makarov. He unscrewed the barrel extension. “Was drawn when he sat.”

Roxx felt sick, she wanted to cry for some reason.

Why? This was always the plan.

Benny was a lousy lay anyway.

Boris quietly ordered a round for everyone and put a second dancer on stage.

Nikki came around and got the tablecloth around the corpse tightly and walked it off of the main floor.

“Spassiba, Tovarisch.” Boris ordered three Chateau Mukhranis and looked at Roxx.

“Za Pazhaloosta, Nastrovya.” Roxx said, downing the shot. The burn felt good.

There was no fear in these men.

Hmmm.

There was worry. But if it wasn’t fear than…

“Look, I can take care of this place. The girls listen to me; Boris, You hate the music and Yevgeniy, you hate the people. Leave Nikki, I can’t do what he does.”

“I can get more money out of this place. I’ve lived here a while. Do you have any idea how many times this place has changed hands? Believe me, Boris and Yevgeniy are only the latest. The Armenians here were butchers, and don’t get me started on the Australians. That meth cartel thing from a couple years back? Blew up in their faces, literally.”

“I know what the people want here. With a few tweaks, this place will be printing money.”

She laughed. “Well, more money.”

“Roxx…”

“Just a thought. After this…”

“You come up with this now… fast?”

“Well, yeah. Been knocked down before. It’s how fast you can get up again.”

Yevgeniy laughed. He turned to Boris and the Russian quickly blew past the ten or twelve words she had picked up at the club.

“We take vacation. Two weeks. Nikki stays. Booth is yours.” Boris said.

Yevgeniy finished. “But…” His voice took on an ominous tone.

“We will watch.”

***

Girl does her homework.

While the music continued to spin remixed girlpop, Faye had continued to dance and be bubbly and perky and…

“I had to take that band aid off. It was too itchy.” Faye yelled. Rach looked up the stairs. Faye was walking down the steps wearing her bra and panties… her hair bow…

And a smile.

She reached down and moved the new jewelry with one hand., it played with the light, glinting against the white and candy colored splotches that covered the surface of the ring. It slid back and forth so easily…

The other hand held a black bottle. Rach recognized it as the pink hair dye that Faye needed to use every couple of weeks. Faye always has those pretty streaks, and it’ll totally match the pink outfit I found this morning…

Rach always helps, she’s Faye’s girlfriend.

The music stopped suddenly.

“Why’d you stop the music?” She yelled, seeming unaware that the music stopped.

Rach held up a finger.

“One large… everything. Ooh, ooh those chocolate cakes… yeah… 2 liter of coke.” Rach looked at her girlfriend..

“Yeah yeah… see you here.” Rach thumbed her phone off and just stared at the vision in blonde on the stairs.
***

Timmi thought it was so awesome that Rach had the dye here, her hearing was, like fading in and out.

“Babe, you getting allergic to clothes?”

“No, it was just itchy. That dress would have just been a pain to take off. Besides, I saw this up there.” Timmi held up the bottle.

“It would be soooo awesome if you could…”

Rach smiled. At least something’s back to normal.

It took a while for Rach to add the Plutonium Pink dye, there was so much more hair now. Gonna need another bottle…

The pizza guy had shown up and had his insulated bag opened, hot steaming Italian goodness wafting its odors of onion and basil. Rach paid the guy, who couldn’t stop staring at the blonde girl sitting on the folding chair in the middle of the room.

In her underwear.

“What? It’s a girl thing. No whipped cream in that bag?”

Delivery guy stammered.

“Then have a nice day. Thank you.” Rach said, closing the door on the unmoved worker.

“Jeez, guys.” Rach set the pizza down and turned back to Timmi’s hair.

“Boys are funny. They always do stupid stuff around you when you’re pretty.” Like that time Tim asked Bobbie to the…

Aren’t I? Didn’t I?

The smell of the dye and the smell of the pizza made Timmi hungrier, that corndog was just for show. Everyone stared, it was just so funny, y’know?

Having Rach play with her hair was so relaxing, Timmi lost track of time, the pizza cooled while Rach finished adding the coloring agent and getting the mass of blonde hair under a shower cap.

***

“We’re done already?” Beth asked.

“Well, yeah. I took care of everything.” Bobbie said. “Got it done early, premeasured everything. Orders are caught up. You decorate tomorrow, they pick up Sunday. Done and done.”

“Cool beans.” Beth said.

“I’m just gonna wait for Tim to come down. He should be back soon.”

“Where was he?”

“I told him to take the night off. Go see a movie or something. With his hand, he’s not too much use. Besides…”

Bobbie hip bumped Beth. “We’ve got this, right?”

Beth giggled. “GRRL ARMY.”

“For sure.” Bobbie smiled warmly.

Beth left with her dad. Sylvia had told her that Roy had continued seeing her and Bobbie knew that she was happier than she had been in a long time.

Bobbie thought back to Robb, the person she had been. And Jeff, the father he had to finish growing up without. Sylvia put up with so much…

Glad to see her happy. There was no darkness hanging over her. It was just the normal worry of a mother.

Bobbie looked down and realized that she had eaten one of the German chocolate cupcakes. She noticed that she sometimes ate in thought. Maybe I should start walking again. Need to make sure Heather doesn’t have to take out that dress, and…

She laughed out loud. The thought that she had to stop freaking out about prom.

Dress, prom. Girl tree hit you with every branch…

Thinking of Tim, she realized that a few branches had flown past only to smack Tim directly in the face.

Timmi…

When Faye arrived, Bobbie was still stuck for a solution.

“Yo…” Faye said in a game show host voice, pointing a manicured nail at Bobbie.

“What the…” Bobbie noticed the look of freshly fussed over nails.

“Good god.” Faye said, bringing his nails in toward his palm. Inspecting them, she said. “How much sugar and butter did they get out of there? I have no idea. And these cuticles…”

Bobbie laughed. “Metroing some?”

“Just taking care of the place. Played a little b-ball today. That was kind of fun. I mean…”

Bobbie squinted. “Huh? I don’t…”

“I… Kane… well. I was a bit of a geek. Didn’t really play much. It was kind of cool to just go and play without the obvious asshole count.”

“I wondered what life would be….” Faye’s voice trailed off. Bobbie saw his greys move at weird angles.

Don’t be mad, Bobbie. You were there once, too. Echoes of Robb’s voice flitted through her synapses.

“Goddammit this is confusing. Any word from Timmi or Rach?”

“You know, you’re adapting to that name a little too quickly.” Bobbie accused.

“So I should be a dick?”

Bobbie’s face hardened.

“You still worried about me taking her out? This is my fault mostly. I’ll just keep her out of your hair. Think of it as me watching her. Kim’s stuck with her at school, Rach has her now. And who knows what all they’ll get up to…”

***

The shower was always so tingly and felt so awesome. The smell of the herbal bath gel mixed with the steam to make the bathroom pleasant smelling and humid. Timmi could see the lines of hot pink rolling down the walls like an alien had been executed there. Silly thoughts.

Timmi got out of the shower and grabbed two towels. One for her hair and one to cover herself. She stared into the mirror. Things are so different now, all she wanted to do was get back downstairs and see what Rach had to say.

The bags from the mall caught her eye again. So many cute things. Shopping was so much cooler now. She remembered going with Heather and looking at…

Suits? So silly, these dresses were so much cuter.

Timmi had the hair dryer out while she contemplated the makeup on the table. She spent minutes composing the color combinations in her head. She absently toweled away the moisture in the long mane she had recently acquired. Wow the pink came out so bright, Rach is gonna be so surprised. Faye’s gonna be so surprised. She could already picture him dropping things and opening the door for her…

I used to hold the door open, it made me feel good. Now I want him to. Why does that seem weird?

Isn’t life so crazy? Now she was here with Rach… that was gonna be sooo fun.

Just need to finish getting ready.

Timmi was anticipating Rach…

But she was thinking about Faye. What would they do? Where would they go? What would Faye wear?

Ohmigod… What am I gonna wear? The whine of the hairdryer made thought really hard.

Assured that her hair was mostly dry, Timmi started the process of getting dressed. The feeling of the different fabrics sliding up her legs. The supple curves being lowered into the industrial strength cups. With the smooth motions of a Tai Chi master, Timmi smoothly hooked the clasp in an amazing display of zen archery.

The fishnets followed suit and the skimpy dress completed her lower half’s preparations. The fuchsia garment had triangular cutouts, including one that allowed full view of the flat stomach and the new ornament that lay therein.

***

What is taking her so long? Rach wondered what she was doing as she dipped a breadstick into the cup of sauce.

“Here I come.” Came the voice from the top of the stairs. Rach was very glad that she hadn’t cleaned up the garbage bags from the floor.

Because there was no way that that sauce would have ever come out of the carpet.

Was that her girlfriend coming down the stairs? Or was this becoming something completely different.

Faye was wearing a skirt so short that Rach swore that she could read her mind. And if the dresses’ length didn’t do it, then the organic air conditioning would. There were triangles of supple tan flesh showing all around her midsection, the navel ring drawing attention like a lighthouse on a foggy shore. Her makeup was bold with thick dark lines around the eyes and bright pink lids, the bold red lips declaring that no one would look further. The hair had volume; rising up in the back, falling in gentle waves to partially obscure the pendulum like swing of her hips. The bright pink streak framed the right side of her face and continued all the way to the tips, where the last inch and a half had been completely taken over by the new color, the contrast in the pinks only serving to make the voluptuous hind end more suggestive.

“I….I….” Rach was speechless. Faye was always hot in that dark, gothy way. But this? This was…

Gorgeous…

“I knew you’d like it. This dress is sooo cute.” Timmi squealed, gently placing one heel on a stair followed by another. Slowly, deliberately.

Rach broke into a run, meeting Timmi halfway.

“One more thing, babe.” Rach said, pulling a small box from her pocket.

Timmi accepted the box and opened it.

There was a thin gold chain bunched up on one side of the box, it had been threaded through two small metal loops.

Connected to the loops was a piece of gold shaped into flowing script and encrusted with both pink and white rhinestones: Faye.

Timmi gasped. “For me?”

Rach looked at her girl dryly. “It’s your name.”

“EEEE!!! Thank you!!” Timmi nearly bowled Rach over, but the hug had more balance than it appeared.

“Lemme put it on you.”

Timmi had a flash of thought. Bobbie moving her hair to let Tim put the crossed spatula and whisk around her neck. She gathered the big blonde mass and swept it over a shoulder as she turned around. She felt the cold metal rest on her décolletage. She heard the clasp connect before turning around.

“It’s so pretty.”

“Just like you, Fay-fay.” Rach looked deep into the blue eyes, those aren’t contacts. Rach noticed the purple veins through her irises too late.

“Oh, Rach.” Timmi exclaimed. She parted her lips and leaned into Rach. Their lips met, tongues probing.

***

Those aren’t contacts….

Rach thought nothing of it. If anything about Faye Valentine was true, she was a funny girl.

Uncharacteristically, Rach opened her eyes mid kiss. For some reason she felt lighter. For some reason her thoughts were suddenly fuzzier, like everything was obscured by a pink mist.

Faye’s so pretty.

Suddenly Rach didn’t understand why she was smiling. She looked back into her girlfriend’s eyes. Everything about her body was getting all tingly, just like her head...but it felt great, so why worry about it?

A smile spread across her lips. “You’re just so pretty, Faye. Prettier than…”

Timmi pouted. “Don’t say that. You’re pretty like me now… look.”

Rach looked in the mirror. For a moment she was shocked by the image that greeted her. Her body...it was changing! Hair was growing longer and blonder, already reaching the small of her back. And just like Faye, her eyes were now a piercing cobalt blue.

But she felt that fear and panic begin to recede almost as quickly as it had appeared. Why should she be worried? Getting prettier wasn't something to be concerned about...right?

Rach brought her hands to her face. It had thinned out a little, the cheekbones becoming striking. Her lips plumping into a pout that men dream of, eyes swimming deeper into a dreamy deep blue. Quickly, she tried to think of something clever. But it's too hard to think about that stuff when you actually try. Instead her mind wandered, quickly focusing on something else that bothered her.

“Why didn’t you tell me I didn’t have any makeup on?”

Timmi giggled. “It’s okay… I have plenty. Come on.”

***

Timmi thought it was funny. When she closed her eyes to kiss Rach, everything seemed fine.

But when she opened them again…

Rach was changing. Hair growing longer, figure filling out. It was so cool to watch, just like a movie! Ooh, I bet she gets prettier too. Just like I did.

Timmi still recognized Rach, but her body was shimmering and changing. She watched as Rachael's boobs began to grow....and grow! Soon they had more than doubled in size, looking positively huge on her small frame, tenting out her shirt and making midriff visible. Rach moaned wantonly as the fabric slid across her nipples, hands moving to those melons which were now stretching her top to the tearing point, trying desperately to seem more of those delicious sensations.

Her hips flared out, straining against the well worn elastic of her sweatpants. Timmi's eyes settled on her butt as it filled out, the fabric stretching as if it was slowly inflated. Rach put a hand on it, the sensual feeling caused her to purse her lips and roll her eyes skyward.

Rach's hair had lengthened and lightened to the same shade and length as Timmi’s. Rach touched at it to find it was so much thicker than she remembered it. Like those models I keep staring at…. Rach never thought she would be as pretty as them…

But now I am…

“EEE! You’re so pretty Rach, we should…” An idea percolated through the layers of mental fluff. If she thinks she’s this pretty now…. Then…

“…come on.” Timmi said, pulling Rach up the stairs.

After a quick stop to Rach’s room, it took several second before both girls realized that there was nothing in Rach’s closet that was going to fit, now that her sexy parts were all different.

I know…

“The clothes we bought at the mall. You look the same size…” Timmi grabbed Rach’s wrist again and the other girl pliantly followed.

Moments later they were in the bathroom, laying out everything would leave in less than twelve parsecs.

Parsec? Twelve of those little green things that restaurants put on the plate… Timmi couldn’t remember why that was important, but with Rach there.

It just didn’t matter.

The bathroom seemed normal, although all of Timmi’s makeup and hair products were covering the sink.

“Sit here.” Timmi said, Rach complied.

Timmi studied Rach’s new face with the calm of a sculptor confronted with a pristine block of marble.

***

Rach sat on the lid of the toilet while she waited to see what Faye had in mind. She’s so smart about clothes and makeup and stuff. Glad I showed her.

Rach giggled mirthfully. She couldn’t wait to see what Faye would do. With all that time she spends as a model….

Wow, I have the coolest girlfriend ever.

Timmi was already pulling things aside after tossing a scrunchie to Rach.

Rachael’s mind began to wander as she sat there. She couldn't believe what had happened to her! Just a kiss from Faye had totally changed her and stuff. Rach new she should be upset or weirded out by how her body had changed, but it felt so nice it was really hard to! She looked down at her breasts, still amazed by how big they were now. It was so hard to see anything past them, Rach had to keep pushing them down to see her feet. But squeezing them was nice too! Rach did it a few times, pretending to try and look at her feet. Squeezing boobs makes you horny!

The rest of her body had changed too. She couldn't wait to get out of the sweatpants that were digging into her hips. Maybe if Faye can't find any clothes, she could just walk around naked for a while? That would be so awesome! At least her hair looked rally nice. It was all shiny and white like Faye's now. And super long. Faye's hair is pretty.

“We’ll do your hair last. First let’s see what you can wear…” Timmi giggled. Rach’s boobs are like mine now… I bet my new pretty clothes fit.

Rummaging through the bags, Timmi found the microminiskirt and the halter top. I’m sure these’ll fit. Why else would I buy them?

A few minutes later; after playing Twister with a gaggle of invisible opponents, Rach was resplendent in shiny pink. The halter top held Rach’s new, engorged breasts together. Her cleavage was a straight line, jiggling behind the tight garment. A skirt that barely covered Rach’s mathematically perfect thigh gap.

“Ohmigod, Rach…” Timmi began. “You look soooo hot! Just wait till I get finished.”

Rach tried to sit patiently, but she knew whatever Faye was doing, it would make her so pretty. Like all those supercute models…

Timmi was applying makeup like a pro, deft strokes left perfect amounts of color on the desired locations. Features were accentuated, and the eyes.

Oh wow, the eyes.

The dark lines made the whites almost glow and the pink shadow created a blue halo within. Perfect circles that could confound the most dauntless explorer. The smells of lightly toasted hair and hairspray started to take over the herbal bath gel as Timmi twisted a small section of her crown into three individual pieces. With nimble fingers, Timmi soon had a thin braid that swung seductively down one side of Rach’s face. Then Timmi grabbed the curling iron and began adding bends and waves where there were none before.

This is so much easier… I only burned myself ‘cuz I couldn’t see. Maybe Bobbie can help me tomorrow? The thought of her and Bobbie doing each other’s hair seemed so fun…

It was like she should be doing something else with Bobbie though… What?

The thought was crowded out by the massive project she had undertaken.

“Done…”

Rach nearly knocked Timmi over when she said that. Timmi barely moved out of the way in time, the pink streak strobing in her vision as gravity took hold again.

“EEEEEEEEE!” Rach squealed so loudly that Timmi thought that the mirror would shatter… Which would be such a shame, every mirror I see is so pretty.

Rach stared wide eyed at the mirror. Never had she looked so girly and feminine, she had always left it up to Faye…

Now I’m just as pretty as she is, that’s so awesome.

“Ooh. I know.” Timmi said, crowding close. The braid meeting the pink streak as the two girls brought the blue lasers to bear. She held the phone up and moved it carefully with the adeptness of a blind ninja master.

FLASH!!

The light was both blinding and deafening, Timmi’s phone clattering to the floor as both girls blinked and felt around their surroundings for purchase.

“Owie.” Rach said. “What was that?”

“Oh, darn.” Timmi said, feeling around for the phone. “I forgot to turn off the flashy thing.”

Flashy thing? Isn’t that supposed to make me forget something? With that dancing guy Carlton and that guy that Han Solo chased until he jumped down that waterfall?

“Anyways, I was gonna send this picture to Faye….” Timmi stopped talking and covered her mouth.

“Faye? But you’re Faye. I mean I’m not…” Right? Rach looked at the mirror after standing.

Timmi was swiping and tapping.

You should totally come over silly boy. ;-P ;-P ;-{

Yeah, that would be so fun…

“Faye’s being a boy right now.”

“Huh?” Rach said. “Again? Awww. I like him as a girl. But I never met him as a boy…” That wasn’t weird.

Was it?

The picture was sent, while Timmi told Rach the strange story of how Faye came to meet him to tell him a secret, but there was a funny thread on his shirt, then the funny thread was in her bra, then there was all this blonde hair, and…..

“…and you know the rest… I mean you should.”

“You were there, silly.”

“You’re so pretty, babe.”

“Babe.” Timmi giggled, she suddenly couldn’t take her hands away from Rach’s thigh.

And Rach couldn’t stop touching her massive breasts.

And with the other hand…Timmi’s massive breasts.

Bimbo Kisses, Lollipop Dreams: A Platinum Chef/ Delacroix side story Part III

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

TG Elements:

Bimbos / Bimboization

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 79

Faye had a beer open and sitting on the table. Bobbie had looked at him crossways for that.

“What?” He asked, taking a swig.

“He had a problem.”

“So did you, don’t get all high and mighty now.”

Bobbie rolled her eyes. “I’m not. I just…”

“Fuck. Sorry, Faye.”

The vibrating phone threatened to resurrect the erection that had been running off and on all day. Being aroused all the time was one thing if your state wasn’t telegraphed so easily.

He looked at the phone and stared at the picture for a lot longer than he should have.

He is risen…

The picture was Timmi and another girl that was sort of Rach and they were both dolled up past the nines. Somewhere a club was missing the queen bees.

“Oh, shit.”

“What.” Bobbie asked, suddenly sitting up.

Faye flipped the phone around. “We’ve got a problem.”

“Rach doesn’t dress like that, and she looks different. I think there might be something going on. Mighty fuck, can we just destroy the ring or whatever already?”

They were in the EVO faster than they thought possible. There were a couple of reasons for the rush. Faye was worried about Rach, that girl put up with far more than anyone should ever have to.

But she does it out of love. Dammit, Timmi.

Dammit Faye…

Fuck.

***

I’M A BARBIE GIRL

IN A BARBIE WORLD…

Timmi and Rach were jumping up and down, and jiggling close to each other. Blonde and pink hair was twisting in midair only to bounce into the air again as their gyration brought parts of them on a collision course. They only stopped long enough to kiss the prettiest person in the room.

The music faded slightly and…

DING DONG!!

“Oh, they’re here.”

Rach looked puzzled. “But the pizza guy came already.”

Timmi opened the door and leapt into Faye’s arms.

“Faye!!!” She kissed him on the cheek and watched him turn the color of that girl’s hair…The one with the nice hands.

She let go and leapt again. “Bobbieeeeee.”

“Hi, Timmi.” Bobbie hated to see her boyfriend this way. She refused to think of her as Timmi. “How was your day?”

“Ohmygodohmygodohmygod…it was soo fun.. Rach took me out and we got my nails done and see?...” Timmi held out her perfectly manicured pink nails. “Then I got this…”

“Motherfucker.” Faye said, noticing the bellybutton ring for the first time/

Timmi looked hurt. “Don’t you think it’s cute?”

Faye turned to Bobbie. “What is it with you two?”

Bobbie suppressed a chuckle.

“It’s cute. It’s just that if I wanted to do it. I would have. Take it out.”

“Awww.” Timmi said, easily removing the jewelry. She gave it to Faye sadly.

He looked at it closely. It was clean.

Bending closer, Faye inspected the hole. It had healed completely.

Faye rolled his eyes.

“Faye?” Rach said, noticing the eyeroll. “Why are you a boy again?”

“It’s… complicated. I’m trying to fix it, I promise.” What happened to you, Rach?

***

Timmi was telling everyone about all the cool stuff she got and then Faye got mad about the navel ring. It made her a little sad at first because she thought that Faye didn’t like it, but it turned out that she kind of did and since it healed so fast there was nothing he could really do about it.

What was all this talk about being a boy again? Wasn’t Timmi supposed to be a boy again soon?

Again? Silly. I’m Timmi.

I’m a girl.

Timmi was a little disappointed that he didn’t notice the pink hair or the pretty necklace. But it looked like everything was okay. Faye and Bobbie were eating some of the leftover pizza while Timmi put the other ring in her navel. The one with the pink and white stones that dangled on a chain. Rach bought one with the same colors. She’s smart.

My girlfriend is so cool.

“Then I kissed her, ‘cuz y’know… she wanted to. Then she got super pretty, too. Next thing I know she’s all blonde and sexy and I just wanted to help.” The pout returned.

“If you look like that, why not be pretty? People want to do things for you, and buy you things…”

“It’s nice.”

Bobbie fought back the urge to burst into tears.

“It’s okay, Bobbie.” Timmi hugged her. “No matter where you go…”

“There you were… huh?” Timmi smiled a vacant smile through plastic eyes.

Bobbie hugged Timmi.

“I’ll give you my coat again.” The smile persisted.

“I promise.” Timmi whispered. Bobbie was her best friend ever, BFF didn’t come close. Sure she was a bit of a poison pill sometimes. But she only wanted everyone to be okay. She’s such a good friend. For all the sad things that happened back there, it was so cool that Bobbie was here now… and Faye….

Timmi loved her friends.

***

Rach looked at Faye. It was funny because she was never that tall… was she?

Now she had muscles and stubble…. I like his bracelet.

And his…

Rach looked at the whole picture. Timmi was so pretty, but Faye was so…

Handsome?

Huh… why didn’t I ever look at boys before?

Rach came close to Faye and attached herself to him. With her head against his chest, she put her hand flat on his stomach.

“It’s a different cute. But, I like it.”

Bobbie looked over to Faye. “We need to get her home.”

With Rach in his arms, Faye looked at Timmi and started thinking about how this would work.

There’s this dog, this goat, and this bag of oats…

“Alright.” Faye sighed. “Let’s get you two home. I’ll bring Rach back here, and we’ll see what’s going on.

***

Timmi and Rach both wanted to sit in the front seat, but Faye convinced the two girls that they should sit next to the pretty one.

“Christ.” Bobbie muttered under her breath. Having Tim ditz out was one thing, but making it happen to someone else…

Contagious? Thoughts of Dustin Hoffman talking to the army guys…

They want their weapon.

“Huh?” Faye said starting the car.

“Nothing, let’s just get this over with.”

***

Rach was a clapping, giddy mess when Faye told her she could finally have the front seat.

“I’ll give you a call.” Faye said, dropping into the driver’s seat. The engine roared to life and tore away.

Rach wasted no time feeling for Faye’s knee. “So strong.” She said with a giggle.

Faye blushed.

“Oh! That’s what Timmi meant.” The giggle persisted. “You are silly. Why so embarrassed?”

“Rach…”

The house came up quickly, the lone entry light standing like a sentinel. Guarding against…

What?

Rach led Faye inside and made him sit down. No sooner than the seat cushion was compressed, Rach was on Faye’s lap, tracing a hand down his chest.

“Giant robots…” She giggled.

Rach bent down and planted her pillowy lips onto Faye’s. The stubble scratched a little, but Rach liked it.

Faye knew the response in his pants wasn’t going to subside on its own.

I’m gonna pay for this…

He looked at Rach.

Special room in hell? Totally worth it.

***

Bobbie had Timmi sitting on the couch. She wasn’t lecturing exactly, but…

“What happened exactly?”

Timmi shrugged and flicked the chain that hung from her bellybutton.

“We were just kissing, then Rach got all sexy and blonder and stuff…” Timmi’s eyes widened like she figured out the meaning of life.

Timmi’s eyes widened during a sharp intake of breath. “That’s the same thing that happened to me, huh?”

“We don’t know.” Bobbie sent a worried text to Faye.

“It was definitely cool, I didn’t know I could do that. Now everyone can be pretty.”

Bobbie sat down next to her boyfriend who was now a girl.

“Timmi. Don’t kiss anyone else, okay? At least until we can figure this out.”

Timmi pouted. “It didn’t do anything to Faye.” Another giggle. “He’s cute, I see why you like him.” The thought of boyFaye with long blonde hair was funny and she giggled.

Bobbie made some cocoa and hoped that the situation would resolve itself.

***

The lamp was on the ground and somehow the pink shade had rolled all the way into the kitchen.

The slurping noises gave the illusion that an aquarium somewhere was low on water.

“Unnh.” Faye said. Mmmm… she’s … good……

This wasn’t the first time Rach’s head was where it was, but it was the first time to his knowledge that she had given a blowjob.

And if you can’t give a blowjob to your girlfriend, who can you do it to?

Rach suddenly stopped and crawled up Faye’s body like a tree. He felt her guide him into the musky warm canal that threatened to cut off circulation. Faye grunted as their bodies fully connected.

“This is fun when you’re a boy.” Rach said. Faye felt the long hair tickle the tops of his legs.

Rach began to bounce on the newfound cushion afforded her by the Timmi bestowed curves. She slid the moist folds of her dripping pussy up and down. Smiling more with each strange face her partner made.

Faye sat up and grabbed at his girlfriend’s midsection, guiding her into another position, then another.

Then another.

When Faye could take it no more, he spasmed. And Rach cried out as she felt the hot spray coat the inside of the twitching, flexing canal.

“Ooooooooh!” Rach cried, her voice somehow lower. She turned and bonded herself to Faye with the industrial strength sweat of their lovemaking.

“That was soooooo awesome. Not like those stupid toys.”

Rach giggled, her hair fanned out over his chest.

“Yours moves.” The giggle again.

Rach traced a finger on Faye’s smooth chest.

Faye held Rach tight, like it could have been…

Before.

***

Bobbie put a movie on, hoping that Timmi would at least be interested. Drop Bears was still around, she had taken it home to listen to the commentary track in the morning.

Sipping cocoa and watching the misadventures of victims of falling marsupials, she looked over at Timmi.

There was an unfamiliar look on her face. She’s scared?

Several times, Timmi had her hands over her face. “This is scary.”

“I thought they were gonna be all cute and stuff. All that blood. Ewwww.” She waved her hands back and forth.

Bobbie looked around and found one of those vampire/werewolf movies that came out a while ago. When it started with an attractive brunette woman in tight clothes dropping hundreds of feet, Timmi’s response was.

“She’s pretty. And I like that outfit…”

Well, that should keep her busy for a few minutes. It did, Bobbie managed to get Timmi to bed…

But not before she sleepily asked Bobbie if they could get ready together in the morning.

Bobbie smiled. He’s still in there.

Jesus, even as a girl…

Friendzoned.

Chapter 80

Rach woke up with the worst headache ever. Why do I hurt everywhere? I’m not sick… I’m not…

What happened last night?

Well, it didn’t hurt everywhere. Her hands had found their way into her… It did hurt some as she removed her hands. Not the pain of something being wrong, but the fire and lactic acid shock that plagued fatigued muscles.

It was in the bathroom that Rach screamed and nearly lost control of her bladder.

Her face was made up… or had been. Pink eye shadow?

Where was Faye?

Rach finished in the bathroom and washed the grime and color from her face and hastily pulled back her hair. It was softer, more lustrous. She threw a robe on quickly before turning.

When she went back out into the bedroom there was a boy laying in her bed, shirt off. He looked familiar… Bobbie’s boyfriend.

Tom? No, Tim.

“What the hell are you doing here? And where’s Faye.”

“Morning, babe.”

“Don’t you babe me, what the fuck are you doing in my house?”

***
Faye woke in seconds. Rach was starting to yell, and if that was happening this early it meant two things.

Amazing how you can do the fastest math within seconds after getting up.

It meant one, that the… Whatever it was… had worn off. A quick glance of the robed girl verified that Rach had, indeed returned to normal.

And two:

The punches would soon start flying if Faye didn’t say something amazing and fast.

“Babe. It’s me. I didn’t wanna…”

“Didn’t wanna what?”

Faye brought her smile to bear. “Freak you out.”

“You’re half naked and in my bed, I think we’re past that.”

“Actually.” Faye looked under the covers. “I’m totally naked. You didn’t mind last night.”

Rach groaned in anguish and started to say something, but…

You’re so pretty…

It’s a different cute, but I like it.

Kissing…him?

Looking at the heap of not Rach clothes, she saw the green boxer briefs.

“Mmmmmm, blowjobs are fun…”

“Oh, god…” Rach turned and ran for the bathroom. She couldn’t decide to brush her teeth with steel wool or gargle with bleach.

Faye was buttoning the fly of his jeans and holding a balled up shirt in his hand.

“Rach.” He went to put a hand on her shoulder. She batted it away.

“Don’t touch me.”

“I…” Fuck it. “It hasn’t really been me lately at all.”

“If you say that one more goddamn time…”

“It was Bobbie.”

Rach paled. “Bobbie? Really? You’re gonna have to do better than that.”

“Oh, so everything was fine up at the mountain?” Faye pointed.

“What in the hell would possess me to get a green streak in my hair? I smoked a joint with you?”

“Chicken and waffles? Then you and Zoe come to see me and Nick… You thought that was Bobbie, didn’t you? Didn’t think it was strange when Bobbie kissed you? Because it was me” Faye had a thumb pointed at herself.

Rach started to respond.

“The… whatever it was that made me a girl? Well, it made me Bobbie. I just got back. Dinner with you was fun. I knew you’d like the Steak Diane.”

“And the expensive vanilla pudding.”

“With a crunch.” Rach whispered.

“Faye!” Rach leapt forward and hugged him. God this is weird, all hard and…

Bleech…

Faye bent in to kiss Rach. Rach obliged, the stubble scratching at her face.

Rach reached up and put a hand at the back of his neck.

“I love you, Fay-fay.” She stared into the brown eyes.

“But…”

Pain exploded from Faye’s midsection as Rach’s knee found a home.

“Don’t you ever take advantage of me like that again.”

”Fuck.” Faye grunted as he sunk to his knees. “Forgot about that.”

“What? You guys get me drunk?”

“No.” Faye gasped, squirming. He sat on the edge of the bed.

“The same whatever it was? Ooh, god that hurts.”

Rach windmilled a hand.

“Well, I guess there’s some kind of side effect. When she kissed you…”

“…you got kind of slutty.”

Rach reddened with anger.

“Hey.” Faye put up hands defensively. “If I just left you here, what would have happened? It doesn’t work on me.”

“But you thought I was cute. You kind of attacked me when I got you back here.”

“Didn’t fight, did you?” Rach intoned with bubbling anger.

“No.” Faye said. “And neither did you. All big tits and blonde hair. You were actually really hot. The only fight was to get my clothes off.”

“I have pictures. I knew it would come in handy.”

Rach grabbed the phone and looked. “That’s me… sort of.” She squinted at the tiny screen.

“I won’t tell anyone if you won’t. Besides. We need to kind of keep Timmi under wraps.”

“Timmi?”

“Don’t ask. You’ve seen her. And by the way, navel ring?”

Rach grinned. “I wasn’t gonna stop her. I thought it was you. I thought…”

“You were apologizing.”

“Babe. Everything from the mountain on wasn’t me. That’s why I was acting so weird.”

Faye felt a tear creep up. “I love you.” He wiped it away quickly, not wanting her to see.

Rach melted. “Fuck that male shit.”

“I love you too. But, is this…” She waved her hand to indicate all of him.

“You?”

“At this point I just don’t know anymore. Wish I wasn’t, the swollen testicles are a bad distraction.” Faye rubbed at his groin. “Look, I’m trying to just keep things going until we can figure all this out.”

Faye stood and awkwardly hugged Rach, being very sure to position himself with a defensive posture.

He touched her face. “I should go. Who knows what all those two blondes are gonna get up to without ol’ Faye there, right?”

Rach smiled wanly.

“I…I’m sorry, Rach. We’re gonna get this all figured out. I promise you.”

Rach wanted to believe so badly.

So, so badly.

***

Timmi had to try hard not to yelp when she stubbed her toe in the hallway. She knew that Bobbie was still asleep, but wanted to make coffee before she woke up. They were gonna get ready for school together that day. Timmi was so excited to try out the new makeup tips on Bobbie. She had already laid out all the stuff they would need. She tried to imagine the pictures of the two of them, both made up and in pretty dresses.

The gurgling of the coffee pot woke Bobbie. She blearily looked over to see Timmi sitting on the couch barely containing herself.

“Morning, Bobbie. I made coffee.” Timmi squealed. “This is gonna be so fun…”

God, is she always gonna be this cheerful?

“Hi, Timmi.” Bobbie said, getting herself to her feet and wishing for coffee. Her cup was filled and she was back on the couch hoping that the caffeine would kick in soon.

“We have a lot to do.” Timmi said. “Don’t wanna be late.”

“Late?” Bobbie said, sipping at her coffee. “Timmi…”

“It’s Saturday.”

Timmi pouted for a second, taking her eyes up and to the right. “Oh yeah, huh?”

Then, as if remembering something important. “Faye and I are going out tonight.”

Bobbie set the mug down. “Timmi. I wanted to talk to you about…”

“It’s gonna be so awesome. I remember when we went out before, he was…”

“She was…” Timmi shook her head, this is so confusing.

“Do you know what you’re wearing today?”

Bobbie smiled thinly. “Was just gonna put some pants on and…”

Timmi looked at Bobbie as if to say ‘Come on…’

“You could wear a dress today.” Timmi looked at Bobbie hopefully.

“I’m gonna have to go to the bakery later.”

“Then you can go in a dress.” Timmi said with finality. “Maybe people will buy more stuff if you’re all prettied up.”

Bobbie decided that she would concede to Timmi today. She was sure that she had been a darker storm cloud among grey skies, no need to be the fun police here.

Timmi went into the kitchen and poured herself a cup. Stirring the brew, she asked. “Ready, Bobbie?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” Bobbie was strangely not worried. Timmi had managed to absorb all the fashion advice put in front of her. Like me with the cooking.

Bobbie and Timmi had taken over the bathroom, they were chatting like many of the girls she had come to know since joining the XX population.

Timmi had the heated rollers out and was brushing out Bobbie’s hair. What did I get myself into? Bobbie wondered. The watery stuff Timmi sprayed in first had a faint chemical odor.

“It’s gonna be so cool to go out tonight.” Timmi said while winding Bobbie’s hair around the cylinder.

“What are you two going to do?” Bobbie asked. Maybe if I do it as girl talk?

“I don’t know. He’ll think of something.” Timmi said nonchalantly. “It’s his job anyway.”

Bobbie noticed that Timmi didn’t seem to be involved in the conversation. If it wasn’t about how pretty her hair was or how perfect her skin, it didn’t seem to hold Timmi’s interest.

By the time Bobbie’s head was covered in rollers, she had just allowed herself to relax. Just one of the girls.

“…there was that time at that party.” Timmi giggled. “You were so drunk.”

Bobbie gazed over at her boyfriend. He remembers.

“They call me Mello Yello.” Timmi sang, fitting the shower cap over the rollers.

The memory of the soda Tim brought her…

“Jeez, Bobbie. You have such a pretty smile. Don’t ruin it too early today.” Timmi rolled her eyes. The distinctive roll took on a new undertone.

“I worry about you, Tim…mi.”

“Oh. I worry about you, too.” Timmi hugged Bobbie. “You’re the best friend I ever had. When I was sad, you were always there to cheer me up.”

“We went to that dance, and…Bella and Amber…” Timmi trailed off, dazed.

“Anyways… Faye and I were just gonna have some fun, The bakery is cool and all.”

“But, I’m not too good at it. Wish I was though. It would be fun to hang out. Ooh, I know…”

Timmi was gone in a flash and back almost before Bobbie could register that she was gone.

There was a bundle of blue in her hands. Bobbie recognized it instantly. It was the dress she had worn to the bake sale.

“I remember when you wore this…” Timmi said, thrusting the bundle at Bobbie. “I thought you were so pretty.”

The bake sale? How long ago was that? Bobbie remembered walking around the school dressed like that. The memory made her smile a bittersweet smile. So much had happened.

“… then we sold everything, and Faye was there. But she was a girl…”

“Darn it.” Timmi said. “All this stuff is so confusing. Who is who? Who used to be who? Am I still me?” Timmi giggled, ignoring the question she herself posed. “We can go to the bakery all dressed up and give out some samples. Then I can come back and get ready to go out tonight. It’ll be fun.”

“I promise.”

Bobbie smiled wanly.

***

Faye was not happy. She was pissed, sad… Rach knew that it wasn’t any one person’s fault. Fucking magic shit. The coffee from Daily Grind didn’t even help the morning seem any brighter .

Neither did the swollen testicles.

Yeah, she had taken one for the team. Rach was more than a saint, Faye was honestly surprised how well she took it, she wondered if Rach knew what she lost. He could see that it had bothered her in her sprint to the bathroom.

He didn’t mind too much at the time.

Neither did she.

He noticed that the lights were still off and the Closed sign up. Where is she?

“Fuck.” Faye sighed, he opened the door and got the wares that were ready into the case and. Cheepskates was open. Hope I still remember all the prices.

He dialed Bobbie.

***

Bobbie couldn’t hear a thing with the hair dryer going. Even Timmi saw the futility of talking. This had been a fun morning, if a bit odd. She had talked about the things she used to talk to Heather and Amber about. Timmi remembered Tim, however vaguely. It’s like trying to watch a DVD on a LaserDisc player.

Heather hadn’t been quite as adept as Timmi was being. Light touches, brushing… Bobbie got lost in it. Bobbie relaxed, for the first time since this whole mess with Faye started.

“…and we all have prom tickets now. Rach said she got some, so we can all go. Then at the hotel, we can…”

“Hotel?”

“Oh…. Son of my mother…” Timmi pouted, holding the brush up high. “That was a surprise.”

“It was gonna be such a cool evening.” Timmi said wistfully, then brightened instantly. “But it still will. Of course I’m gonna get some pictures with my bestie.”

“Now let’s get those rollers out.”

***

Kim was up early, she had plans that day. She was supposed to see Bella and Amber, fellow members of GRRL ARMY. Amber had said something about important news, it would be funny to see what classified as important these days. Body swapping, definite loss of brain activity…

When her phone rang, she was looking at herself in the mirror wondering what in the hell she would do with her hair. The spikiness had softened as it had grown out, leaving her with chestnut brown hair that brushed at her shoulders. Probably just let Heather figure it out.

…or Timmi. Kim would have laughed if it was funny, but Tim…

He had been a rock with Bobbie, just as she had been his. Now things were…wonky.

How could such a perfect couple have this bullshit happen…

Because it’s not a movie stupid.

Since waking from her coma and giving over to Lust, Kim had notice that her clothes fit her newer curves all too well. And now, my girlfriend keeps putting me in these things…

It would have been funny, going from textbook tomboy to maturing model…

If Lust hadn’t been involved.

Ever since Bobbie showed up. Robb. The name still made her want to laugh. A little.

When Kim was little, her brother Robb had been her playmate. Now…

Bobbie. And Faye, and Timmi and…

What the hell is going on here?

Kim looked at the low rise jeans she had recently acquired and chuckled. No one stays the same, huh?

Everything changes.

The vibrating phone moved across the dresser, allowing Kim to catch it before it fell.

“’Yello.”

“Kim. I’m at the bakery. You gonna be around a little later? Just wanna check on… Timmi.”

“Heading out to Bella’s today, but I can be there later.”

“Cool cool.” Faye said.

“I’ll let them know… if they answer the phone…”

“Chicks, right?” Kim said, heading to the closet to find one of her dresses.

***

“Holy shit.” Bobbie exclaimed, finally allowed to see the mirror. Her hair sat high in the back, relaxing into lazy curls that tumbled over her shoulders.

“You’re so pretty to begin with, though.” Timmi touched Bobbie familiarly. “I always thought so… It was fun for you to see me act all silly, huh?” She was giggling uncontrollably as she finished her sentence.

Bobbie had to chuckle a little. It had been, she hadn’t thought about it until that moment. But clearly Timmi had noticed.

She looked at herself in the mirror. Surely there was a music video that she should be starring in. The leopard print around the bodice contrasted with the blue. Artful makeup, he makeup retained her signature color while adding darker undertones and just the right amount of glitter.

A little more than I would do…

Timmi was cleaning her face while she started preparing her routine. Bobbie was stunned that Tim could pick this up so quickly.

Like the cooking.

Timmi was laying out her tools like Tim would do the mise en place at the bakery.

He’s…happy. Bobbie noticed as Timmi hummed. This is probably the closest thing to a vacation he’s had since... Bobbie thought about it, his family, and their relationship. Since meeting Tim, the bakery had taken up all of his free time. He’d even dropped out of school to open when it became necessary. The place was where their pairing was cemented.

He’s worked so hard for this. Bobbie’s wistful thought was cut sharply by Timmi’s trademark squeal.

“This is gonna be such a crazy day.” Timmi turned to smile at Bobbie. “But we’re gonna have so much fun at the bakery. Then tonight, Faye and I…”

A look of worry flitted across Bobbie’s face.

“Oh, don’t be such a wet blanket. I’m gonna sit across from him and chew with my mouth closed and laugh at her jokes and that’s it.” Timmi giggled.

“Just stay away from the bag of white powder.” Bobbie said nonchalantly. Forgetting for a moment that she was talking to the person that just made her look like she stepped off of a magazine cover. Not remembering that it was truly Tim in there.

“Oh, it would just be sugar anyway. He’s sweet.” Timmi tittered. “Now, shoo. Girl needs to get ready.”

“This is gonna be so much fun.”

As much as Timmi kept saying that, Bobbie had no choice but to start to believe it.

***

Thank God I talked him into single button sales. Faye was looking down at what was still there. Not too much sold, Faye had availed himself to the triple berry coffee cake to accompany his rapidly cooling cup of Daily Grind. The bitterness of his coffee and the tartness of the berries contrasted perfectly with the sweetness of the brown sugar and cinnamon.

The door chime went off and Faye looked up from the newspaper and looked at the two models that walked…

“What in the actual fuck?” Faye whispered.

“Bobbie?” Faye concerned voice wavered. Oh, god. She didn’t kiss you, did she?

Timmi giggled, she blew a kiss at Faye. Bobbie finally understood what she meant. Tim never turned that color. “I’m gonna freshen up.” She blew past the counter and headed to the small bathroom.

Once Timmi had the room vacated, Faye turned to Bobbie.

“You’re not…”

Bobbie chuckled. “She overdid it, huh? And I thought you went overboard. How…”

Faye put up a hand. “Rach is okay. Whatever it was was gone when she woke up.”

“When she…” The out of place fact found its place. “You stayed there?”

“Hey.” Faye smiled. “Wanted to test the equipment, willing lab rat.”

“Male.” Bobbie shot back, Faye shrugged.

“So she didn’t kiss you?”

“No.” Bobbie’s face changed. “He’s still in there. Got a movie reference right this morning. Tim is… Happy right now, I guess. With all this.” Bobbie swung her hand around.

“He deserves the time off. I can run this.” Bobbie looked around.

“Not looking like a reject from a Kesha video.” Faye cracked.

“This was her idea. We’re gonna pass out samples and see what happens.”

“Good. If that woman calls down one more time, I swear. She’s all chatty now.”

Bobbie laughed. “That one’s your fault.”

“And what is with the outfit?”

“Tim…mi’s idea.” Bobbie said. “She wanted to hang out. We did, it was kind of fun. With all the stuff lately, it was a change of pace.”

“Well, she did a great job, looks like I bought the right magazines. Sorry about the Kesha line, but…”

“You do look great.”

Bobbie caught her reflection in the display case. He’s right, it does look good.

“It’s alright. I want you to have fun tonight…”

“But not too much fun, dig?” Bobbie brought up a finger.

“No problem, princess. Now that you two are here. Maybe some of this stuff will sell.”Faye said with a bored tone.

“But.” Faye cautioned. “I’m keeping some of this coffee cake.”

“Okay. Let them buy cake.” Timmi exclaimed, finally emerging from the bathroom with her perfect makeup.

***

Kim tightened the strap on the shoes that left far more of her feet exposed than she was used to. Funny how her balance had improved over the last couple of weeks. She snickered as she thought of how she and Heather had switched places. Straightening her skirt as she stood, Kim walked away from the bus stop towards Cheepskates.

She was greeted by Timmi at the door, sample platter in her hand.

“Kimmie!” Timmi exclaimed. “Would you like to try…”

Kim suppressed a chuckle. The suppression failed when she walked inside. The sight of Bobbie was almost too much.

“Rough night at the club?” Kim’s smile broadened.

“Shut up.” Faye said. Kim looked closer at Faye. The ribbons snapped into focus, revealing the errant thread.

“It’s shorter. I’m not sure how much time we have.” Kim said. “And what in the hell is up with you?”

Faye shook his head, “Huh?”

“You either got laid last night or…” Pieces slid into place.

“Ewww. You may be the first person to literally fuck himself. And…”

“That’s not what happened. Whatever happened to Tim, it affected Rach last night.”Faye showed the pictures from the phone.

“Ugh, NSFW.”

“Look closer. That’s Rach. She got ditzy like Timmi, and remarkably more well.” He indicated Timmi.

“You get the idea.”

“I swear, Lust can kiss my ass. I’m only 15, I better not have all this shit to look forward to.”

Faye laughed loudly, drawing a blank look from Timmi. “Who knows? It’s still early.”

“The Rach thing?”

“She knows what happened, and she knows it’s me.”

Kim laughed. “But not after giving you a swift one to the behavior glands?” She could tell that Faye would never be used to being read by a Thrall.

“Yeah. I’m getting better at it.” She gave a dark, knowing look. “I’ll find your secrets.” The smile returned.

The conversation was interrupted when suddenly there was a crowd in front of the store. Bobbie and Timmi following.

“Just ask for the coffee cake, and next week we should have the first of the Summer Fruit tarts.” Bobbie looked confused at the sudden influx of people. She shrugged at Faye and Kim as she headed behind the counter, trailing glitter like pixie dust.

***

“…fuckin’ crazy how that happened. Now you’re here. We haven’t fuckin hung out in a while.” Bella was on her third root beer. The bakery closed soon enough following Kim’s arrival that Bobbie and Kim both made it to Bella’s house. Amber had already been there, swearing that her news would not be delivered until Heather arrived.

Bobbie popped the top off of her Virgil’s Root Beer and grabbed a couple of fries from the plate that sat in the middle of the circular table.

“Yeah. Maybe we should do that sample thing more often.” Bobbie said. Kim agreed, remembering to call her Faye. “Faye was bringing them in that’s for sure. You guys sold out in like what? Half an hour?”

“Something like that.” Bobbie tilted back her bottle, the thick, sweet drink washing away the dryness that came from handling so many customers.

“Fucking berry coffee cake.” Bella said, dipping a fry in mayo. “I swear Scooby fuckin’ loves it too.” The large Great Dane ran up to Bella’s outstretched hand and eagerly took the chunk of crumb and fruit.

Bobbie looked on in surprise. She looked at Scooby. There was a familiar bundle of greys, it was different from the darkness of others. It shifted rapidly in the time it took to eat the morsel sans opposable thumbs. The Advocate took over as she wondered what dogs were like, both in terms of their darkness and their sense of taste. Distractedly, Bobbie said. “We’re going to be drowning in cake.”

The other girls looked at Bobbie through squinted eyes.

“Dry run for the school cake? We can sell slices at a lower price.”

“Yeah,” Beth said. “Faye can hand out samples. You said that it worked today.”

Bobbie nodded, finishing the bottle.. She felt strangely relaxed, finally just having a day to just do whatever was somewhat rejuvenating. Just one of the girls.

“Alright, what is this important news?” Heather’s voice came from the driveway, the slender girl was wearing a short black tank top and capris held up by red suspenders. Her low cut Doc Martens made sounds like hoofbeats on the concrete as she swung the gate closed, allowing her entrance to the pool area.

“Oh, cool.” Amber stood up and turned to her lead singer. “You guys know I’ve been seeing Kurt, right?” They did. It was odd seeing Delacroix High’s resident supplier of party favors disappear to spend time playing guitar with the bespectacled redhead.

Kim gave an odd look. “He’s not like that, Kim. He was just bored. Anyway, he knows everyone. Turns out that we were such a big hit at the Grand Opening, that one of the guys throwing the grad party wants us to play again.”

Bella was stunned. “Fuck me. No fuckin’ way.”

“Absolutely fuckin’ way.” Amber said, beaming. “So, How about it? Feel like a gig after you get you get your diploma.”

“Fuck Disneyland, this seems way more fun.” Kim added her own expletive to the conversation.

Heather thought about giving Delacroix one more show. They deserve it, and so do I.

“One more mission? Sure?” Heather grabbed a root beer and dove into the fries.

Bobbie spent an afternoon in the sun, talking about nothing and enjoying the camaraderie she had missed so much while tasting Faye’s life. She was worried about what the rest of the day would hold for Timmi.

On the bus to Bella’s, Kim had explained how the thread kept changing in both of them. Time was going to start running out soon. Bobbie was worried, but was confident that everything would shake out the right way.

It has to.

***

Can’t believe he uses this stuff. Faye rubbed the orange tinged, sweet smelling substance between his hands and rubbed into the short bristly hair. The comb and the hair dryer made the stuff set and before Faye knew it, the flat top was standing rigidly in postion.

The fitted white shirt went over the tank top undershirt. Faye buttoned all the buttons save the top. As he tucked it into his pants, the belt was tightened. When the jacket went on, the comfortable fit around the shoulders gave reassurance.

“Face it.” Faye said to the mirror. “You still look good.”

“What are you doing?” Faye’s reflection asked him.

“Giving back.” Faye answered. That night she had spent out with Tim in Bobbie’s body was such a wonderful evening. He had showed her what the love of a man could be like.

Timmi deserves to understand how that feels. Faye decided then and there that this would be a night Timmi would remember.

***

Timmi said that she would wait, the magazines would keep her company. She giggled as she thought about what the night would be like. It was gonna be so fun. Just like the last time they went out.

There was that steak, and that movie with the slow people, and that mean cheerleader... It was okay though. Faye made up for it by being the cheerleader next time.

Wow, silly boy. You get ready like a girl. Timmi thought as she looked at the phone. Faye had been up there for almost an hour. When she looked at the last article about the top ten prom looks of the year, all she could think of was that special night where she got to be even prettier, while someone she cared about spun around the dance floor. Not a thought or care about anything except living in the moment. Held by someone…

That’s the most important person in the world to you.

And she couldn’t wait to see the pictures of her and Rach…

And her and Bobbie.

“Okay, beautiful. You ready? Seems weird to start a date this early.”

Timmi rolled her eyes. “Ugh! You were a girl. Don’t you know anything? I have to go and get ready.” She walked back up to him.

Faye looked a little superior. “Oh really. Then what is this?”

“You’ve seen me in this, silly.” Timmi giggled, running a hand along the stubbled face. It took a little convincing, but Timmi convinced Faye to get her back to where she had full access to the arsenal of Faye’s beauty armory.

When they arrived, Faye walked in and left Timmi to do her thing. Nick was uncharacteristically reading a book. After a quick hi, Nick turned back to his reading.

“No noobs left to destroy?”

“Got… this thing for a class. Anthropology. Maybe I’ve played too many role playing games, but it looks like reality has a magic system, too.”

“Hmm.” Faye said. “Bobbie told me that you guys play a lot of fighting games here. Think I can talk you into a match. I haven’t played anything in so long. And lately, it’s been just Bake Bake Revolution.”

Nick laughed. “Well. Got the new Street Fighter. I suppose I can stop reading this.”

The console booted up and the familiar music and death cry to epileptics everywhere made Faye smile. Gotta take the normal in whatever small doses you can get.

***

Timmi was in the shower… again. Back when she was… before.

What can I do? She was so pretty that night when she yelled at that mean cheerleader.

I should be a cheerleader. I’m so much prettier.

And not mean.

Timmi had out the cutest of the outfits she got from the mall. And the most savage kicks she had ever seen.

That silly boy and I are gonna have such fun tonight.

***

“So, Bobbie talk to you?”

“Yeah.” Nick turned to face his friend unknowingly. “You know everything?”

Faye nodded. “Like I was there. Dude, I don’t know how you did it. What a mindjob, right?”

Shifting into ‘Tim’ mode, he continued. “I mean, I can’t imagine…”

“Man.” Nick exhaled sharply. “Never had a lot of friends growing up. Kane and I just clicked, you know? Then this happened.”

“I know what you mean.”

“It’s like you and Bobbie. No one will ever crack that secret code of yours.”

Faye laughed. “Tell you a secret?”

“I don’t always get it either.”

Laughing Nick turned back to the game. “Taking Faye out tonight?”

“Yeah. Bobbie wants some time at the bakery and, I feel like we can’t just dump her on you.”

“She’s my best friend, Tim. What kind of human would I be?”

“An elf?” Faye replied.

***

The curling iron didn’t burn once this time, but she wasn’t doing anywhere near as much work this time. Just one boy had to look tonight, that was simple. Hundreds looking required more effort.

The makeup took so little time now, it was almost like autopilot. Leaves me time to think of important things.

Like what to wear tomorrow.

It took Timmi a few minutes to adjust the pink straps across her chest curving gently with the nameplate sitting just so. The red flower clipped to her hair brought out the red of the pouty lips while the blue of her eyes beamed from the darkened lids.

The knee high boots were next to go on. She buckled each of the metallic buckles one at a time. She studied the tall boots, all full of pink leather and shiny chrome.

Ooh, he’s gonna drop something. I know it.

I know I would…

***

“Oh, damn. You teched that shit. What was that?” Nick was flicking his custom stick and tapping buttons with the adeptitude of a pinpoint barrier operator. Faye was closing in for the kill, saving that finishing move for the very last….

“Whew. That was a workout. You bake? Maybe that’s like learning dancing to improve your Kung Fu?”

Faye shrugged.

“Okay.” A voice said from down the hall.

“Ready. Oh, Hi Nick.”

Nick and Faye both looked at the vision of the blonde girl in the hallway.

The dress was neon pink, as were the boots. The red flower and the blue eyes made for an astonishing sight. The chrome heels of the boots cleared six inches, giving her almost as much height as Bobbie.

Faye dropped the controller. Timmi tittered.

“Hi, Faye? Going out?”

“Yep.” Timmi giggled. “Tim here is taking me…”

She shrugged. “…somewhere.”

“I like the boots.” Nick said. “Feel sorry for any one you need to kick tonight.”

Oh, please Faye. Say something about stabbing someone.

“Oh, why would I do that… Tim will protect me.”

Nick shriveled just a little.

“We’ll see you later, yeah?” Faye said to Nick.

“Yeah.” Nick became distant, then turned back to the school book.

Faye was up and complimenting Timmi on her outfit as he led to the door.

Which he opened.

***

Timmi giggled as she approached the door, only to have it open for her almost as if by magic.

Magic? Oh yeah.

Timmi squinted and looked at the blue and gold that twisted. She could see the thread thingy that was causing that problem… whatever it was.

Awww, what a gentleman.

The car door was similarly opened and Timmi was helped into the seat and made comfortable. Timmi snapped her hand across to the other side only to find that the lock had already tripped.

Faye smiled. “Ready, Gorgeous?”

“Yeah.” Timmi tittered, grabbing his hand and interlacing their fingers. It was so much like holding hands with Bobbie.

…Different in the most amazing way.

***

“How many sheet cakes?”

“Like twenty. Six lemon, Eight White and Six Chocolate.” Bobbie was talking rapidly, trying to get it all out. Faye’s original plans for the cake were almost perfect. She saw a few spots that needed a little improvement, but they were small adjustments.

“We’ll do this one without the figures. I trust you on those. We need to start zesting limes and getting the sugar solution. It’s gonna be a long one.”

Beth clapped and whipped out her phone.

Are you really doing all this because you’re testing her cake? Or are you just trying to not think about Faye out with Tim?

“Not like it hasn’t happened before.” Bobbie breathed, looking for the Macadamia nuts.

***

Timmi couldn’t stop smiling. Everyone was so nice to her, if only they were being that nice to Faye. She pouted, Faye’s really cool, don’t they get it? Maybe she’s not pretty, but she’s cute.

The menu was full of different things, The salad was really awesome and fresh, and the waiter made the dressing right there at the table. It was like there was just a bunch of stuff there, then BAM-O there was dressing.

Faye talked about how she was doing while being a boy and Timmi had to grimace when Faye told her about the basketball game.

“Eww, that would make you all sweaty and stuff.”

“Yeah, but it was kind of fun.”

Timmi sipped at her cherry lemonade seductively through the straw. She put her other hand on Faye’s, slowly running a finger along his forearm.

“There’s other sweaty ways to have fun.” Timmi took another measured sip as she studied Faye’s colors. Pinks and purples were starting to form and bounce around within the puddle of the other colors.

When the garlic bread came, the minestrone came with it. Timmi couldn’t stop looking at Faye.

Even sipping soup from a spoon made Faye just want to sweep her up in his arms and…

He sighed while the Chicken Alfredo came and tried to ignore the rising tightness that his flat front slacks could ill afford.

Timmi clapped as she looked at the plate. “Ooh, yummy. Hmmm, noodles boiled too long.”

It’s just so pretty though. She snapped a picture of the dish and a selfie before starting to eat.

***

“My god. There’s so much.” Beth said, measuring the cake batters into the sheet pans.

The candied lime zest had taken three dozen limes and almost a gallon of simple syrup. It sat spread out on waxed paper to dry.

“Yeah.” Bobbie said, wiping sweat from her brow with the back of her hand.

“We’ve got time. These just need to bake.” Beth said, beginning to chatter about how she couldn’t wait to see the cake finished.

“Me, too.” Bobbie said. Her mind a million miles away, wondering how things were going with her boyfriend.

That word just doesn’t mean what it used to.

***

Daily Grind was not the usual beehive of activity it often was, but it was the calm before the storm. As finals approached, business would pick up. The pastry case had one lone lemon tart left. The cupcakes had all gone the way of the dodo.

“Hi, ummm.” Faye started. “Two usuals?”

The girl behind the counter Courtney, knew what that meant and soon the sweet raspberry jolt to the heart was in each hand.

***

When Faye handed Timmi the drink , she accepted it with a smile. He’s being so nice.

I can’t wait to be nice to him.

Timmi snaked her hand down to meet his and held it with great familiarity. There was a warmth in each of her hands. Both comforting, both very different.

“Thank you for taking me out.” Timmi said. “It’s fun to go out with boys. Funny how I’ve never done it before. You’re having a good time, right?”

Faye smiled. “Sure am, Beautiful.”

They walked and talked about all kinds of things.

“So, is it different being a boy? It sure is different being a girl.” Timmi sipped at the drink, leaving the red lipstick a constant reminder of who each person really was.

“Kind of. I dunno.” Faye began. “It seems like they both have their merits. They both have their fun. But, if was forced to choose…”

“Yeah.” Timmi looked on eagerly.

“Don’t make me choose.” Faye nodded.

Timmi smiled. “This is so much fun. Everything seems all sparkly… That’s Amore….” She finished in song.

“Fucking Burnout and Cupcake…” Stacy came around a corner, a churro in her hand. Her face twisted in surprise when she realized her mistake.

“Valentine?” Stacy started to laugh. “You sure can pick ‘em, burnout. One porn queen to another”

***

That mean girl was back and yelling, making noises that hurt Timmi’s head. That word she kept using, Burnout. It made her so mad. She wanted to stamp her foot and…

“Your fucking friend and her goddamn cupcakes owe me a cleaning. That cheer uniform is…”

“All you have left to hold onto now that you don’t have high school kids to push around?” Faye said, face deadpan.

“What would you know about school? You spend almost all your time up there with that crazy hermit lady.”

Timmi couldn’t take it anymore. That crazy hermit lady was her mom… Tim’s mom… Mom, dammit.

Remember how you wanted to hit her before? But you didn’t because you were…

But now? It’s just hitting another girl. You can totally do that.

Yeah, huh… Timmi felt rage surge through her, an old rage, a timeless one. Tentacles…

“You’re a bitch.” Timmi said, cocking a fist and letting it fly fast and true, crashing into Stacy’s nose and sending her ass over teakettle to the ground. Her legs flew up over her head. The surprised look on Stacy’s face seemed etched into her skin, as someone dared challenge the Titans from their lowly perch.

Faye started laughing, “Not the first time your legs were over your head, eh?” he doubled over and just kept laughing until it started to sound like a scream. Timmi joined in, as did some of the onlookers that were similarly enjoying a stroll down Delacroix Avenue.

Stacy gritted her teeth. Goddamit, you’ll get what you deserve one day, Valentine.

“Why are you always so mean?” Timmi pouted. “Maybe you should just be a nicer person.”

“It would certainly make you prettier.” Timmi said with finality.

Faye continued laughing. “C’mon, babe. Let’s go find a banana split. I’d say you earned it.” Faye had his hand around the small of Timmi’s back. The soft blonde and pink hairs swept at his hand. Timmi leaned into Faye’s shoulder and stayed close together as they walked away from the almost fracas.

“I see why this is so awesome.” Timmi said as they stopped at the light, still confused at why this was such a new insight. “I feel so safe just right here.” She had Faye’s hand around her flat stomach ensconced in a standing snuggle.

“You feel so warm.”

“You smell so good.”

“You’ve been sooooo nice.” She reached up and touched at his stubble again.

Timmi looked up into Faye’s eyes and was instantly lost in the brown irises. She saw…

And more importantly, she saw what Bobbie must see in people.

But it didn’t matter. Faye’s hand and sheer presence made her feel like there was nowhere in the universe that she’d rather be.

Universe? Silly thought.

She brought Faye’s head down and began a passionate kiss that only the thought of cold ice cream could suppress.

And even the thought of ice cream evaporated quickly.

***

The cakes had cooled and Beth had buckets of the frostings out. It took a while, but the basic design looked right, Bobbie made some notes on what they could do to make it look more realistic.

Hard candy windows, small touches make all the difference.

Beth couldn’t believe what she was seeing. It was like watching those old films of the Empire State Building being built, but with cake. The white frosting stood out perfectly against the frostings of the other buildings. The crushed Macadamias gave the stone texture that added that extra level of detail.

“I can almost imagine Mr. Boyd talking in that class right there.” Beth pointed to one of the corner rooms on the second floor.

Bobbie looked at it. It was a magnificent representation. She looked at it remembering all the places where Robb had experienced negative feedback. Now, as Bobbie, she had just as many good memories of the place as she did bad ones.

Bringing balance to the Force, one cupcake at a time.

“Well.” Bobbie said. “I guess we’re just gonna have to try them.”

Beth smiled. “I’ll get the forks.”

***

The ice cream was so cold, it gave Timmi brain freeze, she shook her head violently, the pink streak in her hair twisting like a living candy cane.

“I don’t see why she’s always so mean to us. First you, then Bobbie, now you… again.” She got the hot fudge and banana with a piece of strawberry and the lavender vanilla ice cream.

“I dunno.” Faye shrugged. Getting the pineapple with the chocolate as well as some of the banana. “I guess she just needs to feel important.”

“Hmmm.” Timmi humphed. “Maybe it’s good she doesn’t go to school with us anymore.”

“You have no idea.”

The talking continued. Timmi’s delightfully confused explanations kept Faye laughing, and by extension, kept Timmi giggling.

“Jesus H. Christ.” Timmi looked up and was surprised to see Rach.

“Hi, Rach. I…”

“Don’t you ‘hi, Rach’ me.” What are you doing out with...?”

“Hi Rach.” Timmi smiled and waved excitedly. “Faye’s been keeping me company today. See…”

“Keeping you company, huh? Like me last night?” Rach turned her gaze on Faye.

“It’s not what it looks like.” Faye’s smile disappeared.

“I don’t care what it looks like.” Rach pounded a fist on the table.

“I just don’t wanna deal with this right now. Call me when this shit’s all over.” Rach turned on a heel and walked away.

“Rach, wait.” Faye started to get up.

“Give it a rest.” Rach said. “And Faye…”

“Go fuck yourself.”

Faye looked down at Timmi, with a strange feeling that that was exactly what was going to happen.

***

“Slacker’s cove is delicious.” Beth said. The candied lime zest really made the cake, the acidity brightening up the sweetness.. Bobbie looked at the clock and then out the window. The sun had gone down. No word from Faye and Timmi. I’ll just see them at home.

Bobbie had an odd base smile. Nothing could cause the cute upturn of her mouth corners to reverse. It had been a great day, Lust’s meddling notwithstanding. She got to bond with her boyfriend in a way that she wouldn’t have thought possible. Gotta ask how she got this wave to hold all day. And her eyebrows were positively a work of art, even Heather’s careful ministrations never got such a logarithmically plotted curve.

It was fun to dress up again, and to have few responsibilities. Hanging out with the band,. Root beer and French Fries in the sun. These are the memories that they all told me about the first time. Bobbie realized then that Justice had truly given her an amazing gift.

One that never showed it’s true purpose until much much later.

***

Timmi was having such a good time. The world seemed so bright and full of color, and everything felt so…

… wonderful.

Everything seemed to exist through rose colored camera lenses. Even Faye.

He looked over at her and smiled. Timmi giggled, her eyes wandering over his body. When he did that, weird stuff kept happening. It was the same stuff that happened with Rach, but this time…

It was more focused, cleaner.

The void above her thighs burned and ached, after a couple of blocks, it became a pleasant warm tingle that spread up past her stomach as her nipples tightened. It had happened so fast that they felt like they would crack.

Of course you feel like this, he’s been super sweet. Everything was so cool… except that mean girl.

But I showed her. Now… The tingling was making things difficult. Of course she wanted him to kiss her, hold her. Put his hands on my…

The aching emptiness in her began to move beyond ache. Longing, yearning, desiring… these were mere words compared to the incompleteness she felt. Timmi knew it needed to be filled, and she knew that it had to be Faye.

It’s not like I haven’t touched his cock every day… Even in her head, Timmi giggled at the thought of the word.

Cock, his Rod… or his…

…Johnson… Why is that familiar?

Timmi absently wondered. Is this how I made you feel, Bobbi? The thought was odd, Tim was there, just slightly out of reach. Besides, who wouldn’t want to be as pretty as Timmi? She looked at Faye in his suit with the top button undone and the bad boy stubble.

It only made the aching worse.

Timmi knew that there was only one way… She had to feel him… All of him against her, all these stupid clothes gone. Mmmm skin on skin, close, warm. The tingling intensified as thoughts of Faye above her…Or maybe behind me? His hot breath on her face, his lips on her neck, her breasts. Sweaty forms sliding against each other in the night. Timmi smiled and felt excitement build as she put her hasty plan into action.

“Maybe.” Timmi said, stopping suddenly.

“We should head back to the car.”

Faye looked nonplussed, but smiling. Happy to do whatever she wanted.

That’s right silly boy, whatever I want.

It was when they returned to the EVO that Timmi struck. She closed the door that Faye was holding open and playfully pushed him against the car. She brought a leg up and brought her barely covered femininity against the raging, swollen warmth under the thin fabric of the slacks.

“I guess I do like boys now. Rach was fun, but…” Timmi kissed at Faye, gently raking her nails down the back of his neck.

“I know you like me too, silly boy.” Timmi teased, squeezing Faye’s wrist and forcing it to cover one massive breast.

Against his better judgement, Faye squeezed. Timmi giggled and ground herself further into him. She bit her bottom lip and let a small moan issue forth from her bright red lips.

“Timmi, Bobbie…”

“Oh, don’t give me that.” Timmi had a hand down Faye’s pants gripping. It felt warm in Timmi’s hand. Warmer than I remember it. She giggled even harder after…

This. Her grip changed, moving her thumb over what she vaguely remembered as the ‘sweet spot’. Faye moaned deeply and closed his eyes.

“We both want this.” Timmi’s seductive voice purred throatily.“No one will mind. Mmmm, so hard.” Timmi began to move her hand.

There’s a special room in Hell for people like me.

Go fuck yourself... Goddamit, Rach.

Faye put his other hand into Timmi’s pretty hair and started a kiss of his own. One that wouldn’t be stopped by mere worrying words.

***

Nick was still reading his textbook when Bobbie got home.

“You’re late.” Nick said, turning the lamp up a notch and rubbing his eyes.

“We did a dry run of the school cake today. Want some?” Bobbie had some containers of all the types of cake.

“Sure.” Nick smiled. “Looks good, and you made it, so there’s no way it’s terrible.”

“Faye isn’t home yet?”

“No. They haven’t come back yet. I’m sure they’re okay. Tim is a good guy.”

But he’s not a good girl.

***

“You’re just as much fun as a boy as you are as a girl.” Timmi giggled. She could feel Faye’s cock twitch. Each subtle movement made Timmi giggle again. Faye’s hands on her breasts felt soooo yummy when his cock rubbed against the outside of her pussy.

How much more is there? Timmi had to know. She reached down and tugged at the waistband of the boxer briefs.

“Timmi.”

“Shhhh.” Timmi giggled again, with a finger at Faye’s lips.

“I’ll keep you my dirty little secret.” Timmi sang.

Faye was lost in intense sensation when his underwear disappeared. When he entered Timmi the warm damp void contracted around him and began to massage every nerve ending.

She had lowered Faye slightly to allow herself to be entered while standing against the car. When Timmi started the rhythmic collision of their bodies, she could only smile at the multitude of odd faces that Faye made.

Such a silly boy. Faye is so sweet and awesome.

“Ahhh. Timmi….” Every muscle tensed in his body in anticipation of the climax. Likewise, Timmi felt the stiffening inside her own body and a flood of warmth and liquid that threatened to gush down her legs as she cried to the heavens.

“Ooooh, Faye. Ummm, My god. Don’t stop… More, more more…” Timmi was fitting the words in between harsh gasps of breath.

Faye could give no more as the dam broke. His dick spasming and shooting out thick, ropy spurts that dumped all his serotonin and oxytocin at once. He gripped Timmi close and kissed her deeply. Timmi smiled with a content look in her eye as she stared into the big brown eyes of Faye Valentine.

Special room in Hell? Totally worth it.

The couple continued to make out by the car in silence while the moon rose slowly, bathing south Delacroix in the special almost summer darkness that signified the endless possibility of youth.

***

Had Kim been present, She would have seen the individual threads burn away, filaments twisting in the dark, cavernous space of their invisible desires. They flared even shorter than before.

Timmi and Bobbie couldn’t have noticed, with the current state of busy they were experiencing, the sensations and contact of their bodies masking the feeling of anything being wrong.

***

Bobbie was asleep when they came home. She woke to them whispering. Opening an eye, she saw them kissing.

Fuck, Tim.

Bobbie got up and steeled herself for what was to follow.

“I’m just gonna go.” Faye said. Darkness rippling through him.

Timmi giggled. “That was so fun. See you tomorrow, silly boy?”

Silly Boy? He watched her remove the heels and creep down the hall

“Hey.” Faye said to Bobbie, unable to bring his eyes up to meet hers.

Timmi yawned. “I’m gonna go to bed. So tired.”

Timmi gleefully disappeared down the hallway and Bobbie brought her gaze to bear on Faye.

“What the fuck, Faye?” Bobbie harshly whispered.

“I….” Faye inhaled, then hung his head down.

“It was just…” Faye stammered.

Bobbie crossed her arms. “I’m listening.”

“Dammit, Bobbie.” Faye finally looked into Bobbie’s eyes. “I just…”

“You’re not a thrall now, so what gives.”

Faye’s eyes hardened. “Fine, I’m not. You’re right. But, now I have to deal with this.” Faye waved his hands over his crotch. “And Timmi IS a Thrall, she….”

Bobbie sighed. She remembered the bottomless well of Thrall libido. She knew that it started as a splinter in Timmi’s mind.

But that splinter became a beam quickly.

Bobbie wanted to blame Tim for this, just like she had with Roxx. But, like with Roxx, there were extenuating circumstances. She balled her fists in frustration. Bobbie wanted to bellow at the universe, knowing that it would be futile.

Lust wouldn’t hear.

“You didn’t…?”

“I was a gentleman, all the way. She didn’t open a door, pull out a chair…”

Bobbie laughed through her nose. “Faye Valentine: Gentleman…”

“I’m fucking serious, Bobbie. That date?” Faye’s eyes misted over, lost in a memory.

“We both used to be guys. I was that guy we wanted to be on a date.” Faye had a thumb pointed towards himself “If we ever got one.”

Bobbie nodded agreement. Until Melanie, Robb had never been lucky with girls. Or anyone else for that matter.

Bet I’d be good at it now. Bobbie wondered how Robb would use all the new information Bobbie had received.

“I did what I said. Took her to dinner, we walked around some. We got coffee, then she punched Stacy…”

Bobbie gasped. “Zoe’s sister? I thought she was some kind of badass?”

“She is. I wouldn’t fight her.” Faye laughed. “Timmi didn’t know that. Knocked her on her ass. It was beautiful.”

“We got some ice cream, kept walking. We were gonna go to a movie, but…”

“But what?” Bobbie asked, even though she knew the answer.

“She wanted to go back to the car, next thing I know she’s kissing me and…”

Bobbie put up a hand. “Spare the details. I think I can figure it out from here.”

“Good, because I need to go… home.” Bobbie could tell Faye was having trouble at the word.

“Yeah.” Bobbie said resignedly. “We’ve got some stuff to do tomorrow.”

“Alright.” Faye said, looking downcast. “I’m sorry, Bobbie. I didn’t mean for that to… It’s just Timmi, and everything else.”

“I think I just got caught up in the moment.”

Bobbie narrowed her eyes. “Like at the graveyard?”

“Hey. All this Advocate Thrall shit has a tendency to do that. Or have you forgotten Agee?”

“Or Nick? Or… I mean you did have a tendency to yo yo the underwear a bit.”

Bobbie had nothing to say, Faye was right.

As much as I don’t want to admit it.

“Seeya.” Faye said, turning around and heading for the EVO.

Bimbo Kisses, Lollipop Dreams: A Platinum Chef/ Delacroix side story Part IV

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Not Work-Safe

Audience Rating:

Restricted Audience (r)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Elements:

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 81

Ever since Bobbie’s revelation about Faye, Nick had felt bad, he even didn’t think about their coupling on that crazy night.

We couldn’t just dump her on you.

Nick felt his eyes moisten. She’s my friend… he’s my…..

“Goddammit.” Nick whispered.

Nick just wanted his friend back. His original friend. Yeah, Faye made him say goodbye. But there was still so much Kane in there.

And now?

Faye was completely different to how she was before. Giggling, dressing hypergirly. This new Faye was just another fact of life.

But he didn’t have to remain silent about it. Didn’t have to let it stand.

Bobbie roused when she heard the coffee dripping into the pot.

“Hey.” Nick whispered.

“’Morning.” Bobbie said.

“Been thinking. You and Tim head to the bakery today. I’ve got Faye.”

“Nick, you don’t have to…”

“Yes, I do.” Nick said with finality. “She’s my best friend, anything I can do to help.”

“Anything.” Nick repeated, enunciating the word carefully.

Bobbie smiled. “Well, I was going to take her to Bella’s today. We’re having a sort of pool party. The band picked up a gig at the grad party, so they need to make up a setlist and stuff.”

“Okay. But, I’ll keep an eye on her until then.” Nick smiled.

“Looks like it’s my turn again.” Nick poured some coffee, offered it to Bobbie, grabbed another mug that displayed some futuristic text. Overcharge Delirium XT around the rim that was quickly shortened to Overc…..XT.

“It’s casual.” Nick sipped. “Did this long before you showed up.”

“You guys have the bakery. I’ll make sure she’s ready when you get here. Just one thing.”

Bobbie smiled, “Sure.”

“Could you bring home some of that triple berry coffee cake?”

***

Kim was getting ready to head out for the day. Packing her backpack with the extra items she suddenly decided that she needed.

Swimsuit, purse, change of clothes, pad, pen... When did I start carrying so much stuff? Kim hadn’t noticed, but the number of items she had started carrying had been growing.

There had been a moment when she was smoking in the bathroom, waiting for Timmi. God, that was still kind of funny, although frightening.

She couldn’t imagine suddenly having a hard time thinking about anything but…

No, not that swimsuit.. the yellow one piece…

And that top? No… I…

Oh, my God.

Kim woke from her induced coma different, there was no question about that. Giving up to Lust was something she wouldn’t have done again. But she had had a hard time thinking, her constant activities being the only thing that kept those crazy urges at bay. The lockpick set she had recently acquired sat next to the three padlocks that were locked together. I’m going to have a very specific set of skills when I’m done, aren’t I?

But thinking about her appearance had become a little more involved. Like when she saw that blood spattered meat cleaver clutch. She knew she had to have it. Now that her tops were tighter and her jeans fit differently, it emphasized the new figure more than she had ever intended to.

Gotta say though, Lust. I like the new lip ring. It was true, it fit the slightly shifted features better than the labret. Kim looked into the mirror; she turned her head one way, then the other. The chestnut hair brushed over her slender shoulders.

And we all seem to do this? Kim was wondering about Thralls.

God, I need to talk to Faye about this.

What kind of girl do you wanna be?

She figured that she’d see Bobbie at Bella’s. Maybe I should tell her to bring him.

Kim had the phone in her hand before the thought completed.

***

Heather was refreshing the dye in the scarlet streak that morning. She was still dismayed by Faye. What happened, why would she just flip like that?

Heather remembered the whole Playboy thing. She smiled knowing she made it with a Playboy Bunny, but that was a different Faye. This one was somehow totally different. It sort of upended everything she thought about her. Heather hoped that it was all a put on, because there was no way that she would do something like this without a reason.

Bzzt Bzzt!

The text came in and Heather thumbed it up to the screen.

Hey, babe, coming by. Wanna talk about something.

Heather checked the timer and shut it off when she realized that it was about to ding.

She grabbed the old towel that was full of the crimson stains and headed for the shower.

“Heather?”

“Yeah mom?”

“I’m going out today,” Betty laughed. “I swear that Myka is one tough lady. We’re going shopping today. Just wondered if you had any plans?”

“Yeah. Once I’m done here. I’m heading over to Bella’s today. Kind of a pool party thing, we have another gig for the grad party.” Heather shrugged. “New setlist.”

“That’s jake.” Betty said. “Haven’t told you this. But, I love the hair color. Cut, too. Cute, modern.”

Heather smiled. “Thanks, Mom.”

“I know I haven’t said this much. But, I’m really proud of you. The band, making really good clothes, and finishing school this year.”

“Watch out, world.” Betty proudly proclaimed.

“Heather Sweet is coming.”

Heather hugged her mom before saying goodbye. Jeez, Tim’s mom is so in for it…

***

Roxx was smiling. The first shipment had come in, and sold out almost immediately. The money came to her, went to Nikki.

Straight into the cistern.

The actual earnings outstripped what she was expected to pay. Leaving her with five hundred dollars in her purse, and another shipment of coke just in from Prague.

And that was just last night, tonight would be even better. Sure, her runners were unhappy about having their supply already broken up into single sale pouches. But when they saw how fast it went? Those baseless worries disappeared.

Now, what should I do about my presence?

Roxx knew that she had to take her place in the booth with Nikki, she wanted to send a message.

Beautiful, cold… not someone to mess with.

But not so distant that no one would talk to her.

She looked into the mirror and saw the promiscuous girl she had been. That girl had to go.

Mistress Krasny. The new name left little doubt as to who she was.

Roxx felt the beginnings of a plan, she smiled as she began compiling the list of items she would need. It was good to feel vital again, She remembered seeing Kim that first day at school

Looks like some shopping is in order. Okay, Delacroix.

Prepare for Mistress Krasny.

They will fear you, almost as much as they want you.

***

Kim was at Heather’s soon, with some extras in her backpack. There was some excitement in her. Heather’s reaction was the only sticking point. The look on her face is gonna be fucking priceless.

Fucking.

Priceless.

Heather opened the door with a red splotched towel in her hand, her hair still wet from the final wash.

“Hey, c’mon in. I’ll be done in a minute or two.”

“No need we have….” Kim stopped and looked closer.

“You dyed your hair black?” The color around the scarlet peek a boo appeared darker.

Looking at Kim strangely. “Yeah. My hair’s just a really dark brown, doesn’t set the red off right. I swear I’m just gonna go to Frankie next time.”

“Speaking of Frankie….”

Heather smiled. “Couldn’t take the tickle on the shoulders, huh?”

Kim shook her head. “No.”

“I kind of wanted to redo my…um…”

“Ensem….”

“Yeah.”

“Well,” Heather began, eyeing Kim. “Puberty tree wacked you a good one, didn’t it?” Since her coma, Heather noticed that Kim was…

Way cuter.

“We could go for a…”

“I kind of know what I wanna do.”

“You?” Heather looked surprised, the wet hair clung to ne side of her face.

Kim rolled her eyes, giggling. “I’m gonna regret this, I know it.”

Now Heather was intrigued.

Kim pulled out a rolled up picture from her backpack. “I know you can help me with this, hell you have almost everything here already.” She sighed.

“And you have to show me how to use it. Think I can pick it up pretty fast, but I’m gonna need your help.”

Heather quirked an eyebrow. She started to unroll the picture.

“I… are you sure about this?”

Kim smiled. “What kind of girl do you wanna be, right?”

“Now, think Frankie can pencil me in?”

***

The bakery was awash with an awkward quiet. Faye and Bobbie stood there, there was little product left, the 9am rush over and the noon rush yet to come. She expected to sell out by then.

“So, we’re headed to Bella’s today..”

“That’s fuckin’ awesome.” Faye said, working on his second piece of cake. Once the chocolate cake piece was gone, he was working on one of the Slacker’s Cove pieces. “Man, that lime just…”

Bobbie smiled warmly. “It does, don’t think I would have thought of that. That’s you.” Faye smiled back.

Faye inflated his chest for a second.

“Male.” Bobbie accused.

“You should talk.” Faye snickered. “Now, what about Bella’s?”

Bobbie continued. “Kim wants to talk to you, figured that’s as good a place as any. We can cart Timmi along. Can’t leave him there with Nick for too long.” Bobbie remembered how much that had devastated him when she did it. Damn, understanding really is a three edged sword.

“There’s this dog, this goat, and this bag of oats.” Bobbie said quietly. Faye burst into deep laughter.

“What?” Bobbie asked, exasperated.

“Nothing.”

Faye looked at his watch. “What do you guys do when it’s dead like this?”

Bobbie shrugged. “Wait, read… whatever. It’s usually just Tim and I. Go ahead and take off. Someone needs to save Nick.”

Faye looked serious. “Nah, he’ll be fine.”

***

Timmi was doing something Nick called ‘button mashing’. She couldn’t understand why her character was on the ground so much. Why would someone beat up someone so pretty?

“Damn, Faye. Just gonna do the dishes for a month?”

Timmi giggled. It was hard sometimes, remembering to answer when someone called Faye’s name. But it was easy with Nick. He wasn’t as cute as Faye, but it was okay.

He was still cute, in an awkward kind of way.

“I can’t do it anymore, Faye.” Nick dropped the control stick and turned to face his friend. “You have gotten your ass kicked enough for one day.”

“Awww. You could do other things…..”

Nick ran her words over, not wanting a repeat of last time. “Just don’t want you stuck with dishes all the time. I eat that stuff, too.” Even though Nick wasn’t going to have to do the dishes for a while, it disturbed him how easy she was to beat, it was almost like she had taken a dive.

Or forgotten how to play.

Christ, Faye. Snap out of it.

***

Bobbie and Faye left the bakery just after the noon crowd came in. The inventory ran out quickly, leaving them to just do the cleanup.

“We need to head home first. I’m just gonna run upstairs, get my swim trunks.”

Faye was back down almost as quickly as she went up. “Alright, ready.” Faye put on the cheap plastic sunglasses she found in Tim’s room.

“Really?” Bobbie asked.

“Hey, the future’s so bright…”

“C’mon, let’s go.”

The EVO got back to the house to find Nick doing dishes.

Faye couldn’t believe it. “She beat you?”

“No.” Nick said, face invaded by seriousness. “I’ve gotta do something. I can’t stand to see her like this.”

Faye wanted to hug Nick, but decided against it. Clapping a hand on his shoulder instead, Faye looked solemnly at his friend.

“She’s gonna be okay, Nick.” Faye smiled weakly.

“Bobbie’s on the case.”

Nick returned his own weak smile.

“I hope your right.”

***

When Bobbie came home, Timmi was excited to see her. Even more excited that she was going to a pool party. Rational thought flew out the window as she started thinking about what she would wear. Ooh, I can work on my tan.

“Timmi, when you were here with Nick today, you didn’t…” Bobbie was getting some of the leftover cake out to leave for Nick, next to his requested coffee cake.

Timmi looked blankly at Bobbie. “Didn’t…?”

“You know.” Blue met blue for a moment. Bobbie swore for a moment that she saw more than Timmi’s face… But, damned if I know what.

Timmi giggled. “No, we just played some of those boring games. They’re fun and all, but I lose all the time. Even when my guy is prettier.” She pouted.

Bobbie had her swimsuit packed and looked around for anything that could fit Timmi.

“Oh.” Timmi said. “I know where there’s one of those.” She disappeared into Faye’s closet and returned with what looked like a ball of purple dental floss.

Bobbie recognized it as a bikini, a very skimpy one. She remained quiet as she put the garment into her bag.

“This is gonna be fun.”

The two girls came back out into the living room to see Faye knocking Nick around on the screen.

“God, it feels good to lose again.” Nick said.

“You can do all the dishes you want, Nick.” Faye said. Nick looked at him oddly.

“You guys have fun today. I have homework.” Nick picked up the Anthropology text again. “Thanks for the coffee cake, Bobbie.”

Faye looked strangely at Nick before saying his goodbye and leaving with the two blondes in tow.

***

Kim could still smell the dye and herbal conditioner in her hair. It had dried, and Heather seemed happy with the coverage. Kim looked in the mirror at her new raven black hair, she liked how it contrasted so well with her skin.

“Okay, sit.” Heather commanded. Kim followed the order and watched Heather pull out some tools.

“First, eyebrows. This is gonna hurt a little, sorry.”

Kim didn’t notice any pain, she was lost in thought. We all make ourselves over, but Timmi just took the cake, hell the whole bakery. The big, blonde hair, the makeup. I bet she has some makeup tricks that would leave Heather speechless.

“Done.” Heather said. Kim was stunned. How long was she doing that?

Heather launched into a speech about how to use each of the makeup items. Foundation, eyeliner, mascara, on and on she spoke. Kim absorbing some, mostly glossing over the general. I’ll pick it up as I go.

“So,” Heather asked while studying Kim’s face, she brandished her eyebrow pencil. “What brought this on? I mean, you always seemed…”

“A little butch? You should talk.” Kim grinned.

Heather ran a hand through the short fuzz on the side of her head. “I guess we all need a change sometimes.”

Kim left the heavy pause hang in the room. “And since Delacroix High’s reigning pinup queen has abdicated her throne… All hail Queen Kim The Terrible.”

“The queen is dead. Long live the queen.” Heather curtsied. She then started in with the pencil and filled in the thin, elegantly arched brows. It didn’t take her long at all.

She did do this every day for years.

“Alright. Let me grab your skirt and…”

“Huh?”

“I have the perfect skirt for this.”

“You always say that.”

“And don’t I?” Heather asked, looking over imaginary sunglasses.

Kim inhaled and raised a finger.

“You have a point there.”

***

There were some chips out on the table, Bobbie was crunching away, Faye had his shirt off and was lounging on one of the pool chairs next to Timmi with those stupid sunglasses on. Amber was talking about Kurt, Bobbie had to admit that she didn’t see that coming. Ripples, Bobbie, ripples.

She had to wonder how much good she had done. Looking back at what she thought were failures, in the end they would be okay. Kim’s still alive, and she seems to be keeping herself out of trouble.

Kurt was still Kurt, but he mostly just made calls for people now. Amber had done something, They had a date for Prom night, and she had been chatting about it.

“… thinking that we might just build a fire and look at the city.” Amber finished, pushing up her glasses.

“That sounds fuckin’ cool.” Bella said, carefully selecting a chip.

“It is really nice up there, you can see everything.” Bobbie said. The amazing view of Delacroix from far away…

“I wanna fuckin’ get in on that fuckin’ cake.” Bella said, grabbing for one of the boxes that came from Cheepskates

“Hey, guys. Sorry we’re late, but…” Kim said coming around the gate.

“Holy fucking shit.”

Bella turned her head slowly towards Bobbie, who was pointing.

“Well, that’s rude. I know Mom taught you not to point.” Kim was so nonchalant about it, that Bobbie continued to stammer.

“I…I…”

The other girls turned to look at Kim, then they looked at Heather.

“Sonofabitch.” Bella said. “They fuckin’ switched places.”

Kim stood in a yellow dress that hugged her hips and narrowed slightly just above her knees. The top pushed her chest out, with the scoop neck showing the straight line of her cleavage. Her face was perfectly painted, a porcelain doll with ebony black hair that ended it short bangs that stopped just above her eyebrows.

Beth, too was surprised. “Kim?” She remembered that picture that Bobbie had shown her last Thanksgiving.

“Guys. Just a different look. Let’s not get all… Oh, Bobbie.”

“Hmmm?”

“Frankie says you’re overdue, with prom coming up.”

Bobbie felt at her bangs, they had grown a little long lately, come to think of it, the blue streak needs to be redone…

“Kim…” Bobbie started. Kim raised the hand carrying her purse, Bobbie had a chuckle at its blood splattered cleaver appearance.

“Save it. Delacroix High has a new pinup queen now.” Kim held the cleaver aloft. “Queen Kim the Terrible has spoken.”

Heather laughed. “Just don’t keep referring to yourself in the third person.”

“Your majesty.” She snickered.

Kim wiggled her way to a chair and selected a small handful of chips. “So. We gonna knock out this setlist or we gonna talk about what I’m wearing.”

Bella laughed loudly, rousing Scooby. The brown Great Dane padded over to Bella and laid back down after circling a few times.

Bobbie had to smile. Kim’s gonna be just fine, she’s handling this better than any of us did. She looked over at Timmi and for the first time felt confident that this problem was anything but.

***

“Faye.” Timmi whispered.

Faye lazily turned his head.

“Can you rub this lotion on my back. I can’t reach.” Timmi’s cute pout made Faye decide to do as she asked.

“I need to untie…”

“Go ahead, silly boy.” Timmi said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Faye tugged at the string. Careful, this is how all this crap started.

The knot came loose and spilled its ends to the ground. Faye had the thick lotion between his hands for a second before bringing down his hands on Timmi’s smooth, unblemished back.

“Mmmm.” Timmi said dreamily. “That feels so good.”

Faye passed a hand over the Mark. Timmi giggled in response. “Timmi. Does that hurt… or anything?”

“No, silly.” Timmi giggled. “Why would it hurt? Feels good, though. Keep going.”

“Don’t forget the shoulders.” She teased, looking over the cheap pink plastic sunglasses.

***

Kim liked that everyone was staring. She remembered staring after she let Roxx do her thing. It was a different staring, one that said WOW! Unlike the ones she used to get that said UGH!

Those days of being fucked up all the time make time… just slip away. Bobbie’s words about the last days of Robb’s life reverberated in her skull.

Amber touched at her hair. “The black really stands out against your skin. The new lip piercing is cute. Think I should get one?” She touched at the spot where it would go.

“I bet Kurt would like it.”

“Get it for you.” Kim said sagely. “Not him… or anyone.”

Amber smiled. “Y’know what? I’m gonna do it.”

Bella was next to speak. “What a fuckin change. I swear, I fuckin never would have thought…”

“I’m a teenager. Isn’t this what we’re supposed to do? I mean, how can you find out who you are if you don’t look?” Kim slowly sipped at her can of Coke. The need for nicotine was getting to her. If I need to talk to Faye, now’s the time.

Kim turned to the pool. “F…Tim.”

Both Faye and Timmi looked up. Timmi’s breasts came into full view as the tiny bikini top left its thin straps and tiny micro triangles of purple Dacron and Neoprene remained on the seat. Timmi’s blonde hair flying in a whipping motion.

“WOAH!” Bella, Amber, and Beth all exclaimed, shielding her eyes. Kim, Bobbie and Heather seemed nonplussed, while Faye seemed bummed that he missed something. Timmi looked down and covered herself with her hands.

“Sorry.” Timmi smiled, moving back down towards the bikini top.

Faye started rubbing his hands together as he made his way towards the table.

“What’s up… dollface?” Faye snickered.

“Vitamin N. Wanna take a walk?” Kim grabbed the handle of her purse and stood, smoothing her skirt as she did so.

“Sure.” Faye reached for his shirt. Kim laughed when she saw the Pink Floyd logo on the front.

“We’ll be back.” Kim said. “Then we can start on the setlist.”

***

Kim pulled out a long slender black tube from her purse and pushed her cigarette into one end. She lit the one end and placed the other end into her mouth.

“Taking this a little far aren’t you?”

Kim shrugged, drawing on the cigarette holder. “This way I won’t smell like an ashtray.”

“Anyway. I..” Kim narrowed her eyes. “You fucked him?”

Faye deflated. “God, never gonna get used to that.”

“Well, you better. For now at least. I think I figured something out, but I need to ask you….”

Kim dragged on the cigarette again, trying to phrase this correctly.

“When you…first met Lust. What were you like?”

Faye blanched, Kim saw yellows fly around for a second like angered lightning bugs.

“You saw me before. I was the cover girl for babydyke monthly. Then?” She waved a hand over herself.

“What did you do? I mean, did your tits get bigger?”

Faye laughed. “You have no idea.”

“That’s not an answer. Bobbie told me that you don’t talk about that much. Why don’t…” Kim put a hand to her mouth.“God, I’m fucking stupid. How could I not….”

Faye’s yellow became almost palpable, Kim resisted an urge to touch it.

“You were a guy.” Kim said, surprised. “Makes kind of sense, I guess. I mean it happened to Bobbie. How did you deal with that?”

“Badly.”

“Rad,” Kim rested the cigarette holder in her mouth. “We all got prettier, right? There’s got to be some kind of limit on that, doesn’t there?”

Faye looked confused. Ah, now I get silly boy.

Kim gestured towards her breasts. “How big can they get? How small can your waist get before you start looking like some cartoon?”

“Still not sure what you’re getting at.”

“When you did… whatever it was you did. It swapped you two. Then, when you came to me… Bobbie stopped me, she saw something. I must have messed with the limit. I bet that’s what she saw.”

“Yeah.” Faye said. His eyes became distant, seeing it finally. “Absorbed the hair extensions, got blonder…. Okay. So now we have something to go on. What do we do about it?”

“You’re gonna fuckin’ hate this.” Kim said, followed by a long drag.

“I think we need Roxx.”

“Roxx? Why?”

“This reaction is why I haven’t told Bobbie yet. You can’t see the ribbons. I can, but I’m not too good at it, obviously.” Kim opened her hand towards Faye.

“She’s been seeing this longer than we have. Now if we can find her, and convince her to help. I’m pretty sure we can fix.” She waved her arm around.

“…this.”

“Now, I need to tell Bobbie this. Not totally looking forward to it, but it can wait a couple of hours.” She stared at Faye. “And it looks like we need to find her quickly.”

The thread was shorter still.

“Not too sure how much time you have left.”

***

Bobbie noticed Faye and Kim return as she was coming out in her swimsuit. It was a tight blue one piece that hugged appealingly in all the right places. Her hair shimmered like silver in the light of the afternoon. She looked at Timmi. Bobbie remembered seeing that bikini and thinking that she couldn’t ever wear something like that.

But you did.

And it wasn’t bad. A little small perhaps.

“Timmi.” Bobbie whispered, her hair slid accordingly.

“Hi. This is cool. I didn’t even know Bella had a pool.”

She giggled. “That rhymes.”

Bobbie chuckled. “How are you doing? I mean really?”

Timmi shrugged. “Okay. I mean, being a girl is kind of fun. I mean I can’t always say what I want, the way I tingle all the time.”

“Makes it hard to think.”

Bobbie’s eyes narrowed.

“You look high.”

The weird burst of lucidity made Bobbie realize that Tim wasn’t gone, just different.

“I know Kim can figure it out, It was an accident. I’m not mad.”

“I’m just having some fun, you got to do fun things.” The pout came out. “I don’t see what the big deal is. I’m not doing anything you didn’t do… with me.”

Bobbie’s face crumpled slightly. “I love you, Tim.”

Timmi smiled. “I love you too, Bobbie. Everything’s gonna be okay.” She gave a thumbs up.

Bobbie jumped into the water, figuring that the chlorine in the water would explain her red eyes sufficiently.

***

Bobbie was swimming back and forth. She had never liked the water before, but found it freeing now. The fact that it’s a pool and it’s sunny are huge plusses. How many things are different now? Timmi, Faye…

Me…

She remembered the dream when she buried Robb. So long ago that his words about moving on and just letting life happen not only had sunk in, but became part of the new normal. Breaking the surface, there was a calm spreading through her.

Timmi was lounging on the chair, straps still untied. He’s right, Kim’ll figure it out. Now that she’s gotten her head back…

God, I wish I could read her.

A splash sent a wave towards her as Scooby jumped into the water. Timmi laughed as the dog paddled his way out of the pool, only to shake himself off while standing close to Timmi, who squealed when the spray of cold water touched her back. The sound was more of surprise, but enough to make her get up quickly. Scooby saw something that he liked apparently as he grabbed one of the purple straps and ran off across the yard.

“FUCKIN’ SCOOBY!!” Bella yelled.

***

Timmi saw the dog running away with her top. When she stood and Bella yelled, everyone laughed a little. For a moment, she felt proud for a moment as she detected some envy from Amber. The green really goes with her hair.

Bobbie was spitting water as she made her way up the steps. Kim strode back into the pool area gracefully.

When Faye came around the gate, it was to a scene of minor chaos. Timmi stood there, breasts bared for all to see, Scooby was running away from Bella with the tiny bikini top, and Bobbie stood by the pool, soaking wet and smiling.

The stirring in his pants was starting to become all too commonplace. It was the first time he had seen Timmi’s luscious breasts in daylight, the nipples standing out like Beefeaters. Rigid, and unable to do anything but stand at attention.

Scooby disappeared into the house and Bella laughed while Timmi slowly began the process or putting her top back on.

“I’m sorry, Faye. My fuckin’ dog. He’s usually so good.”

“Oh, no big deal.” Timmi giggled. She strode confidently to where she had placed her things. Heather kept her eyes on Timmi the whole time.

"Faye...aren't you going to put on something?" Heather asked nervously, fighting her eyes, sudden need to drag her gaze down to Timmi's breasts.

"Why? I can work on my tan better now anyway." Timmi was looking at Heather curiously, wondering why the girl seemed so attracted to her. Wait...how did she know that? Sometimes she could see pretty colors that told her things about people. Colors are awesome.

"Yeah, but the others might not appreciate that."

Timmi looked at her innocently "We're all girls, right?"

"What about Tim?"

Timmi giggled. "Oh, he saw plenty of them when we had sex in his car last night."

Heather made a note to close her mouth before she had to apply for a zoning permit.

Kim laughed. “She’s fucking with you, Heather.” A quick stare thrown at Timmi made the blonde girl shrug.

Timmi swung her vision around, searching for the bag she brought with her. Are they all just jealous or what? I would be too, I guess if my titties weren’t the best here. Timmi looked down and hoped beyond hope that she could get an even tan. Maybe if I could find a place where Faye can rub more lotion on my…

Yeah, his lotion. Timmi grinned with the dirty thoughts as she wondered how hard it would be to wrangle another date. Maybe rollerskating? Mini golf? She made a show of swivelling her waist like the turret of a tank. The Tits of Destruction scanned separately, desperately seeking a target. Dumb dog wanted to see too. Timmi wanted Faye to take her picture.

Maybe next time we go out. Timmi knew she had to get another date with Faye. The top Timmi brought with her had been cut off, leaving ragged pink shreds that hung tantalizingly across her midsection. The deep black, fuzzy letters proudly proclaimed ‘FAKE’, the top tented so much that the letters distorted and her tiny waist only seemed more sensual.

Bella went inside to try to get Scooby to come back outside, or at least give up his new chew tow. Faye and Heather kept the stares on Timmi as she made her way to the table.

“Oh, wow.” Timmi said. “These are from the school cake?” Timmi bent over towards Faye, allowing him full view of the cleavage. Timmi selected a piece of Slacker’s Cove and sat between Faye and Heather.”

“This one is so pretty, I like the green.” Timmi said, the cake leaving white streaks near her lips.

“So, Faye? What’s up with the makeover this week?”

Timmi just waved her hand, scooping another piece of cake into her mouth. “I’m a model. I change all the time…”

“Right? …Tim?” Timmi said, snapping her head the other way.

“Yeah.” Faye said distantly. “Hey Kim?”

“What? We have a setlist to…” Kim had two of the padlocks unlocked and was working on the third. It too gave way before she set the security devices that were suddenly incapable of securing anything from Kim.

“Go stand by the pool.” Faye pulled out his phone and hit the camera.

Faye got up and away from Timmi.

“What gives?”

“I’m gonna take some pictures. Allegra dropped me over this Playboy nonsense your sister started. You, my dear might just be the next big thing.” Faye giggled. “You pull off the Bettie well.”

Kim blushed. “Thanks, I just thought. Hey, I’ve never tried this yet. Besides, Delcroix is gonna need at least one more badass chick, right? Figure I’m elected.”

Faye had the phone up in front of her face.

“Sit on the edge of the chair and look up, fingers on your neck.” Faye said. “God, I kind of wish you had a floppy hat.”

Kim laughed. Faye took the opportunity to snap six shots in rapid succession.

“That’s good. Let’s go check on the rest of the…” Faye laughed as she thought about the dog.

“Scooby gang.”

***

Faye’s letting all this go to her head. I swear she’s the last person I’d expect.

Although the money…

Heather watched Faye ditz her way through everything. Tim was snapping off pictures of Kim.

I guess he can’t believe it either.

The party’s only boy walked back with Kim, showing the pictures. When they sat, Heather asked to see the screen. Kim acquiesced and almost immediately Heather’s eyes widened.

“Oh my wow.” Heather exclaimed. “These pictures are amazing, you took those with that phone?”

“Look out Instagram.” Faye said, pocketing the phone.

“Tim.”

“Yes, Heather.” Faye said.

“You’ve gotta lose that bracelet. And I thought you burned that shirt?”

“Easy Heather. It’s just laundry day. Right…”

“Tim?” Bobbie finished with special emphasis on the proper name.

Kim had locked and unlocked all three padlocks while the other girls approved of the cake and the songs they wanted to play.

Bobbie dried in the sun and let the ultraviolet light bake the baker just a little.

Even though her boyfriend was a girl and her best friend was suddenly a guy and everything seemed odd. It seemed like Delacroix was her place, and these things were going to happen. The light and heat of the sun caressed Bobbie as she let the cares and thoughts drift away.

Even Advocates need a day off.

Chapter 82

Kim went with Bobbie and Faye to the bakery that night, offering to help mix the batters and frostings that would be needed the next day since Faye would be running the bakery solo for the first time.

And it gave Kim a chance to tell Bobbie about the tiny part of a plan she had figured out.

The mixer was running as Kim explained the sudden shift into full Barbie mode.

“See, that’s gotta be it, I can’t think of another explanation. I mean fantasy novels are all I have to work with, but that stuff had to come from reality a little. So. I’ll be able to undo whatever it was that Faye did. I’m gonna need you to be there, like you were last time. But…”

Bobbie shut the mixers down as Faye stopped rolling the chocolate ribbons.

“Man.” Faye said, using the back of his braceleted wrist to wipe sweat away. “I wish Beth was here for this.”

“She had a date. Girl deserves it. You saw the figures, right?”

“No, she did ‘em all?” Faye looked incredulous.

“Not yet, but the ones she has look amazing.”

“Guys.” Kim called.

“I was saying that we need to go see Roxx.”

“Roxx?” Bobbie groaned. “Why her?”

Kim pointed. “Roxx can see the ribbons, she’s seen them longer than I have. I want her to watch me, you two don’t see the same thing.”

“Fuck.” Bobbie said. The uncharacteristic expletive made Kim laugh. “We don’t even know where she is. For all I know she took off.”

Faye opened his mouth. “I’ll put the feelers out. Never know. Town this small? Should be easy to find. Not too many hot redheads in Delacroix. Amber’s cute and all, but Roxx?”

“Yeah yeah.” Bobbie said, “Thrall body. I get it.” She ran a hand through her hair.

“I think I can find her.” Kim said. “It’s just gonna take me a little while. I just hope I can do it in time.”

“What do you mean?” Bobbie asked.

“You didn’t tell her about the thread?” Kim asked Faye. The light reflecting from the ebony bangs seemed harsh in the way it sat above her expression.

“What about the thread?”

***

Roxx sat at the booth, a lit Sobraniy in one hand and a glass of Glenlivet 25 in the other. She looked over the dark club with steely eyes. Attendance was up, everyone was making more money. And she had convinced Bogdan and Yevgeniy to change the name of the club. Not a bad first couple of days.

Within two months Vesuvius would be gone and Krakatoa would rise from the ashes of the seedy club that was. She envisioned a high end gentleman’s club that could cater to anyone’s whims and desires. Roxx had to look up other famous volcanoes to come up with a name.

Fine, Robb. Studying comes in handy sometimes.

The way the runners came back with hands full of money instead of the drugs they left with, one would think that Roxx was the second coming of Pablo Escobar. Everybody was surprised with how smooth everything seemed to go with Roxx at the helm.

Screw Bobbie, I got mine. A strip club and the local drug trade is a decent consolation prize.

***

Timmi was finishing up with her morning routine. She knew that Bobbie would be up soon, so she got up early, knowing that looking pretty took longer than the old getting ready used to.

Oh, so cool. Timmi thought as she got the black top over her breasts. Joe Strummer’s guitar nearly disappeared into the cleavage. The heavier eyeliner made the blue stand out like a tiny ring of cobalt. Timmi put the can down as the aroma of the hairspray filled the room.

She pulled a bandanna from the bundle of clothes she had brought in with her. The black cloth square had tiny skulls on it. Timmi giggled as she rolled it up and carefully tied it around her head just behind the ears.

Bobbie was wearing a sleepy look when Timmi came out.

“Timmi?” Bobbie said.

“Hi, Bobbie.” Timmi said with an excited wave.

“What…”

“Thought I’d wear black today. I never noticed how well it goes with my hair.”

Bobbie looked at the teased mass atop her head.

“I’ll just make…”

“I already made coffee.” Timmi hefted her mug. “You just get ready.”

Bobbie smiled. “Alright, jumping in the shower then.”

“Okay.”

Nick came out of his room as soon as Bobbie left.

“Morning, Faye.” Nick said.

“Hi, Nick.” Timmi’s excited wave was infectious as Nick mirrored it.

“Nice skirt.”

“Thank you.” Timmi bounded into Nick’s arms. “You’re so sweet.”

Nick poured his own coffee. “So, how’s school?”

“Oh, it’s so cool.” Timmi said, sipping her coffee. “Everyone’s been super nice.” An evil giggle escaped. “Especially the boys.”

“So is that how you plan to stay at the top of the leaderboards?” Nick smiled. “Make ‘em stare at you?”

Timmi giggled loudly. “Didn’t work on you.”

“Because I’m a professional.” Nick said.

When Bobbie came back out Nick and Timmi were laughing like old times. Bobbie smiled, hoping that everyone was nearly out of the woods.

But Kim’s bombshell last night… We need Roxx…

That was the one thing that she didn’t want to hear. I finally get her to back off and I need to go back to her with my tail between my legs?

Fuck.

“Oh, good.” Timmi clapped. “You didn’t do your makeup yet.”

“Huh?”

“It was so fun Saturday… Wanna do it again?”

Bobbie smiled. “Sure.”

We still hang out in the mornings. Miss the Vespa, though.

Nick rose. “Well, I’m gonna hit the shower. More research today… Can’t wait till this class is over.” He downed the rest of his coffee and was gone.

Timmi followed Nick down the hallway and went into Faye’s room. Returning with her makeup bag, Timmi sat down next to Bobbie and started to work.

***

“Son of a bitch.” Kim said. Getting the bobby pins into her victory rolls was not as easy as it looked on the tutorial video. Between the backcombing and the hairspray, Kim took about an hour and a half to get ready.

Mom is gonna trip right the hell out. She had been gone when Kim came home last night. It had bummed her out a little that she didn’t get to see Kim then.

But, she said studying herself. I think that’s good enough for a first try. The tiny bit of pomade between her fingers smoothed out the errant hairs.

Kim was downstairs in her tight jeans and her yellow polka dot top sipping coffee when Sylvia came down.

“Morning…” Sylvia yawned.

“Kim?” Sylvia said, now fully awake. “What…”

“Heather, right?”

“Actually.” Kim sipped the coffee and set the mug down. “My idea.”

Sylvia chuckled as she entered the kitchen. “You always liked that poster of his.”

Kim laughed. “Because I thought she was really hot.”

Sylvia poured coffee. “You two…”

“Robb said that to me when he bought it.”

“Well, Heather approved and check this out.” Kim got up and showed her mom the pictures that Faye took by the pool.

“Wow. This is you?”

“Yeah. Who saw that coming?”

Sylvia laughed. The morning had the two women speaking like equals. Both Sylvia and Kim liked their newly evolving relationship. Sylvia still felt badly about throwing Bobbie out, it wasn’t her fault.

Sylvia was still clinging to the hope that one day soon, Bobbie would be back. It was moments like these that made her miss Robb more than ever. He would have made fun of her, then told her she looked good.

Sylvia smiled distantly at the thought.

“I just wish Robb and your dad were here to see this.”

“Me, too mom.” Kim said, smiling with her ruby red lips.

“Me, too.”

***

Faye had the items set out in their cases when Hudson and Hobson came in. They had the coffee cup out towards the person they believed to be Tim.

“Here you go.” Hobson said. “So, what’s good today?”

“Still got the triple berry cake?”

“Sounds good.”

Tim retrieved the cake from the case and put it into the green boxes that were becoming commonplace across Delacroix.

“And Faye wants you two to know that she finally fixed that brake light.”

Hobson laughed. “We know. Saw it last night on the way in. Hey, maybe we can ask you.”

Faye flushed. Aw Christ, what did they do now?

“You guys are here early and sometimes late.”

“Actually, I live here, Detective.” Faye pointed up. Hobson laughed, Hudson failed the detective’s exam last time.

“Vesuvius keeping you guys up?”

“No.” Faye said, shaking his head. “Why?”

“Nothing serious. Just seems like they’ve gotten really busy lately. We’ve been here a long time. When that place pops off.”

“It’s trouble.” Hobson finished. “You remember that meth lab blowout couple of years ago, right?”

“Yeah. Big Bazza finally got put away. Or did they deport him?” Hudson paid for the coffee cake.

Hobson shrugged as he hefted the cake. “Glad you’re feeling better. See you tomorrow, Tim.”

***

Bobbie was kind of regretting letting Timmi dress her.

They were both clad in black, hair teased up. Sunglasses that matched. Black heels, with Timmi’s being taller.

“See? Your first big slow motion entrance. I can almost hear Back in Black.”

“Can’t you?” Timmi giggled

“More like Highway to Hell.” Bobbie muttered. The large earrings threatened to hit her in the face when they moved. Her hair did no such thing, it was completely immobile.

Timmi strutted down the hallway next to Bobbie. There were stares, there was chatter. Bobbie had dealt with it before and still wasn’t completely comfortable with it. Her time in Faye’s body had driven off some of the modesty, but not all of it. Being dressed in the little more than a half shirt bearing the album cover of The Great Rock N Roll Swindle with the collar ripped out artfully and the tight low rise jeans that hugged her legs magnificently. The studded black low heels made Timmi seem almost as tall as Bobbie.

Timmi; however, had gotten into the puffy skirts again. Somehow turning them into a glam metal like accessory. The spider weblike fishnets and the tall heels just made the ruby red lips and the bright blue eyes that much more tantalizing. When the sunglasses came off and nestled in the bountiful cleavage, the room seemed to brighten.

“I’ll see you at break, okay?” Bobbie said.

“K.” Timmi said, disappearing with a wave.

“What in the actual fuck?” Came a voice from Bobbie’s locker.

“Hi, Zoe.”

“Did a Metallica video explode at your house?” Zoe laughed.

Bobbie laughed. “Last time I let Faye dress me. All I’m sayin.”

“Dude, Faye decked Stacy. Her cheek is all swollen. She is pissed.” The music from the one disconnected from her ear played its tinny beat.

“They didn’t tell me…”

“Yeah. I guess she was out with Tim? What’s up with that?”

“Faye… well, you know. Faye hasn’t been well lately.”

“She’s okay, right?” Zoe’s usual cavalier air evaporated into one of concern.

“Sort of. Maybe, I don’t know.” Bobbie looked down. “It’s just that she’s going to act weird for a little bit.”

“Like how?”

Bobbie pointed down the hall. “Did you not see her?”

“Yeah.” Zoe shrugged. “Playboy and all, didn’t really think it was all that strange.”

The bell rang.

“Shit.” Bobbie said. “I’ll see you later.” She ran off to class.

Something’s wrong? Zoe figured that she’d just have to get the straight story from Faye.

Besides, talking to a real Playmate is always cool.

Even if she is a fuckwich.

Even if she used to be a guy.

***

James Agee was sitting at his desk, still mad about the Indian food that had ruined his weekend. Last time I eat Vindaloo. He was fine now, but the John Wayne Marathon seemed tainted by constant trips to the bathroom.

Although, it was going to be ham sandwiches for lunch for a while.

Fourth period was starting when she walked in, he thought she was in the wrong class, but that figure was unmistakable.

Valentine. He grinned as he started to sweat. She was blonde now, looking like the metal goddesses he praised in the early days of MTV. The curve and swell of her spectacular breasts and tight ass caused him to forget which lecture he was doing that day.

Looking through his notes, he considered just making today a free study day. Hell, this close to the end of the year…

Does it matter?

Announcing free study showed a palpable relief among the students. Agee made a show of grading papers already marked up with red ink.

But what he was really looking at was Faye Valentine.

***

Bobbie was in the bathroom, fixing the makeup that Timmi had put on her. God, Tim, you got way too good at this way too fast.

SMACK!

Zoe entered the bathroom the black of her Ramones shirt combined with Bobbies all black ensemble seemed to suck all the light out of the room.

“Bobbie?”

Zoe chuckled. “What is it with you two today? First, I see Kim traipsing through the halls looking like she’s about to drop the hankie in a drag race. Then you and Faye… Both of you, look like you’re taking off to tour with Slayer.”

“It’s… complicated.”

“It’s Faye, everything’s complicated. She’ll be okay. Building… slow motion. Be interesting to see how Agee treats her now.”

Bobbie knitted her eyebrows. “Agee?”

“Yeah, he’s back. Goddamn perv.”

“Shit. I’ve gotta go.”

***

The ringing bell drew so many sighs of relief, Agee was sure he would pass out from the sudden exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Most of the students rushed out, while Valentine kept tapping away at her phone.

Most of the crowd was gone, everyone’s favorite class was next… lunch.

Well, maybe not everyone’s. Agee looked at the ham sandwich he brought from home. He looked at Valentine.

The rousing he felt suddenly became those of a different kind of pork.

***

Timmi was cropping selfies, removing unwanted background elements and generally admiring the way the light caught the ‘Faye’ nameplate. In her mind, she replaced it with ‘Timmi’. She was tired about thinking about boring old math. Numbers and graphs… the only thing that Timmi cared about that was remotely mathematical was curves.

Going out with Faye is so fun. We should go to prom. There was a moment of wistful thought. Sharing prom night with Bobbie was gonna be really cool, but something bothered her for a moment.

Shouldn’t Bobbie and I be doing something else?

The bell cut through the thoughts that were like pink cotton candy; Soft, fuzzy, sweet.

Faye makes me feel so…

“Miss Valentine. Can I see you please?

“Okay.” Timmi said cutely as she sauntered her way to his desk.

Agee rose to his full height to be sure that the other student had gone off to lunch. “Missed you last week. Been some changes I see.”

Timmi looked puzzled in a cute way that didn’t help Agee’s raging hormones.

“You’re blonde?”

“Oh, that.” Timmi said, grabbing one of the long ends and brushing at her face with it. “I am blonde, silly man.”

Agee took that the wrong way, in the way of tacit approval. Timmi’s vacant smile showed that she was reading the situation differently.

Very differently. Agee had his arms on her shoulders. Timmi kind of liked it at first. Agee was bigger, and it made her feel more protected and safe.

For about three seconds. When his hand rested on the back end of the puffy skirt, Timmi yelped quietly.

He’s a teacher. I know I’m pretty, but…

When the whiskers and hot breath touched her ear, Timmi could tell that things were about to get a little more serious than she ever thought they would.

“Wanna Rock the Casbah?” Agee said, he’d always liked that song. Beats having Concrete Blonde in your head.

Everybody knows that the dice are loaded…

FUCK.

Timmi felt Agee kiss at the tender skin of her exposed shoulder. It was wrong and she knew it.

Mmmm, but it feels sooo good.

Agee backed up and his hands went for his belt, unfastening the leather strap with a single flick of his fingers. He brought his left arm out even as he undid his pants, allowing them to fall to the floor.

The cheap elastic waistband of his boxers gave at the same time, leaving Agee naked from the waist down.

Timmi looked down…

…and burst into laughter.

“That’s it?” The laughter renewed, Timmi felt a small flush of relief as Agee’s hand dropped. Faye’s is bigger, and…

Less wrinkly.

“Didn’t have a problem last week.” Agee said, his face becoming stern.

Timmi’s laugh stopped suddenly, she took a half step back. Ewww, his balls are all pruny. Like the striking of a grandfather clock in her mind, Timmi realized where she was and what was really happening.

Last week? Why was that important? She watched his cock shrivel as his body reabsorbed the blood. It looked funny to her, like Gamera was pulling his head back into his massive shell.

Gamera? That’s a funny name for a turtle.

The laughter returned anew as she pictured it retreating all the way inside.

You’d be an ugly girl, Mr. Agee.

The laughter continued as Timmi backed away.

She didn’t see his face get as red as the red velvet cake Cheepskates was so famous for. Neither did she see him awkwardly pull his pants up while Timmi let the door swing way too far.

Two or three students caught a show that they didn’t want to see. Agee hung his head and slunk back to his desk.

And his ham sandwich.

Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed.

“Fuck.” Agee growled as he brought his fist down onto his desk with his eyes closed.

Right on top of his sandwich.

***

Bobbie was running towards Agee’s class. Dammit, wish I knew he was back today. Bobbie was amazed that her Timmi-inspired ensemble let her move as much as it did. The flood of students out of Agee’s class was thinning to a trickle. No Timmi.

Bobbie started to slow down, worried about what she might find. Then, a flash of blonde and black backed out of the classroom, nearly doubled over. Now she was worried, the run came back. But when Bobbie got there…

She’s laughing?

The laughter got louder, looking up into the classroom she saw Agee fumbling with his pants.

“What’s so funny?” Bobbie said gingerly.

“He wanted to….” The laughter became a shriek. Timmi’s howling made it difficult to understand her.

Bobbie started to look alarmed, but the infectious smile and laughter calmed her almost immediately. “Wanted to what.” Bobbie said as a smile started to creep across her face like last week’s cottage cheese.

“But he’s so…” Timmi held a thumb and forefinger apart by scant millimeters.

Bobbie burst into laughter.

“Said I didn’t mind last week… was that…” Timmi’s mouth formed an ‘O’ in surprise as she figured something out.

“You?”

Bobbie reddened, then looked down.

Timmi’s laugh faded as they walked away.

“You did, huh? Eww.”

“Not my finest hour.” Bobbie said dryly. “I’m sorry you had to deal with…”

“It’s okay.” Timmi laughed.“I thought it was gonna be like with Faye…”

“But he smells like the forties.” The nonchalance with which Timmi dropped the obscure reference only made Bobbie wish this whole situation would just end.

And get back to our little happily ever after… whatever that means.

Bobbie and Timmi made their way to the cafeteria where the rest of the band was sitting in their usual spot. The picture looked different, now with Heather pulling off the sexy butch thing and Kim now sporting clothes and accessories that were a few decades out of date.

Still the same army. Bobbie smiled as she and Timmi wound through the mass of people, drawing some appreciative looks and some catcalls.

Timmi giggled at these. “Silly boys, they don’t even know that we’re in charge.”

Bobbie looked with slight alarm.

“Well?” Timmi said with mock superiority. “Aren’t we? You made me act all silly.”

Bobbie nodded agreement. She couldn’t argue with Timmi on that one.

***

“Not too bad, Kim.” Heather said, sliding into the booth next to Delacroix’s newest time traveler. “Rolls could have been tighter, but you look good.” An arm went around Kim’s shoulders as Heather planted a peck on her cheek.

Kim produced a pair of black cateye sunglasses with corners of crystal pinpoints.

“I know.” Kim looked up.

“Easy there Audrey.” Heather laughed.

“I think I remember that film. I guess I recall we both kind of liked it.”

Heather smiled. “There’s no way that’s going into the setlist.”

Kim smirked. “That reminds me. Got an idea for what I should wear that night.”

“Look at you.” A white dress with red polka dots came to the table. “Hi, Beth.”

Beth waved at Heather as she set down her lunch. “Wow, Kim. I didn’t know you could be so…” Beth stopped as she sat.

Kim looked to Beth. “Go on, you can say it.”

“Pretty top.” Timmi said as she and Bobbie approached the table.

“Hey guys.” Beth said.

“Hi.” Bobbie said, sitting down and unpacking her own lunch.

Lunch continued with Bella and Amber taking their rightful place at the table. It was about as uneventful as lunch could be. When the bell rang they all went their separate ways. Bobbie nervously watching Timmi as she walked away, turning heads with every step.

***

Zoe wanted to talk to Faye. Ever since Spring Break, Zoe wondered what was happening with her friend. She also wanted to make one last splash before graduation. The tag in the bathroom was only a test. The final product had yet to be painted. Zoe thought of Faye.

Haven’t ditched in a while, two birds… right?

When she saw Timmi in the hallway, she made up her mind.

“Faye.” She called.

“Hmmm.” Timmi turned and said vacantly.

“Come on. We’re ditching.” Zoe said with finality.

“Ditching? Ooh, sounds fun.” Timmi shoved her books into Faye’s locker and shouldered her purse and followed Zoe Keebler, the coolest girl at Delacroix High as she left the educational edifice.

After a couple of stops to make sure the coast was clear, Zoe waved Timmi over to her SUV. The girls got inside and slowly drove away from the parking lot. Turning out onto Cherry Avenue, Zoe hit the switch on her stereo and allowed the deep, throbbing bass and drum loops.

Timmi fell instantly in love with the sound. Why didn’t I ever listen to this stuff before? It wasn’t long that she was shaking and bouncing to the electronic beat.

“Where are we going?” Timmi yelled over the beeping and booping.

“Dark Star.” Zoe yelled back. “I’m finally gonna do it. The tag of a lifetime.”

“Cool.” She bellowed. Dark Star… isn’t that a spaceship?

***

When the messenger arrived, Nick was asleep with the book on his chest. He lost his place when he jolted awake to the alien sound of the doorbell.

“Package for Faye Valentine?”

“Yeah, she lives here.” Nick was still wiping sleep out of his eyes and brushing his hair out of the way.

Nick used the attached stylus to sign his name and accept the tiny, rectangular box and envelope.

“Thanks, have a good day.” The delivery driver walked away from the apartment and drove away in the yellow van quickly.

“Hmm.” Nick said. “Overnight?”

He looked at the return address. Playboy. He remembered when he got the black plastic bag in the mail every month. Never thought I’d see any of it so up close and personal.

“Yeah.” Nick said as he put the package down on the coffee table.

Always dreamed of sleeping with a Playmate…

Not what I had in mind.

***

The dubstep continued the entire drive down to the Warehouse district. Timmi moving her head sharply to the music, her ass wiggling in the seat while her shoulders swung the opposite way.

“So what’s going on?” Zoe smiled. “Blonde looks good on you, exotic. How’s Rach like it?”

“Oh.” Timmi pouted. “I think she’s mad at me or something. She won’t return my calls.”

“Last time we hung out was super fun and then…” Timmi stopped.

“Yeah. She’ll come around.” Zoe offered.

Timmi giggled. “Yeah… I’m a handful.”

Zoe threw back her head and laughed. They exited the vehicle and crossed the desolate parking area. The lock and chain on the gate was so loose that it easily granted passage to the two girls as they went on their mission of vandalism.

With Timmi’s help, Zoe got her rucksack through the gate. “What’s in here?” Timmi asked.

“Art tools.” Zoe said with a mischievous grin.

Dark Star as it was known was a ramp ensconced in a warehouse. No one knew where it came from. It was much like Stonehenge, just there from time immemorial. It was black in color, some smudges from years of youths crashing, falling and sliding as their perceived great moment ended in a clatter of bones and boards.

“Wow.” Timmi said. She had been here… before. Smoking joints and drinking beers with some of the other people he used to kill brain cells with.

“Yeah.” Zoe agreed. “Different when it’s deserted.” She reached into her bag and pulled out two large spray cans. One with a red lid, the other with a white one.

“Which is perfect. This is gonna be legendary, Delacroix will remember the name of Zoe Keebler.”

Keebler? Why is that familiar? Why do I know that name?

“I’m gonna get started over here.” The grin returned. “You have any evil thoughts?”

Timmi did indeed have evil thoughts, but they were colored pink and made her feel sooo deliciously wrong.

“Yeah.” Timmi said dreamily, thinking of Faye. “But they’re not gonna help me out here.”

Zoe walked to one side of the ramp and started to spray with expert, practiced blasts of color.

“I wanna do one.” Timmi said, reaching into the bag. She too pulled out a red can and a white one.

Zoe smiled. “Gotta be like the big kids, huh?”

“Sure, brought plenty. Not sure how detailed this one’s gonna get. No ma’am, no simple throwups for this girl.”

Zoe turned around and sat. “Jeez, Faye. This graduation thing is pretty… I dunno.” The tough girl seemed quiet and contemplative for a moment.

“We all graduate.” Timmi said. “It’s how good you look when you do it.” She giggled.

Zoe grinned. Faye’s tough, sexy snark usually had a way to make her do so. “Fair enough. Hmmm.” She shrugged. “This might be my last chance to do something really stupid.”

“Better get started.” An earbud had found its way into her hearing canal. Zoe started bobbing her head.

Timmi looked at the vast expanse of ramp and how it curved out almost forever. A tight grin formed as an idea percolated.

***

Timmi was missing again. This time, both Kim and Bobbie met in the bathroom.

“Hasn’t texted back yet. I’m worried, Kimster.” Bobbie had a thumbnail in her mouth.

“She’ll be fine.” Kim dug her phone out. “I’ll get Faye.” A laugh. “Don’t think that the hairspray is gonna make the day.”

“Yeah, well we can’t all be Betty Grable.”

“Who?” Kim asked

Bimbo Kisses, Lollipop Dreams: A Platinum Chef/ Delacroix side story Part V

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Sex / Sexual Scenes

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Accidental

TG Elements:

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 83

The ball flew through the air cleanly from way out there in three point land.

“Holy shit.” Faye said.

“Damn. Big Daddy Kane in the house or what?” A nameless skin player gave Faye a hi five. “That’s like what. Twelve points… somethin’ ridiculous? What is it, Brickhaus?”

Brickhaus, a large barrel-chested dude with shiny hair and an Ed Hardy shirt looked at the game as a whole.

“Yeah. He’s at twelve. Score’s 68-61 skins. That’s game. Dude, where the fuck did you come from? Wait… you’re the bakery guy, right?”

“Shit dude. My wife got some of those cupcakes for my birthday last week. Fucking awesome, and that blonde that works there?” He whistled.

“And that video? Her and the other girl. Fuck, man. I hope you’re hittin’ that…”

Faye suddenly took some offense. Yeah, it was the guys and shit, but…

Being a girl gave a different perspective…

“I’d plow that till next July. I mean that ass…”

She’s not a that, fuckface. That feeling, the one that made her want to stab things? It was still there, just in a slightly different format.

Faye got his shirt on and moved toward Brickhaus.

“Dude, c’mon. I mean… you are hittin’ that, right?”

Faye let the fist fly, it was the only to get rid of that stabby feeling. It caught Brickhaus squarely on the jaw. The two teams came and quickly separated the two.

“Her fucking name is Bobbie, asshole. Gotta remind me of that fucking video…” Faye strained against guys he didn’t even really know, all holding them back from doing something stupid.

After a few more seconds of struggle, Brickhaus slowed. Still gasping for breath.

“Shit, Kane… I’m.. I’m sorry man, I didn’t think it was…” He extended his hand.

“Yeah. It’s a bit of a sticking point…”

“It’s complicated.”

Brickhaus laughed. “Isn’t everything with them?” Faye took the offered hand and shook.

You have no idea.

A few minutes of makeup bragging later. Damn, dudes are weird.

And an exchange of gamertags. Poor bastards have no idea what’s about to happen to them.

Faye took his sweaty ass back towards the EVO. The messages from Kim popped up.

“Son of a bitch.”

“Yeah, Brickhaus.” Faye donned his sunglasses and started the car.

“They do make everything complicated.”

***

Zoe stared at her handiwork. The large, red anarchy symbol had some other colors in there, giving an amazing sense of depth. The shading and undertones making the circumscribed Z pop inward with its deeply hued metallic blue. She’d never done one this big, people knew that symbol when they saw it.

It would be talked about for years, the way that symbol just appeared one day. She thought about whether or not it would still be there when hoverboards took over.

Anarchy and Zoe Keebler, two great tastes that taste great…

“I think that’s gonna stand the test of time. I guess it took longer than I thought. How’s yours comi…” Zoe turned around as she pulled out an earbud. She could hear Faye doing something she had never heard before.

Singing.

Benson, Arizona blew warm wind through your hair
            My body flies the galaxies, my heart longs to be there
            Benson, Arizona. The same stars in the sky.
            But they seem so much kinder when we watch them, you and I.

“What do you…” Zoe stopped dead, jaw hitting the ground.

“Faye!” There was almost as much shock as laughter as Zoe looked at Timmi’s creation.

Timmi had used the red and white spray paints to create a splotchy pink. Semi rounded edges gave the bright fuchsia letters a puffy feel. From where Zoe stood, she could make it out.

“Damn. That is epic. Good idea not using your name.” Zoe broke into a laugh.

“Who’s Timmi?”

***

Faye drove by the school after the worried text from someone called ‘Kimster Dragstrip’. She laughed as she thought about how much Kim seems to embracing this whole thing.

Just like I did.

She saw Rach’s SUV there, as well as Heather’s sedan. Zoe’s SUV wasn’t there. Damn, Timmi. Making the rounds or what?

Sitting at the stop sign, Faye pulled out the phone and shot Zoe a text.

Hey, it’s Tim. Want some banana bread?

***

Zoe was helping Timmi finish her monstrous tag, dotting the ‘I’s with circles of pink with blue shot through it. By the time they were done, the letters appeared to be lollipops.

God, Timmi thought. Now I want a lollipop.

Pink lemonade.

“We’ve gotta get pictures of these.” Zoe had her phone out and saw the message from ‘Tim’. “Hell yeah, I want some banana bread.” she said suddenly. She tapped out the message to tell her that she and Faye would be at her house and they would be there soon.

Pictures were taken of Zoe’s symbol of rebellion, and Timmi carefully climbed the steps to the top of the ramp where she used her phone to snap a picture of the large ‘Timmi” that now covered the low, curving of the floor. Hanging perilously by a bar, she managed to get a cleavage-laden shot with the name in the background. Levering herself back up, then climbing back down the stairs, she sent the picture to Faye.

That picture is just rad apples. There was a self satisfied smile as the text went through.

***

Faye was looking at two incoming texts. One from Timmi, and one from Zoe.

Timmi was first. The picture was hard to place at first, but the surface she posed… by? How the hell did she get that picture?

The identity of the background location made itself known. Pieces started falling into place, Faye completed the puzzle after reading Zoe’s text; a picture of Zoe’s tag captioned with I. AM. IMMORTAL!!!

***

Bobbie was in the last class of the day when the text came in from Kim. Timmi was fine, she was with Zoe.

But, after what had happened with Rach? That wasn’t necessarily a good thing. Luckily, Zoe was one of the only people to fight off the charms of a Thrall. Bobbie didn’t have too much of a reason to be worried.

Or did she?

***

Faye stopped at the bakery to shower and grab the promised banana bread. The place was empty of people. The computer off and the curious sight of shopping bags littered across the couch. Myka, welcome back. There was a warmth and… well, a fuzziness. And having Heather’s mom hanging out with her had the added bonus of making sure that ‘Tim’ didn’t have a nosy mother for a few days.

Thinking that grabbing Kim and Bobbie straight away after school would probably be a good idea. At least she knew where they would be.

Like mother, like daughter.

After showering, Faye looked in the mirror. This whole Timmi thing was as confusing as being unable to cross police tape.

Always be Batman.

The facial itching was starting to get to him. He looked in the cabinet and pulled out the disposable razor and the tube of Tim’s shave lotion.

Please, let me remember how to do this.

In the end, Faye opted to leave the upper lip alone. Tempting fate now just seemed like a bad thing.

“The game is won in the fourth quarter, right Brickhaus?”

***

Bobbie and Kim were waiting for the EVO just outside of the grounds. Kim was smoking a cigarette, holding the long holder trying her level best to look aloof from behind the shades.

“Just gonna keep it up with the clothes?”

“Well, yeah. I mean both you and Heather think I should model. And besides…”

“I look good.”

Faye laughed.

“What’s with that on your lip?” Bobbie asked, starting to laugh.

“Were you shaving and you missed?” Kim broke into laughter as well.

“Timmi likes the stubble. Gonna put up as many road blocks as I can.”

Bobbie facepalmed and just hoped beyond hope that everything would be just fine when they reached Zoe.

“Don’t eat the banana bread back there.”

“That’s for Zoe.”

“Yes, sir.” Kim said with a salute.

Chapter 84

Zoe was plucking at the bass while Timmi was reading over the 7 Things You Can Do In Bed That Will Drive Him Crazy.

“Comedy research?” Zoe asked before plucking a string.

“Hmmm?” Timmi asked, looking up.

“So, Playboy huh? Congrats.”

“Yeah.” Timmi perked up, finally able to have a discussion. “I can’t wait till it comes out. Everyone will stare.”

Zoe harrumphed. “They stare now.” Timmi giggled in response.

Timmi was confused by Zoe’s ribbons, they were all over the place.

…yet in rigidly organized patterns.

“Man, we haven’t hung out enough lately. How is everything? Haven’t seen much of you since… well, Spring Break.” Zoe plucked another string. “Besides decking Stacy, that is.”

“She’s always mean and stuff. Keeps calling us Burnout and Cupcake. That’s not nice at all.” Timmi folded her arms.

“You said it, Faye.” Zoe turned one of the tuning pegs.

***

Wow, Zoe was so cool. Nothing bothered her. The look on her face when I put my name down all big and stuff. Timmi giggled. It was hard to decide what was cooler; Zoe, or the stuff she had been reading. Can’t wait to try it out on Faye. That picture thingy she did at the ramp was pretty cool…

Timmi just felt it needed a prettier name than Dark Star. And could there be a prettier name than mine?

Don’t think so.

Zoe was thinking about what the future held.

Will I be pretty? Will I be rich?

Bet your ass I will.

“Been thinking a lot.” Zoe smiled distantly. “I grew up in this house. Funny the things you remember. Christmases, parties, sleepovers. Never thought I’d be this..”

“Cool?” Timmi offered.

Zoe laughed. “Gotta agree with you there.”

Timmi got up and walked over to Zoe and leaned over her guitar.

“Again, Faye.” Zoe held up her arms. “I even covered my elbows this time.”

Timmi wrinkled her nose and looked at the crazy geometries that floated through her.

Like someone put Baby in a corner. Timmi wondered what would if she kissed Zoe. Rach was really fun, and Faye said she was herself again in the morning.

I bet she’s more fun than Rach.

Zoe’s smile turned to a look of surprise as Timmi brought her face close to the other girl’s, locking lips and probing tongues pressed and nestled against each other. Timmi couldn’t help herself.

I wanna see this time.

Timmi continued kissing as she watched Zoe’s hair change. First the deep color of cappuccino, then latte, then café au lait.

Before finally settling on White Chocolate Mocha of an indeterminate length.

Hmmm. Coffee sounds good.

Zoe’s skin smoothed out and evened, Timmi could feel the guitar press against her own breasts as Zoe’s inflated…

***

Why is Faye kissing me agai…

Thought became more difficult, as if an entire party’s supply of drugs and alcohol were distilled into a single kiss.

Wow, Faye’s a really good kisser. Zoe started to giggle, even though she for the life of her couldn’t figure out what was funny. As her head began to swim, Zoe thought of how much things have changed in the time she spent at that house…

Memories cascaded and crystallized in an instant… Five years ago was like yesterday…

“Come ON, Zoe.” Stacy said, dragging a brush through her hair. “It’ll be fun. This is Ashley Johnson’s party. Everyone who’s anyone will be there.”

Zoe couldn’t figure out why Stacy was being so insistent, it was just a party. Ever since Stacy started eighth grade and Zoe started the seventh, there had a been a slight shift in their relationship. Where they used to ride bikes and get into scrapes with the other neighborhood girls, lately Stacy had been spending a lot more time in the bathroom and writing the same name in her notebook over and over.

She had made friends with Ashley in PE and to be invited was just so very. “Knowing her and being in with her friends means you’re popular. Don’t you wanna be popular? The boys will all line up…”

“But you can just wait for the jocks.” Stacy giggled.

Zoe looked up from her notebook. “Meh.” She shrugged.

“But I have a plus one. I got it for you.” Stacy pleaded, “You can’t say no.”

“Why not?”

Stacy rolled her eyes. “Because. What’ll happen if I show up without you?”

“Then I won’t be there?”

“Christ, Zoe. Think about someone else for once.” Stacy’s face was starting to appear stricken.

Zoe shrugged. “Sounds boring.” It was boring, especially since Stacy had explained to her that reading about sex was written sex…

While talking about it was oral sex.

“Just a bunch of kids standing around having oral sex.” Zoe’s dismissive hand wave told Stacy that that was all there was to say on the subject.

“I’m thinking of you. This will make the next four years so much easier…” Stacy thought for a second, “Five for you.”

“Easier? Waving pom poms around and watching a bunch of beefed up idiots chasing each other over a ball?”

Stacy was undeterred, stress creeping into her voice. “And getting into better colleges, and finding better boyfriends, and…”

“THAT’S your dream? Barbie clone?” Zoe finally looked up from her notebook.

“Fuck that.” Zoe whispered harshly. “Why go to a party with a bunch of people I don’t want to hang around?”

“Fine, whatever. But, when I’m head cheerleader…”

“Don’t come crying to me about how you wanna be popular. Remember that I tried.”

“I don’t care about being popular.” Zoe said. Stacy left after letting out an agonizing groan.

“I just don’t wanna lose my sister.” Zoe whispered. As time wore on, Zoe and Stacy wound up in very different places from where they started. Before long, it was Zoe doing things just to annoy Stacy and vice versa.

Sometimes, and even though she would religiously have a dismissive comment about it every time it came up… The truth was always there buried beneath enough layers to hide a civilization from some bygone and undiscovered era.

Zoe still missed her sister.

***

Images of a train going off the tracks tumbled through Zoe’s mind, she felt feverish for a second, her hands feeling like underinflated balloons. The weird stretchy feeling spread through her whole body before settling in vibrating rings around her hips and chest.

How odd, and… Zoe giggled. Fuzzy… teehee. The fabric of the Ramones shirt rose and stretched, sending tingles of pleasure down to where her hips ballooned out slightly, giving a pleasing lift to the back of her yoga pants. The lights in the room seemed to brightened as the blue shimmered to a stop. The strands of hair in her face grew lighter and downward, the tingling continued over her scalp as the giggling began and didn’t stop until she was out of breath. Zoe felt the smooth skin; softer now, Even and perfect.

***

Timmi watched as the shimmery changes settled, leaving Zoe in a disheveled state. Looking for all the world like she just rolled out of bed. The names of Johnny and Dee Dee distorted and partially disappeared in a new, bustier way. Zoe’s hips flared out from a narrow waist, curving into tight, bulbous protrusions that filled out the baggy jeans that tapered down to shapely legs that could only be classified as gams.

Zoe looked at Timmi, her eyes now sparkling with the same blue innocence as the other girl. "Faye, what happened? I'm all blonde like you! And I’m all…" Zoe put her hands on the new curves. She seemed to be lost in them, her eyes becoming heavy lidded at the overload of new sensations.

“…Sexy.”

Timmi bit her lip, trying to suppress a smile. She knew from her experience with Rach that she needed to break this to Zoe the right way. "It's only for a little while, don't freak out, okay? It's just something I can do now, same way I'm a girl when I'm supposed to be a boy!" The giggle finally leaked out.

Zoe furrowed her brow. She was trying to think, but it was so hard now. Her thoughts were re-routed through new synaptic pathways that didn't want to focus on more than one thought at a time. "I look like a total bimbo now though..." Her plumper lips pouted.

"Isn't it cool?" Timmi squealed. "Rach didn't like it,” Suddenly there were two pouts in the room. “But trust me it's totes fun if you just relax and enjoy it!"

Zoe stared at her, those same synapses firing off just enough to make her realize that...maybe that this isn't such a bad thing? Maybe now she and Stacy could have some common ground...Stacy.

What kind of fun are you gonna be? Timmi thought. Are we gonna dance? Or are we gonna…

***

Zoe abruptly tittered and giggled for a second before her eyes lit up, as if she suddenly remembered something. She darted upstairs. Timmi cocked her head and wondered what could possibly be going on.

Zoe, still thinking of her sister wondered about the last thing she had done for Stacy. The hallway flew by in a trail of blonde hair and the names of The Ramones barreling down on anything unlucky enough to be in the way like the slugs from a .45.

BANG!

CRASH!

A loud splintery sound emanated from the unknown upstairs.

“OOOOOOH!” Zoe’s high pitched voice was birdlike, shrill.

Timmi broke into a run up the carpeted stairs.

What could she be doing up there?

***

Zoe stood in Stacy’s room. There were pictures of days gone by on her large mirror. Pictures all the way back to that party.

Stacy with Ashley, holding a trophy. Eating ice cream with the rest of the squad. Pictures full of smiles. Zoe looked at them wistfully. The bed and walls were much like they used to be, where Zoe had painted the walls and her furniture years ago. There were articles of clothing scattered all over the floor and on the bed. A small wooden block sat up near the base of the mirror.

The block had brown lines burned into it. A Z and an S meeting up. Zoe smiled, remembering making it in her woodshop class.

“What’s all the noise?” Timmi said, walking past the broken door jamb and looking at the room like it was an alien landscape.

“She kept it!” Zoe beamed, grabbing up the small block and holding it high.

“Huh?” Timmi asked.

Zoe sat on the bed, looking at the piece of wood and running her fingers over the letters. “We used to hang out all the time. Then one day…”

“We didn’t.”

Zoe looked at the clothes that were scattered over the floor. “She always was a mess.” Zoe looked up towards the mirror.

“God, I’m a mess.” Zoe felt the unfamiliar new feature’s flawlessness. Missing something.

Timmi looked at Zoe. “That is something we can fix…”

***

Faye blew past the red light with the aplomb of the most veteran of rulebreakers.

“Faye!” Bobbie yelled.

“Hey, I’m driving here.” Faye kept the pedal down.

“Guys.” Kim said, removing her sunglasses and checking one of the victory rolls for tightness. “Whatever’s gonna happen will have already happened when we get there. Just chill.”

“I mean. The cold never bothered me anyway.”

“Shut up, Kimster.” Bobbie said, wanting to smile, but unable to.

Faye played it safe, deciding Kim was right.

***

Timmi made a mental note to pick up some more hairspray. Too important to run out of.

“Are you almost done? I can’t sit here like this.”

“Yes.” Timmi groaned. “Just trust me. This is fun so far, right?”

Zoe giggled. It was, this strange feeling had the buzz of a party without all the people. It was like the party was in her head; the music was too loud, and conversation was difficult.

“I’m glad I read that whole magazine. Rach likes all the pink stuff. But you’re different.”

“Stacy likes the pink stuff, too.”

The black and purple skirt they found in Stacy’s room fit. At some point, Zoe had gotten a hold of some scissors and chopped off three inches from the bottom of her Ramones shirt, exposing her enamel skin and bellybutton.

“Yeah, but it’s not you.” Bobbie said, grabbing the comb and starting to work. The thin legs rose into the purple hem of the skirt, the back jutting out suggestively. Timmi was impressed at the impromptu surgery on the shirt.

“Stacy always did fun stuff. I did too, but her fun seemed like it was more fun sometimes.” Zoe turned to Timmi. “Y’know?”

“Yeah. I wish I got to be a girl the first time.”

“This one time.” Zoe began. “We went to Jennifer Soames slumber party, and we drew on Mandy Nelson’s face…”

Timmi looked at her blankly.

“’Cuz she fell asleep first… duh.” Zoe stated the fact as if it had been the most obvious thing in the world.

“Oh. Haha. Boys don’t do that.”

“Of course they do, they just draw penises on each other.” Zoe thought that sounded downright lame.

“I meant have slumber parties.”

***

“I swear I don’t know what’s up with…” Bobbie said, a frustration crept into her voice.

“Bobbie, you ran out and just had the time of your life. Your becoming someone else was totally different than his. Give him a break, huh?”

Kim looked over at Bobbie opened her mouth to say something. But Kim had that look on her face, one she hadn’t seen since saving Beth.

“Bobbie, shut the fuck up. Seriously, you’re worse than mom. Hell, worse than a… a mother.”

The blonde girl flushed. “I just… just.”

“It’s casual, sis.” Kim leaned forward and put her hand on Bobbie’s shoulder. “We all know you mean well. Just lighten up, okay?”

Bobbie shrank back into her seat. “I miss him, dammit. I want…”

Kim squeezed harder at her shoulder. “I know you do, Bobbie. We’ll get this sorted out. Getting all wound up isn’t gonna get you anywhere.”

Bobbie smiled. “You’re right. But of course I’m going to worry. He’s… he’s.”

Emboldened, Bobbie continued.

“He’s everything to me.”

“We’re almost there, any other emotional revelations?”

“Faye?” Kim said, swiveling her gaze.

“Shut up.”

***

Zoe was just as cool after the kiss as she had been before. I have cool friends. She kept talking about her sister. Timmi stayed busy working on Zoe, so busy in fact, that she never noticed the girl in all the pictures on the wall.

The girl she had laid out that night with Faye.

Zoe seemed to have something akin to anger bubbling below her surface, making the puddle of shifting colors just as confusing as it always was.

Just when I thought Zoe couldn’t get any cooler, she did. She absently wondered what Faye would think of the new look.

Think…. Silly boy only thinks with his pants. Timmi giggled.

“What?” Zoe asked.

“Oh, nothing. Just thinking about how silly boys can be.”

It was funny how she and Faye had kind of wound up together. She remembered meeting him at her house after Bobbie moved in. They had been friends forever, simply just the best friend anyone could ever hope for. She’d been really preoccupied lately, it totally made sense, too. Bobbie was graduating soon, and now that she didn’t have a boyfriend anymore… What happened to him, anyway?

Timmi giggled absently as she remembered who she used to be. Oh right! No wonder Tim wasn't around for her anymore. A sudden twinge of sorrow that evaporated into nothing flashed through Timmi.

It didn't matter. Bobbie was a super-cute girl. She'd find a new boyfriend in no time, someone even better. Timmi wondered if she could help her look? The idea seemed almost too fun to entertain. Timmi knew that Faye couldn’t disappear, wouldn’t. He’s so sweet to me. She wanted to dance and spin with him in the white pinpoints of light that moved while the slow music played. Her smile and swell only grew as she continued applying Zoe’s new look. Bobbie needed to go out and relax so badly.

Girls night, right after graduation. Ice cream, Lloyd Dobler, and conversation about nothing.

She really needs it. She’s been through so much

But, for the life of her…

Timmi couldn’t figure out what entailed, especially now that she was so busy.

***

Bobbie already knew that there was gonna be a problem. Zoe’s SUV was parked in the driveway in that perfect spot that didn’t allow Faye to park. Settling against the curb, They got out of the car and walked up to her house, not expecting much of anything to happen.

The music was loud, but wrong.

I’m so fancy, everybody knows
I’m in the fast lane… From L.A. to Tokyo…

Faye suppressed a laugh as she rang the doorbell.

The blonde girl that was obviously the other girl from the pictures opened the door and smiled brightly.

“Hi!” She exclaimed. “Cupcake girl. Wow, I like your blue streak. Kimmie!” Zoe launched into a hug that nearly bowled Kim over. “You’re so rad.” She pouted, “I liked your little picture in the bathroom better than mine.”

“EEEE! Faye” Timmi charged through the door and threw Faye off balance, forcing him to grab her tightly and fling himself forward. Seeing her chance, Timmi brought her lips to Faye’s.

Bobbie shot a distasteful look.

Timmi giggled. “The mustache tickles.. Ooh, you can grow it out and wax the ends and…”

Faye thought of Jeb, oh, hell no.

“Faye?” Zoe asked, shooting upwards.

“You’re a boy again? But you were so pretty.”

Zoe looked at him. “But you’re cute now, though.” Zoe rushed in to take up the arm that Timmi wasn’t occupying.

Faye couldn’t hide his response. Not in a moment like this.

“C’mon in.” Zoe said, jumping away from Faye and entering the house.

***

Wow, Faye turned sooo red when Zoe jumped on him. His cock felt so warm. She tingled all over when she thought about how it moved and throbbed. Timmi closed her eyes dreamily.

“We just came by to grab…” Bobbie looked at Zoe, then Faye, then Timmi. “Her.”

“Timmi, why did you…?”

“Who’s Timmi?” Zoe asked.

“Never mind.” Faye said. “It’s confusing.”

“I worry, Timmi. We just came by to come get you and…”

“Jeez, Bobbie! Can’t I have any fun?” Timmi exclaimed. Ugh! Bobbie’s being a wet blanket again. Timmi’s patience was wearing thin, She remembered how they used to always have a good time, but lately she’s been like her mom. It was starting to get a little old.

Bobbie got to go to the mountains, and do that photo shoot, and she got to… The list went on and on, it just seemed so unfair of Bobbie to do those things only to turn around and tell her that she shouldn’t do them. It just seemed hippo… hypo….

Unfair and stupid.

“We were ditching. We went to that ramp place and painted it some. I just wanted to see what she would be like. Rach was cool, but she got all mad.” Timmi brightened. “But I thought that if I told her, she might like it. It’s totes amazeballs to have instant friends like that.”

Bobbie gave a stern look over her shoulder.

“What?” Timmi defended. “You got to do cool stuff. It’s not like I’m fucking everyone.”

Bobbie looked hurt, but she had to agree. Timmi hadn’t indulged as much as she had. But that was a sheer matter of time. The sudden burst of profanity was as shocking as it was sudden.

“Hey, Bobbie.” Kim stated, removing her sunglasses. “Ease up. Don’t know what’s making that thread shorter. Less stress is better.”

“Thanks, Kim.” Timmi tried for an awkward hug in the back seat. “I know you have a lot on your plate now, but that’s all the more reason to cut loose and have some fun.” She tried to raise her arms and wiggle in the mating dance of the ‘Woo girl’.

Bobbie couldn’t stop worrying about what would happen to her boyfriend. It would be one thing to lose him to another blonde.

But not like this.

***

Nick was about to throw the book across the room. There’s got to be an easier way.

The computer sat on the desk. God, you can buy drugs online now if you…

He slapped at his own forehead. Man, I need some sleep. Within minutes, Nick was searching for that easier way in the easiest way possible. Installation of a Deep Web browser and ramping up the antivirus to the highest level of protection later, Nick was looking for answers.

When the door opened, he didn’t notice.

“Hi, Nick.” Bobbie said, jolting his gaze from the screen.

“Oh, hi. Hi, Faye.” Nick forced a smile. “Package came for you.” Nick passed over the parcel.

“Playboy?” Timmi suddenly looked excited. She tore the envelope open and looked at Bobbie excitedly. Moving her lips as she read Timmi started shaking.

“They want me tomorrow?!” Blonde hair began flying as she started jumping up and down. Bobbie took the letter and turned to look at Faye.

Faye grabbed the letter and read, eyes scanning left to right. “Oh, fuck.”

Timmi had the small rectangle open and looked inside. That ear puncturing shriek returned as she spread out the thin straps.

Calling it a bikini was giving it hell of a lot of credit. The ‘top’ consisted of two vertical ellipses connected by straps that could have passed for fettucine. One ellipse, even thinner than the others made up the bottom, connected by a loop of some other, smaller and more fragile pasta. The white color odd when its purity was to be worn by someone definitely not ever meant to be pure.

“This is so cool.” Timmi felt the smooth straps between her fingertips.

“Well Bobbie?” Faye said.

Nick looked at the collected people, he turned his monitor off and got up. “I’ve got some scans running. I’m gonna catch a shower before it gets crowded in there.” He went to the bedroom, hoping that the usual background roar would return from the cacophony that now existed.

“Bobbie.” Faye hissed through his teeth. “Calendar shoot? Part of the contract?”

Bobbie sighed. “Yeah, well, you’re still getting paid.” She looked at Timmi. “And you didn’t have to do any of the work.”

“I’m going to the beach? This is so cool.” She had the phone out and was tapping away. Bobbie and Faye looked at each other.

“I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” The voices reached Timmi in unison.

Timmi looked up from the phone and giggled.

“Ooh, can we watch Star Wars? I like Jar Jar.”

Faye laughed, while Bobbie showed concern.

Chapter 84

Tap tap tap tap tap tap.

Timmi’s dream of skiing on pink snow was interrupted by the rhythmic sound. She woke and moved her ponytail out of the way.

Tap taptap…

Sliding the window open, Timmi saw Zoe standing there. Bright eyes and a bright smile greeted her. An excited wave followed.

“What…” Timmi’s sleep fog was thicker than usual.

“Come on, it’s still early.” Zoe whispered. “I parked up the block. Let’s GO…” The pleading continued.

Suddenly Timmi popped her eyes open and gasped. “I have that shoot today at the beach.”

“Beach?” Zoe said, perking up even more. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

She then pouted. “I don’t have a swimsuit.”

“That’s okay. I’ve got plenty.” Timmi threw some things into the teddy bear backpack and started to change into some jeans and a t shirt. She snuck out without showering, which kind of sucked, but the ocean would totally make up for it.

The warm late spring morning kept the silence that only existed at four in the morning in an almost solid state as the two girls made their way to the motorcycle that she mentioned.”

“Early graduation gift.” Zoe whispered.

“Why are you still whispering?” Timmi asked.

“I don’t know.” Zoe continued, then giggled.

This is gonna be so fun. Sneaking out, riding motorcycles. Thoughts turned to the beach and the pictures they were going to take. They’re all gonna stare, and I get to go on an awesome ride. She’d never been on the back on a motorcycle before.

The Vespa… we could ride it all day… Timmi’s eyes clouded over. I get to ride on the back now.

“One thing before we go, Okay?” Timmi asked, still giggling a little. Excited by what was about to happen.

“Sure, wha…” Timmi grabbed Zoe and kissed her again. She didn’t know when Rach’s wore off, and just wanted to make sure that her single serving friend dripped over into another cup.

“What was that for?” Zoe asked smiling. “It’s the elbows, huh?”

The red and black Kawasaki started quietly as both girls donned their helmets and headed off to the beach. Timmi’s backpack flapping its teddy bear arms in the rapidly dawning day.

So THAT’S why Bobbie likes it back here so much. It was different from when Faye drove the Vespa that first night. Hugging onto Zoe was almost the same.

Almost.

Timmi could; however, have done without the hair whipping her in the face.

***

Bobbie knew something was wrong. The draft from outside was unfamiliar, the chilled taint brought the smells of fresh nature inside.

The hallway had the light cast on the wall opposite the bedroom door.

It was open.

A quick check confirmed her fears. Gone.

Timmi’s gone again.

***

Faye rolled over and grabbed the vibrating offender and flipped it open.

Gone again. She there?

“Shit, I wish.” He murmured.

No. I’ll be there.

No. Open the bakery. I’ll find her.

Got something else to do anyway.

***

The ringtone blasted its electric guitar at Kim while it tried to vibrate off of the nightstand. She ran back in from the bathroom, holding the roll in place. It was tighter than she had gotten it yesterday. One of those new pins she got from Heather was holding in it. She liked the stiffer metal, although the weird end proved a little difficult to get in.

“Yeah.” Kim bent down in her pink pencil skirt. How does Heather have the right wardrobe for everything?

If anything, that’s the real magic here.

“She’s off again. She had a shoot today. Maybe they sent a car, but I don’t think so. Her backpack’s gone, and everything else.”

“Look, Timmi’s not gonna miss a shoot. Hell, even I’m starting to think it sounds fun. Maybe she just got a ride.”

“Yeah.” Bobbie sighed. “Maybe. I think you should come with me today.”

“Come with you?”

“We need to see Roxx, I…” Bobbie hesitated. “I don’t wanna go alone.”

“Fine, I’ll call Heather. I am not taking the bus down there.”

“Huh?”

“Not in these heels.”

***

Zoe and Timmi were in a parking lot trying to tame the wind’s effects on their hair. The hot coffee in their hands keeping them present as they sipped at the morning’s dose of caffeine.

“Stacy and I talked and hung out and stuff. It was just rad apples. She didn’t want to be mean. She missed me, wanted to share it with me it was just that she remembered Darla and was so upset when she died… A lot of weird stuff happened back then.”

“Weird stuff happens all the time.”

“True.” Zoe sipped. “But we talked about what it was like to be a cheerleader and stuff. Sounded totes fun, kinda wish I could have tried it.”

“Gimme a ‘Z’” Zoe held her cup aloft, then giggled. “It was just cool to have a sister that wasn’t trying to bite my head off for a minute.” She giggled, bringing the cup back down.

“Yeah, but would Zoe Keebler be so cool?” Timmi grinned, eyes gleaming.

Zoe smiled that wonderful evil smile of hers. “Nah, you’re probably right. Drink up, princess.” Timmi giggled at being called Princess. “Still got a bit of a ride ahead of us. The beach awaits. Sun, Fun, and Swimsuits.”

“Yay.” Timmi said, gulping in earnest.

***

Heather dropped Kim and Bobbie around the corner, she threatened to go home to retrieve her overlocker with the express purpose of bashing the redhead’s face in. They got out, preferring to walk and prevent the violent outcome. Vesuvius loomed in front of them. There were construction workers headed in and out, while a provisions truck was parked out front. “I’ll be back, just message me.” Heather took off, planning to stay close.

Two slabs of beef stood at the door. They looked related, or just similarly scary.

One had a nametag that said ‘Kostya’, and the other one the bore ‘Mikhail’.

“Help you?” The Russian accent was nearly stifling.

Here goes. Come on Tarkovsky, don’t fail me now.

“Preevyet, Dobra deyn…” Bobbie smiled. Kim turned to look, puzzled.

“Roxx?” Bobbie asked with questioning eyes.

“Roxx, da.” Kostya saw two girls that could have been new dancers, with a gesture, he told Mikhail to move them along.

“Where’d you…?” Kim asked wide eyed.

“Movies, books… Remember, Russians used to be the bad guys.” She looked up at Kostya. “For a completely different reason.”

He led the two girls to a booth on the lower floor where Roxx sat, looking at plans spread out on a table. Another slab of beef sat at the booth with her. No nametag on this one, he was different than the others.

Aged Beef.

“Roxx.” Mikhail said. The redhead looked up and her jaw dropped a little, but was forced into a smile.

“Robb, Kim.” A grin broke out on her face. Roxx sat at the center of her web, not a hair out of place, but her eyes told a different story… tired.

“It’s Bobbie.”

“Yeah?” Roxx asked, lighting a cigarette. “Not to me.”

“Then fine, cut the shit, Mel?’

“Are you trying to get a rise out of me, Robb?” Roxx clinked her Zippo closed and set it down on the table.

“No, actually. I need your help.”

Roxx laughed. “Kim, love the new style. You ever need a job.”

Kim snorted, pulling out one of her own cigarettes and screwed one into the holder. “Yeah. Handjob, blowjob. Fuck no.”

“Mel.” Bobbie repeated, a growl creeping into her voice.

“Fine,” Roxx waved and the two accompanying slabs of beef went away. “Come on.”

Roxx got up and walked towards them. “I’ve got the whole thing here. I don’t need to do anything. They all come to me now.” Roxx led them past the mechanical volcano to a stairwell that went up.

There were plastic sheets everywhere, sawhorses and tools scattered. Parts of the old walls were still there, blackened. Bobbie shuddered as she saw corruption everywhere. A slight chill made her think of Lust’s hospital. God, those two are a pair.

“This is where the meth lab blew back in 07. Big Bazza never could recover from this, got out and sold the place. Still not sure if he’s still here or not. No one wanted to spend the money up here. Till now. Managed to make a lot of scratch lately. Lust’s little gift has been great for me. Don’t even need to skim the skim. All these renovations? My idea.”

“Gotta say thanks, Robb. All those fucking movies of yours. Showed me what criminals do right.”

“And what they do wrong. All these lowlives trying to get a shot at….”Roxx’s smile vanished abruptly before continuing.. “I’m monologuing aren’t I?” The tip of her cigarette glowed as she inhaled.

“You’re wasting your time here.” Kim said. “Let’s go, Heather’s waiting.”

“Look, Mel.”

“It’s Roxx now. Just Roxx. Like McLovin.” Roxx laughed louder.

“This isn’t about me and you.” Bobbie harshly rasped.

“Isn’t everything?” Roxx’s beautiful/terrible smile returned.

“Mel.” Bobbie growled. Mikhail and Kostya reappeared behind them.

“Come back another time, when we’re open.” She gestured at Mikhail and Kostya. “I’ll let ‘em know you’re okay. I need to think of what I’m gonna want in return. But before you go.”

“How much for a pastry selection? The VIP lounge needs something. I was thinking cheesecake, petit fors, stuff like that. These gentlemen prefer the finer things.”

Bobbie leveled a finger at Roxx as she turned away.

“We’ll be back. And probably about two hundred.” Bobbie threw out the line and the price quote without thinking.

“Doesn’t work. I’ve got the Terminators. Friday good for delivery?”

Fuck, I’m sorry I made that bitch watch so many movies.

“Send someone.” Bobbie smiled. “We don’t insure.”

***

Faye stared at his phone. The picture just came through. That was Zoe alright, right next to Timmi in an apparent cleavage duel. The motorcycle was new, and Faye suddenly found himself fearing for the safety of the two.

When the door chime sounded, he jumped up and pocketed his phone. “Welcome to…. Oh, thought it was someone important.”

Bobbie wrinkled her nose.

“Found her. I think.” Faye held up the phone. “Still with Zoe. I swear that girl is a ninja at sneaking out. Looks like they’re on their way to the shoot. They’ll be fine.” Faye reassured, leaving out the motorcycle. No need getting her any more worried than she already was.

“We went to see Roxx.”

“Without me?” Faye was indignant.

“Yes, without you. We’re gonna have to go back, when she’s open. She wants to deal.”

“Jesus fuck, Sounds like she wants to be Lust when she grows up.”

“We’ll just go back at night, when they’re open. She’s holding all the cards here.”

Bobbie grabbed a cookie and bit into it.

“And I fucking hate it.”

Chapter 84

Parking was easy to find this early, especially for a small motorcycle. Timmi and Zoe knew that they had gotten there before anyone else. Watching the sun come up as the coffee wore off made the day have a shimmery, dreamlike quality.

Like I kissed the world.

They sat on a towel, watching the golden light reflect and refract off of the immense body of water. Tiny motions made tiny rainbows sparkle and dance. The girls felt at home in their place in the universe, and the day was filled with promise.

“Y’know? Even though, it’s over. The whole high school thing?”

“Yeah?” Timmi said, looking out at the vast expanse of ocean.

“I enjoyed it. I got to be bad, and not get in too much trouble. That’s all over once I get that stupid piece of paper.”

“Then what’re ya gonna do?”

Timmi shrugged. “I dunno. Never thought about it. All that stuff happened and…”

“Yeah. What was graduating like the first time?”

Timmi shrugged, making footprints in the sand. She paused before shrugging. “I dunno… didn’t.”

“Huh… I guess you’re right. Just enjoy what you can when you can. Sun doesn’t shine up the same dog’s ass every day.” Both girls burst into laughter, trying to picture such an unusual occurance

By the time the photographers and models started to show up, Timmi and Zoe both were excited by a day full of promise.

***

With Timmi… safe? With Zoe? Bobbie and Kim helped Faye close up the bakery and get out of the cramped area. They grabbed some sandwiches from the deli and headed to a park that could only be described as Slacker’s cove for adults. Bobbie looked at the patches of dying grass.

“We should use some lemon zest for that part of the cake…”

“What?” Kim asked, biting into her Reuben on marble Rye.

“Nothing.” Bobbie said distantly.

“Y’know, you need to lighten up. When’s the last time you went out? Did anything.”

“Been a little preoccupied.” Bobbie popped open her Mello Yello.

“Yeah.” Faye agreed, the crab salad sandwich brought a thickness to his voice.

“But you still need to de stress or something. You wind up any tighter and…” He made an explosive gesture with his other hand.

“Big Daddy Kane!! What’s up?” A loud voice boomed. Faye recognized him as one of the guys from the basketball court, also as one of the guys that stopped him from removing Brickhaus’ spleen.

He tried to sit down, which did not sit well with Kim.

“I will fucking cut you.”

“Easy.”He held up his hand in a defensive gesture.

“See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah.”

“Alright.” He disappeared.

“That’s what I’m talking about.” Faye gestured in the direction basketball guy was disappearing into, “You need to do something that doesn’t require an oven.”

“Or butter or sugar.” Kim offered.

Bobbie swallowed her roast beef sandwich with cream cheese and pepperonicis.

“You’re right. What’s playing?”

Kim rolled her eyes. “See? That’s just what I’m talking about, you need to…” Kim snapped her fingers. “I got it.” Fifteen seconds of furious tapping later, she looked up at Faye.

“Faye, we need to go to Heather’s.” She turned to Bobbie.

“We’re going skating.”

***

Timmi was sooooo bored when the photographers finally all set up. If Zoe hadn’t been there…

Zoe was totally cool to talk to, it was like what Timmi imagined having a sister would be like… sister. She shook the sad thought out of her head and focused on what was going on. The ride with Zoe was super awesome, why couldn’t I just be like this before? Before. Those thoughts were a jumble of random stuff that took a back seat to the thrill of being stared at and looked upon with…

Lust.

There were some guys running around, setting up lights, unfolding bounce boards, and organizing the props. Timmi already could see the pictures in her head; Blonde hair trailing in the wind, the light perfectly capturing her tanned skin.

Timmi was excited that she was going to get to wear that swimsuit. It was so tiny and so cute, that just the thought of wearing it and having people take her picture made her giddy. Faye’s gonna love these pictures. Maybe I can just wear it for him later. A fluttery giggle escaped into the world.

When the tents were set up, Timmi nearly knocked one of the technicians over in an attempt to get changed. The tiny white swimsuit consumed all of her thoughts. Thoughts of the fabric caressing her, followed by thoughts of Faye caressing those same parts as he peeled it off of her slowly and teasingly. Her whole body bristled with response.

She couldn’t wait.

***

The other girls were showing up, and soon Zoe became lost in the crowd of blonde hair. The two brunettes stayed together as if ancient edict decreed it. There was chaos as 14 girls ran around trying to get changed and lined up for the stylist.

“You.” A voice said at Zoe.

“Hmmm.” She looked up to see someone blocking her sun, thus ruining the perfect tan she was working on.

“You gonna get in line for the stylist, or you just gonna have ‘em shoot you like this?”

“I…” Zoe began.

The guy ran a hand over his face. “Just get in line.”

Zoe got up, confused, but was happy to stand in line with Timmi while the other girls got pretty. She wondered if this was the kind of thing that Stacy did, she’d be totes jealous, this has to be better than one of those spa days of hers.

Ooh, maybe we can do that next time.

***

“You sure you want the quad skates?” Kim asked one last time before stripping off her shoes.

“Yeah.” Bobbie said. “Never got the hang of blades.” She looked at the massive ‘Timmi’ painted on the bottom of the ramp. Then she recognized Zoe’s tag on the leeward side of the ramp. She smiled, Timmi was just having some fun, can’t begrudge that…

Now can I?

Kim laughed, then hung her mouth open. She looked to Faye. “Y’know, I sometimes forget how old you are.” She tied a yellow headscarf around her head, covering her ears and keeping her hair in place.

“Fuck you.” Both Faye and Bobbie said in unison, then looked at each other.

And broke into laughter.

“Is this some kind of Generation X joke?” Kim asked.

“Maybe, but you’d be too young to get it.” Faye said evenly.

Bobbie had the skates laced up and started rolling slowly. Kim in her blades wasted no time in climbing the ramp. Using nothing but her momentum, Kim was at the top of the vert, looking down.

“Wow, she really did a big one. Bobbie, you should see it from up here.”

Faye grabbed the skateboard he’d brought with him and climbed to where Kim was.

“Have some fun, dammit. No circling the kiddie pool.” Kim taunted.

“Yeah, Bobbie. None of the cool kids are doing it.”

“What is that?” Bobbie smiled. “Inverse hipster logic.”

“If it fits.” Kim said. “Look out below!” Kim launched herself down the ramp.

I bet she was thankful she changed into jeans before coming here, Bobbie absently thought. Pushing off with her left foot, she narrowly missed Kim’s speeding bullet. She came around in time to see Faye push off and careen down the ramp.

Kim’s blades lost sound as they left the ramp, clearing nearly four feet. She turned midair and brought her skates down, perfectly landing and sending her back the way she came. Bobbie came around in time to see Faye land his board back on the ramp.

Bobbie cleared her mind and pushed harder, gaining speed. The old quad skates felt solid under her feet as she hit the curve of the vert. She turned and broke into a run, climbing higher on the opposite wall. After two more runs, Bobbie had reached the top.

Timmi. The huge pink letters stood out like a landing beacon against the black of the ramp. Seeing Zoe’s tag made her laugh and lose focus for a second, almost coming down on one knee. The recovery left her shaky, but undeterred.

She got to the top of the ramp and elected to sit there for a second, allowing the adrenaline in her system to even out. Dangling her legs over the side of the ramp, Faye and Kim soon joined her.

Faye whistled. “Man some of the skater punks are gonna be pissed.”

“Between Zoe and Timmi…”

Kim laughed. “I can only imagine what that’s gonna sound like. Timm-ah!”

Bobbie shot a look. “I hope he’s gonna be okay.”

“She’s fine.” Faye said. “Look, we’ve gotta take this as it is. Not how we want it to be. Honestly, I’ve kind of enjoyed the basketball.”

“And the other balls, too.” Kim said, launching into another high speed run.

“You told her?”

“No.” Faye said. “She figured it out. Personally, I can’t wait to get back in there. I don’t like this reading thing you do… we do….” Faye pushed off and chased after Kim.

I can’t wait for that, either. Bobbie jumped down and started the first of several laps.

***

“Faye,” A slow sounding drawl came around. “Hi.” A willowy blonde girl was smiling at Timmi as she sat in the stylist’s chair.

“It’s me.” Luka removed her hat. “Luka. You didn’t forget me now that you’re all famous now, did you?”

“Oh.” Timmi brightened, waving. “Hi.” I like her hat. Timmi was happy to see someone else knew her. She was just so tall and pretty, the sexy sound of her low slow speech coated her ears like barbecue sauce over tender, ribs.

“I still have that air mattress, wanna ride home?”

Oooh, I wonder what she would be like? She’s already blonde and pretty, I bet she would be really cool.

“Sounds like fun!” Timmi said. She thought for a second, like she was missing something.

“Oh, shoot.” Timmi said. “I have Zoe with me.” She pointed at the chair where Zoe sat, people buzzing around her.

“I can give her a ride, too.” Luka tilted her head downward.

Timmi giggled.

I bet she had fun with Bobbie, too. Everything was just totes rad, people waiting on her, the warmth of the sun and the spray of the beach…

Timmi decided that she was going to enjoy this every bit as much as Bobbie had.

***

Zoe was enjoying being pampered and stuff. The hairspray and makeup mixed into a sweet, flowery aroma that tickled at her nose. An older girl was sliding thick gold bangles on her tiny wrists. Just relaxing and letting everyone else do the work. Sure beats causing trouble all the time. It was so cool how Faye got to do all this stuff all the time, like she gets to be different people.

Just like me.

Wow, how different everything was when she was around. Like that time she dressed up in that spacesuit thing, or when she decided to dress all army like when she went to pick up that silly game everyone played.

Everyone got all rowdy. Zoe remembered that evening, the group of midnight release partiers took far more notice than she would have been comfortable with

“Still have to get those earrings in, we still on schedule?” Bracelet girl looked up to the hairstylist.

“Yeah, her hair’s kinda thick, slicking it down a little. Gonna take a little longer, but…” The stylist started to draw a part along the left side of her head.

Zoe got lost, all of her muscles relaxing. She wondered how it would have been to do this with Stacy. Parties and boys and…

It was strange thinking those things now, and so suddenly, too. That’s some kiss, I wonder if she’ll let me do this again. There was a pout and a lamentation as she knew this would end.

But it didn’t have to end forever.

Totes fun.

***

Roxx was enjoying the bagging process more now. Figuring out the last of Lust’s gifts gave her a sense of confidence and pride. Even leaving Bobbie out there to stew didn’t bother her at all.

It had been a busy time, planning construction, ordering a sign. Hell, looking for another famous volcano was challenging. But she had done it.

Krakatoa, an explosion so large that dust from it was still in the air.

That’s what thralls do best.

Picking up some Russian words, getting Nikki to hire some more muscle to protect Bogdan and Yevgeniy’s investment, not to mention her own shapely ass. It had been a busy week.

She had decided to play up the Russian Connection, it would keep other crime elements at bay if they thought she was highly connected.

No reason for them to think otherwise.

While looking for things online, she experienced the phenomenon that Robb had called ‘falling down the rabbit hole’.

When some things caught her eye. Things that wouldn’t have seemed out of place before. But this whole thing with Lust and Robb had to be magic. It turned out that the internet was full of things besides porn.

There was an account of a seventeenth century monk who was driven mad by a ‘female spectre’ that tormented him until he was reduced to a shell of himself and eventually died of a wasting sickness.

That sounds like Lust alright. Roxx decided that the rabbit hole could be a useful place.

With the knowledge of that little tidbit, Roxx knew that it would be easy to find more.

I just need a geek.

And in a town like Delacroix?

Not hard at all… Well, not yet anyway.

***

Timmi set her coke down and looked out across the water. She arched her back, thrusting out the breasts she had come to love. The tiny ellipses strained to keep Timmi contained while the bottom stretched around her tender womanhood pleasingly. She like how the white of the suit contrasted with the lightly tanned skin.

“Now reach out with scarf.” The voice said, the rapid fire clicking was nearly drowned out by the pounding surf. The wind took her hair and the scarf and made them trail backwards. The gold bangles on her wrist caught the light in just the right way. Through the excitement of being photographed, Timmi only had one small, unrelated thought.

Lensflare.

“Beautiful!” He said, bringing his face from behind the camera. “Now can we get a couple with the beach ball?”

Timmi, smiling cutely over her shoulder obliged. He kept shooting for some reason.

The Cyclops photographer was mesmerized by how her body was just begging the lens to capture the lovely images. The flawless, light tan skin with its supple curves bending just so. The beach ball beckoned, but she saw the craft services table.

“Where are you going?” clickclickclickclick.

Timmi didn’t hear as she saw it. There was a dish of candy at one end of the table. So many colors, leaving Timmi to wonder what the bowl of sweets could possible desire. Everything, according to the colors. Timmi giggled as she grabbed the lollipop. It was hot pink, shot through with blue streaks. She wanted to run and show Zoe how much it looked like the letters that she painted on the ramp.

But it looked like she was busy.

***

Zoe was having fun; it was like playing Simon Says. Turn here, raise your hands, look up, pucker.

Stacy would like this, too. Like when she told her about the time they dropped Katy Woodruff from the pyramid. Zoe smiled as she thought of how funny that would be.

Clickclickclickclick…

Bonk!

The beach ball had bounced off of her head and sailed into the water. She turned quickly, noticing that not one but two photographers were tracking them like sentry guns in search of xenomorphs.

“Faye!” Zoe yelled, running into the water to splash water upwards. Timmi threw up her hands defensively, unable to catch the water. The beach ball followed, bouncing off of Timmi’s defensive gesture.

Timmi bent down and splashed, Zoe turned quickly…

***

At the photographer’s behest, there were pictures being taken in the water with all of them splashing each other.

The lead photog was changing cameras when he finally counted the girls.

“Where’d the other girl come from?”

An intern with a clipboard looked at the roster and then out to the water. “Who?”

“Other girl, there.” The photog pointed.

“The one next to the blonde…” The puzzled look persisted. “With the beach ball.”

“Next to microkini.”

Intern squinted. “Gotta be honest. Having a hard time telling them all apart.”

“Purple bikini.”

***

Zoe lived in bullet time. Everything hung in just such a wonderful way, droplets reforming into perfect diamonds of hardened time. Hanging out with Faye was just the answer, she couldn’t remember having this much fun with her.

Spending time with her sister like she used to, talking about nothing… everything. The other girls had all come into the water. They were happily splashing each other.

Being a delicate, feminine creature was just sublime. Zoe lamented that it would end, Faye had explained that much. But…

Faye’s right, it is totes fun.

The light bounced off of the mylar covered boards and the bangles on her wrists. The easy breeze swung the curtain of blonde hair behind her as she gazed upwards through the large amber lenses. Zoe luxuriated in the thrill of being photographed. If anything else ever happened in this life, at least there’d be a record of me looking damn good.

“God, that’s a great shot, now look at the camera, give us a kiss.” The photographer was kneeling, twisting the camera for a good long shot that showcased the shapely legs and narrow waist. Jesus, this calendar is going to be so hot.

Zoe was smiling wider than Timmi had ever seen, probably more than Faye. Timmi wondered how she would get along with the Joker. Standing in the warm sun while the ocean breeze tugged at her hair, Zoe felt content. Her hard edges softened, and why wouldn’t they? The light wind seemed to slow, then to stop.

I’m pretty, everyone’s been so nice. Zoe began the mammoth process of wondering why it couldn’t have been like this the whole time. When Timmi started splashing her, the cold water was such a shock her skin became gooseflesh instantly. Zoe squealed happily as she shielded herself from the icy onslaught. The giggling turned to frolicking.

While the cameras continued shooting what looked like magical innocence at play. The broad smiles genuine, and the facial expressions full of whimsy. They were standing together when a different photographer approached them. Timmi had been twirling the lollipop in her mouth, savoring the tart and tangy flavor .

“Who are you? How did you get here?”

“She came with me.” Timmi said, removing the oversized pink and blue orb from her mouth.

“Yeah.” Zoe said. “That guy told me to get in line, started telling me what to do and stuff…” Zoe was still pointing after one of the interns as he ran back to the main tent.

He rubbed his face with his hands. “We can cut you out of most of them, we can ditch the solo shots.” He sighed. “Someone’s gonna get fired over this.”

An intern came by with a contract. “What’s your name?”

“Z” Zoe said with a titter.

The intern paused with his pen. “Zee, I…E…?’

“No.” Zoe’s giggle returned again. She grabbed the pen and started to draw a quick, looping ‘Z’ that started at the bottom of the release and crawled all the way up to the halfway point of the paper.

The intern looked at girls, shrugged. He held the paper aloft and started running back to the lead photographer.

Once the excitement was over Timmi looked over at Zoe.

“Zee?” she giggled.

Zoe shrugged a perfect, slender shoulder. “No one will ever know.”

She winked at Timmi. “It’ll be our secret.”

As he made his way back, the photographer couldn’t remember the new girl’s name for the life of him. Squinting at the contract he made out some letters… Z…O….E…. hmmm ZOE… ah, got it.

***

Bobbie was suspended in midair, time slowed to a crawl. Turn, crouch, put your feet down. The rewarding feel of the wheels making contact with the ramp as she crouched and allowed the g forces to push her down onto the ramp. Allowing herself to slow, Bobbie turned and stopped at the center of the ramp.

Right on top of Timmi’s dotted ‘I’.

“Damn, Bobbie. That was…” Kim said, surprised.

“Fucking high.” Faye finished.

Bobbie laughed, the smile opening up her face.

“You don’t smile enough.” Faye said. He reached out and grabbed her chin. “And you have such a pretty face.”

Kim broke into another bout of laughter.

“And you should talk. Miss suddenly became…”

Kim looked up at them and grew solemn.

“I remember Robb’s poster.” Bobbie opened her mouth to speak.

“Yeah, I know.” Kim cut her off. “But, I just can’t think of you like that anymore. That’s just the point though. You completely reinvented yourself, and you became somebody awesome. Faye did it. Seems to me that ol’ Miss Page was one of us, and if she wasn’t… well. If you’re gonna have style, steal. And, if you’re gonna steal…”

“Steal from the best.” Kim straightened her bangs over her forehead. Bobbie laughed.”It does look good on you.”

“The smile, I mean.”

Faye looked at his friends, especially Bobbie. The last month had turned her life upside down… twice. But it all seemed worth it for this second with Bobbie smiling, coated in a sheen of perspiration.

“Yeah.” Bobbie admitted. “Kimster was right. Needed to get out, Tim’ll be fine. I just worry. It always seems like the second I get comfortable, shwiiiiit! Out comes the rug.”

Kim was removing the skates while Faye was pulling out a bottle of grape Gatorade.

“I just hope they’re gonna be okay.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry. Those guys have probably fed her ego all day.” A long gulp, followed by a series of short swallows.

***

Timmi had soooooo much fun today, it was like they were just trying to feed her ego all day. And the way Zoe confused the silly camera guys… Zee, haha no one will ever guess that one.

And this girl with the cowboy hat…Luka? Hmmm, I wonder if she lives on the second floor. She seemed really cool. And superpretty. Just like me and Zoe and Bobbie and….

Hanging around on the beach with pretty people may have been the most totes fun thing ever. There was no way that anything else would ever be this cool again. The motorcycle, and now Luka.

It was really cool to see Luka, she obvs knew Faye from that weird time when she was Bobbie and Bobbie was Faye back before…..

Well, knowing whatever it was that Faye did with her when she was Bobbie would be cool. While riding on the back of Zoe’s bike was fun, maybe this ride would be more fun.

At least she’d get the answers she wanted.

“Zoe, Luka wanted to give me a ride. You can ride with us if you…”

“Nah.” Zoe said. “I’ll just follow you guys.”

“Awesome.” Timmi said. “See you back home?”

“Sure.”

Timmi hugged Zoe and watched her walk away. She saw Luka’s hat sitting above the crowd and she made her way to see her. Now, what did Bobbie do? There was a girlish glee and a special warmth in her nethers as she anticipated the answer.

***

Zoe was kind of happy that Faye had gotten the ride from that other girl. She was feeling tired, it was sharp and sudden. Getting back would be a priority soon, there was school in the morning and….

Well, better get a move on…

Zoe twisted the motorcycle’s accelerator and sped back towards Delacroix. It was a nice ride back. The wind on her face, life streaking by in a panoply of colors. The only detraction came in the form of tiredness. She had been up since early that morning and the day’s activities, as fun as they were, took a huge toll on the girl’s constitution.

***

“Ohmigod, this car is so cute. I like the front.” It looked a little like an orange alien frog to Timmi.

“Gets me around.” Luka shrugged, smiling. “Go on… get in. I won’t bite.”

“You do that.” She chuckled as she ducked into the Karmann Ghia’s driver seat. Timmi demurely got in and got comfortable.

As the engine rumbled to life and a song about finding big nuggets in a rugged wilderness began to play. Timmi looked over her shoulder and saw Zoe depart in a flash of red lights and blonde hair. She swung into the car.

Luka turned and smiled at Timmi. “Wanna see the lights again?”

Again? Bobbie. “Sure.”

Luka turned up the radio and started to drive away from the sea and sky. The Ghia sent sand spitting away from her tires as she turned onto the road.

***

Zoe was still reveling in the freedom of the wind passing her face as she put the kickstand down. Hanging out with Faye was fun, especially like this. She yawned, tiredness creeping into her eyes. She was thankful that the she was already back in town, further thankful that she didn’t have the extra weight on the back. Thoughts of her next ‘blonde field trip’ began to form while she smiled and wondered what they would do next time.

Zoe pulled off the helmet and smoothed her hair down and walked into Daily Grind, knowing that just a small dose of the life giving elixir known as coffee would be enough to get her home.

She stopped at the darkened glass of the front bay windows and entered. Taking her place in the line, she looked at the menuboard and decided what flavor poison she would be imbibing tonight.

A bump on her left shoulder made her turn quickly.

“Sorry,” The invader said. Zoe turned to look and…

Stacy.

“God, I’m tired. Aren’t you in my Econ class?”

Zoe realized that Stacy didn’t recognize her at all. We can be friends for a minute? The forbidden thought was precious in its own right.

She shook her head.

“Love the top. I have that same one. God, I need to do laundry. These all nighters are gonna kill me. Finals, right? Although you don’t look tired in the least. What’s your secret?”

“Cheating. Works every time.” Zoe said. Stacy burst out into loud laughter.

“Jesus, that’s funny. Stacy Keebler.” Stacy held out her hand.

Zoe shook her hand and smiled. Huh, imagine that…

“Z…” Zoe hesitated. “Zia.”

***

Well I never felt more like crying all night
Cause everything's wrong and nothing ain't right
Without you you got me singing the blues

Luka was singing along with Marty Robbins. She was surprised that Timmi was swaying her head with the music. When Patsy Cline came on, Timmi started to sing along as well.

“I know this one…” Timmi said.

Blue, oh so lonesome for you…

Luka smiled. Faye’s always fun, if a bit unpredictable.

The car trundled along in the night moving from one deserted road to another, finally coming to a rest atop the plateau that afforded the wonderfully panoramic view of Delacroix. Timmi got her phone out and started snapping pictures.

“Wow.” She said, looking at those far off points of light. The swell of the music made Timmi giddy as Luka wandered up and soon had an arm around her shoulders.

There was a joint in her hand. “Still under that contract thing?”

Weed… another timeless memory. Whatever.

“Contract?” Timmi stared at the joint. “Who cares? I won’t tell anyone if you won’t.” Luka smiled as she lit a match with her thumbnail.

***

Faye had the bacon cooling while Bobbie and Beth mixed the batters and frostings.

“Looks like we’re all finished. We have gotten so good at this.” Bobbie looked satisfied as she surveyed her kingdom of sugar and flour.

“Yeah.” Beth said. “And I should have all the figures done just in time to deliver the cake.”

“Awesome.” Faye said. He jumped like something scared him. Bobbie furrowed her eyebrows and watched him fumble with his phone.

“Great.” Bobbie heard him mutter. Bobbie moved in closer.

The picture showed the beautiful distant galaxy that was Delacroix. Flipping through the pics, Faye and Bobbie caught something anomalous in the background.

A pink cowboy hat… Luka.

“Shit.” Faye said

“Fuck.” Bobbie said, they looked at each other.

“Luka.” They said in unison.

“Hmmm?” Beth asked, drying her hands.

“Nothing, we’re gonna take off. Lock up when you leave?” Faye asked Beth.

“Sure,” Beth smiled. “You two lovebirds get out of here. I had my date night.”

“Go have yours.”

***

Luka’s so pretty. The cowboy hat and boots combined with the faded, frayed jeans gave her a girl next door quality… Provided one lived in Texas. That perfect girl that was so near, yet so far. Like Bobbie is… She saw why Luka and Bobbie got along so well.

But she was Faye… Trying to keep track of who was whom and where they were threatened to give Timmi the mother of all headaches. She was just pleased as punch that the willowy blonde girl wanted to be alone with her. It always felt so nice to have someone just want to be alone with her. Timmi wondered how the Kiss would affect Luka. She turned and locked lips with the other blonde. The music disappeared and time stretched out into forever.

When the kiss broke, Timmi opened her eyes to find…

Nothing. Luka was the same willowy blonde girl she had met earlier.

“Aww.” Timmi muttered.

“What?” Luka asked, puzzled.

“Oh, nothing.” Timmi said, as she went back to kiss Luka again. The Kiss may not have worked, but it was so fun that Timmi had no choice but to keep trying.

***

“Damn, Zia. I needed a laugh. I swear this whole college thing…” Stacy’s eyes turned distant.

“It’s like I have this sister Zoe. She just did her own thing, I’ll never tell her, but… “ Stacy sipped her caramel macchiato.

“I’m kinda proud of the little squirt. I thought college was gonna be a breeze just like high school was, but now…”

Zoe took a long drink of something called a ‘long black’ and did something she hadn’t done in years.

Listen to Stacy.

“I don’t know.”

“I always thought college was parties and fun.”

“So did I.” Stacy said. “You know, Zia? You’re cool. You have that whole detached thing. Wish I could have mastered it. Just looks like I went from being a big fish to a much larger pond.”

“All the more reason to make ‘em notice you.” Zoe said. The confusion that had marked her time under the sway of Faye’s kiss was starting to burn off, decreasing as her tiredness increased.

Stacy laughed. “Now you sound like Zoe.”

“She sounds smart.” Zoe said, keeping her grin internal. Maybe she isn’t the heinous bitch I thought she was. Keeping up appearances is hard. But, Stacy had done it.

Just like Zoe had.

***

“I can’t believe this .” Bobbie said.

“Why not?” Faye retorted. “You and I both spent time up here… with Luka.”

“Yeah,” Bobbie agreed. “Girl takes what she wants, doesn’t she?”

“Oh, I don’t know about that.” Faye grinned. “Some of us just roll with it.”

“Oh, shut up.” Bobbie snorted.

The plateaus were coming closer, they both knew which one Luka would go to. Faye pressed the pedal harder to get to the place where Timmi and Luka hopefully still stood.

***

Stacy had been kicked in the face by college a few times. The current all nighter was threatening to remove her brain with a dull butterknife. One more lecture about how political parties ‘balance the ticket’ and Stacy swore she’d become a Communist. The stop for coffee at Daily Grind was a relief. She was a little saddened that there were none of the cupcakes left, but conversation with Zia seemed to dull that edge.

Had to give her credit, she has great taste in clothes. Stacy thought. She saw some of herself in Zia. Although, it seemed that that Zia’s aloofness was cut from the same cloth as Zoe.

Zoe, trapped in the body of a model. Stacy couldn’t picture that for the life of her. Zoe was never the type to dress anything like that. Teenage Rebellion Quarterly being her entire clothing catalogue.

Looking at her watch, Stacy muttered “Shit.”

“I’ve gotta get back. I’ll see you around?” She smiled. “Of course I will, it’s a small college. Good luck on the finals.”

“Thanks.” Zoe tried to contain the smile, but couldn’t.

***

They saw the air mattress and they found the two girls making out. Bobbie immediately feared the worst when the familiar odor of marijuana. Faye giggled, facepalmed, and shifted himself all in one smooth motion. When one blonde head moved, it revealed Timmi wearing the pink cowboy hat.

“Hi.” Timmi squealed. Her red eyes and slouched smile told the tale of burned plant life.

“Did you come up here to make out, too?” She giggled.

Faye laughed.

Luka spun and waved sheepishly. “Hi. Plenty of room…”

“Hi, Luka.” Faye said.

“Do I know you?” Luka’s stoned eyes showed multiple types of confusion.

“Sort of.” Faye gave a wink and a grin. “Still no bonfire, huh?”

“Timmi.” Bobbie pleaded.

Timmi’s face fell. “What? Is this what you came up here for? Ugh, you’re such a wet blanket sometimes. First you had to show up when I was hanging out with Rach, then you come running in like… like… the Colonial Marines to get me away from Zoe. I don’t even know why. She’s cool” Timmi straightened her hair and gave Luka back her hat. With a measured breath, Timmi calmed herself and turned to Bobbie. “Bobbie, you got to do all kinds of fun stuff.” She giggled, the photo shoot was fun.

“That’s the point, I…” Bobbie threw up her hands in frustration. “Goddammit.”

“You’re always trying to chase me down, stop me from having any fun. I don’t get it. You’re my best friend, but lately all you do is ‘don’t do this’ and ‘don’t do that’ it really sucks, you know?”

Off to one side, Faye was trying to spin his game, but Luka was having none of it. Prior knowledge wasn’t helping, neither were the prickly beginnings of a mustache impressing her in the slightest.

Luka saw that this evening wasn’t going anywhere, and after offering Timmi a ride decided to deflate the infamous air mattress and leave. She shook her head as she got into the car.

“Faye.” She smiled. “You’re my kind of crazy. See ya around.” The roar of the Ghia dopplered into the distance.

“Oh, damn.” Timmi said listing to the right. “Jeez, Bobbie, trying to mess everything up? I didn’t do anything you didn’t do?”

“Well, I didn’t do Agee. Ewwwww.” Timmi couldn’t smile at that thought of his old…..

EWWWWWWW!

“Rach and I just had a little fun, and Zoe was rad. Everything is so cool, except when you come down here from your ivory tower and… and …”

“Get all parenty.”

Faye crossed back over to them after Luka’s car disappeared into the night.

“Let’s just go, since you’re in such a hurry to get me home.” Timmi huffed.

Faye’s hopeful smile didn’t do anything to assuage Timmi’s disappointment. Everything was just fine until that spoilsport Bobbie show up.

Faye was just jealous though. She was sure that Bobbie just whipped up the frenzy to get a ride up there. I know she cares so much, but geez.

Timmi called shotgun, and in an extended bout of silence amidst the lights…

Bobbie just sat in the back and stewed.

This will get out of hand.

***

Zoe was kind of amazed that Stacy had some awesome left in her. Just like the old Stacy.

As long as she thinks I’m someone else.

Part of her thought it would be cool to hang out with her again. Maybe a spa day? Zoe never had much use for it.

But Zia?

With the caffeine burning through her system, Zoe gunned the engine as she made the last turn to get to her house.

It was such a good day, Zoe wondered if Faye’s ‘just a little bit’ was almost over. She figured that it was with the fuzz of her thoughts dying down to minor lint.

The smile wouldn’t go away. Zoe could have died happy right there. A day of fun at the beach, an awesome ride, and I got to have my sister back.

Even if only for a minute.

***

Faye noticed a note on the tv stating that Nick was off on an all nighter.

I’m really gonna owe him when all this is over.

“Okay.” Timmi said exaggeratedly. “I’m here. Now what? Another stupid movie? Going to bed?”

“I’m just gonna take a piss and leave. You two can figure this out without me.”

Bobbie rolled her eyes. “Fine. Just be here to get me in the morning.”

“Sure thing, darlin’” Faye said.

“Not right now, it isn’t cute.”

Faye disappeared down the hall and entered the bathroom.

***

Timmi wasn’t angry at Bobbie, she just wanted her friend to hang out with her again. She’d been treating her like she was spun sugar, glasslike and delicate. If only there was some way she could make Bobbie see that she was just having some fun. It was so awesome being one of the girls, not like before when she was… that other person… who was that anyway?

When she kissed Rach, and Zoe… they got fun and stuff. Too bad it didn’t work with Luka… but she was already fun. Timmmi opened her eyes and half formed a plan mid spring.

“Timmi, wha…?” Bobbie was surprised as she turned to see Timmi’s bright blue eyes looking up into her own.

Before forcing Bobbies mouth down on hers.

***

Bobbie felt the tongue slide in, she fought for a second before forgetting why she should. The fizzy feeling in her brain made it tough to talk, especially with a mouth full of tongue.

She felt her body squish and stretch and move as breasts inflated and derriere plumped further, testing the durability of the fabric. Tingling spread out from her nipples and quickly engulfed her. The kiss was so good, familiar. Like she needed to be kissing Timmi right now, all human activity had led to this moment.

It was like eating a cupcake without frosting when Timmi finally broke the kiss.

“Oh, wow. Bobbie. It never did that before.”

Bobbie’s eyes had darkened to a deep amber; while her already blonde hair had started to change at about shoulder length to a deepening rust hue before becoming a deep ebony black along the last four inches.

“Did what?” Bobbie asked, puzzled. The new birthmark on her lip bobbed up and down as she spoke.

“Never mind, I just…”

“Okay. That’s it for…” Faye was coming down the hall. “Bobb…”

Bobbie was rushing for Faye. “You look like Tim.” She pouted.

“I miss him.” Bobbie giggled that infectious giggle as she threw her arms around Faye, kissing him deeply. All the passion and enthusiasm that Bobbie had saved up for him went into the kiss as Timmi crept up beside.

“Hi, silly boy. Now Bobbie can have fun, too.” Timmi had a hand on the front of Faye’s jeans as she whispered in his ear.

Faye was ensconced deep within the kiss with Bobbie. Her hands knew just where to go, her tongue predicting the next moment.

***

Between thoughts, Faye wondered what he could have conceivably done right in anything like a previous life. Yeah, Bobbie was kissing him. Hell; he did look like Tim, and it was obvious to the nth power that she missed him terribly.

“Oh… You two.” Timmi squealed, startling them. Somehow in the intervening time, she had shed her clothing. Swinging and ducking under Faye’s other arm, she began kissing his neck slowly.

Seriously? This is turning into a hell of a week. Looks like someone’s getting some karma out of all this craziness.

Why had Timmi kissed Bobbie? Why didn’t Luka seem affected? Those thoughts started to make in the back seat they had been relegated to.

While Kane never thought he’d be in this position, Faye considered it an eventuality. No thoughts could be clear as long as two beautiful blondes, and Faye just decided to enjoy it.

It’s only sex, what could possibly go wrong?

***

The tablet was expensive, heavy, and new. Roxx figured it would be easier than that old laptop. There was so much to do. Finding a geek turned out to be easier than she thought, she merely mentioned it to each of her runners, and soon she was in touch with Gary.

Gary had discovered computers at a young age, and crystal meth at an older one. His love of disassembling and soldering kept him doing odd jobs fixing other people’s computers.

Usually for drugs.

“This thing has a quad core processor, the biggest internal hard drive on the market, and runs a version of Umbuntu that a friend of mine designed himself. Those all nighters really help.” He smiled, showing discolored teeth. “Everything a growing business should need. Now, did you get the…?”

Roxx pushed the tiny baggie across the table. Gary opened it and dipped a pinkie finger inside. He placed it into his mouth and sucked for a second before grimacing and shaking his head. It had enough memory for just about everything she would ever need it for. And Roxx anticipated needing it a lot.

Magic? There’s an app for that.

With the deep web browser package and premium memberships at the world’s most exclusive digital libraries, Roxx knew what she was dealing with. Hours upon hours of incredibly boring text began to fill her nights once she realized exactly what it was she had. This gift she spoke of worked both ways somehow. Everything about her works both ways. I am linked to Lust. She wants energy from me?

Well, I want something from her. She likes to make deals, right?

So do I.

She wondered what else she could find. Roxx wouldn’t be Lust’s plaything forever. All the things she kept finding pointed the way for her to be free of Lust. The possibilities made Roxx almost enjoy doing one thing she had never enjoyed before.

Studying, especially now that it was in her self interest.

This would be one hell of a final exam.

“Thank you so much, Gary.” Roxx put on a sharklike grin as she brought up the log in screen.

“No problem.” Gary said, rapid-fire as the amphetamines began sinking into his brain. “If you need anything else. I’m usually awake at night.” He laughed at his own joke.

“I’ll keep it in mind.” Roxx watched him leave. She remembered dating guys like that before, she shuddered as she thought of the greasy hair and poor hygiene.

I guess you did save me from that, Lust. I’ll always be grateful for that at least.

***

Faye had Timmi’s tongue down his throat, and a hand on the back of her neck. When he felt the hand open his jeans and pull out his rigid member, he groaned as he felt the wet, warm lips take him into…Bobbie’s mouth? He felt a pressure building as the lips sucked and slid up and down along the shaft.

Timmi giggled. “See? This is more fun, isn’t it?” She looked down. “Hey, I want some, too.” Timmi lowered herself to where Bobbie was. A second pair of lips joined the first, each pair slowly working their way up and down the length of his organ.

“Uh…huuuhhhhhhuuhhhh.” Faye moaned, blonde hair trailing silkily over his hand. When he looked up, he noticed that Bobbie had discarded her top and bra, allowing her breasts to knock other sources of attention aside.

Bobbie could feel Faye was close, Timmi seemed oblivious.

“Uhh. I’m gonna…”

Timmi’s eyes widened as she understood what was happening. When Bobbi took Faye out of her mouth, Timmi grabbed at Faye’s cock and began to stroke slowly. Bobbie smiled at her and placed her own hand on top of Timmi’s.

“Akkk.” Faye’s back bent as he sat up just in time to see the white spurts whizz through the air, landing on Timmi and Bobbie’s face and breasts. Faye was rewarded by ending his orgasm while watching the two lovely blondes make out and rub Faye’s cum all over each other’s breasts.

The giggling of the two girls would have annoyed Faye any other time, but now in the spent moment, it was fine.

Just fine.

“That was fun.” Timmi squealed, stroking Bobbie’s face. “I miss this.” Timmi put her head into Bobbie’s cleavage.

“We’re not done yet.” Bobbie looked hungrily at Faye. She smiled and slowly crawled her way back up to where she had access to his lips again.

***

When Zoe finally got home, the caffeine crash was beginning to set in. She got past the ruined door jamb that identified Stacy’s room. She’s gonna be so pissed about that. The sleep was making vision bleary as Zoe made it to her bed and crashed out.

Over the course of the night, the long, blonde hair had shortened and darkened back to its original color and curves were restored to modest bends. She smiled as she slept, happy to have put all the baggage that came with Zoe Keebler on a shelf.

…at least for a night.

***

Now this was more like it. Timmi and Bobbie were having fun together again, and this time Faye was there, too. Even though Bobbie had been mad at first when she was with Luka, she seemed to be enjoying herself enthusiastically. It was always so cool when they hung out together, and now Bobbie was being…

Naughty. Timmi giggled inside her head. Judging by the amount of noise being made, everyone was enjoying it.

But Faye’s voice was sounding more and more like a slowed down frog. I can fix that. She grabbed one of Faye’s hands and latched it to one of her breasts as she sent her tongue in search of his tonsils.

Bobbie had swung around to a new position, leaving her on all fours in front of Faye. The locomotion of the two was nearly perfect. Bobbie moving back as he moved forward, both calling out in muddled bliss. Timmi was kissing Faye and sliding her firm breasts across Faye’s chest. Bobbie crawled forward a half step and Timmi took over, dropping Faye onto his back. She mounted him.

“Mmmm… This is so yummy.” Timmi breathed. “Having fun, silly boy?” When Timmi opened her eyes, she saw why Faye didn’t answer.

Bobbie’s face was level with hers, and the look on her face told Timmi exactly what was happening. She had her pussy hanging just above his face.

“We should…. Ooh…. Have fun like this together more…. Unnnnh.”

“Often.” Bobbie finished, the black ends of her hair tossing wildly as she brought her face closer for a kiss.

Timmi smiled broadly as she obliged.

Bimbo Kisses, Lollipop Dreams: A Platinum Chef/ Delacroix side story Part VI

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Sex / Sexual Scenes

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Elements:

Bimbos / Bimboization

Other Keywords:

ooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 85

Faye couldn’t believe his luck. Here he was, one gorgeous blonde riding his cock like the mechanical bull at the Mule Lip, while yet another was thrusting her throbbing moist pussy into his face…

…After getting the mother of all blowjobs. Not the evening I had planned, but not complaining. Bobbie was gonna be angry, but she’d get over it. Besides, it’s not like she didn’t owe her a little karma.

Besides, it looks like she’s totes enjoying it. As he came closer and closer to climax, thoughts became more jumbled and confused. When he finally came, his toes curled inward so hard that his feet started to cramp. His muffled moans were lost in the screams from both girls as all three of them gushed orgasmically together.

The last thing Faye saw was Timmi and Bobbie making out, fondling each other’s breasts.

***

Timmi is totes right, I do need to cut loose more. It was a fleeting thought that careened through her head. She felt so deliciously dirty, being all naked and stuff while she made Faye eat her pussy. She giggled out loud as she luxuriated on the feeling of Timmi sucking on a nipple. When it suddenly stopped, Bobbie looked down in disappointment.

“Aww, he was fun as a boy.” Timmi looked and pointed for Bobbie to watch as Faye’s shimmery form changed into something else.

Something smaller.

And something blonder.

***

Zoe was nursing a massive headache, which wasn’t so bad considering that she still remembered everything. Sneaking a look at the mirror and finalizing her suspicions only made her want to get up and use the ancient hangover cure…

Shower and coffee.

By the time she had scrubbed the sand and salt air away, the headache was more of an annoyance than a debilitating minefield of pain. Once the first few sips of coffee worked its way into her bloodstream she began to feel more human.

Thoughts of the previous day and night made her realize what the road not taken would have been. Zoe and Stacy Keebler, ruling the school. In some weird alternate universe, it was happening. Some of their imaginary adventures caused inadvertent laughter as she sipped her coffee two handed as she stared off into space.

Stacy entered the house looking like complete hell.

Zoe smiled as she stared at the living room.

The former cheerleader had thrown her purse onto the breakfast nook’s table.

“There still coffee?” Stacy barked.

Zoe couldn’t wipe the smile off of her face as she gestured with her black mug.

“Enjoy this time in your life…” Stacy said, a sneer playing over her face.

“It’s all downhill from here.”

“It doesn’t have to be.” Zoe said.

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Cheating works.” Zoe gave the moment on unsuspected levity to Stacy, a small part of her wanting to still see…

The older girl burst out into laughter. “Now you sound like Zia. Y’know I told her, I’m kinda proud of you, you little squirt. Making it all on your own like that.”

“Didn’t wanna get stuck giving locker room handjobs.” Old Zoe returned with a snappy retort.

Stacy’s face changed, showing more tiredness. “Never mind.” She started to head to her room.

“Stace.” Zoe called.

“Sometimes I wish I went to that party with you. But I’m glad I did it on my own. Neither one of us is right, or wrong.”

“We’re just different, that’s all.” Zoe set down the nearly empty mug. “You’re gonna come to graduation, right?”

Zoe’s evil grin returned. “I mean I did have to sit through yours.”

“In a dress, no less.”

“I saw that you still have that initial block I made you in shop class.”

Stacy’s face fell. “You went in my room?”

Zoe’s nonchalance radiated. “Look, I wondered if you kept it, and…”

“Never mind, this is stupid.” Zoe finished.

“Zo.” Stacy called.

The younger girl turned, the nickname from when they were little.

“Look, I’m going through…life Right now. Maybe you did things the right way. I dunno. When Valentine socked me, well…”

“I heard about that. Gotta admit. I laughed.”

Stacy frowned.

“Someone knocked you off your high horse,” She thought for a moment. “Twice.”

Stacy smiled a similarly evil smile.

“If you’re gonna give me some this might make you a better person bullshit….”

“Good luck on your Econ final. Try not to be a bitch.”

“I’m tryin’ Ringo.” Stacy shook her head.

Zoe remembered when she first saw Pulp Fiction. It was with Stacy one night while their parents were out. She nodded solemnly and left the room, school awaited.

And Zoe Keebler Never felt evil enough.

***

Bobbie woke up to see Timmi sleeping next to her, hair moving upwards with each exhalation. Her head hurt badly, and she felt disoriented. She made her way to the bathroom to find the door closed. As she reached for the knob, the door opened.

“Hi, Bobbie.” It was Timmi.

Timmi?

Bobbie looked back at the bedroom door.

“No silly, that’s Faye. I’m Timmi.” She pointed to the bright fuchsia streak. “Pink streak, remember?”

“Faye?” Bobbie asked, then with a flood tide made of bricks, she remembered the previous evening.

“Timmi, what do you…?”

Timmi laughed. “You were being the fun police again, so I kissed you.” The sweet smile just made Bobbie want to sweep her into her…

Wait, what is this? Bobbie was recognizing the yearnings of the Thrall infected body

Bobbie felt the bottom drop out of her stomach, as if on cue she remembered parts of the previous evening.

You look like Tim. She had said, then the memories of the previous night’s carnal activities all came into sharp focus.

Kissing Faye

Kissing Timmi,

Faye’s tongue.

Faye’s…

“Oh, come on. I know that wasn’t your first blowjob.” Timmi giggled. “They can be so fun.”

Bobbie forgot about the bathroom and ran back to the bedroom. Gently, she shook Faye awake.

“No, mom. I don’t wanna go to school.”

Her eyes fluttered open, then widened. “Oh, hi Bobbie.”

“Faye?” She asked. “What happened.”

“Oh.” Faye cheerily began. “I dunno.” She pouted.

“I was liking being a boy again. But this is totes okay… I’m so pretty.” Faye said, looking into a mirror and pulling at her new mane of hair.

Bobbie stood there gobsmacked.

Timmi re entered the room drying off her hair.

“Faye’s pretty like us now. It’s really weird, you know? You didn’t get blonder, It was … wait a minute.” Timmi let the towel around her breasts drop, leaving her naked and Faye tittering.

“Wow, I’m like really hot.” Faye said, her voice just as small and cute as Timmi’s now. Neither voice had that slight deep undertone that Faye’s voice carried.

Used to carry.

Timmi had retrieved her phone and after a few interactions, she had brought up the camera roll.

“See.” Timmi handed the phone to Bobbie.

Bobbie took the phone and stared. It was one of the many selfies that Timmi had snapped over the last few days. This one showed Faye’s Room, Faye, Timmi…

Bobbie barely recognized herself. The reverse ombre in her hair was the first clue, the sparkling amber eyes, the second.

But Faye’s dick in her hand, well, that was the final proof.

“See? When you let go, it’s much more fun.”

“Yeah.” Faye agreed, “You were really good at that.” She giggled airheadedly.

“I got a blowjob.” Faye kept laughing, Timmi started laughing, too.

This will get out of hand?

It already has.

Once she got into the bathroom, Bobbie inspected herself. The dark ends of the hair persisted, as did the amber eye color. The swell of her breasts was slightly more pronounced, as were the curves of her hips. Turning to inspect her backside, she saw the one thing she truly did not want to see.

It was a Mark. Lust’s calling card sat low on one hip. Unlike Faye’s and Kim’s, this one was blue, the same blue that adorned her hair.

What’s going on now? Shrugging, she realized that making a big deal out of it would be unwise. Just get to the bakery and get through today.

She made the decision to go and see Roxx tonight, before anything else happened. Flashes of the previous night reminded her that it already had. Bobbie reminded herself to gargle twice as long today. She wanted to be mad at Timmi, but couldn’t. Last night when confronting her, the uncharacteristic outburst of anger made her realize that she had been taking being an Advocate too far.

Everyone always told her to take some time for herself, and every time it had been just what the doctor ordered.

Timmi, through all her blonde ditziness, had hit the nail on the thumb.

Sometimes the only way to stay sane is to go a little crazy.

Finishing up in the shower, Bobbie reflected on everything. Obviously, they were going to go see Roxx. Especially now that everything is different.

Again.

“I guess I’m opening the bakery.”

Again.

***

Faye couldn’t wait for Bobbie to leave. She could already picture blowing off school and hitting the mall with Timmi. No matter what happened, they had fun together.

“Well, I’ll see you two in a bit.” Bobbie said, the clothes she had on barely hid the new enhancements to her curves. “Please stay out of trouble.”

“But.” Faye said. “Trouble is the only thing that fits.” A sarcastic pout punctuated the end of the sentence.

Bobbie wanted to laugh, but the seriousness of the moment prevented it.

Once Bobbie was out the door, Timmi watched Faye count to five slowly on her fingers. She got up and ran to the kitchen window and looked both ways.

“Okay. She’s gone.” Faye’s smile lit up the room. “We are gonna have so. Much. Fun. Get dressed, were going to the mall.”

Timmi hopped a little and clapped, she loved the mall.

***

Bobbie stared at the EVO keys in her hand. She felt bad for taking them, but Timmi had proved uncorralable. And now that Faye was acting like Timmi, and Tim’s body now looked like this new Faye… She gripped the keys in her hand so hard it cut into her palms.

The foreboding feeling on knowing that she was going to have to deal with Roxx later didn’t make things any better.

And the guilt from taking Faye’s keys burned behind all the other confusions.

By the time she reached Cheepskates, Bobbie was completely on autopilot. Opening doors, filling cases, and booting up the computer. The day started simply and ended the same way, Bobbie filled out the paperwork that ended the day and left, hoping to get home quickly.

Can this day just be over already?

***

“Oh… they’re gone. I can’t find them anywhere.” Faye was naked and searching for her keys. Timmi decided to start looking as well, and she decided that naked would be the way to go.

Even if she had no idea what she was looking for.

Two naked blondes ran around the apartment upending things and tearing cushions off of the couch, hoping to find the Talisman of Freedom.

“I’m such a ditz.” Faye said, suddenly brightening. “I have a spare one.” She giggled. “We should get dressed.”

“What were we looking for anyway?” Timmi asked blankly.

Timmi and Faye took turns getting each other ready. Timmi was bummed that she couldn’t send sexy pictures to Faye anymore, now that she wasn’t a boy, but pretty like Timmi was.

Well, since she’s right here, it’s not so bad.

Don’t get to call him silly boy anymore…

…her…

Before…

Thoughts beat against each other while Faye painted, sprayed, and dressed. Thoughts that confused parted as if commanded by Moses while Timmi thought about walking around the mall.

***

“You’re gonna have to take that hat off in my class.” Ms. Harnitchek said. “It’s a great look, but.”

“I can’t. This thing is held on with like seventeen bobbie pins. By the time I get it out, class will be over.” Kim lifted the green veil. “Close enough? I have a thing today. Only reason I’m wearing it.” Kim was tired of this already. Third period, and I’ve explained this three times.

Ms. Harnitchek sighed. “Fine, just don’t wear it again.”

“You won’t see it again all year.”

“Yeah,” Came a snicker from the back. “All three weeks of it.”

The interaction with the teacher made Kim ignore the phone as it vibrated in her purse.

***

The bus was hitting every red light on Delacroix Avenue, and Bobbie was getting impatient. She just wanted to get to the school, get her work and see Kim. When the school popped up over the horizon, she heaved a sigh of relief.

Strolling in through the front gate, she could see it was lunchtime, which made things easier. No sneaking into class midway through the lecture. Finding the Army at their table made her give thanks that one thing today had remained mercifully untouched.

“Damn, Bobbie.” Amber said. “What’s up with the hair? Looks good, but that blue streak?”

“That’s fuckin’ you.” Bella finished. “Yeah, no fuckin’ blue? That shit’s just weird, yo.” She smashed the empty chip bag and tucked it into her lunch bag.

Bobbie pulled at the dark ends and thought quickly. “Faye’s idea. Photo shoot for the bakery.” She shrugged. The lie came so easily, so naturally, that an odd discomfort began in her stomach only to fade as she thought of a quip.

Bella and Heather looked at her strangely.

“I’m gonna be the devil this time.” A dark smirk spread across her face. It felt good to say, good to let out something. Heather laughed so loudly that it spread to the rest of the table.

Bobbie sat and had lunch with the friends she had grown so close to. There was a bittersweet sadness as she thought that it all would end soon. Being out of school brought its own challenges, challenges that no one at that table had faced.

Yet.

Except Bobbie, and even she had to admit that the world beyond High School looked vastly different now than it had when she had been Robb.

In fact, the whole school experience was so different as to be unrecognizable. Everything she had gone through since returning to the place that held so many bad memories had replaced them with good ones. Granted, being groped at the Spring Musical wasn’t a high point.

A thrill shivered through her body as she thought about it, about how she felt in Tim’s arms, wearing his jacket. I guess that even that had its moments.

The thoughts of foreign hands on her body returned her thoughts to the mark on her hip.

Wonder what that means.

With lunches finished and trash discarded, Kim and Bobbie went to the bathroom.

Kim had the cigarette in the holder faster than Bobbie had noticed. She raised an eyebrow.

“What?” Kim asked, touching the flame to the tip. “Not setting this veil on fire. Heather’ll kill me.”

Bobbie laughed nervously as the smell hit her like a ton of bricks. She grabbed the long stem from Kim and inhaled hard on the empty end.

“What the?”

Bobbie exhaled slowly, she did not cough. Her practiced motions came back from memory, the nicotine flooded her head as she leaned heavily on the sink. She contemplated taking another drag.

“No.” She said aloud, returning the holder to Kim.

“Faye isn’t Tim anymore. Hell, I’m not sure if anyone is.”

“Huh?” Kim dragged on the cigarette.

“Last night, Timmi kissed me and…

“Ah, so that’s what happened. Hair’s cute.”

“But totally not you.”

“Thanks.” Bobbie frowned. “It gets worse.”

Kim heard the phone buzz in her purse.

“Shit, that’s been going off all day, always in class.” She retrieved the device and turned it to the mail.

“It’s Timmi. Standing next to a mirror, I guess.” She turned the phone around.

“Fuck.” Bobbie said through gritted teeth. She kicked at the wall, cracking a tile. “That’s no mirror.”

“That’s Faye. We all sort of…”

“Ewww, good god what is up with you guys, usually friends just fuck each other over, not fuck each other.”

“Yeah, well, now Faye’s body looks like that, and she’s ditzy as hell, too. We’re going to see Roxx tonight. And if she doesn’t wanna deal…. Then… then….”

Bobbie wanted to continue, but didn’t know what to say.

“C’mon.” She suddenly said. “We’re ditching.”

“Great.” Kim said, pulling the butt out of the holder. “Now you wanna ditch? Couldn’t do it for a fun reason?”

“Fuck off, Kimster.” Bobbie smiled.

Chapter 86

Timmi was studying the pink and chrome of the strappy boots she wore. She felt sorry for Rach, she made the poor girl sit out here while she laid down in the other room and let Trench do his work.

She stared at her phone and tried to get arrested by exceeding the Selfies Per Hour limit. When Faye finally came out of the back she squealed as she saw Timmi.

“Twinsies!!” Faye exclaimed, pointing at her identical navel ring. Timmi burst out into laughter.

“And if you ever wanted those nipples pierced… Hell I’ll do it for free, you just have to let me take a picture… for my portfolio.”

“Uh-huh.” Faye giggled.

“You, too. Your sister says you do everything together.” Trench shrugged. The girl behind the counter looked sideways at her partner.

Both girls giggled.

“We’ll think about it.” Faye said, rocking her hips just a little bit extra as she sauntered away. Timmi matched her stride as they left.

“I’m hungry.” Timmi said.

Faye turned on that evil grin that promised more fun than could be handled.

“I know just what you need.”

***

I swear this is worse than science homework. Roxx stared at the tablet screen, there were so many tabs open that loading anything was taking too long. She was surprised that no one had started worshipping Google yet. It knew all, saw into your soul.

How Lust must hate the competition.

All the pieces were there, scattered across history and various accounts of those considered mad by their compatriots.

Magic. It was real, there was no doubt about that. It just seemed like it took too much effort. Why should Lust have all the fun?

The cigarette in her mouth was getting soggy at the filtered end, but lighting it seemed to be a problem what with the constant zooming in and out and refocusing at each new page. She wondered if maybe her eyes were going.

Maybe some sexy glasses?

The need for nicotine was increasing along with her knowledge of things arcane and lost. Forgetting for a moment about a lack of fire, she inhaled.

A glint of light forced her to refocus her eyes for a second as the tip of the cigarette glowed dimly at first, then fully lit. She coughed and set the tablet down. What just happened?

She studied the end for a moment before inhaling again.

She thought of Robb and that damn movie with the dumb truck driver and all those Chinese people.

…that’s how things always begin…

“Very small.”

Lust was wrong.

We should have waited longer.

Her eyes felt a little refreshed as she resigned herself to more time with the tablet.

Why did he have to be right all the time?

At least this time, the things she learned were applicable.

***

“Is there a model convention in town or something?” The guy at the purse kiosk asked Kim as they passed.

“Huh?”

“These twins came through here about two hours ago,” He whistled. “Now, you two... Just wondered.”

Kim shook her head. “Life is an occasion, dress accordingly.” The cashier guy laughed as Kim wiggled her way past. The yellow, polka-dotted dress along with the hat gave her the appearance of a sexy banana. Bobbie laughed at that image for a second as looked at a sparkly purse. Soon the hunt for the most dangerous of game began on their homefield advantage.

“You realize we’re looking for two blondes in the mall?” Kim quipped.

“Yeah. Could throw a cupcake and hit three.”

“Hey.” Kim got serious. “Friend took a cupcake to the chest.”

“He went home in three body bags.”

Bobbie looked puzzled as Kim started laughing.

“It’s a weekday, shouldn’t be too bad.”

“I hope you’re right.”

***

Timmi was looking at sunglasses while Faye was staring at the purses on the other side of the kiosk. The bored employee barely looked up from his magazine while the girls browsed.

“Timmi, lemme get a drink.” Faye came around and held out her hand for the large cherry lemonade that she held. Timmi took a final pull from the straw while staring at the employee. The magazine hit the ground as Timmi slowly ran her tongue along the length of the straw. Faye gave the straw a similar, loving lick as she accepted the beverage. The look on his face was somewhere between terror and delight. His white skin only magnified the expression.

Faye and Timmi tittered as they walked away together, making an exit that the employee wouldn’t soon forget.

***

“Kim, what are you doing?” Bobbie asked as Kim made her way into the Piercing Palace.

“I’ve been meaning to come here and you’re gonna let me do this. They’re still here. Besides, get those two away from the mall?” Kim snickered. “Good luck.”

Kim was at the counter, scanning their wares for a moment before selecting some spiral yellow acrylic ear stretchers.

“Gonna gauge the ears a little.” She explained. “When’s the last time you went shopping?”

“Back when I was…” Bobbie’s voice vanished slowly.

“…with…” She finished.

“Oh.” Kim fished her wallet from her purse. “Well, you should take this opportunity to relax.”

Bobbie caught her reflection in the mirror. The new Lust inspired design made her realize how fluid her style had been. She turned her head. Hmmm.

She looked at the case. “Excuse me. Can I get this one?”

“Yeah, sure.” The cashier put down her magazine. “You gonna need to get…”

“Yeah,” Bobbie smiled. Kim turned her head to reveal a puzzled expression.

“Hey. I can redesign myself, too.”

“Besides, it’s really cute.” She envisioned the jewelry in her nose and allowed a thrilled giggle to escape her lips.

“Trench!”

***

“Oooh, this is pretty.” Faye was holding up a pair of the sheerest panties that Timmi had ever seen.

Wow, Faye’s so smart. Where does she find out about all this stuff?

She has been a girl a lot longer than you silly.

Timmi was awed by the world of colors that held the party dresses.

“I don’t think I have anything for Prom.” Timmi frowned. “I’ve been using your old stuff. Even the new stuff came from Rach.”

“That’s okay. I’ve got plenty of stuff that you can wear.”

“I’m such a clothes whore.”

Timmi stared at Faye shocked, then giggled mercilessly.

Faye thought about it for a second. “We could try stuff on, I could always use a new dress.”

Timmi quivered with delight and joined in a stereo giggle whose alternating soundwaves could have caused the heads of small animals to explode.

***

Bobbie said thanks and walked away from the Piercing Palace with some new hardware, while Kim proudly displayed the new jewelry that matched the bright yellow that was rapidly becoming her signature color.

“Love the nose ring, sis. Badass. Finally lightening up a little?”

Bobbie shrugged. “I don’t have to be good all the time.”

“C’mon. I need a drink.” Kim said, stopping at the food court. Retreiving a Limeade from the hot dog stand, Bobbie stared after the Cheesecake Factory.

“Could go for a margarita right about now.”

“Bobbie?”

She shook her head. “Yeah, but I’m not going to have one. That was a weird thought.” The mark was brought back to the fore.

“It’s weird.” Bobbie said, handing Kim the cup back. “It’s like this mark is… I don’t know….”

“Inert?”

Kim quirked a perfect eyebrow. They were scanning the stores on both sides of the mall. As expected, there were many false alarms and faulty starts.

“It’s like terrible ideas seem fun, but I still know that they’re terrible ideas.”

“And? Isn’t that what makes them fun?”

“God, you sound like Faye now.”

Kim smiled. “Thanks.”

“But, my want overtook the good sense. It’s not like that now. I bet I could have that drink.”

“But I won’t.” Bobbie said, getting serious.

“Well, good for you.”

“Whoever would have thought that …”

“EEEE.”

That ear-splitting shrill cry snapped Bobbie’s attention to her right.

“Stop your grinnin’” Bobbie said.

“And drop your linen? Find ‘em? Kim finished.

Bobbie pointed, and sure enough, there they were, wearing identical pink dresses.”

***

“Ohmigosh.” Timmi said. “It’s almost like looking at a mirror.”

“How in the world could you even make a statement that ditzy?” Faye laughed. “We’re identical.”

“Well, not indent…iden.” Timmi said, pointing out the pink streak that Faye had been absent.

“The same.”

“Yeah. I’m gonna have to do that again.” Faye regarded the strip of hair that, unlike Timmi’s was still blonde.

“Well then I’ll need a different dress.” Timmi spun and reached for one in the color that had come to be known as Bobbie Blue.

“Yeah.” Faye said, staring off into space and thinking of things that she had to do. She could not let Timmi be even the tiniest bit prettier than she was. With both of them standing in the same dress, it was incredibly difficult.

“One of us is gonna have to change.”

“Oh, great.” Timmi threw up her hands.

“What?”

“Here comes Bobbie Buzzkill.”

***

Gotta try something new here. Bobbie saw the stricken look in her face and grabbed a nearby dress that was hideous.

“Kim, look at this. It’s… it’s…”

“Awful.”

Kim laughed as she saw the zebra print in bright neon green. “Reminds me of that streak in your…”

“Faye. Timmi. Hey.” Bobbie plasticized her smile. “We were doing some shopping, and…”

“Oh, wow Bobbie.” Faye said. “You pierced your nose? Cool.”

“I…” Timmi stammered. “You’re not mad, wanna take us back home?”

“No.” Bobbie lied comfortably. “Just came to get this and look at stuff. We’re going out tonight, and just wanted a little break.”

“She’s lying.” Faye said. “I know you.” She pointed.

“Then why did I get this?” Bobbie thought fast and pointed at the dull pain in her nose that was slowly giving way to an itch.

“Yeah.” Faye asked, turning to Timmi. “Why did she. Isn’t she too much of a goody goody for that?”

“Yeah, she doesn’t dress all sexy like we do.” Timmi shimmied in place.

“Actually.” Bobbie saw a black microminiskirt in the back over Faye’s shoulder. She pushed past them and retrieved the garment. Assuring herself of its size, she grabbed a long sleeved half shirt and asked for a fitting room.

“What gives?” Faye asked Kim, who was happy for the twins color coding.

Kim shrugged.

“Toldja the kiss was funny with her.” Timmi batted at Faye’s shoulder. “Maybe it just made her really cool?”

“Maybe.” Faye said. Timmi put up a fist, Faye looked puzzled.

“Sisfist?”

Faye laughed. “That sounds wrong, but…” She bumped Timmi’s fist with her own.

“I’ll take it.”

***

Bobbie was looking at the outfit she threw together to give credence to the lie. But damn.

The outfit was what Robb would have called ‘appropriately slutty’. The skirt was so short she could see that nothing was left to the imagination.

She’s got legs… Bobbie looked downward. She did indeed have legs. The hugging of the top brought her breasts together tantalizingly, The dark ends of her hair contrasting with the white top. Bobbie thought of a pair of jeans that would be sacrificed soon for Summer.

Daisy Duke anyone?

She knew all these thoughts had to be the Mark, but it was like she had so much more control. A nose ring and some slutty clothes was a far cry from fucking everyone.

***

“EEEE!” Timmi squealed when Bobbie came back out. “Oh. My. Gee. That looks soooooo good on you. Are you gonna wear that tonight? Huh? Cuz that is totes totes adorbs.”

Faye giggled. “We’ll make a bad girl out of you yet. Ooh, let’s find her a boy to make out with.”

Timmi pouted, “But… she’s…..”

“It’s okay. We can try that later when we go out. I’m sure you’ll love it.” Bobbie said as she headed over to the shoes.

***

Bobbie was being so cool, Faye was there, and Kim was being all laughy with those cool circly earrings. The brush of the tuile and taffeta, pleather and vinyl against her skin made her feel high, tingly. A dizziness and confusion spun through her pleasantly. There was lemonade and corn dogs, and so so many dresses. Boys stared, her friends laughed with her. Timmi wished that the day could go on forever.

Kim was crunching her way through a large filet of fish drenched in malt vinegar while Faye and Timmi inspected their haul.

“Wow today was fun.” Timmi exclaimed, snapping a selfie of herself erotically studying a similar piece of fish, while Faye used the fries to out selfie Timmi. “See? When we hang out it’s always fun, instead of you trying to get me home.”

“Yeah.” Bobbie smiled, sprinkling vinegar on her fries. “It was fun. We should be getting back though. Need to get ready for our big night out.”

Timmi and Faye squealed. “Are we going to the club?” Timmi turned to Faye.

“I bet we’re going to the club.”

Bobbie snickered while she sipped at her root beer.

“So, what’s the plan?”

“For tonight?” Kim said, setting her fish down and wiping her hands gently on the napkin. “We just go. The Thompson Twins at the door are supposed to let us in.”

“We better get a move on, bus takes a while.”

“Oh, that.” Faye flopped her hand forward and showed complete disinterest.

“I have the car, had to use the spare key. Silly me, can’t find the keys.”

Bobbie cursed herself inwardly for not thinking about that.

“Well, wanna go home and get ready? We might be gone a long time.”

“Ooh, Faye.” Timmi said. “Do you wanna wear these boots tonight?”

“Yeah.” Faye brightened. “And you can wear that other skirt, the one with the pink squares.”

Bobbie suddenly wondered if their life would be so bad. So little expected of them…

She shook the thought out of her head violently as she got up. Looking down, she was surprised that she had forgotten wearing out the new tiny skirt and top. It didn’t bother her.

And looking around, Bobbie noticed that she didn’t care that anyone was staring. Hell, they’ve seen it already, right?

Faye and Timmi led the way out of the mall with arms full of handled bags with Bobbie and Kim in tow.

“You think this is all gonna go smoothly?”

“I fuckin’ hope so, Kimster.”

“I really fuckin’ hope so.”

***

Rach was home, sitting in her room. Things weren’t right without Faye around. Boy, girl, ditz whatever. The picture in her hand just kept one wistful memory playing after another. She stared after the picture of them at Fresh.

Things were just simpler then, when magic only caused one thing in her life, and it had been good.

If whatever it was that made Faye who she is now was messing with her again, then Rach would just have to deal with it.

No matter what happens…

I do love her.

Even if she is a handful.

Rach had gotten out the photo album she had started when they got together. Pictures of them showing an evolution of their relationship.

…the first time Rach had convinced Faye to put on some damn girl clothes….

…that ski trip with Zoe…

…walking the bike back from the mall as the sun went down…

…the Steak Diane…

A moist film began to coat her eyes. First the ‘was a boy’ thing, then all this madness when Bobbie was taking over for Faye. Yeah, she had seen that Faye was acting funny… chicken and waffles? How high were we?

Then that whole… airhead magic? Whatever it was, it had scared her a little, just turning into someone else like that. She hoped that Bobbie was right. Still have a bone to pick with her. Not telling her wasn’t right, just let her go on and do whatever she wanted.

Although, she was kind of fun.

There was a humming, and a warm dimness that overtook her as she drifted off, wishing that things could be back to normal. She was looking forward to getting Faye to the beach so everyone could be jealous of her girlfriend.

Suddenly there was a repeating squeak. It wasn’t coming from the hall, in fact it wasn’t even her hallway. Her hallway wasn’t even her hallway.

What in the hell is going on? Tiptoeing down the strange hallway, she opened a door that was remarkably clean, not a single fingerprint.

A trail of long blonde hair sat with her back to the door.

“Hello. You are probably wondering where you are?” She knew that voice, Faye’s friend…

“Bobbie? What’s.”

The woman chuckled. Rach moved around the room to see what was happening.

The pottery wheel was moving.

“I am not Bobbie, I understand your problems. The one called Faye is not quite what she used to be?”

Rach’s face crumpled. “Who…”

The pottery wheel stopped abruptly, the blonde woman turned her unearthly blue eyes. She removed a bland figure from the center of the wheel. It was a blue mass reminiscent of a certain spokescreature made of dough.

But it was blue, the blue of smurfs and a clear, beautiful sky.

“Your love for Faye is what brings me to you. I see that you truly do love her.”

“Who the hell are you? And what is all this cryptic crap? Just talk. If this is some more magic shit, then I’ll… I’ll….”

“I am Justice. You mentioned Bobbie? She is my advocate. If you know her, then you know what she does, yes?”

“What she does? Bake? She did a different kind of baking when we hung out.”

“I know all about that. It was my doing, but it had to be done. I am here to speak to you about another matter.”

“What? If you are what you look like, some timeless, ageless…” She waved her hands around. “Whatever it is you are, then what do you need with me? Or Bobbie for that matter?”

“She is my Advocate, she merely tries to maintain balance, you have seen what she does to those around her.”

“You are to help her. It is the only way to keep Faye. Things have begun moving now, things I could not have suspected. Bobbie’s talents are far more passive than are needed.”

“Then level her up.” She had heard the occasional bit of videogame speak from Faye in their time together.

“It is not that simple. You can help in ways only you can.”

“It is also the only way to help Faye. I quite liked her as she was, it would be a shame to have her finally become fully enthralled.”

Rach sighed heavily. “Goddamit.” She rolled her eyes. “What do you need from me?”

Justice shrugged and handed over the blue figurine. “Bobbie can explain it all to you, she will have the time.”

“What is this for?” Rach asked impatiently.

Justice chuckled as the room brightened with a warm glow. “You will understand soon. You merely have to be Faye’s girlfriend. Since you love her, I need not ask much. You can keep an eye on her matron.”

“Matron?”

“Yes, another like me, one called Lust. Faye can explain better than I can. I will leave you to wake. Some things will be different, but I am sure you can handle it.” She smiled. “Seek out Bobbie, and all will be well.”

“We will speak again. Work to your strengths, and your love for Faye will see you through.”

“Sleep.”

Rach opened her mouth to speak, but it became a yawn. The yawn made her eyelids heavy and she sat heavily on the floor…

…and dozed off.

***

“C’mon, Faye. You’ve been in there for almost an hour.” Timmi was knocking on the door, desperate to get pretty for what promised to be a rad night out.

Faye finally opened the door and surprised Timmi with a pink streak of her own.

“EEEE!! Faye, that came out great. It’s just like mine.” She giggled.

“Twinsies.”

“C’mon, let’s go put ourselves together.”

The bedroom was a jumble of clothing of many styles and colors. Timmi was so excited that for a second, she forgot what she was doing.

Luckily Faye didn’t.

“This one. Definitely this one.” Faye tossed Timmi a skirt and tiny top.

“I’m going to wear this one.” The skirt was similar, yet shorter, the top had purple accents around the shoulder.”

Timmi was wiggling into the skirt, as was Faye.

“I think we just invented a new dance.”

“Yeah,” Faye said. “Must look totes weird without the music.” She decided to remedy that by hitting play on her phone’s music screen. When the dubstep began, both girls looked into each other’s eyes.”

“I love this song.” The sound of their combined voices was the latest single from Bombastic Ditz. Two identical girls shook themselves around the room, stretching clothing over their voluptuous bodies

***

When the dubstep started, Kim laughed as she sprayed her left victory roll. Using the mirror, she assured herself that the ‘not a hair out of place’ aesthetic was uniform.

“So, what are we gonna do, just roll up on ‘em?” Kim asked while she worked on the touchups that her face seemed to constantly require now.

“Pretty much.” Bobbie said. “Club’ll be open, so there’s going to be people, We’ll just have to … ugh…. See what she wants.”

“I wouldn’t worry about that too much. What can she possibly get from you? Discount prices on petit fors?” Kim snapped the mirror shut. “She’s running that club, and from the looks of things, she’s dealing out the back.”

“Yeah, but she said she wants something in return? That’s one girl I don’t want to owe anything to.”

“There’s four of us.” Kim looked down the hallway. “Okay, three. Together they make one good one.” Timmi and Faye giggled mirthfully.

“I still don’t have to like it. How are you so calm?”

“What, Roxx?” Kim waved the thought away. “What’s she gonna do to me that she hasn’t already?” She raised a small fist.

“I’ll just have to kick her ass.” The gesture looked out of place on Kim now. Bobbie only knew it from seeing her before blossoming into the young lady she was now.

“And if I chip a nail…” Kim said through gritted teeth.

Bobbie laughed harder. “Kimster….”

“I’m keeping that, you know? Gotta have a model name…” She raised her hands as if envisioning an invisible marquee.

“Kimster Dragstrip. Chic, eh?”

Bobbie smiled, one side of her face curling higher than the other. “Kim, with all this going on…” Bobbie moved her other hand in a wide circle. “I’m really proud of you. You’re taking all of this really well.” She looked down. “I didn’t handle it very well at all. I…”

“I’m glad you’re my sister. I just wish that Robb hadn’t...”

Kim laughed through her nose. “Good or bad, all of it is what made me what I am now.”

“Even Roxx. It’s not a finish line, just a long, scenic drive.” Kim picked up the large yellow hair flower she had taken to wearing and affixed it to the recently sprayed roll.

Damn, this girl’s an old soul. “I swear you guys are gonna rule the world.” She looked down the hall as Faye and Timmi emerged from the bedroom.

Somewhere a country of strippers are missing their Queens. Bobbie looked at everyone in the room. Yep, we’re definitely going to a strip club. Then she looked down at herself, the revealing outfit that she was wearing

Skirt’s so short you can read my mind. Her tiny navel stood out as if the Eye of Sauron, demanding that one stare. The tight top clung to her luscious upper curves before enveloping her slender arms and ending at her wrists.

“Bobbie.” Kim said, putting the final polish on the roll on her right. “Clothes are right. Makeup’s wrong. C’mere.” She beckoned, digging out the makeup out of her purse quick as a bunny, her tools and implements of destruction in her skilled hands. “You’ve got the look, but no edges. Like a preppy girl trying to party on the wrong side of the tracks. This lipstick is all wrong, and… Go wash your face.”

“I’ve got this.”

Bobbie resigned herself to Kim’s words.

While washing the old makeup off, Bobbie looked into the mirror. The amber eyes staring back at her made her wonder what would happen with Roxx.

Please let this be easy.

“Nothing worth having ever is.” Justice’s words came back to bite her on the ass.

Satisfied she had the makeup off, Bobbie reentered the living room to let Kim do her thing. Bobbie was surprised at how quickly Kim had educated herself in the ways of cosmetic artistry. I bet it’s like how I picked up the cooking.

Timmi turned to Faye. “We’ve gotta do something about her hair. Now that doesn’t seem to match.”

Faye tilted her head. “I’ll grab the curling iron. Jeez, Bobbie, this whole night out is your idea. You’d think that you’d wanna get prettier than us.”

“Or try anyway.” Kim said, using the small brush on Bobbie’s lips. “Hold still.” Kim took an eyebrow pencil and darkened the mark on her upper lip. “Beauty mark’s cute. Gives you some depth.”

Bobbie felt a comb in her hair. “Nothing too big, guys. Okay?”

“Oh, no.” Timmi said. “Not with this. Sleek and sexy.” She giggled.

Whatever that means.

***

Beth still was trying the anti scar treatment she had bought. Even now, after a month, the mark left from the injury she sustained had not faded one bit. She wasn’t self-conscious about it as much as just wishing that the skin of her legs could be unblemished again.

Like with most idle times, she was thinking about the task of making all of the fondant figures. She was a little nervous. But if Bobbie said she could do it, then she could.

With the end of the year coming up, she wondered what the Summer would hold for her and Steve. Beth had never had a boyfriend before, and he was so sweet. She felt the oil from the treatment soak into the affected skin, hoping it would show results soon, Summer meant skirts, and Beth wanted her legs to look good. She wasn’t mad at Kim, Beth was happy that she got better. The way things were going with Kim’s mom and her dad seemed to be going along well. Thoughts of having a sister and a whole family for the first time made her think that the scar was a small price to pay.

But, she still wanted it gone. Any discount will do.

She went to bed early that night. Bobbie had told her that they were taking a night off, which was fine with her. She needed to study for finals. What good would having a boyfriend be if she was stuck in Summer school?

Y’know? Beth thought as she pulled the covers over herself.

If it’s just a scar, I can live with it. The rest of my life is worth it.

Beth drifted off with a smile, thinking about this new family she had chosen, and how lucky she was to have them.

Life is beautiful.

***

Timmi was checking her makeup in the EVO’s mirrors, knowing that the angle at which she was bent gave anyone behind her one hell of a show. The other side was no different, with Faye performing a similar action.

“Yeah, baby. Gonna show it all later?” A catcaller strolled by and entered Vesuvius. The thrumming beat loudened for just a moment as the door swung open and closed.

Bobbie borrowed Kim’s mirror and checked her lipstick. The bluish red color made her lips stand out, contrasting with the amber of her eyes, and popping out against the darkening ends of the wide, curly ponytail that terminated in a flat clip that secured the slicked down and sculpted sides with the sharp, dramatic zig zag part. The darkened dot on her lip was, well…

The rug that ties the room together. So, this is what I would look like as a Thrall. She shook her head. Not worth it, I like who I am more now than ever.

Now, let’s go get Tim back. Bobbie was worried. What if he couldn’t be changed back? What if they really were stuck with Timmi? How could anyone explain it to Myka? Walking in a close group, the foursome got to the door, Timmi and Faye were full of unbridled energy as they waited for the door to open. Two massive slabs of muscle stood at the door Bobbie and Kim recognized Mikhail and Kostya from their previous visit.

Bobbie smiled sexily. “Preevyet, Mikhail. Here to see Roxx? You remember me, don’t you?”

“Da.” Mikhail’s face was stonily unmoved. He stepped back and allowed the girls entrance.

Kim had her fake ID out, as did Faye.

“Oh.” Faye said loudly. “You forgot yours didn’t you, sis?” She looked up. “We’re twins. Same birthday and everything.”

The other man, Kostya grunted and waved everyone through. Obviously, Roxx had left word to allow her entrance. Now, she was nervous. It was one thing to be trapped in Melanie’s web, another to walk in willingly.

Now that she was Roxx, Vesuvius was a literal web that threatened to trap them all. She knew she had to be careful. Especially since she was at the disadvantage here. The music was inviting and the smells of alcohol and frat boy sweat. A faint odor of tobacco proved to Bobbie that she didn’t care about that particular law, but hey, it was also a bar. Law enforcement always seemed to turn a blind eye to that one.

Mikhail led them to the booth where Roxx sat. Her outfit was different, a long puffy skirt with a cleavage enhancing corset top in a deep purple. A Lolita hat sat off the side of her head at a jaunty angle.

“Roxx.” Mikhail said. The hat swiveled as Roxx turned to look.

“Robb.” She said. “You brought the whole fam damily didn’t you? Hi, Kim. New look is just so you. Don’t mind Nikki here, he’s just… protection.”

“Thanks.” Kim said dryly.

“I see you brought Faye with you, and…” Roxx’s perfect left eyebrow raised.

“Who’s that?”

“That’s Tim.” Bobbie growled.

Roxx narrowed her eyes, now she saw the difference. There was a twisting, burrowing thread. It writhed like a dying grub caught behind the bark of a hungry tree. She stared at the new blonde girl, identical in every way. She let out a low whistle. “Someone up there must like me.”

“Nobody likes you, Roxx.” Bobbie said through gritted teeth. “We’re just here to…”

“I remember you,” Timmi giggled. “You have really nice hands.”

“What is it that you want?”

“Jesus Christ, Roxx. You sound like her.” Kim said.

“I just want you to watch, Kim’s going to do the… heavy lifting.”

“Sounds kinky.”

“Cut the shit, Mel.” Bobbie burst out. “You see this color shit better than any of us, and I see… something different. This shouldn’t take long, and you can go back to running your little…”

“Den of iniquity?” Roxx smiled.

What the hell?

“I’m starting to like studying, especially history. Ancient Rome won’t have shit on me when I’m done with this place.”

“Can we just get to it? I just want this to be over.” Bobbie said, rolling her eyes.

“Ah,ah… Patience. What I want is simple. I want her to dance.” Roxx pointed a slender finger at Faye.

Bobbie and Kim looked incredulous. That’s it?

“Oh, okay.” Faye suddenly brightened. “C’mon, Timmi.”

“Dance with me.”

Dance with me… Timmi remembered Faye saying that once.. before. While still stunned by the thought, Faye had grabbed Timmi’s wrist and led her away.

“Wait.” Roxx said. “I didn’t mean…” The man indicated as Nikki started to rise, Roxx’s hand on his wrist stopped him.

“N’yet.” It came out as a harsh bark, Nikki relaxed his hand.

Faye and Timmi had climbed up onto the stage, the pounding bass and began to move. The tipping rail suddenly became a beehive of activity. The way they danced together would have been considered porn…

If any of the tight, revealing clothes had yet been removed. Yet.

Roxx shrugged. “Now where were we? Ah, yes. Faye dances for me. Not even every night.”

And she can help me with some ‘special projects’. Roxx, ever the forward thinker saw the advantage of keeping another Thrall around. The money she saw back when she was dancing… well, some of it always made its way back to her.

Didn’t it?

“All so you can get your precious Tim back. I swear, why him? Oh,” Roxx snapped her fingers. “He’s like you used to be. Scared, just clinging onto whatever shitty little thing life grants you.”

“Like you, Mel?” Bobbie blurted. Roxx’s smile disappeared.

“It’s Roxx.”

“Yeah?” Bobbie returned the remark. “Not to me.”

“Well, looks like I get the sweet end of the deal.” Roxx looked at the stage.

***

Timmi felt the energy of the crowd, she thought the way everyone was looking at her was soooo yummy. The vibrations of the bass made her throb in all the right places. Faye shimmied over to Timmi and to move her hands so close to her that she could feel Faye’s prana.

“Come on.” Faye yelled over the music. “This is totes rad. Watch this.”

And with that, Faye’s top was a memory. Spinning and twirling, she made her way to the pole.

With a flourish, Faye had one leg up on the pole. Reaching for the uppermost ankle, her breasts bounced wildly as the crowd got louder.

Clueless, Timmi spun her way around the pole using a hooked leg for traction. Clearly Faye had far less abandon than Timmi. The way the colors of the patrons twisted and danced was like watching the lightshow from 2001 in reverse, flocks of colored specks joining in one place only to scatter and rejoin in another.

Movement and the beat became the only two things in her world. The moving colory stuff was just gravy.

Gravy…

Taking Faye’s cue, Timmi made her way to the pole on the opposite side of the stage. Soon Timmi was swinging and climbing like a pro.

Heehee, this is totes fun. Faye was always right about stuff. She’s so smart, like Bobbie.

Timmi was having so much fun, dancing with her friend and making all those silly boys jealous. Bobbie really knows how to plan a night out, this is so much fun.

***

Fuck making it rain, this is a fucking monsoon.

“Goddamn.” Kim said, “Look at ‘em go.”

The dancing was one of the most erotic things Bobbie had ever seen, and that was saying something.

Roxx was similarly impressed. “Oh, this is gonna work out nicely.” Roxx raised her hand. “Get you guys a drink?”

“Coke.” Kim said.

“Scotch, neat.” Bobbie said. The cigarette didn’t bother me, why not?

Roxx looked surprised. “Ooh, get on with your bad self. Old habits die hard?”

***

Timmi was starting to feel the colors wrap around her and Faye. It was starting to smell like cinnamon and strawberries, so close that they began to effect other senses. Heat, light, and sound became everything as Timmi shut her eyes from overstimulation.

Oh… uh…. Yemmm….. The bass was almost too much as she felt herself moisten. She had to take the top off. So hot, silly clothes. It felt awesome to feel the crowd’s intents wash over her as the drum machine played its endless beat into the well worn grooves that all the music of her world had worn on the stone tape of her mind.

She and Faye always had such a good time together. It was so cool to see other people having such a good time as well

***

When the drinks came, both Roxx and Kim stared at Bobbie while she took a drink. She exhaled sharply.

“Whew, been a while.” Bobbie bared her teeth as the amber fluid burned its way down her throat. The instant drunkenness didn’t happen, just as she suspected.

“Top shelf. That’s the 33. Enjoy.” Roxx said.

Bobbie stared at the amber fluid. Just to calm the nerves. She was thankful that whatever the kiss had done to her, it had allowed her small distractions like this. Losing Tim would be the most devastating thing she could imagine, and now was surely the wrong time for that.

The music began to die down as Timmi and Faye made their way to the opposing ends of the stage; meeting in the center for a moment, just long enough to share a brief kiss. Loud cheering and thunderous applause drowned out all but the loudest of catcalls. Their beaming smiles shone like beacons through the scruffy crowd.

When the two blondes made their way back to the booth they were talking in the manner of close friends.

“That was so fun.” Timmi exclaimed. Faye nodded agreement.

“Well, Faye. You’ll get to do it again.” Roxx said, smiling as she exhaled.

The girl that hadn’t spoken jumped and squealed.

“I’m Timmi, she’s Faye.” Timmi suddenly pouted, like she knew this would be the last time.

Roxx exhaled slowly. “Alright. Let’s get this over with.” As if commanded, Nikki rose. Bobbie could see the slight bump of his shoulder holster. Bile rose in her mouth, and she downed the last of her scotch to get rid of the bitter taste of semi-defeat.

As Roxx stood at the end of the booth, she flourished a hand.

“After you.”

***

There was still dust in the air from the day’s construction. Doors were missing from jambs and irregularly shaped pieces of wood were scattered along with dormant power tools. Bobbie could smell the sawdust and a faint whiff of gasoline.

“Here’s just as good a place as any.”

Bobbie grabbed an empty chair and wiped off the thick layer of wood shavings. “Timmi. C’mon, sit here.”

Timmi obliged meekly, all the joy from her face had gone. “Is it gonna hurt?” Bobbie felt sorry for her. She looked a little frightened.

Smiling, Bobbie looked at the girl and felt the anticipation of having her boyfriend back. “No, Timmi.” She put a hand on Timmi’s shoulder.

“It won’t hurt.” Bobbie felt a sting behind her eyes.

“I promise.” Bobbie looked at Timmi. What could be going through that head?

Roxx rolled her eyes. “You two are gonna make me sick.”

“Eat me, Roxx.” Bobbie harshly snapped.

“Anytime, anywhere. You must want this really bad.” Robb had always liked when she tried to use movie references. Now, it was just abrasive. Almost condescending.

Yeah, well you fucked her.

Ignoring her, Bobbie called to Kim. “Stand here, Me…Roxx. Stand there. Faye, keep to the other side, okay?”

“Okay.” Faye wiggled seductively around the chair’s back to take her position. “I don’t get it. What are we doing?”

“Wow.” Roxx said, pulling a cigarette out of a metal case. “She really doesn’t get it, does she?”

“Is this like all the stuff from when I was a boy?” Faye’s face told the tale of a girl, bored out of her mind.

“I thought that was Timmi?” Roxx’s mask slipped into confusion as she regarded Faye’s lack of color..”

“I am Timmi.” Timmi cocked her head, looking confused. Yellows and blues coalesced before moving on to become different shapes.

“Then why…?”

“Not important.” Bobbie snarled. “Kim.”

Kim moved toward Timmi. She smiled. “Don’t move, okay?”

“Okay.” Timmi’s voice quavered.

“Careful, Kim.” Bobbie was so scared of this moment. Being near Roxx wasn’t helping, Nikki and his gun kept the adrenaline flowing.

“He’s a part of me.”

Forced to stand still, Bobbie clapped her eyes shut for just a moment.

I must not fear, fear is the mind killer.

***

Kim was just as nervous even though she didn’t know about the gun. Tim’s life was in her hands.

Her life is in your hands, dude. Kim was nervous, one wrong move and they would be stuck with Timmi forever. She looked to Bobbie, then back to Timmi. She had known Tim just as long as Bobbie had, having been there that first day. Strange how they fell in together so quickly.

Can’t let that happen. The colors twisted and moved, writhing like living things. When Kim reached in for the tiny skein, it was like sticking her hand into a bowlful of centipedes. She winced, the low, buzzy feeling both forbodeing and jarring enough to not only set her teeth on edge…

But kept them there, almost rattling inside her head.

Her life is in your hands, dude. Tim could be stuck like this, I’d never be able to look at Bobbie in the eyes again. The thoughts of the bakery and everything just being… Over.

No. Kim decided. Lust may have dictated the terms, but Kim kept limits set.

This bullshit was not going to happen.

“Kim?”

Kim took a deep breath. “I’m fine. I think I can see the way out. Just a little to the right.” She began to move her hand slowly.

“Stop.” Bobbie said, panicked.

***

Come on, Justice. I know that I’m not exactly the paragon of virtue you’re expecting, but Tim has no skin in this long game. Bobbie planned ahead, wondering what kind of cosmetology school Timmi would wind up attending. Of all of them, this has the least to do with him.

Bobbie could see the sharp angles of Timmi’s darknesses. She had to look really closely; unlike Tim, Timmi’s emotional scars could be measured by not finding the matching top she was looking for.

But there was a place where two of the fractals met up scant microns from Kim’s hands. It just didn’t look right.

“Can you go up or down a little?” Bobbie asked

“Maybe if I pull back, there’s stuff in the way. I can…” Kim’s gritted teeth made the words sound strange as she slid the diminishing thread around in a seemingly listless pattern.

***

“Stop.” Roxx barked, suddenly transfixed. Well, this is turning out to be worth it as a learning experience alone. The things she was reading about… here they were. Playing out in front of her in glorious Technicolor.

She could see a million tiny futures in those colors, simulations of scenes to come rendered in splendorous shades. The way the tiny pieces of hued light wove and bisected each other reminded her of flocks of birds at play, bunching up in spots only to dissipate and build up in a new area in a completely different pattern.

She’s moving it through all of his futures. It sounded insane, but it made sense now. Like how she instinctively saw them before. Roxx watched Kim move the thread through a tunnel of futures.

When they swapped, the thread must have gone through the wrong ones…

… and it copied the one that did the moving. This just keeps getting better and better.

Looking closer, Roxx wanted to smile. She didn’t, lest she let her hand show.

Roxx always gets what she wants. There were so many possibilities, but one shined above all the others.

Lust was wrong, we should have waited longer.

Now who’s the impatient one? This particular future that she looked upon had all the hallmarks of elegant revenge, all while giving everyone what they want. And now this little twist, well…

All is forgiven, Robb. The smile she held back began to come forward. Your turn to feel my pain.

“No, not that way, circle back then up.” Holding the smile back was getting harder. The gift that keeps on giving, right?”

Kim looked nervously at Bobbie…

***

Kim could feel the sweat starting to bead on her forehead. Roxx’s instruction left her full of trepidation, Bobbie nodded solemnly, the fear on her face just as prevalent. She followed Roxx’s instructions. The tingly, live wire sensation began crawling up to her arm. The thread started to fizz in her hand. “Bobbie, don’t think we have a lot of time.”

“You’re doing fine, Kimster.” Bobbie said hurriedly.

“This is weird.” Kim said through gritted teeth. “Really weird, but I think we’re almost out and…”

“Not that way.”

***

Bobbie saw another blockage coming up.

“Again?” Kim said, nervousness showing. “There’s… I mean… it’s wide open and…”

“Trust me, Kimster.” An odd calm crept into Bobbie’s voice.

Kim followed Bobbie’s cues. Why can’t it just be a blue wire? The thread’s fizzing was starting to become a bubbling. And not a pleasant bubbling, either. The centipedes were biting, or the thread was starting to boil. She could feel it shrinking in her hand, fading into nothingness with the last vestiges of Tim.

***

Roxx couldn’t believe this. There has to be more stuff like this out there. They have no idea what they’re doing. It’s only making this easier.

“She’s good, just a straight shot.” The smile finally started, free from it’s mental prison.

Oh, Bobbie, you just wait. The points of time that lined up in the spiraling miasmas of color were right.

“He’ll be fine.” Roxx said, stepping back.

Mostly. Except for one small thing.

***

Timmi started to feel strange, heavier. Things seemed less shiny, or cool. Vision was a little cloudy, and his mouth was dry.

Or pretty.

Pretty?

***

Bobbie felt a little bit like she’d been pulled through a taffy machine. Her laser like focus on Timmi was so sharp she didn’t notice her eyes lightening, nor the nearly white blonde hair flushing out the dark bits.

Or the blue Mark begin to fade.

Timmi started to disappear behind a dull glow, she could see it elongate and stretch. A sense of peace started to flow through Bobbie.

We did it.

***

Nikolai watched the proceedings with interest, as a boy his babushka had told him stories where things like this had happened. As he grew and saw things no one should see, he had decided that they were just that…

Stories.

There was a word for things like he was seeing now.

Magiya… Magic.

And there was a word for those that practiced it.

Ve’dma…Witch.

When the dull glow subsided, leaving an average looking boy where there was once a girl that would have easily been at home in this club, Nikolai wondered what else he would see, he hadn’t seen anything new in a long, long time. And for the first time, he was intrigued. His days in the GRU had shown him much, but nothing like this.

***

Timmi was kind of sad, like she knew she was going away. She was gonna miss Bobbie and Faye… and Faye.

And Rach…

And Zoe…

She had such a good time, everyone was so nice, but…

I’m here. A voice said. A faint, male voice.

The time spent in the mall, on the back of Zoe’s bike.

Her date with Faye, hanging out with Bobbie and her friends. She always felt so at home with them. Even when Bobbie was so determined to keep her from having fun.

It was always out of love.

Love.

Timmi felt her head get lighter, along with her chest.

Everything got all fuzzy; but soon started to become colorful, yet dark. There was white, and black, and red, and yellow

And….

Shapes started to come into focus, along with a powerful thirst…

***

Tim felt his tongue stick to the sides of his mouth as brief wave of nausea passed over him. Rolling his eyes around slowly, as if coming off of a turbocharged carousel.

“Bobbie Blue?” He said thickly, focusing on her diamond blue irises.

“Tim!” Bobbie gushed, flinging herself forward, wrapping her arms around him. She held him so tightly.

Her body, his body…

Finally the right people. Tim felt warm against her. He brought up his arms weakly, encircling her.

And cried.

“I still remember.” He croaked between sobs.

“It’s okay, Tim. It’s okay.” She ran a hand down the back of his head.

“But, but… I.” He moved his head back and looked around.

Roxx? Tim saw the dark construction site and finally registered the music. He knew where he was. “What…”

***

Bobbie looked deep into Tim’s brown eyes. They were sad eyes, she could see that the memory of ‘Timmi’ was still there.

“I know.” Bobbie said, letting go and placing a hand gently on his face. “It’s not your fault.”

“I love you, Bobbie.”

“I love you too, Tim. You’re gonna be okay.” She raised her voice. “Right, Faye?”

“He looks silly in a skirt.” The slightly higher pitch of Faye’s voice hadn’t changed.

“Faye?” Bobbie’s voice quavered as she turned to see Faye.

Bobbie had expected Faye to be in a position to flip a table or two over, enraged by her own fashion choices.

But, instead, there she stood. All blonde hair and giggly demeanor.

“What?” Faye asked. “It’s true. It doesn’t fit him at all.”

“No.” Bobbie whispered. Her face became tight.

No.

Now, it was Bobbie’s turn to cry. She had been able to save Tim with a little help…

…from my friends.

“Not fair.” She sobbed into Tim’s shoulder.

“Not fucking fair.” Goddamit. To have come this far to get nearly everything…

Bobbie and Tim holding each other. Tim in a state of confusion, Bobbie feeling that she had failed. Being in Tim’s arms was a small consolation.

“Jesus. Get a room, you two.” Faye said, checking herself in a mirror. “So, Roxx wants me to dance, huh?”

“Cool. The other girls are gonna be so jelly.”

***

Timmi was gone, which sucked noodles. Just left with that boy. He was boring, but sweet. Maybe I can borrow him again. She wondered idly if she could find a cheerleader uniform somewhere.

“Next Saturday night good?” Faye asked Roxx.

Roxx took a moment to reboot her calm face.

Faye rolled her eyes. “To dance? Duh.”

“Oh.” Roxx said, Bobbie too ensconced in Tim to catch the redhead taken aback.

“Sure.”

Faye giggled. “Ooh, that’s gonna be totes fun.” She turned on a coquettish grin. “I’ve got a lot to do.”

***

Kim watched as Tim shimmered back into existence, she checked a laugh when she saw Tim wearing a bright pink skirt that was way too short. Seeing Bobbie and Tim together again made her feel good. Tim’s colors were confused, but Kim didn’t see anything wrong with that, after all, he’d just been pulled through a wringer.

But Faye?

She hadn’t changed, it looked like Blonde Faye was going to be sticking around a little while. Wondering if it was her that did something wrong…

Or was it Roxx?

Or was it Bobbie in her guidance of Kim’s hand?

Kim had no way to know, but she didn’t have to be happy about it.

“Bobbie.” Kim started. Bobbie turned her head, sniffling as she did so. “We should get out of here. This is as good as we’re gonna get. If I stay here any longer, I might consider a career on the pole.”

“First sensible thing you’ve said since…” Roxx began, pulling out another cigarette.

“Fuck you, Roxx.”

“Now, now.” Roxx said, putting the nicotine stick between her lips. “I’d be very nice to me.” Kim watched as she inhaled. The end of the cigarette flared to life and sustained a glow.

“I have been studying, and I have a feeling that after tonight.” She exhaled smoke slowly. “There’s so much more to learn…”

The tone of her voice gave Bobbie the willies. The willies made Bobbie take heed of Kim’s words. Kim’s words made her think of Tim.

And, standing there in Tim’s arms made her think of home.

Seeing the further evidence of magic, no matter how small filled everyone with a sense of dread.

One long, sharp inhalation later, Bobbie let rage take over. She turned and slapped Roxx, leaving a mark that matched her hair.

Nikolai had his Makarov out instantly, the hammer locked back with an ominous click.

“N’yet.” Roxx said. “N’yeh Strel’yaht. “ Turning her head, the smile slipped through. “Bobbie.” She inhaled on her cigarette. “If you wanted to touch me, all you had to do was ask.”

“Save it.” Bobbie snapped. Her face dissolved back into its resting nice face position. “Tim, you okay to walk?”

Tim nodded, finally looking down at himself. The top hung like something between a tent and a tarp. With the gargantuan breasts gone, the front flopped down strangely and uselessly. He rose, wincing against the draft on his legs that crept up into the super short skirt. His first step was an exercise in disaster as the six inch heeled boots hurt his feet at every possible angle. Bobbie had an arm around herself to keep him steady.

“Bobbie.” He croaked. “I…I…”

“I’m so sorry.” He started to cry again.

She squeezed him closer. “It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re here.” Her bright smile went a long way to make his darkness scatter somewhat.

He smiled back thinly. “I like the outfit… yours. I…” He looked down at the skirt.

“Need to cover up.” He began to blush.

“Later, let’s just get out of here.”

***

Kim eyed the scene keenly. She checked her face, it was a touch sweaty. But her seething rage for Roxx was hidden behind the makeup and hair. Gritting her teeth behind her lips, she got a look at Faye.

Faye, who was her key to understanding what she had become.

Faye, who had seen Kim for who she could be and wouldn’t let her just give in to Lust.

We’re not done yet, we can still fix this somehow.

Sis. Faye had been just as much of a sister to her as Bobbie had.

Kim looked to her sister, Bobbie’s eyes full of tears. Despite being unable to read her, Kim knew that this moment would haunt her for some time to come.

“We’re going home already?” Faye said, disappointed. “But we just got here.”

“Faye.” Bobbie began.

“Yeah.” Kim interrupted. “You already danced, Faye. Sounds like you ruined the night for the rest of the girls. You were way too good tonight.” She flashed a ‘shut up’ face to Bobbie.

“Yeah, Faye. We should go though. School tomorrow and all.” Bobbie looked back up to Tim’s face, happy to see it where it should be.

“I suppose.” Faye grabbed her purse and swayed her way to the stairwell. Kim followed with Bobbie and Tim behind.

“About that pastry order?” Roxx called.

“We’ll have it.” Bobbie gritted. “Two weeks on new standing orders.”

“Tim.” Roxx laughed. “You sure have the ass for that skirt.”

“F-fuck you, Roxx.” Tim weakly spat, wincing against the pain of the strappy boots.

***

The car ride home was oddly quiet. Kim riding shotgun while Bobbie held Tim’s hand and touched him reassuringly.

“Oh, damn.” Faye said. “I need gas. Can we just pull in here?”

Without waiting for an answer, Faye got out of the car and entered the gas station. When she re emerged from the building, she had two cups and a bag.

“Here.” She said to Tim. He accepted the cup thankfully and began to suck down the contents greedily. The cold beverage was too cold, causing instant brainfreeze, he shook his head violently. He recognized the drink.

Cherry Iced Sucky.

Looking inside the bag was some beef jerky and a small lollipop.

“Thanks.” Tim forced a smile, remembering what that care package had been like when the high heeled strappy boot was on the other foot. Faye smiled at him.

“You deserve it.” Faye said, bringing the sexy smile back. “Bobbie…”

“You take care of him. Wouldn’t want me to come in and sweep him off his feet.”

Bobbie smiled. “Not a problem.”

Faye was pumping the gas, Kim was checking her reflection.

“Never a problem…”

Bobbie moved in for a kiss.

“You’re a part of me, remember?”

***

Bobbie had managed to get Tim back up the stairs with no one watching. In his bedroom, he stripped off the feminine clothing.

“I need to get in the shower.”

Tim regarded his girlfriend. Damn, she looked good, the blue streak in her hair playing against her features. The skirt and top were definitely a change from the blue floral prints and the low rise jeans.

But he liked it.

She moved close to him and nestled into that position that felt so familiar and comforting.

“I’m so happy that you’re you again.”

He laughed nervously. “Just in time for Prom?”

She joined the laugh.

“Does this weird stuff like this happen all the time with you?”

“Starting to think so.” She murmured, feeling him stiffen against her.

“My boner is so confused right now.” He whispered. “And the nose ring’s cute.” Tim tried to smile. Bobbie laughed as she looked up and kissed him, gripping him tightly. Faye would survive, she could take a back seat for just a moment. The triumph of getting in and out of Vesuvius with Tim instead of Timmi would just have to do.

It was the small victories.

She looked at her newly returned boyfriend, and just wondered what events this seemingly meaningless interlude would set in motion. It was ominous, sure.

But, it looked like she was getting a handle on it. And it looked like Tim was to be a willing accomplice.

Which was good.

Because she was going to need all the help and support she was going to get.

Attachment	Size
bkldlast.rtf	144.49 KB

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part II

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 4

Robb had drained about $1200 from the bank card that bore his name. He
bought a backpack at a thrift store. He broke the card in half and
threw it away. He walked and walked, and walked...

...and walked. During his internet musings he discovered the idea of
the Walkabout.

Walking until you meet yourself, considering the events of the week,
that seemed like the most likely thing in the world. He knew that there
wasn't an explosion behind him. He also knew that he wasn't walking in
slow motion. But that's how he felt, happy and sad tears running
rivulets of mascara and eyeliner down his face. Walking down the long,
long road towards... Where?

First thing's first... Frank.

Frank was the Fake ID guy. Could damn near fake anything except money.
This should be easy.

He knocked on the door. It buzzed and he pushed.

"Frank?"

"Hey, Do I know you?" Frank put down his taco and wiped his hand on his
well stained Mountain Dew shirt. He reached under the table for the
little Seecamp.45 he kept there.

"Yeah, umm." Bobbie looked down at her feet. "Melanie sent me. I don't
wanna go back...."

"She said you could help me. I left my parents, they were in some weird
cult. I need to get some I.D., I just can't go back , I just can't...."
Bobbie was trying to sound genuinely upset, luckily she already looked
like she'd been crying. His expression became less hard.

"... and Mel said you were the one to see. I need ID, Social Security
Card, Birth Certificate and School Records. I've got money. I have no
one else to turn to."

"Close the door behind you," Frank said, Bobbie suddenly remembering
where she was and who she was talking to.

"That's gonna cost you. Three hundred at least, or you could blow me."

That sleazy fucker. Bobbie threw three crisp hundred dollar bills on
the table, careful to hide his horror. Tears came unbidden, slowly
leaking down his face, creating new tracks of makeup.

The hopeful look in Frank's eyes died, he grimaced. "Okay. Miss. Give
me a few minutes to set up and we'll be ready. Ummm." Frank looked
around. "I'm gonna need a picture. There's a bathroom over there to
freshen up, if you want. Are you okay? Can I get you a coffee of
something? It's gonna be a bit, Miss?"

"Sharpe, Bobbie Sharpe," Bobbie said as she headed toward the bathroom.
She saw the makeup that had ran down her face like a rural roadmap.
God, she must have looked terrible. Well, Frank didn't think so.
Blowjob, Bobbie forced the thought out of his mind, the thought of it
was just... EWWW!

The makeup came right off, leaving his{her} face clean, eyes slightly
puffy. But there it was. For the first time in his life, he cared what
a picture of him would look like. Ironically, he wouldn't look his
best. Or, like him at all. Satisfied that this was the best he was
going to be able to do for now, he went back out to face Frank.

There were questions, things to fill out. He never realized how much
paper a single life generated. Then the all important picture, he
hastily parted his hair down the middle, allowing it to flow over his
shoulders.

An hour later, Frank had done his magic. And there was a Colorado
Driver's License and Social Security card for One Bobbie Sharpe, Born
11/13/1995, even had school transfer records from California.
Everything she would need to start fresh.

Frank thanked her for her business, and told Bobbie to tell Melanie he
said hi.

"Okay, sure," she said.

Fat chance, she thought.

* ************

When Melanie came out of the bathroom, she expected to find Robb
sleeping. When the body was gone, she was concerned. When she noticed
the bank card was missing. She went ballistic. Nuclear missile
ballistic.

That....fucking bitch. Melanie thought. After all I did for him. She
was so mad, she broke a few things, screamed. When none of those things
were able to assuage her anger, she went to the drawer and pulled out
the stash box she kept the drugs in. She started with the marijuana and
cocaine.

Then came the alcohol, then the oxycontin{which she crushed and
snorted}. The anger started to subside, mellowness radiating out from
her belly. Her reactions slowed as tiredness crept into her. She began
to nod off. The cigarette she was smoking was fresh... half gone...
burning her fingers as it dropped onto the carpet

And everything went black.

"Melanie," a sexy voice purred into her ear. She opened her eyes.

They were in an old, abandoned hospital. Sort of. That's what was in
front of her, her neck wouldn't turn. It felt like her body had been
encased in wet concrete. All of her movements seems geologically slow.

The stranger stood in front of her. She looked vaguely Asian, with
large breasts and luscious hips. "You're probably wondering what's
going on? Turn around and look. Suddenly released, she spun around.
Melanie saw her body splayed out on the sofa, foaming at the mouth,
unconscious.

"Oh, You're in trouble, aren't you?"

Melanie felt the wrongness in her body. Oh, God. She overdosed. She was
always so careful about what she took and how much. Fuckin' Robb. Wait,
what's that smell?

Smoke? Fire? Oh, God. WAKE UP! Melanie was frozen in place.

"Yes, Fuckin' Robb. Tell me about him."

"Help me!, I don't wanna die," Melanie pleaded to the stranger.

"Shhh! I won't let anything happen to you. just as long as you help,"
the stranger purred the dark light glinting off of her purple lips.
"Tell me about Fuckin' Robb, we have just oodles of time." Melanie
watched the flames start to rise. It was like watching slow motion
footage of a car crash, everything gracefully moving, lapping up into
the air.

"I..."Melanie began, quickly turning from the flame to the stranger.

"Tell me. I can just leave you here, you know?"

"Tell me," she growled.

"He's an ungrateful bastard," Melanie blurted. Fuck him. he just took
the money and ran off, leaving you alone. "I helped make him a cooler
person. All he ever did was a bunch of nerdy shit. I had him in the
palm of my hand, who doesn't want that? After he became a girl I..."

"Became a girl, yes, tell me about that." There was a kind of Cheshire
Kitten look to her grin.

"He got shot, I left. He was a girl when I got back. I didn't believe
him at first. Didn't make any sense at all. But absolutely nobody could
have known those things. He was all blond hair and blue eyes, and..."

"OOOH! An Advocate. It's been sooooo long." She clapped her hands,
jumping up and down. "Melanie, this may be the beginning of a beautiful
friendship."

"What do you mean?" The stranger came right up to her. Stroking her
face. Fear replacing anger in Mel's face.

"Don't worry, there won't be anything to be afraid of. Nothing's going
to hurt you anymore, or ever again." Melanie saw her body sit up, and
walk zombielike to the door.

"You can get them back, get them all back." She smiled, a grin suddenly
voracious. "They will beg for your forgivness. And, you don't have to
give it to them."

"Who are you?" Melanie asked, both frightened and fascinated

"You can call me Lust. I think we're going to have some fun together.
But first, we're going to HAVE to do something about that thing you're
wearing."

*********

Bobbie had been walking for quite a while. The feeling of wearing a
backpack on her front was going away, fading into the 'new normal',
much like the new sway his hips had. Wearing a backpack helped,
providing a counter weight.

Five miles. Where to go? Only know one place. Home. Bobbie thought
about everything that had happened. Memories cascaded.

Ten miles, fifteen. The more walking she did, the clearer he felt,
smelling the crisp air. There were things about what he was doing that
set him on edge. What would he tell them? Well, I could have been
Robb's girlfriend. Rehab?? It would sound good, he reasoned. It would
at least sounded like I was trying to get better. Yeah, Melanie was
cheating on me...him, damn. We met in the rehab clinic. For what,
though? Painkillers? Black Tar Heroin?

What if they didn't buy it? What if the records or ID didn't work. What
if Melanie came back? All of these questions were asked, but went away
as he stood there. He had blindly gone to the one place in the universe
that, while you can occupy its space again, it's never the same.

Home.

He knocked on the door, and waited. Then she answered. She stood there
looking at him, with no recognition in her eyes.

Here Goes, and before any rational thought occurred. Bobbie leapt
forward. "Oh, God. Mom," she whimpered, and hugged her. Startled, the
woman eased and returned the embrace.

"Mom? Do I know you? Are you one of Kim's friends?"

Composing herself, Bobbie let the tears that were threatening to burst
go. "No, I'm...I... I mean I was Robb's Girlfriend. He's... He's."

The woman's face twisted. She collapsed to her knees. "NO!" she cried.
Bobbie moved forward.

"He wanted me to..." It was her turn she hugged Bobbie, who hugged
back. Bobbie's voice went unheard. It felt like a geological age before
either of them moved.

She looked at Bobbie, wiped her eyes, smiled lightly. "Why don't you
come in?"

Bobbie walked into the house he had grown up in... Robb had grown up
in. He stood in the room where, years ago, he had screamed and
screamed. In a way, it was good to be back. In another, it felt very
strange and awkward. The furniture was different. The carpet the same,
memories hung there like so many dust motes.

"God, when he was a kid it was all movies and comics. I knew the other
kids thought of him as a nerd. I felt sorry for him. But when he
brought..." Her mouth moved like something distasteful was in it.
"...That girl, Michelle?"

"Melanie," Bobbie said, nodding. "He told me about her. He wasn't happy
about how things ended with her. And what she wound up doing to all
three of you."

"How did they end?" Sylvia asked.

Bobbie exhaled, crossed her legs and hoped for the best.

She told him about how Robb knew that Mel was cheating on him. How they
had met at a rehab clinic, both seeking treatment in the medical wing
due a former partner's indiscretion. She talked about how he tried to
clean up, and get himself together. He was clean and about to start
working, when the accident happened. With nobody around to make the
decision, he'd been cremated. His ashes scattered in the Mojave desert.

"Because," Bobbie admitted with a wan smile, "that's where they shot
the jet car sequence in."

"...Buckaroo Banzai. God, he loved that movie.

"He wanted to come back. He felt so bad about the way he left things
with you and Kim. Before he died... He wanted to come back to you so
badly, always told me what he wanted to say. 'No matter where you go...
there you are' Does that mean anything to you?... umm," The act seemed
to be working, so far

Sylvia chuckled through the tears. "Sylvia, please. It's from the same
movie. When his father was alive, they would watch it together every
weekend... I know the quote. Still don't think I've seen the whole
thing."

The door suddenly opened. "Hi, Mom." It was Kim. Bobbie remembered Kim
just four years ago, pigtails and dresses. The teenaged girl before him
looked radically different. Skinny jeans, brown hair cut into a faux
hawk, Ear plugs and a Laberet piercing. A pink camouflage babydoll
shirt that read "GRRL ARMY" emblazoned on the front.

"This is..."

"Kim?" Bobbie asked. Kim was taken aback. It had only been four years.
Seeing her now, Bobbie really wanted to know about those four years.
With the guitar slung on her back, she looked ready to trash an
expensive hotel room.

"Kim, dear. Come sit. I think we need to talk. It's about Robb."

Kim slowly lowered herself to the sofa. It could only be one thing. How
did it happen? She wondered. Overdose? Robbery? It didn't matter to
her. She just wanted to hear him call her Kimster again. Her face
contorted as she started to cry, her head in her hands. Bobbie went to
put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She batted it away angrily. She
spun while standing, grabbed Bobbie by the shoulders, shaking her.

"Where is she?" Kim hissed through clenched teeth. "I'll... I'll." From
anger to tears, a switch was flipped. Bobbie reached out and hugged
Kim. "Robb," she sobbed.

"It wasn't her, Kim. It was a car accident," Sylvia said, she hated
seeing Kim this way, the anger that constantly simmered beneath her
surface. And now, with Robb gone she feared that Kim's anger might stay

"He was so sorry. He wasn't even mad at you. He always said if there
was one thing that he could take back. It would be the last thing he
said to you. He knew things were screwed up. He only wanted to come
home."

Kim let go of Bobbie, grabbed her wrist. Sniffing, she said. "Mom we'll
be back." So, she still did that, Bobbie mused. Grabbing him and
leading him to whatever it was she wanted to show him. Bobbie felt like
Robb did for a moment, being pulled along. It felt good, familiar.

"Kim," Sylvia exclaimed.

"It's okay, Mom. "She shouted over her shoulder. And, just like that,
Sylvia was left alone in the house. She had to admit, at least Robert
had straightened out there near the end. What had Robb said to Bobbie
about them? She needed to know.

But, she mused, at least now she could know. Bobbie seemed nice. At
least someone could fill her in about her son. Once a block had passed,
Kim turned around and looked keenly. Pulled a pack of Newports out of
her pocket and fumbled with the lighter. She lit the cigarette. The
light flickering, highlighting her red eyes. She inhaled and exhaled
twice in rapid succession.

Wanting to break the ice, Bobbie said, "You think I can get one of
those?"

Kim looked at her suspiciously, flipped open the pack and offered her
one. Her lighter was out by the time Bobbie had the cigarette in her
mouth. Leaning in to the lighter, Kim said, "Bobbie, tell me what
happened."

Bobbie inhaled, the smoke burned her throat, the menthol flavor doing
nothing to make it easy. She coughed lightly. Kim chuckled.

"Not much of a smoker, huh? You're not his type, y'know. Blond, way too
hot. Too much of a good girl. How did you know him?"

"Met at a clinic." Bobbie waved the cigarette. "Melanie gave him
something. We were trying to get him clean and back to school. His
death came out of nowhere. It's hard to believe that Robb's gone," It
was so weird to say that.

"Oh, how I wish she were here." She let the cigarette dangle from her
lips as she smacked a palm with her fist. She flicked the cigarette
away. "I wish I could have seen him one more time. Wish he could meet
me now. So much has changed."

"Yeah," Bobbie said, inhaling on the cigarette again. She looked at it
distastefully, stepped on it. "What happened with you? From what he
told me you should be sporting a pair of pom poms by now."

Kim grinned a lopsided grin. "I'm gay. He wouldn't have known. I only
came out last year," she chuckled. "Decided I liked girls more."

"How did Mo... um... Sylvia take it."

Kim looked at her unevenly. "Did you just almost call her 'Mom'?"

Shit! "Ummm, I...I," Bobbie stammered.

Like a flurry, Kim was on him. Bringing her right foot around Bobbie's
left and positioned her hand for a blow to the chest.

Bobbie saw it in slow motion, she brought her right foot back and
absorbed the blow on her left breast, but the leg sweep failed. As it
happened, she was amazed at how quickly it all came back, and how
quickly she was able to call her limbs back into position.

"Ow," Bobbie said, rubbing her chest. It hurt, much like a kick in the
groin used to. Only, somewhere else.

"Okay, what's going on? He taught me that, not much else. But I haven't
lost a fight yet."

"Kimster," Bobbie whispered, tears brimming.

"Did he tell you that, too?" She moved in again. Raising her fist for
another attack

Bobbie brought up her hands. "No, no"

"Who are you. What do you want?"

"It's like I said, really. I'm here to fix what Robb broke. I think I'm
the only one who can." Kim lowered her hands. "No Matter where you
go..."

"... there you are, right?" Kim said, softening. "I guess. You only get
where you're going by being where you've gone.

Bobbie's eyes widened. "You saw that?"

"After he left, I watched his movies, read his books, stole his cds. I
just wanted to feel close to him again. I missed him, the asshole," Kim
said, sniffing back tears. "C'mon, we should head back. There's
something you should see."

She grabbed Bobbie's wrist again and ran back to the house. They re
entered the house, Kim bolting up the stairs, Bobbie in tow. "Taking
Bobbie into Robb's room." Up the stairs they went and then into the
second door on the left, Kim opened the door.

It was just like Robb left it. DVDs, videogames, comic books, The
Bettie Page poster on the wall. Bobbie walked in, stunned. Was he so
mad at the time? God, why am I so emotional? As if in a trance, Bobbie
opened the top drawer of the dresser.

I wonder if it's still there? She reached up inside to the secret spot,
and pulled out a rolled up piece of paper. Unrolling it, she was
stunned to see that it read "Drugs are bad, m'kay."

Kim's eyes went wide, she turned around and closed the door.

"Okay, there's no reason you should know about that. I got rid of that
joint and left that note there. I knew he'd find it. If he ever came
back," she said quietly. She looked up at Bobbie, eyes narrowing.

"Who are you. Really? I scream, and Mom'll..."

Fuck it, I need someone. Please let her believe me.

"Kimster, it's me. Robb."

"Bullshit. That's not possible. It's just... not."

"And yet, here I am."

Kim reached forward and squeezed Bobbie's breasts.

"Hey," Bobbie said, trying to slap her hands away. Seizing the
opportunity Bobbie pinned her to the wall, just like he did when they
were kids.

"You never could get out of this. So just listen. For once, listen to
me. I am in here, you've gotta believe me. You've got to," Bobbie
pleaded. "I just really needed..." As the crying started, Bobbie
loosened her grip. She collapsed on Kim.

"Oh, Kimster. I needed you guys... Mom." Bobbie flopped down on the
floor. Head in her hands. "I don't know what to do." That moment
crystallized it for Kim.

Trust. Automatic, unflinching trust. The kind of trust she had been
unable to have with anyone else, not since...

"Robb?" She smiled, she saw it. It was him in there. Had to be. The
joint, Kimster, calling Sylvia 'mom'. The 'Spider' hold. It made
absolutely zero sense, but this girl who called herself 'Bobbie' was
her brother. "Oh, God. Robb." She flung herself to him and clung
tightly. "What happened?"

Bobbie looked at his sister. "I got shot in a robbery with Mel. I just
remember being cold and there being a lot of blood. Then this... Wait a
minute. Just like that? You believe me?"

Kim punched him in the chest, again.

"Ow, stop doing that."

"Regular girl would've tried to hit me. You walk kind of like a guy,
you knew about the hidden joint." She ticked off the reasons on the
fingers of one hand. "Maybe I don't believe you, and this is all part
of my devious plan to get you into my evil clutches." Kim leaned in, as
if to kiss.

Bobbie let Kim go and released her. "Jesus, Kimster I'm your..."

"And there's the clincher," To punctuate, Kim punched him in the
opposite breast. "I Can't very well kick you in the balls, can I. You
fucking jerk," She hugged him again. "Besides, you had to be telling
the truth. How could you not wanna get with this?" Kim flaunted her
body. "Bee Tee Double Ewe, you're really cute, bro."

"Thanks," Bobbie said dryly. "I think I died, but then I woke up like
this." Having this conversation was hard enough. She wasn't even going
to try to explain Justice.

"Like a second chance?" Kim grinned. "Cool. I get my brother back.
Well, sort of."

"Let's not get too excited. I still don't know what I'm doing. I don't
have a place to live. I just barely got a new license. I knew I had to
come here first, I needed to apologize to you both. I didn't really
mean what I said, I needed to say I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm
going to do. I am going to finish school, this time though."

"Place to live, huh? I think I might be able to arrange that. I'll talk
Mom into it. Since you left, it's just been the two of us. And, to
answer your earlier question. Mom didn't handle my gayness very well,
not at all. But, she also didn't want to lose both of us, she just kind
of let me be. I think she finally accepted it."

She hugged Bobbie again. "I'm so glad you're here." The embrace
tightened. "But, if you ever die like that again. I'll kill you," They
both laughed.

"And, well..." Bobbie suddenly flushed, the red showing against the
smooth, alabaster skin. "I've gotta be honest with you, Kimster. This
whole 'girl' thing," She sighed exasperated.

"What do you mean?" Kim asked.

Bobbie looked at her embarrassed. "I had a period the day after it
happened. I thought I was going to die... again. I freaked out. Melanie
showed me how to sort of deal with it. But"

Kim laughed, a lot louder than she should have. "I'm sorry," The
laughing continued. She wiped her eyes. "I just can't picture..." Still
chuckling. "Don't worry your pretty little head about it. Bro," Kim
said reassuringly deepening her voice as she finished.

Bobbie wished everyone would stop saying that.

"You know I'm going to spend hours messing with you, right?"

Bobbie Glared at her.

"You know that 'Scanners' shit isn't real right?"

"Yeah? Neither is having your 'y' chromosome grow another leg," Bobbie
said, relieved that he open up to someone.

"Fair enough," Kim surveyed the body her brother now inhabited.

"There is one thing I've wanted to ask you for years," Kim said

"Sure, what?"

"Can I have your Bettie Page poster?" Kim asked sheepishly.

Bobbie laughed, happy to see her sister acting happy. "Sure."

"C'mon, Juete."

"Hey," Bobbie shot back. "Juete had pink eyes, mine are blue..."

They went back downstairs.

o ***********

Sylvia ordered pizza and they ate and talked, just the girls. It was
nice to see Kim not being angsty for once. She and Bobbie were getting
along. It did her heart good. She had brought down some boxes from
the attic. "These are all of his old stories, school papers, and book
reports. I...I just wanted him to come back."

Was he still writing?"

She kept all those, really?

"He was trying, wasn't really finding anything that worked. I think
that what happened with you threw off his rhythm. " She took some of
the old pages out. Bobbie stared at them incredulously.

"I can't believe you kept these," Bobbie felt herself wanting to cry,
again.

"Of course, he was my little boy," Sylvia cried. Bobbie put out a hand.
"And now he's..." Her voice broke.

"It's okay. It wasn't anything you did. He just wanted to be wanted.
He was always so alone..." Bobbie started to speak. She went on for
about an hour, with eloquence about Robb's shortcomings. Bobbie saw
them with such striking clarity. When it was over, Sylvia was all cried
out. But felt better than she had in the whole time he'd been gone, and
went to bed feeling lighter than in recent memory. Kim offered some
room space to Bobbie. "We've got a lot to talk about, Bobbie and I."

Kim stayed up late with Bobbie. She snuck out of the window of her room
to sit on the roof. Bobbie went with her.

"So, when did you start smoking?" Bobbie asked Kim.

"When I stole your pack right before you left," she giggled, inhaling.

"You know that's bad for you, right?"

"Not as bad. See, lights? And you should talk. How do you like being a
girl?"

Bobbie shrugged. "I'm not sure 'like' is the right word. I mean, it's
still difficult to remember to sit to pee. It's been a rollercoaster
these last few days. I was watching TV and I cried over that damn Sarah
Machlachan commercial with the hurt animals."

Kim nodded and smoked in silence.

"Everybody cries at that commercial. So, do you like guys now or what?"
she said, sending pieces of silence scattered by her warhammer.

The question took Bobbie aback. "I... I don't know. Haven't really
thought about it much. I did some stuff with Melanie after..." She
waved her hand up and down. "This. Honestly I only remember part of it.
She... we... I took ecstasy."

"Just wondered. Y'know. Though maybe we could check out girls. Wanted
to do that with you since I found out I was gay." She reached over and
grabbed Bobbie's ponytail. "C'mon Whaddaya say? We get you a pixie cut
and some Birkenstocks. And we can listen to Melissa Etheridge and The
Indigo Girls all day." She dropped the still smoldering butt into the
coffee can she kept there for that exact reason.

Bobbie chuckled. "It's casual. Let's get some other things sorted out.
First, I wanna finish school. I'm going to finish something. I feel so
much better now that Mel's gone."

"School?" Kim lit another cigarette. "You could always go back to
Delacroix. Things are different now."

"No shit," Bobbie said.

"No, really. There are more people like you used to be there now.
Somehow, being a little geeky became cool. Plus, you look like that.
The greatest fortress is to be found in the love of the people and all
that..."

"Besides." She smacked her fist into her palm. "They'll have to deal
with me this time."

Bobbie looked at her, eyebrow raised. "Yeah, I'll be the first guy to
say 'I'm gonna get my little sister to beat you up'." They both snorted
with laughter.

"You're not a guy," Kim reminded her. "Maybe you should learn all the
Penny Priddy quotes."

"Yeah, I wanted to ask you. Buckaroo Banzai? The Man Who Never Missed?
Bug bit you, huh?"

"Yeah, some," She smirked. "Hey, you like some cool shit."

"And the bass?"

"Oh, that. Just picked it up. Been playing for about two years. Started
the band with some girls I met through Facebook. Y'know I wrote like
five songs about you after you left?"

Bobbie smiled. "Really?'

"Yeah, you big jerk. I was so fucking mad at you. Choosing Melanie..."

"Over it now, completely."

"No, 'Choosing Melanie' was one of the songs." Bobbie looked down.

"I'm sorry," She breathed

"Look. I think I can get Mom to let you stay here. There's plenty of
space. And, quite frankly, Mom needs another girl around. We'll go out
tomorrow, I've got practice, you can come with me. Meet the other
girls. Once we get you integrated, this should be fun."

Integrated? Bobbie sensed a project, he was wishing that there could be
an 80s movie montage that would just leave everything finished. But if
she was going to get a new life, she had to start somewhere.

Chapter 5

"I fucking want his head, her head, whatever," the One Who Was Melanie
said, rage coloring every fiber of her being." Her body swayed, the
difference in it's weight and proportion still new to her. Still riding
the waves of hate from Lust, all of her senses were in overdrive.

"And you'll have her, But you need to be patient. We can both get
everything we want."

The One Who Was Melanie looked at the mirror. Her features had
softened, the damage from the drugs disappearing. Her face had changed,
as had her skin, deepening to a golden hue. Her was body more supple,
voluptuous. Her hair had changed to a vibrant red; all of her tattoos
had disappeared save one. The 'tramp stamp' remained save one
difference.

Some purple Kanji characters sat in the center now.

##: The characters for Lust.

Lust looked at The One Who Was Melanie. "We are going..." Lust slinked
forward, raising her arms to feel her newest work press against her
body

"..to take." She slid an arm around her waist.

"Her world." She bent in to Not-Melanie's face.

"Apart." Lust kissed her passionately. The anticipation warming her
loins in a way not felt since the last Thrall didn't work out. She
thought of Faye. How she figured it out was beyond her. But, that plan
would have to wait for the moment.

Yes, Lust. OOH! The One Who Was Melanie thought. This was better than
drugs, lost as she was in Lust's grip. Pleasure tingling every ending
of every nerve. Lust smiled. She knew that The One That Was Melanie
knew the Advocate, could help find and defeat her. It was just a matter
of time.

And Lust had all the time in the world.

* ************

Sylvia woke up early the next morning to the sounds and smells of
frying bacon and coffee. When she came down, there was Kim sitting at
the counter, drinking coffee.

"Hi, Mom," she said. "Bobbie thought we'd like breakfast.

"Smells good. " Sylvia said. Kim was already moving to get her mother's
coffee."What are we having?" she said, stifling a yawn.

Bobbie was jumping around. Kim had put her band's disc on. The music
orchestrated her movement as she skipped around like a ninja on a hot
tin roof. Things were flipped and moved with a minimum of effort. There
was a style to movement now. Bobbie still remembered Robb, the memories
so much easier to grab now. She glided around the kitchen, flipping
pancakes, making omelets and plating with an ease that surprised even
her.

Sylvia looked at the plate, containing a small vegetable omelet, two
pancakes, two slices of bacon, and hash browns. "How long have you two
been up?"

"Not long," Bobbie yelled. Sheepishly, she turned down the music.
"Sorry, Sylvia. Only about an hour"

She nodded, sipping coffee. "I know all those songs, they used to
practice here," She dug into the omelet. Her eyes opened. "Mmm. This is
delicious. You did all this in an hour? What.."

"Eat mom. I finished mine already. Try the pancakes," Kim said,
grinning. Sylvia looked at her daughter. When was the last time she saw
Kim grin like that? The pancakes were creamy, fluffy, and delicious.

"Oh, my gosh. Bobbie, you're a wonderful cook. Who taught you?"

She added half and half to a cup. "Hmmm?" She looked around at Sylvia
and Kim. Lost in seeing them all together, there was a love and joy
that replaced the hollowness. This is what was missing, from Mel's
presence,s he decided.

"Me? Oh, no one. Just call it a knack," she said, sipping coffee and
crunching a piece of bacon.

"Mom, Bobbie and I were talking. She's almost done with school. D'ya
think we can keep her?"

Bobbie spluttered. "Kim, I..."

"Mom, she came here just to tell us about Robert, she's got no one to
go back to. She needs to finish school. I think she'll be good to have
around.

She nodded. "You stay in school." She looked down at the plate, It was
gone. She was full from breakfast, but felt... somehow complete. Kim
was probably right. "And you keep cooking, and you've got a deal."

Kim looked at her mother. "Wow, that was easy."

Bobbie would be good to have around. Sylvia decided. Kim looked... not
so angry. She had to admit that she herself felt comfortable around
Bobbie immediately, even though she couldn't understand why. It made no
sense, but it felt right having her here.

"Good, now that that's settled. I've got band practice today. Bobbie's
gonna come with me, meet the other recruits." Bobbie went up and
changed back into the jeans and t-shirt she had in the bag she came
with.

After leaving, Kim looked at Bobbie. "We need to build you a life.
Clothes, friends, everything. Nobody's gonna believe that you just came
up out of the concrete. You don't even have a facebook profile or a
phone. Don't worry, Robb. This is going to be so much easier than it
was last time."

Bobbie gave a sideways look, eyes narrowed to the width of dental
floss.

Kim laughed. "I said easier, I didn't say it was going to be easy. No
matter where you go, remember?"

"Umm Kim. I think it would be better if you just called me Bobbie from
now on. 'Robb' just sounds weird now," Bobbie chuckled.

"What's so funny?" Kim asked shaking a Newport out of the pack.

"Melanie gave me that name. Seems like the only thing she was right
about."

I am Bobbie Sharpe. She thought. And, I'm going to be a good person.

Chapter 6

Bobbie had some cash left from retaining Frank's services. Not much,
about $900. It was still sitting in 'Robb's' wallet.

"Nice," Kim said. "Boba Fett wallet. That was weird... you know, with
mom back there."

"I just think she felt some part of me in here still," Bobbie said.
"So, where are we going exactly? I mean now that you've got me out here
and all."

"Told you, band practice. You need to meet the others. Let's just rip
that band aid off now," Kim said, flipping out her phone. "Call
Heather."

"Hey, I'm bringing someone.... No, I'm pretty sure that she's okay."
She looked at Bobbie. "You guys are gonna wanna meet her anyway.
Kaybai."

"'Rip that band aid off'?" Bobbie eyed his sister suspiciously. "What's
that supposed to mean?"

"Well, that's the thing about us. We kinda don't fit. We're all
different. See, that's the philosophy of the band. We're GRRL ARMY, we
are all different kinds of girls, and that makes us different. But
we're all girls, and that makes us the same. Well, Bobbie. What kind
of girl are you?

"It doesn't matter what kind of girl you are, just be the best kind of
whatever girl you want to be."

Bobbie whistled. "That's some deep thought. Worthy of Dr. Banzai."

"I am occasionally brilliant," Kim said, shrugging.

"So, what happened after you left?" Kim asked.

"Lotsa drugs, lotsa sex, lotsa criminal shit. When you're high, things
just kinda, I dunno, slip by. I thought I was happy, but now." It was
Bobbies turn to shrug. "I'm not sure what kind of girl I am yet.
There's just so many things. I..."

"Don't worry, Bro...obbie. You might learn a lot. How many guys get
this opportunity? I mean, if this kind of thing happened often, we'd
hear about it right?" She deepened her voice. "In a secret government
base, top soldiers were transformed into women..." Kim laughed loudly.
"That sounds like the worst movie ever..."

"It could work as a comedy." Bobbie sighed. "But this-" Bobbie covered
his breasts. "Isn't so funny. I mean to live with."

"I see what you mean. Don't worry. I'm sure this will all work out."

The house loomed in front of them as Kim and Bobbie strolled up to the
door. Kim's guitar looking like a samurai sword in the shadow. She
knocked.

The door opened, and a dark haired girl who was obviously living in the
wrong decade stood there, in an ensemble that looked more at home on
Rita Hayworth or Jane Russell. A large, purple flower attached to the
left side of her head.

"Hey, Heather. This is Bobbie, she's new around here. So, I thought I
would introduce her to the most kickass band in all of Delacroix." Kim
watched as Heather studied Bobbie.

"Yeah," Heather looked over her sunglasses at Bobbie. "Everyone's here
already. To the garage!" Heather's dress twirled as she spun.

"Oh, boy. You're in for it now," Kim whispered.

Bobbie shot a confused glance at Kim.

"If she looks over her glasses at you. It means she sees a challenge."

"Challenge?" Bobbie didn't like the sound of that. But before she could
ask about what that meant, the garage came into view. The garage looked
like a common garage. Old sofa. Musical equipment. Off in the corner
was a full length mirror. Next to it was a sewing table, littered with
scraps of fabric.

"Bobbie, this is Bella on Drums." The blonde at the drum kit brought up
her hand and flashed the devil horns. "...and Amber on lead guitar."
The redhead nodded. "They wore similar GRRL ARMY shirts," Kim said,
indicating the girls in turn. "You met Heather."

Heather was crossing over to Bobbie. Removing her sunglasses, she took
a good look at her. Sizing her up as if for a fight. She walked up to
Bobbie, nervousness flooding her.

Wait, is this like, girl hazing or something? Heather reached up and
pulled the scrunchie from her hair. "Hey, I..." She ran her hands
through Bobbie's hair.

Heather opened her mouth, and Bobbie heard a beautiful mezzo soprano
voice say. "You have beautiful eyes." She moved hair out of Bobbie's
face. "Striking features. Hmm...Bangs. Definitely bangs"

"Excuse me, I..." Bobbie was a little shocked by the sudden attention

"No earrings?" Heather said, shocked. "Where did you come from?"

"Jesus fuck, Heather. You've only just fuckin' met her. Give her some
fuckin' time before you mercilessly rearrange her look," said Bella,
resting her arms on the drum kit.

"Well, excuse me," Heather said. "I see someone in need and I help. Oh,
honey. Who did those eyebrows? And the shirt... none of this stuff fits
right at all. Kim, you did the right thing bringing her here. C'mon."

Bobbie followed along, was that what his life had been like? Constantly
pulled this way and that. Heather stopped at the wardrobe, flinging it
open.

"So, are you a zero or a one?" Heather asked.

"Is that a computer joke?" Bobbie asked blankly.

"What's your size?" Heather responded like one would a slow dog.

"Never did much shopping outside of shirts and jeans."

Heather eyed Bobbie suspiciously.

"Oh," Bobbie said. Remembering what Melanie said it was. "Zero."

"I think," she said, glancing at Bobbie as she flipped through the
dresses. "Yeah, blue... definitely blue." She pulled a blue dress out
and thrust it at Bobbie. "Put this on."

Bobbie looked at Kim pleadingly. Amber broke the silence. "Fuck,
Heather. We gonna practice or play dress up? Bobbie, she doesn't have a
concept of personal fucking space, sees everyone as the next makeover
project." She sighed. "You better go fuckin' put it on, or we'll never
get started.

Bobbie pulled off her top, revealing the bra that obviously was
slightly off in the size department. The undergarment sagged some, her
nipples becoming visible.

"Ummmm, Bobbie?" Heather began. When Bobbie turned to answer, Heather
shielded her eyes. She pointed without looking. "There's a changing
screen over there. Put the girls away."

"Damn, Bobbie," Amber said. "You got balls." She turned to Kim. "I like
her."

Bobbie inwardly grumbled at the mention of balls.

Hugging the dress to her chest, Bobbie went behind the changing screen.
It took a couple of minutes to get settled. How in the hell do you put
this thing on.? She thought. If you had told me a week ago that I'd be
talking to my mom and sister again, but standing here, trying to figure
out how to put a dress on. She fed her legs into it, pulling the
garment up over her breasts.

"You need help?" Heather asked. "I think maybe I made that zipper too
long."

Sure enough, Bobbie couldn't reach it. Sigh. "Yeah, I just... can't."
Suddenly Heather was behind him, pulling up the zipper.

"Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself
together. Liz Taylor said that. Smart girl. Life is too short to look
normal. Stand out, declare your personness to the world," Heather said
with a flourish. ZIP! "Turn around, let's see." Bobbie threaded her
arms through the straps.

Heather admired her work. "I think that is a massive improvement. Blue
is certainly your color. Brings out those eyes..."

"Fuck, Heather. Can't you see she's embarrassed," Amber asked, pushing
up her glasses

Bobbie was blushing, red creeping into her face. The openness of the
bottom was all kinds of breezy, the fabric sensually brushed against
her smooth legs. She knew she was covered in the important places, she
felt almost naked.

"That'll do for now." Heather stepped back. "Much better, okay. Carry
on."

The hum of an amp was heard as Kim plugged her bass into the Marshall
Half-Stack, and started playing the bass solo from Rush's Freewill.
Bobbie recognized it, nodded. Heather grabbed her keytar and slung it,
The pink camouflage of the strap standing out against Heather's dress.

"Alright, it's about fuckin' time," Amber said, turning one of the
tuning pegs on her Fender. "What are we playin' first?"

Kim, finishing the bass solo with only a few mistakes, turned to
Heather. "Choosing Melanie, I think Bobbie needs to hear that."

"1...2...1...2...3...4," Bella started, knocking her drumsticks
together as the base, guitar, drums and keyboard all came together.
Bobbie listened. It was an angry song, about being jilted and left
alone in the world. To Bobbie's ears, it seemed more like a song about
alienation, about having the only light in your world turned off.

And with that, she knew. Felt what Robb had done to his sister. Her
eyes misted.

Kimster. I never meant to do that to you.

...Then you turned around and left with that bitch

Knew I'd have to find a way to scratch my own itch.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Heather's scream... well, for lack of a better term, Bobbie jumped. It
was the eldritch scream of angrydeathscreamometal And Bobbie couldn't
believe it came out of Heather. The song finished. Heather smiled at
Bobbie. "I guess I should have told you about that. No one ever sees it
coming. Girl needs to keep some secrets," She batted her eyelashes.

After a few more songs, the band broke for lunch. Lunch consisted of
frozen pizza and Diet Coke, and the discussion turned to Bobbie.

"What grade are you in?"

"Why don't you have your ears pierced?"

On and on, Bobbie sat silently, sipping her soda. Well, Bobbie, she
thought, what kind of girl do you want to be?

"Oh." Bobbie looked down. She hoped that this story would hold. "My
parents were in some cult. No makeup, no fiction, you get the idea.
When I got old enough, I...I ran away. I met Robb," She felt weird,
talking about him as a regular person.

"Hang on, I'll be right back," Heather said, suddenly getting up,
forgetting the half slice of pizza. She disappeared out the door.

"Now you've gone and done it. So much for practice..." Bella said,
resting her sticks on the snare.

Before Bobbie could ask what that meant, Heather came in carrying what
looked like tackle boxes for fishing. "Project," Kim whispered in her
ear. Bobbie remembered what Melanie had put him through, and felt a
twinge of trepidation.

"Don't worry. I got this look from her," Kim said, as if to reassure.
"From the hair to the pants, she's got style."

"...Something I am willing to give to you," Heather said opening the
box. "Now, this isn't gonna hurt a bit."

"OW, fuck," Bobbie exclaimed, drawing surprised stares.

Her ears hurt dully. Bobbie resisted the urge to touch them. They
looked good, she had to admit that. Kim and Bobbie walked back home.
Heather had insisted that she wear the dress, stating that the clothes
she came in should be burned.

"Yeah, Heather's like that. But, hey, I wouldn't be this sexy thing
without her help. Earrings look good." Robb hadn't let Melanie pierce
his ear, that being one thing he stood up for himself on. And yet, here
was Bobbie with a matching set of studs.

Kim lit a cigarette and said, "She's right, you know. If you're gonna
go back to school. You're gonna have to..."

And suddenly, she remembered High School...

...as Robb

His obscure t shirts winning him derisive comments, his awkward nature
and vocabulary not there for the assist, it was a terrible almost four
years.

"You're gonna need more clothes than you have. How are you for... you
know... girl stuff?"

"Just that bag. 3 panties, 2 bras, 2 shirts, 2 pants, some socks, and
these shoes." Clothes shopping, ugh, just kill me now. "Oh, God,"
Bobbie lamented.

"Well, I think we should probably hit the mall tomorrow. You have any
cash?"

"Yeah, about $900. Everything I have in the world is in my bag.

"Where did you get $900?" Kim asked, eyes wide.

"You remember when I said I did some stuff with Melanie? It was on a
webcam show." Bobbie stopped, looked at her feet.

"You little slut," Kim said jokingly. When Bobbie started to cry, Kim,
seeing what she had done, flipped her cigarette away and rushed to her
'brother'(sister). "Oh, jeez, fuck, I'm sorry. I didn't mean... Oh,
shit."

Bobbie returned the hug. Ragged sobs and torrential tears shook and
flooded Kim's shoulder as Bobbie explained. "... I felt, I don't
know... used, taken advantage of. Plus, I was rollin' pretty hard. It
just felt... wrong," That also being the moment when he saw his life as
the sum of wasted time, meshed the two into a weird miasma of failure
and regret.

"Maybe we could go, just you and me?" Bobbie asked, memories of school
shopping with his mother leaping into memory.

"Ahh, that might not be too good an idea. Heather pretty much defined
my look, I don't go shopping without her anymore. She seems to know
what she's doing. Y'know, you might just wanna let her make you over.
School doesn't start for a few days yet. That dress is definitely a
keeper," She leered at Bobbie.

"Kim, Jesus." Bobbie wished he could pull the hem of the dress down
further.

"Hey, 'Robb' may be in there, but that body, hawt!" Kim said
sheepishly, then smiled.

"Didn't think I was you're type? What was it you said 'too much of a
good girl'?"

"Honestly," Kim began, "I don't really know what my type is. Oh, God, I
hope I'm not into good girls. Or maybe..." An evil, sly grin looked out
from behind her face. "I'll get to corrupt them," Bobbie and Kim both
laughed as they continued their way home.

Entering the house, Kim bolted up the stairs. The door to 'Robb's' room
was open. Sylvia was putting sheets and blankets on the bed, something
that obviously hadn't been done for a while."Oh, there..." She gasped.
"Bobbie! You're stunning," She turned to Kim. "Heather, right?"

Kim looked at her. "Who else hasn't figured out what decade she's in?."

Sylvia nodded approvingly. "I just thought, we should move this stuff
out."

Great, back to my room. "Hold it. You don't have to get rid of it. I'd
kind of like to see some of the things he told me about."

"Yeah, Mom. Let's just leave it. I'm sure Bobbie will find some use for
it." She glanced sideways at Bobbie.

"Well, if you're sure," Sylvia said, encasing a pillow in its case.
Bobbie went in a trance to his old DVD of Buckaroo Banzai, he picked
up, fingered the spine.

"No matter where you go..." she breathed.

"There you are," Sylvia finished, choking back a sob.

Keeping the DVD in her hand, Bobbie hugged Sylvia. "I know... I know."

Kim joined the hug. Bobbie was the first to laugh. "Why don't we go
downstairs, I can get dinner done, and we can watch it. Have you seen
it?"

"Not all at once," Sylvia admitted. "But, you know what? I'm game."

Bobbie went through the kitchen. Hmmm, eggs, ground beef, crackers,
potatoes... meatloaf. She began mixing the ingredients as the oven
heated. Turning on the radio, she stopped at KGIG, the dance pop
station. Some throbbing bass and keyboard loops stopped her, she synced
her movements to the music. Lost in the beat and the act of creating,
Bobbie felt... connected, to everything, in a way that seemed to put
her in phase with the heartbeat of the world.

...As if listening to the Music of the Spheres.

Before she knew it, it was a waiting game for the forces of heat to do
it's work on the meat. After it finished, Bobbie took it out of the
oven and allowed it to rest. She served out three portions, inserted
the DVD and watched 'Robb's' Favorite film, with his sister and mother.
Sylvia laughed in most of the right places, punctuated with "That's,
(insert name of random actor here.)" When it finished, she declared it
weird, but good. She saw why her son loved it so.

"Mom, Bobbie and I were wondering if we could hit the mall tomorrow?
With school starting soon, she's going to need clothes, and we should
probably set up Robb's old desktop," Kim said, using her persuasive
voice.

"Sure," Sylvia laughed, "Let me just..." she said, moving toward the
dishes.

"Mom, it's cool, we got this," Kim said, indicating herself and Bobbie.
Sylvia stretched herself out, said goodnight, and went off to bed.

Later that night, Kim and Bobbie went off to the rooftop again.

"Okay," Kim began. "Looks like we are a wardrobe and room straightening
from getting you into the realm of 'normal'" She made quotation marks
with her fingers.

"I'd kind of like to still have some Robb in here." Bobbie tapped her
head.

"Bro, 'some' Robb? What is it exactly that you want to keep? Your
clothes? Interests? Sorry, dude, the clothes don't fit. Interests, on
the other hand..." Kim waved her hand dismissively. "None of that shit
really matters anymore. Yeah, there's still jocks and cheerleaders,
drama nerds, all that shit. But it's like everybody is allowed to like
everything now. Where did this cooking thing come from by the way?"

"I don't know really, I was watching some Cooking Channel and looking
up recipes for cookies. Next thing I know, I'm reading up on cooking
methods... It just kinda seemed to stick."

"Yeah? Well, we don't normally eat this well around here. I might get
fat." Kim put her hands on her stomach. Bobbie chuckled.

Kim extinguished her cigarette. "Well, we should get to bed. Big day
tomorrow."

Bobbie sighed. "Yeah."

Chapter 7

The next day had everyone up early and ready to lead their assault on
the edifice of consumerism that was Delacroix Mall. As the trio passed
the entrance, Bobbie noticed the mass of long haired, shabby clothed,
skater "dudes" that laid claim to the mall. Bobbie noticed one of them,
while he was dressed like them and had the same mannerisms, he just
didn't belong. A darkness hung around him like a comfortable cloak.
Bobbie hadn't seen anything like it. It just seemed so... wrong.
Shrugging it off, Bobbie walked in her ill-fitting 'Robb' clothes. She
realized she kind of looked like them. One caught her looking, nodded
approvingly. He pointed Bobbie out to the rest, causing their attention
to shift focus. Bobbie just ignored them.

They went and found Bobbie easy to shop for, picking up enough bras and
panties to get her through at least a week. Bobbie realized that while
'Robb' would have been bored stiff, this was different. When school
shopping all those years ago, it was all pants and shirts, which all
pretty much look the same. She'd seen the necessity of bras as soon as
she put one on. The new ones fit better than the ones Melanie had
picked up, so had the panties for that matter.

They passed a cell phone kiosk, where Sylvia had said Bobbie needed a
phone. Bobbie insisted on paying for it, Sylvia wouldn't hear of it.
"You took care of Robert as he was getting better. This is the least I
can do," She looked at the two of them "Who's hungry?"

They were in the food court, sitting with their Bamboo Panda boxes.
Bobbie found the food pleasant, which was strange because it was never
something she liked before. In fact, after Kim asked about the cooking
last night, it struck her.

...The connectedness she felt.

...The Completeness.

...The Joy.

Cooking, huh? Bobbie mused, the train of thought derailed by the
distortion laden sound of Kim's phone. Bobbie recognized the song as
Slayer's War Ensemble.

"Hey... yeah, food court... alright, seeya." Kim flipped her phone
shut. "Heather'll be here in a minute." Kim wanted to laugh so badly,
knowing Bobbie's secret.

Heather showed up in another dress befitting the red carpet of 1947,
This one a one a forest green. Her oversize sunglasses giving her an
air of aloofness, she was carrying a large purse. "Hello, Ms. Pointe,
Kim. Bobbie, let me see," Bobbie looked at her, puzzled. Uninvited, she
reached over and moved her curtain of hair. "Hmmm, they seem to be
healing fine. Okay, Bobbie. We should talk."

They talked, about music, current events, Bobbie clammed up when it
came to guys, not having any idea of what to say.

"You've obviously had boyfriends, what were they like?" Heather
pressed.

"I dunno," Bobbie shrugged. "Broken, I guess."

Heather laughed. "Not going to get at a straight answer? That's jake."

Sylvia got up from the table. "Well, I'll leave you girls to it."

Bobbie flushed, she opened her mouth. Kim cut her off. "Bye Mom.
Heather will give us a ride, right?"

"Absolutely."

Shopping was different with Heather. Bobbie watched as she looked at
thing with the eyes of a jedi ninja. Her face was a mask of impassive
calm. There was a moment when she stopped, removed her sunglasses and
put one earpiece in her mouth. The red of the earpiece disappeared in
the red of her lipstick. She looked back at Bobbie, then back at the
window.

"Yep, I think we'll do most of our shopping here," Heather declared.
Kim stifled a laugh, Bobbie shot her a glance and a scowl. The girls
entered the store.

"Don't worry, Bobbie. I can tell, you could use some help. I try to
help whenever I can. But you have to trust me. Here," She thrust out
some separates, Bobbie took them and scanned for the dressing rooms.
She found them and headed in.

Here I am again. Please let this be easier to put on. But, pants were
pants, and shirts were... well, tops. After a few adjustments it met
with Heather's approval. Bobbie opted to wear it out, just wanting
clothes that fit right for the first time in. She checked her memory.
Five days? It's only been five days?

Heather insisted on stopping for a chocolate milkshake. "If I'm
shopping, there might as well be some chocolate? Right?"

Bobbie did insist on two pairs of jeans and three shirts with bands on
them(Rush, Depeche Mode, and The Clash)

Sipping the shake, Heather looked at Bobbie. "Now, Bobbie," She
reached out and took her ponytail. "Hmm," She studied. "No split ends,
healthy. We've got to do something about that hair. We're going to go
where I get mine done. Do you trus...

* *******

...two years ago.

"You trust me, right?" Melanie said, brandishing the clippers.

"I...I guess." Robb was stoned, as usual. His hair never did what he
wanted it to. He had too many cowlicks, his hair kept trying to do that
emo thing, drooping over his right eye. So, Melanie had decided to get
rid of it. All of it."It'll look good," She whispered. It didn't take
her long, and soon his hair was everywhere except on his head. Robb
studied himself in the mirror. His brown eyes looked darker, he
noticed. He wasn't too sure about it, thought it made him look
thuggish.

Melanie, on the other hand, couldn't keep her hands off of it for the
first week, insisting that he shave, with a razor.

Worst reason to keep a haircut. But, whatever works.

His mother hated it. "Do you want to look like a...a... skinhead?"

Kim laughed, not sure what to think.

* *******

...t me?" She put out her hand.

Kim nodded from behind Heather, mouthing 'yes'.

"I...I guess so," Bobbie said.

"Good," Heather said. "Kim, shall we?"

Heather had a car waiting in the parking lot. It was old, but it was
hers. They began the drive to the salon.

Kim turned to Bobbie. "Heather gets the whole style thing."

Heather turned to Kim. "Oh, please. Anyone could see you were screaming
for help. I knew your secret," Bobbie blushed, again feeling sorry for
leaving the Kimster to stew in her own juices while...

"So, Bobbie. What's your story?" Melanie asked, changing lanes.

"Not much to tell. I guess I'm kind of a blank slate. I only know what
Robb showed me."Bobbie said.

Melanie eyed her mirror. "Oh, don't worry, Bobbie. We'll have you
dolled up in no time. Frankie'll have this sorted out, that's why she's
the best.

Trepidation crept into Bobbie as they pulled into the parking lot. The
salon was called Shear Ecstasy. Seeing the word 'ecstasy' sent a shiver
up her spine, remembering the webcam and all the horrible, trashy ways
it made her feel. Going into the salon they saw another woman, Her hair
was red, an obvious dye job. More to color than quality. "Hi, Heather,"
The new woman looked at Bobbie.

"New Project?" she said, implying this was a common occurance.

"Hi, Frankie, this is Bobbie. She's new, starts school with us next
week, and... Bobbie, pull that scrunchie out of your hair," She did,
and like quicksilver it spilled over her shoulder. It hung just below
her bra strap. Frankie and Heather spoke in hushed tones for a moment.
Frankie nodded.

"You're absolutely right," Frankie said, turning her chair toward her.

Bobbie sat in the chair, apparently this was a full service salon.
Bobbie was shampooed, conditioned, and cream rinsed. It seemed to last
forever. She was lost in it, the warm water jets relaxing her muscles.
She was moved back to Frankie's chair. There was combing, spraying, and
cutting. It seemed like an eternity of cutting. Finally, Frankie turned
the chair around and allowed Bobbie to see a new reflection for the
umpteenth time that week.

Just like Heather had said earlier, 'Definitely Bangs.' She had Bettie
bangs, resting just about a quarter inch above her eyebrows. "Those
came out perfect. Might have to call them 'Bobbie bangs', now. Come
back every three weeks for a trim," Frankie said, handing Bobbie her
card. Bobbie paid and left. "Okay, Bobbie. One more stop and then we
are done."

One more stop? Heather pulled out of the parking lot and headed for her
house. It wasn't long before they were back at Heather's. "C'mon. My
room is easier for this." The three girls went into the back of the
house...

And walked into, to Bobbie's eyes, a cathedral of girliness. Makeup,
musicians, clothes everywhere, and a closet that seemed to go on for
miles. "My mom's a costume designer. She's in New Zealand for that new
Wheel of Ages movie, so I'm alone until March. I make clothes, too.
Plan to go to school for that."

Kim started to protest.

"Only if the band doesn't work out, hey, I could transition. Anyway,
Bobbie. What size shoe do you wear?" Bobbie looked down at her feet.
She was still wearing Melanie's shoes, hadn't thought about it. Heather
looked down. Oh, honey, those shoes came from the same person who did
your eyebrows, didn't they," she tittered, Bobbie looked down.

"Well, come on. We'll get you fixed up." They found some shoes that
fit. Thankfully, Heather was the same size. Then, when Heather called
Bobbie to her makeup table, he felt dread again. There was more
tweezing and plucking, but it strangely didn't bother him. Heather was
gentle, where Melanie was ripping off chunks of her face off. She
worked quickly and professionally.

"Now, that's more like it," Heather said. Bobbie looked, she had to
agree. It was more elegant looking, the shape more defined. Bobbie was
a little shocked at what a difference was made.

"Makeup," Heather said, lowering her voice to a bass. Kim practically
howled in laughter. "You are lucky I'm going to teach you. What I don't
understand is..." Bobbie looked down.

"Well," she instantly brightened. "That's all the more reason to learn
now," Heather worked on her for forty five minutes. When she was
finished, Kim pulled out her phone and snapped several pictures.

Kim went to Heather, speaking in the whisper of complete silence.
Heather nodded, left, then returned with a pink box. They left,
gathering their things. In a small way, Bobbie wondered what was next.
'Robb' wasn't visible to her.

Girl: absolutely no way to hide it anymore.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part III

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 8

"WAKE UP, BRO WE'VE GOT SOME WORK TO DO," Kim's voice ripped through the
velvety blanket of sleep. Bobbie thrashed, gasping. It was Kim, pouncing
on her.

"Kim, wha..."

"Mom's at work today, so I thought maybe I could give you a crash course
in a few things," Kim said. Bobbie smoothed her hair and yawned. "You've
got the rest of the week, and there's things I'm sure you'd rather not
ask Mom," Bobbie stared blankly. "Meet me downstairs," Kim bolted out of
the room and down, displaying too much energy for this time of the
morning.

After a breakfast of Fruit Rocks and coffee, Kim brought out the pink
box. Opening it, she held it out to Bobbie. It was a pair of high heels.
Bobbie looked at her with that 'you've got to be kidding' look.

"You've gotta figure this out. You still walk kind of like a guy. Just a
little practice..."

"Kimster, I'm going to kill you for this," Bobbie said. Kim handed her a
book. "What's this for?" She took it angrily.

"Your head, balance. You just woke up with tits and an ass, you didn't
have time to get used to it like us..."

"Like you 'real' girls?" Bobbie said dryly. The shoes went on easy
enough, standing in them was what she imagined stilts were like. Bobbie
walked around, shakily at first. It took about an hour before she was
able to circumnavigate the living room without grabbing onto anything.
Kim seemed happy.

"Now, to the computer," Kim said.

In Robb's old room, there was a desktop computer, Kim and Bobbie
reconnected all the wires and connectors and booted up the system for
the first time in years. "My virus protection has got to be out of
date," Bobbie murmured. His old wallpaper of a half naked woman covered
in tattoos and piercings. She'd forgotten about that.

"Hmm, she's kinda cute," Kim said, breathing into Bobbie's hair. Seeing
all of Robb's old life bothered her.

Once Google's mighty logo took over the screen, Kim directed him to
facebook. She plugged her phone into the computer's usb slot. "Move
over," Kim directed. "I've got this."

Making a profile wasn't hard. But it was filling in life events and
friends that was... challenging. Kim got the pictures from her phone to
the computer to the profile. There were 'likes' and events. By the time
they finished, it could have been a normal facebook page. Only Kim and
Bobbie knew otherwise. Bobbie was also advised to have other accounts.
Twitter, Tumblr, and so on.

"Where did you learn all this stuff?" Bobbie asked, impressed.

"From you, alright. I learned it from watching you," Kim laughed.
"Seriously, part of the band thing. Helps build a following."

Bobbie looked through the computer. Robb's old comic books, and movies,
his porn... Here Bobbie was surrounded by her old life. She remembered all
the plot details, characters, everything. It was while a naked Asian
woman was on the screen when Bobbie heard it.

"I don't think you're gay," Kim said. "And I should know."

Bobbie jumped and turned. "Kimster? I just don't know what I am anymore.
I'm trying to roll with the punches here. But..."

Kim put her hand on Bobbie's shoulder. "I understand, probably on a
level few others will. We'll get through this. Now, how about another
lap in the heels?

Bobbie learned way too much about applying makeup and walking in heels
during the rest of the week. Heather came by a couple of times, wanting
to check on Bobbie. The earrings healed quickly, and Bobbie was able to
dress herself well enough to satisfy Heather. Kim had recommended she
practice getting ready for the rest of the week.

There was a kind of artful calm to it, Bobbie noticed. She adopted a
look that was subtle. It was easy and quick. She remembered trying to
get bathroom time as the only guy in the house. Bobbie practiced being a
girl for the rest of the week. Sunday night, however, filled her with a
sickening dread. The memories of 'Robb's' time at Delacroix.

Out on the rooftop, Bobbie asked Kim for a cigarette. She hoped it would
calm her twisted nerves, each drag burned and rasped. She coughed, the
nicotine did it's work at first, soothing her. Then, it all became too
much. She grabbed the can and spit into it, dousing the cigarette.

"Never mind. I'm never smoking anything again," Bobbie said with
certainty. Then went to bed.

CLANG! Bobbie Recognized that sound now. Justice.

"Well, you seem to be adapting to that body pretty well. Like the hair,"
she said.

Bobbie toyed with her bangs."I've had some help."

Justice smiled. "So you have. But something is still troubling you."

"Well, it's just... do I like guys, do I like girls? Who am I? I'm not
'Robb' , and 'Bobbie' doesn't really exist. Now...now, I've got to go back
to school..."

"You will just have to answer those questions for yourself. I will
commend you on the choices you've made so far. You seem to be doing a
lot of good for your mom and your sister. Anything else?

"Yeah," Bobbie realized. "The cooking! It's very, I don't know...joyful.
Is that important somehow?"

"Of course it is. I just cannot tell you about it. It would ruin its
purpose. I guess there's not a lot to say. You are going to be busy,
Bobbie. You get to find yourself, and that is a lot of work, whoever you
are.

"Just keep an open mind and an open heart. I believe in you. Make this
time different"

Chapter 9

Delacroix High: a heady mix of hormones, knowledge, violence, humor, and
fear all mixed up into a big cauldron of doubt. Bobbie looked at the
school, remembering the days 'Robb' had spent here. She could point out
the places where he had had altercations. Nervousness and old adrenal
reflexes shot through Bobbie.

"Don't worry, bro. This time it's personal." Kim smacked her fist with
her palm.

* **********

The One Who Was Melanie slinked her way onto campus. Tight jeans, tight
top, tight everything. She could see Bobbie and Kim through the crowd,
she turned her eyes into slits.

I will ruin you all over again. She needed to be patient, Lust had said.

The One Who Was Melanie had the beginnings of a plan. She looked at Kim.

* ***********

Bobbie went through the first two classes quietly. Listening to Mr.
Lesko drone on and on about English Literature, and how we would be
reading from some of the finest writers in the world, again. She
chuckled with the irony. The simple math class she was taking for credit
was no problem. But, the teacher couldn't seem to take his eyes off of
her. All in all, things seemed okay for a change, normal. Well, whatever
that is.

It was lunchtime when Bobbie saw Kim again, thankful for a familiar
face. She was sitting with a bunch of other girls who looked far more
interested in cheerleaders than cheerleading.

"Hey, Kimst...Kim," Bobbie said.

"Oh, hey. Bobbie. Guys, this is Bobbie. She's staying with me and my
mom."

"Hey," they all murmured, practically in unison.

Bobbie looked around the lunch area and saw the classic cliché of
cliques. But noticed things she'd never noticed. Anime stickers, people
wearing superhero shirts, things that had been strictly relegated to the
geek culture, were abound. Even in the behoodied group of
skater/stoner/slackers. She saw the one from the mall, the one with the
darkness. Well, more by them than with them.

Home economics was fun. The kitchen stations were modern, but the
teacher was blasé and bored with teaching a class that existed solely
for credit. So far, all the classes had been easy. She had kept
interactions to a minimum, knowing that being the new kid and putting a
foot wrong could spell disastrous. What had Mom said? Kids can be so
cruel. She had decided to play it close to the vest, the last fight with
Delacroix High had ended with DHS winning in the eleventh round by TKO.

The drama classes and the government class were slightly more enjoyable,
with Bella in Government and Amber in Drama. Also in drama was a girl
who sat in the back, one with a similar darkness. She was overweight,
she just seemed to be depressed and alone. Apart from saying 'here'
quietly, she didn't say much. Her name was Beth, Bobbie wanted to speak
to her, but she was gone as soon as the bell rang.

Well, there's always tomorrow.

Bobbie and Kim walked home, it was only a couple of miles, so they just
took some side streets and cut through some of the empty fields that
surrounded the school. Kim was having her after school smoke when they
heard it.

"There's a cow on the traintracks. MOO!"

Coming around the corner, they saw Beth being pulled down to the ground.
There were a couple of girls that she recognized from the skater crowd.
There were two of them, a sticklike Hispanic girl, and a small slip of a
girl with brown hair. Bobbie quickly named them Biggie and Smallz.
Smallz had jumped onto Beth's back, pulling her to the packed dirt and
rocks by her backpack, while Biggie was closing the distance between
them.

Bobbie remembered the feeling of being the kid on the ground. How 'he'
had wished someone would come and...Oh, screw it. She dropped her backpack
and rushed Biggie, fists balled. Anger took over

"Leave her alone," she screamed as she brought around a right hook that
impacted Biggie's neck. It did absolutely nothing, failing to even push
her back.

"Noboby asked you, cunt," Biggie hissed, reaching out and grabbing
Bobbie by the hair. Bobbie saw her fist coming toward her face. POW! It
connected with her cheekbone, sending red lances of pain through her
vision.

Something inside Bobbie made her move, crashing her forehead into
Biggie's nose. She felt something move with a sickening wetness. When
she brought her head away, there was a downpour of blood running down
her face.

"You broke by node," she shrieked. Bobbie quickly turned around to see
Kim holding Smallz off by intimidation alone. Smallz ran over to Biggie.
"You better watch yourself, Barbie. C'mon Carla, let's go. Kim feinted
at them, stomping her foot as they ran away.

Beth was sobbing on the ground. Bobbie went to her, an arm around her
shoulder. "It's okay, they're gone now," Beth responded by rising to her
feet and throwing her arms around Bobbie. She returned the hug.

"They're always so mean to me," she cried. "They always call me 'fat'
and...and," Tears came, darkening David Gahan's face. She broke away from
Bobbie. "I...I'm sorry, I didn't mean to." Sniffle.

"It's okay, Beth. I'm Bobbie, and this is Kim. They won't be bothering
you anymore today. C'mon, let's get you home, you live close?" Bobbie
chuckled. Kim lit a cigarette and offered one to Beth.

"Oh, no. My father would never let me..." Beth stammered, Kim laughed.

Beth did, indeed, live close. It was in a slightly rundown apartment
building. They went to the apartment where she lived to find her father
standing there, worried. His glasses showing spots in the afternoon
light. Bobbie saw a hint of darkness, weblike, nebulous about him.

"Oh, no," He said, seeing the blood on Bobbie's forehead. The story was
quickly explained. Bobbie went into the bathroom to see the aftermath.
It was bad looking, slight swelling of the struck cheekbone. Brown,
dried blood matted the center of her bangs, almost an oval shape. Using
water and her comb, she managed to get most of it out.

"Hey, you wanna see my room?" Beth said, smiling. Bobbie noticed
something different about her, the darkness had lightened.

"Sure," Bobbie said. "Kim, let's go see Beth's room."

"Beth, you wanna introduce me to your friends?"

"Oh, sure daddy. This is Bobbie and Kim. They helped me today," Beth
said anxiously.

"I'm Roy." He offered his fist. "Nice to meet you." Bobbie fist bumped,
and Kim shook his hand.

"Daddy," Beth insisted.

Roy chuckled. "You girls have fun."

When they entered Beth's room Bobbie was surprised, it was kind of a
mess, there were pictures of horses, cats, boy bands, Katy Perry, and
Taylor Swift covering her walls. There were some old toys(Bobbie spotted
the easy bake oven immediately), a small stereo sat on her dresser,
surrounded by CD and DVD cases. Looking closer, Bobbie recognized many
of the titles. There was some anime mixed in with the John Hughes love
stories. The music had a slightly retro look to the collection as well.
An unmade bed with Hello Kitty sheets, and all the various clutter that
made up a girl's room.

Beth excitedly chatted, pointing to nearly everything in her room.
Sometimes giving a detailed backstory where none was needed. Within
fifteen minutes, both Kim and Bobbie knew more about her than they
thought possible. She was a girl who loved things, the world was a
bright and happy place. It was only at school where everything went
wrong.

She didn't have a mother. She left when Beth was two, no one knew where
she went, she just... left. Her dad did the best he could, but...

Kids are cruel, Bobbie thought.

"Hey, do you wanna have lunch together tomorrow? I mean if..."

"Sure," Bobbie said. "Absolutely." The darkness around Beth was
wavering, fading. Not gone, but certainly not as dense as before. After
Bobbie borrowed some of her CDs, they left, Roy followed Bobbie out.

"Bobbie," he said quietly. "I just... well, I just want to thank you. I
don't know what to do about her. I don't know much about teenage girls,
and..." Roy put his balding head in his hand.

"Mr, Rivers," Bobbie said. "I know a little about being bullied. It
sucks, and it looks like you may have seen some as well. The pendulum
always swings the other way, things will change. They always do."

"You can't be more than seventeen, how can you be so smart?" Roy smiled.

"You've done a good job. She's sweet, and she has a good heart. Me?
People keep telling me that I have an 'old soul'." Bobbie shrugged
nonchalantly. "I'll see you soon," Bobbie waved to Beth through a window
as she and Kim began the journey home.

Chapter 10

That darkness, what was it. Could it simply be the negativity of others,
or was it more than that? Bobbie wished she knew. The mystery baked in
her mind like the cupcakes in the oven. The New Order CD that Bobbie had
borrowed was spinning it's way through Bizarre Love Triangle as she
mixed the ingredients for the core.

The saying 'In the zone' had never meant much to Robb in his old life,
but now, Bobbie was whirling around the kitchen, doing a curious kind of
upper body parkour. Shoulders levering back and forth as she pulled
ingredients and utensils from their resting places. When Bobbie used a
knife, whisk, or spoon, it was as if it was an extension of her own
hand.

This is my knife, there are many like it. But this one is mine.

Bobbie was pulling out the cupcake tins as the timer reached zero. She
noticed that there was a different disc playing from when she started.
Had she changed the CD? She continued her project, getting all the
pieces to come together. And come together, they had.

There they were. 24 perfect chocolate cupcakes with a fudge core, dark
chocolate icing, and ribbons of milk and white chocolates. All sitting
prettily on three plates, Kim reached out for one. Only to have Bobbie
slap her hand.

Kim rubbed at her hand where it stung. "What the hell?"

"I'm just running an experiment. We'll get to eat a few, don't worry
there," Bobbie pulled out her phone. It hadn't really been used much.
"Hey, show me how to use the camera on this thing. I want to get a
picture. I can put it on those accounts I set up."

When Sylvia got home, there was a dinner of sandwiches and chips. Then
Bobbie pulled out the cupcakes. "Finally. Gimme," Kim said,
exaggeratedly reaching her hands out.

"Okay. I got this idea, I'm going to call them Mortal Choklate
cupcakes." She handed them out wryly smiling at the geek reference.

"Mortal Choklate!" Kim cried, echoing an old techno song. Bobbie
laughed. Sylvia took one and began carefully removing the paper. Kim was
literally ripping the covering off. Either way, they both experience the
first bite in unison.

It was, for lack of a better word, nirvana. It was like looking into the
sun, only to discover rich, chewy fudge at its center. All other
sensation melting away into luscious cake, rich frosting, and...

...love.

If any food could ever be said to fill your soul, these would be it.

Bobbie watched as they were enraptured, eyes closed, moaning softly.

Sylvia set hers down. "Before I take another bite. That... was simply the
most amazing cupcake I've ever had. You should find a way to sell these.
I'm serious Bobbie. You are one hell of a cook," Kim nodded agreement,
still chewing. After they had finished, there was a smile on their
faces. One that mirrored Bobbie's.

They feel better, then I feel better. Bobbie noticed that her cheek
didn't sting quite so much.

"Bobbie, what happened to your cheek?" Sylvia asked, noticing the slight
blemish.

"Oh," Kim said, swallowing the last of her cupcake. "She head butted
Carla Castillo in the nose. That was freakin' awesome. Sylvia looked at
Bobbie, shocked. "It's okay, Mom. It wasn't at school. She and that
midget she hangs around with were screwing around with a freshman girl.
You should have seen it! Bobbie Sharpe: Defender of the weak!"

Later that night, Kim was enjoying the last cigarette of the day. Bobbie
still felt pretty good. There was a special calm, soothing.

"Bro, those were fucking awesome cupcakes. I think that you should call
that fudgy center thing 'the fudgality'," Kim said, pointing with the
cigarette.

"I really wish you'd stop calling me 'bro'. It just sounds weird."

"What am I supposed to do? Call you Sis?"

Bobbie had to admit. That sounds a little weird, too.

The next day there was no sign of Carla Castillo. Beth was very pleased
by this. She was so happy to have someone to eat lunch with. Bobbie
could sense some of the darkness, it was still there, wavering in a
state of quantum flux.

"I made this for you, Beth. It's a new recipe. Wondered what you
thought," Bobbie handed over an orange Tupperware container with a green
lid.

"For me?" Beth said. Bobbie nodded as she opened it. "Wow. You made
that? It's so pretty. I almost don't want to eat it. You made that?
Wow."

"Go on, I have a feeling I'm going to be making these again," Beth
gleefully peeled back the covering and took a healthy bite, snagging
some of the dense center.

"MMMMMPH!" Beth exclaimed as best as she could. The darkness began
strobing, and, as the cupcake was finished.

So was Beth's darkness. Gone like it had never been, it just faded.

Okay, I think I get it. Tomorrow for sure.

Walking home, Bobbie peeled off with Beth to return her CDs. Kim, had
some homework, so she headed straight home. Lighting her after school
smoke she waved and told Bobbie that there wouldn't be any more of the
cupcakes left.

Kim had just lost sight of Bobbie and Beth when she saw... her.

She was one of those girls who filled out completely while still young.
Her hair was red, the red associated with Italian sportscars. Her eyes
were green orbital cannons, her pants were tight. Her top covered just
enough to be suggestive, yet tight enough to see everything. She was
sitting on a rock, legs crossed.

"Hey, you got another one of those for me, handsome?" she growled.

Kim, stunned, fumbled for her pack and flipped open the box. She took
one out and handed it to her, filter up.

"Thanks," she said. "Got a light?" Kim flicked her lighter and she moved
in close, catching the end on the flame. She inhaled deeply, and exhaled
a slow, steady stream.

"So," she cooed. "What's your name."

"Umm... uh. Kim," she stammered.

"I'm Roxx, with two exes."She winked and reached out her arm and gently
raked her scarlet lacquered nails down the back of Kim's hair, all the
way down the back of her neck.

"Thanks for the smoke. I'll see you around, tiger," Roxx said. As she
walked away, Kim stood there stunned, she noticed a tattoo on her lower
back. It had some purple Japanese letters in the center...

But, they could have meant anything...

Kim was lost in a daze after the encounter, she didn't say much for the
rest of the night. Although she was smiling, Bobbie could see rumblings
of darkness, the way experienced sailors can see the gathering storm
hours before anyone else. Not knowing what it meant, she put it out of
her mind.

The next day, dressed in her black and white polka dotted top and skinny
jeans. She had armed herself with another Mortal Choklate, Bobbie was
walking out to the knoll where there was a faint odor of marijuana,
stale tobacco, and testosterone. The smell reminding him of life with
Melanie. How did I ever live like that?

The slacker crowd sat in their beanies and chain wallets. Torn skate
shoes covering their feet. To the untrained eye, they looked like a
single group. Like deep water, there were many undercurrents. They were
usually identified by the hats they wore and the things they either did
or did not do. Darknesses merged, there was no break, Bobbie could
almost feel it pulling at her.

But not today. She headed for an atoll. The one she had seen at the
mall. He was wearing an Elvis Costello shirt and a flannel overshirt,
saggy jeans and shoes that had never seen a skateboard. She tapped him
on the shoulder. He looked as if Patrick Bateman was asking him about
Huey Lewis and the News.

"Hi. I'm Bobbie, and I wanted to talk to you. Is this a bad time?"
Bobbie said.

"Oh...ummm. Uhhh." He was fumbling with a book, slipping in into his
pocket."Excuse me? I uhh.uhhh..."

Bobbie wished he would just talk, she couldn't blame him though. There
was a time when any girl walking up to him and talking would have
produced a similar effect.

"Sorry, I was reading," he said sheepishly, looking around. "We should
probably get out of here, you're in the wrong 'hood."

"C'mon, let's get to the quad."

"Why?" Bobbie asked.

"No offense, but you stick out like a sore thumb down here. And,
everyone heard about you and Carla Castillo. I'm Tim by the way, Tim
Flaherty," He stuck out his hand.

"Bobbie. Bobbie Sharpe."

"Not having lunch with your dyke friends today?" Carla Castillo was
stomping her way toward Bobbie.

Crap. "Could you hold this for a second?" Bobbie unshouldered her bag
and handed it to Tim.

"You broke my nose, Barbie," Carla said, a very unattractive cast over
half of her face. She reached out for Bobbie...

Who grabbed her arm and levered her over her right hip, sending Carla en
route to another facial collision. This time with the ground, she landed
with a dull, wet thump. She screamed in frustrated, painful anguish as
she realized that Bobbie had broken her nose. Again.

"It's Bobbie, and leave Beth alone."

A voice came from above the crowd. The slacker king parted the crowd,
His Deicide beanie bobbing up and down. "Beth? Beth Rivers. The
freshman? That's where you went yesterday? You two went to go bully some
kid instead of smoking that joint with us? You're priorities are all
screwed up, bitch," One of the older stoner kids started berating Carla.

"Don't worry, I won't say nothing. For that, she deserved it. You cool,
blondie."

"Bobbie. Bobbie Sharpe." He nodded.

"You better go on, before campus cop gets here." He pointed to the quad.

"Yeah," Tim said, handing Bobbie back her bag.

On their way to the quad, Tim looked at Bobbie. "That was AWESOME!"

Bobbie smiled. "If she would just stop attacking me. These things
wouldn't happen."

"So what did you want to talk to me about?" he asked.

"Here," She handed him a tupperware container with a mismatched lid.
"It's kind of a science project.

He opened it to see, another of the Cupcakes. He looked at her, wide
eyed.

"Did...did you make these?" Tim asked excitedly. "I mean, you know how to
do this stuff?'

Bobbie wasn't ready for a follow up question, but... "Yes. I wondered if
you could..."

"Oh, yeah. Sorry. " Tim said, removing the paper in one piece, he bit.
And Bobbie, saw the world explode in his eyes. As he chewed, he calmly
set the pastry back in the container. He swallowed hard, looked directly
into Bobbie's eyes. She could see tears forming.

"I miss my dad and sister," he whispered, tears streaming down his nose.
Tim wiped them away. "That was a really good cupcake," He said louder,
nonchalantly.

Bobbie saw his darkness lighten up a little, not like with Beth. The
bell rang, and before Bobbie could say anything else...

He was gone.

It wasn't until the end of the day when she saw him again. "Bobbie," he
called, running after her and Kim.

"Wait," Bobbie finally heard him and turned around. When he eventually
caught up, he put his hands on his knees, heaving. "I think... I think...
you need to... to see."

"See what?" Kim asked. "You're not taking her anywhere."

"It's okay, Kim. Sure, I'll go."

"Keep your phone on. I wanna hear from you." Kim pointed at Bobbie.

"Ok, mom."

Tim had gotten chatty after Kim left. Telling her about the car accident
that had claimed his Father and sister, His mother had been withdrawn
and almost catatonic. Tim's father had been a patisserie for a famous
restaurant years ago. They had moved to Delacroix when he had the idea
for a cupcake boutique/bakery. They had found the right building with
apartments upstairs. They had equipped the kitchen with the latest gear.
They even had the permits required. Then the accident happened, Leaving
Tim and his mother to deal with the aftermath. Now, opening the place
just seemed like too much work for just the two of them.

Tim led Bobbie into town, past some warehouses and the skate park.
There was a shabby grey building that needed a coat of paint. He
brandished a key and led her in through a side door, into an elevator
and down a hallway.

"I'm home, mom," Tim said, coming in the door. She was sitting on the
couch under a blanket staring at a muted TV. "Mom?"

"Oh. Hi, Tim," she said, not even looking at him.

"Mom, this is Bobbie."

"Oh." She turned around. "I'm Myka, sorry about the mess..." Her darkness
was palpable, almost swallowing light.

"It's okay, Ms. Flaherty."

"Mom, I think she can help with the bakery." Myka looked up, puzzled.

"I need to show her the space. I think we might be able to save this
place," Tim grabbed some keys off of the hook by the door.

Going back down to the first floor, Tim wouldn't stop talking or moving.
His darkness looked soap bubble thin, vague. "...so, neither one of us is
any good at this. We can't hire anyone, and well... You came along with
that cupcake. Please, we need your help," Tim pleaded as he flipped the
breakers one by one, enrobing the room in fluorescent light.

Bobbie gasped. She had seen some of this stuff before, but, wow! It was
all top end gear. Huge ovens, a fondant station, it was as if there was
a baker's wish list on display. "I just started, and ...."

"...damn," she

Tim cut her off. "Anything is better than the zero we've been getting.
And those cupcakes, "He would have loved them."

Bobbie's mind started clicking. Hmmm. Maybe... She started thinking. She
had friends, Beth would help. Maybe Kim... Suddenly, wormy things were
scouting her stomach

What is this I'm feeling? Not scared... Nervous?

What is this?

"I'll see what I can do?" Bobbie said with the air of
hopeIdon'tfuckitup.

Chapter 11

It was evening when Bobbie returned home. Sylvia was there, alone.

"Hi, Bobbie. Kim's out for a bit, so let's talk." Sylvia patted the
cushion next to her on the sofa.

"Where's Kim?" Bobbie asked.

"Oh, out with Roxx, I guess her name is? You know her?"

No, she didn't.

"Anyway, I wondered how school was going."

She shrugged. "Okay, I guess, classes seem easy enough. Don't think Mr.
Lesko is going to like my work. He seems a little too enamored of the
classics."

Sylvia put her hand on Bobbie's crossed leg. "You know, Robb said the
same thing. I see why he liked you. I know I haven't talked about it
much, but... None of this has been easy. It was so hard on Kim. She
didn't do much of anything but read his old books and watch his movies.
I was so happy when she started playing the bass. When she told me she
was gay. I wondered if it was Robb, was there something I could have
done? I was so... so mad isn't the word. Just frustrated and..." She sighed.

Bobbie couldn't even imagine what it had been like for her. Losing one
child, having to deal with Kim, and all of that after Jeff's battle with
cancer. Bobbie remembered all that time in the bedroom that Fate deemed
he occupy again.

"And I've wanted to ask you this for about a week. Bobbie?"

"Yes."

"Can I braid your hair? I've missed doing it since Heather's makeover.

"Sure," Bobbie chuckled. "Anything you want."

So Bobbie sat there, as Sylvia began sectioning off Bobbie's hair. "See
any boys you like?" Bobbie spluttered.

"Uhh. No. It's just been us girls," she commented on Beth and realized
she had been kind of alone together with Beth. "I guess it's kind of
difficult to start your senior year at a new school. I was always kind
of shy."

"God, sometimes when you talk, I just hear Robb. It's almost like you
two were the same person. There, done," Bobbie turned her head, feeling
a rope swing around and land in front of her left shoulder. "I'm glad he
found you. I wish I could have helped him more. That...that bitch. He was
a good boy, I can't help but think what would have happened if he
hadn't," She was looking directly into Bobbie's eyes, she could see the
tears.

"Mo..., Sylvia," Bobbie started.

"Y'know what," Sylvia guillotined that conversation."Call me Mom. I'm
okay with that if you are," She was, and only her hug told anyone.

Bobbie spent some time cleaning up after Robb and making room for
herself. Robb's movies were rather eclectic from well written romantic
comedies to musicals, Splattery horror films to period courtroom dramas.
Girls don't watch this stuff usually. Why not?

What kind of girl do you wanna be? I don't know. Before finally turning
in she took down that Bettie Page poster and set it aside.

Chapter 12

Bobbie saw him standing there, alone against a background of white, the
ground parched desert. She walked up to him slowly. Recognition dawned...

Robb. He looked emaciated. His skin mottled, his eyes cloudy.

"Hey." He looked down. "Was hoping this would happen. I don't know if
I'm dreaming this, or you are. Or... hell, if Justice dreamed this up.
Doubt that last one. No CLANG. Not sure."

"What...I, how?"

I think I'm what's left of Robb. You're making more of this than you
need to. You saved that girl, Kim and Mom are better now than they have
been. It's okay. I know this is weird, right? Maybe it's that walkabout
thing. Here I am, and there you are. Parts of me will stay, but you have
taken other parts and made them yours. You can be a better Bobbie than I
was a Robb, or a Robert for that matter. You can keep 'me' in here," he
tapped his temple. "There's not much to keep, here," He pointed to his
chest. He smiled. Grabbing her hand and placing it over his heart. "Just
keep your mind and heart open. No matter where you go..." Then he walked
into her, disappearing.

...there you are. Bobbie finished.

During lunch Beth looked at Bobbie. "I'm having a hard time with math,
do you know anything about it?"

"Yeah, what are you having trouble with?"

"Oh, jeez, everything." Beth looked at the end of her rope.

"Sure, afterschool? I think you can help me too," Bobbie said.

Bobbie spent time making a list of the things she needed help with. She
talked with Bella and Amber about band practice, saying something about
needing their help. Then Bobbie went about the rest of her day.
Following Beth home, Bobbie began asking the questions. She asked about
hair braiding, she realized that she liked the braid. Especially while
cooking. She had other girly questions, but those would keep past the
barrier of fractions.

Beth was having a huge problem with fractions. Bobbie remembered the
Easy Bake oven and related the fractions to food. Bobbie saw the light
come on, she had gotten it.

While showing Bobbie how to braid, Beth looked calmly at her. "I have a
question for you, okay? And you can't laugh."

Bobbie looked at her quizzically. "Sure, what?" Trying to keep the three
sections of hair separate.

"Are you an angel?"

"Angel, huh?"

"I... uhh. What? Angel?" Bobbie stammered.

"Sure, I've lived here my whole life. I've never seen you, you show up
out of nowhere and stop Carla, and you're so pretty. You don't know
about any girl stuff. " Beth excitedly ticked off her reasons. "...and
those cupcakes just have to come from God."

Before Bobbie could continue, "I always wanted a sister. I used to pray
that my mom would come back, or that Daddy could meet someone. Big
sister, little sister, I didn't care. " Bobbie saw a happiness in her
eyes that came from finally letting things out.

"No," Bobbie chuckled. "I'm not an angel." She had an idea. "Hey, you
wanna meet up with Kim's band this weekend? I think we can use your
help."

The next day Bobbie found herself sitting in the gym, cheering on the
Delacroix Blue Devils. The cheerleaders going through their routines. It
was all lost on her. Kim had told her that Grrl Army had a gig the next
weekend. They were playing at one of the College parties. Which meant
mostly covers. Bobbie decided that she wanted to go. Hear the band, meet
some people. Finding Tim after the rally, She told him about her idea.

"Look," She said. "You and I can't do it alone. There's plenty of extra
space, and maybe it'll help. We can at least get started."

"Bobbie, I don't know what to say. I didn't think that you would help."

"I said I'd see what I could do. This may be something."

Something Big.

* *******

Bobbie met with Tim and Beth early that Saturday morning. It wasn't
until they got to Heather's house that she started talking.

"Hi, Heather, this is Tim and Beth, and we kind of need your help."

Heather looked over her sunglasses at them.

"Heather," Bobbie said, putting her hand on her wrist. "Later. Tim sort
of has a bakery that needs help..."

Tim interrupted, "...and you guys can practice there if you want. Plenty
of room."

Beth waved at Amber, who smiled and waved back. Bella started talking,
Kim went back to tuning her bass. Soon the noise was cacophonous.
Heather screamed to stop the noise. Bobbie's voice took over the
silence.

"We need to help get that bakery open. With all of us together, I think
we can do it. A little work here, a little band practice there. Tim and
Beth agree, we can roadie you guys."

Kim's head snapped up. "And free cupcakes, right?" Everyone looked at
her."What?" she said. "Wait till you guys try 'em."

"Well, it would be nice to have my studio back," Heather said. "But,"
She pointed her earpiece at both Beth and Tim. "Style interventions...
both of you."

"Heather," Bobbie said. "Let's give them some time to adjust. They're a
little fragile right now."

"Fine," Heather put up her hands. "Fine. But, before that bakery opens..."

When they saw the bakery, they stood there. Looking up, they saw the
brick building. It had been peppered with some not so offensive
graffiti. Tim looked at the girls, excited.

"If you told me last week that I'd be standing here with a group of
girls..."

"Fuck, dude," Bella said. "Save that shit. Let's get started," Beth
giggled.

It took less time than expected. Since the appliances had never been
used, they had it up and running in no time at all. Soon they were
loading some of Grrl Army's sound equipment. Beth proved invaluable,
using stealth to be there doing what needed to be done before anyone
noticed. By the end of the day the bakery was cleaned, dusted, and
decluttered. They even had time to fit in a practice, Bobbie and Beth
managed to run to the store and use the equipment for the first time.

Beth was efficient. She moved quickly, grabbing ingredients and cracking
eggs. Tim was checking the temperature of the ovens. And Grrl Army was
playing. It was almost a scene out of some young adult novel for girls,
Bobbie thought.

Robb would have fit in here. Robb, the dream. Maybe Robb was still in
there, but only as a subset of Bobbie. In the short time spent in this
body, Bobbie had discovered that the loneliness of the first teenage
years was a testament to bottling things up. Bobbie was able to let
these things out in a way that Robb never could.

And, here Bobbie was, a whole circle of friends, even the token boy. She
saw Tim lugging a heavy box of utensils. She noticed a woody smell,
lightly mixed with the smell of a new wallet. She saw biceps, triceps,
and deltoids moving under his lightly tan skin, moving up under his
sleeves... Bobbie shook her head. What was that?

She went to pull the cupcakes out, only to discover that Beth had
already done so. "Beth, you're amazing. How do..."

Beth held up a hand, cutting her off. "I'm a fat girl, I know my way
around a kitchen. I got this."

Bobbie was nonplussed. Beth... stood up and took over. She moved with
confidence. From her vantage point, Bobbie wondered if that was what it
looked like when others saw her cook. She moved over to the decorating
station, and started to show Beth the steps, how to roll the ribbons and
assemble the final product. There was suddenly two dozen cupcakes, and
Tim and the Band.

"Oh, hi," Beth said, bringing Bobbie back to Earth. "We were almost
done. You ready? Bobbie?"

"Yeah, I came up with this one a couple of days ago. Thanks Tim."

"Huh?"

"You'll see in a minute. Everybody, grab one." Suddenly, there were
eighteen cupcakes.

Heather rolled her eyes back into her head, Amber just stared at hers in
amazement. Bella stared at Bobbie, while Tim looked at her with the
expression of someone who had just witnessed another person eat an
entire box of envelopes.

"How do you stay so thin? This is going straight to my ass. And right
now, I don't care."

"Bacon?" Tim asked. "You put bacon in cupcakes."

Bobbie nodded, savoring a mouthful.

"What are you gonna call this one?" Kim was already disposing of the
paper and heading in for a second cupcake.

"Great White North," Bobbie said after thinking for a minute. Then,
after a pregnant pause, she added. "Hoser," At which Kim giggled
hysterically.

Tim chuckled. "Good day, eh," Bobbie looked at him, shocked.

"I don't know, eh. These are pretty good, but not as good as donuts,
eh."

"Oh, get out!" Bobbie shot back in a similar voice. "They are too. Stop
lyin', hoser."

Kim was laughing so hard that she started coughing. "Ugh, I think I have
bacon in my nose." Heather, Beth, Bella and Amber got a good laugh out
of that.

Tim's eyes met Bobbie's, he smiled broadly. She smiled too, nobody knew
that movie. There was common ground. It felt good to be able to use the
word 'hoser' and have others know it's meaning.

Tim was helping get the equipment out to the car while Beth and Bobbie
washed up. "What class do you have after lunch?"

"Art," Beth said. "But, I can't really draw."

"Have you thought about Home Ec? I think you should switch classes. What
do you think about that?"

Beth brightened up. "Sure"

"You've got some talent for this. You shouldn't waste it," Bobbie said.
"I have a feeling that these cupcakes could take us somewhere."

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part IV

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 12

Friday night in Delacroix. Like most middle sized towns, there were
pockets of inactivity. Large swaths of suburban living gone dark for a
night out on the town. Then there were the parties. This one was like
most others, loud and busy. Grrl Army was playing. Somewhere around the
fourth song, "C'mon Eileen"(Heather felt more comfortable with the Save
Ferris cover.) Bobbie lost track of Beth.

Bobbie started looking around, and found her...

Talking to a boy?

"There you are," she said, finding Beth and the unknown boy.

"Oh, Bobbie. This is Steve, he studies cooking at the college." Beth was
talking rapidly. He, like her, was overweight and their conversation
turned back to baking. Bobbie smiled. She seemed to be having fun.
Bobbie quickly turned back to the music. There was a girl by the stage
with bright red hair and a back tattoo reminiscent of Melanie's. She was
swaying seductively. She could see Kim stealing glances at her in
between plucks of the strings. As "Eye of the Tiger" ended. Heather
called a 10 minute break for the band. Kim set down the bass and leapt
down to the redhead, whom she hugged and kissed, a little too
intimately.

Kim's okay, obviously. Alright, how does this mingling thing work?

She was reaching for a Diet Coke when she heard a voice behind her.

"Some party,huh? You know, you're the prettiest girl here?" He a red cup
in his hand. He reeked of whiskey and beer, he wore a t-shirt that said
"Ironic T-Shirt" and a mustache that had been waxed to the point of
ridiculosity. "Love the band." He started to offer her his cup when...

"There you are." She was one of Kim's friends, Bobbie recognized her
from the Lunch Bunch. Her shoulder length dark hair swished over a
shoulder as she quickly turned. She felt an arm around her waist. She
tensed, like two magnets pole to pole. Defense shields up, maximum
strength. Before Bobbie could comprehend what was happening. She had her
tongue in Bobbie's mouth.

Kissing. Robb had done some. So had Bobbie. The foreign tongue swabbed
around the inside of her mouth. It felt familiar, soothing. The world's
cares fell away. For a moment, Bobbie forgot about Bobbie. She was Robb
again, lost in a world of unfamiliar sensation that smelled both
familiar and wrong. The tongue withdrew as the other head backed away.

"Is that a mustache, or did someone put a candle on your face? Beat it,
breeder," she said, turning to Mr. Mustache.

"Lesbians," he breathed as he turned and walked away.

"Bobbie, right? I remember you from lunch on the first day. That guy.
Hipsters, ugh," She offered her red cup, which she took and finished in
one gulp.

"Yeah, sorry about that. That guy is such a douchebag. He dated my
sister. He would have played you some indie band's love song in a vein
attempt to get you to suck his cock. I'm Mary and..."

Bobbie only caught snatches of the rest, the kiss lingering in her mind.
The contents of the cup making her head swim. "I...I need some air," She
started toward the patio.

Oh, God. A girl just kissed me. But I'm a girl. It felt good. It felt
weird. It felt right. It felt wrong. Why does this seem to be the only
thing I can't figure out?

"You're not gay," Kim had said. Confusion rolled around her mind like a
boulder, rattling her psyche. It seemed like she should have enjoyed it.

But, she didn't, well not exactly.

"Hey." A warm hand on her shoulder, she spun quickly. Another hand shot
out to steady her.

"Sorry, didn't mean to freak you out. Figured because you were a little...
anyway. I just wanted to get you away from that guy. Kim told me how
you're kind of naíve and..." Bobbie eyed her curiously. "...No offense. Just
didn't wanna see anything happen. Date rape and all that, this is a
college party."

"It's okay," Bobbie slurred slightly, then giggled, "You kissed me." She
blushed.

"I kissed a girl and I liked it," she sang.

"How much did you drink?"

"Just that cup. I just," She felt funny, like really drunk. She felt
dizzy as her mouth flooded with saliva. She covered her mouth. Mary led
her over to a trash can by the patio, where Bobbie emptied her stomach.
Mary held her hair until she was done.

"Wow, you're a cheap date. Don't drink, huh."

"No, but," Bobbie giggled. "You're a smoker."

Over Mary's shoulder, she saw Kim and the red haired girl. There was
something familiar about her. Thinking through molasses, she couldn't
figure out what it was.

Something's wrong. But what?

The redhead left and Kim ambled over with wide eyes and an even wider
grin.

"Hey," Kim said, ambling over. "You okay?"

"I think she'll be fine, she is such a lightweight."

Bobbie giggled. "She kissed me," Kim looked sideways at Mary, puzzled.

"Jeb was gonna hit on her. I remember you said..."

"I would have kicked him in the balls. F...Fucker," Bobbie hiccupped,
swaying drunkenly.

"I gave her my cup," Mary said It only had a sip left in it. I didn't
think..."

"Yeah, she's got like, no tolerance. Kim said, crossing over to her.
"Thanks, I think. C'mon, Bro, let's get you a seat."

"Who was that?" Bobbie asked. "She's hot." Her giggling calmed down as
Bobbie realized she was Bobbie.

"That was Roxx," Kim turned cold for a second. "And she's mine. C'mon,
bro. I've gotta get back on stage." She led Bobbie to a seat near the
stage, where she stayed. Grrl Army came back on and started the next set
with "Should I Stay Or Should I Go." Loud cheers erupted as the opening
riff played.

Bobbie sat there, slightly drunk. Throwing up had helped. Bobbing her
head to the music, she noticed Tim standing against the wall. She
started to rise, only to be tripped up by her own feet. Tim noticed
Bobbie as she fell. He threaded his way through the crowd toward her.

Bobbie was cursing her drunkenness as she started to get up. A strong,
warm hand was on her shoulder. It wasn't like when Mary first touched
her. It was like her defense shield got the right response. Muscles
relaxed, she felt her whole body exhale. Another hand rested on the
other shoulder.

"Bobbie, it's okay. It's me, Tim." She seemed to want to fall again
before she finally allowed him to help her to her feet. She turned
around and faced him, leaning on him heavily.

"No matter where I am, there you are." She chuckled at her own joke. Tim
laughed.

"C'mon, sit down. Need something to drink?"

"That would be good." He was gone before she finished. He was back
before she could see where he went.

"Here," Tim said, handing her a Mello Yello. She took the can and popped
the tab. After a solid swig, followed by a burp, she felt a little
better.

Tim burst out laughing, as did Bobbie. He sat with her. She noticed she
was looser, more comfortable than she had been. The band wrapped up and
the party wound down. Getting the gear stowed was easy with all the
extra help.

"Groovy!" Bobbie said as she closed the tailgate on the last of the
gear.

"Candar!" Tim said, echoing her quote. She smiled at him. "You know,
Bobbie. I like the fact that I can say these things around you. No one
ever gets it," Crossing over to her, he continued. "My mutant power
seems to be remembering weird shit."

"Mine too." Her eyes widened. She giggled. "Mutant power." He moved
closer.

"Hey," Kim intoned. The redhead from earlier was on her hip. "Roxx, this
is Bobbie and Tim. Guys, Roxx."

She shook Tim's hand and grinned evilly, then turned to Bobbie. Her look
became absolutely sinister. "Heard sooo much about you."

Something's wrong with her. I can feel it. Evil, pure and simple.

As their hands touched, Bobbie was filled with a sense of nameless
dread. Her hackles raised, the fine hairs on the back of her neck tried
their best to stand up.

Roxx broke away, then kissed Kim. "See ya 'round," She walked away in a
sway of hips that indicated to Bobbie that Roxx had a tattoo that was
awfully similar to the one Melanie had, but different enough to be just
another tramp stamp. Looking at Kim, there was a thinner, more dense
darkness than she had sensed before. What did it mean?

"That's your girlfriend? Nice," Tim said, looking at Bobbie. "I mean, if
that's your type," He quickly amended.

Thing is, that was my type.

"So that's Roxx. She better be nice to you." Bobbie smacked a fist into
her palm.

Kim laughed. "Don't do that. It doesn't look right when you do it,"
Bobbie laughed, so hard she nearly doubled over. "Is she okay?"

"As far as I can tell," Tim rubbed the back of his neck. Bobbie was
still laughing at Kim's last statement.

"C'mon, bro," Kim said, pulling on of Bobbie's slender arms around her
shoulder to keep her steady. "Let's get you home."

Tim followed them to Heather's car, where Kim helped her in. "Look,
thanks for helping her out. I think this evening is going to mess with
her a little."

He looked puzzled. "I didn't do..."

"No, one of my more forward friends kissed her to keep this douchebag
away, I guess. And.."

"Oh, no problem. I'll hang out with her anytime. Seems like she gets me.
I expect to be in the friend zone, but I've gotta try, right? And, Kim.
Don't tell Bobbie."

"Don't worry. Not sure she's ready for that yet."

"Thanks. See you at the Bakery Tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Kim said, ducking into the car.

"Bye, Tim," Heather and Bobbie said as Heather started her car and drove
off into the slightly humid night.

"You like Bobbie, don't you?" Tim was startled. He spun quickly, it was
Beth.

Tim put his hand over his chest. "Jeez, Beth. You scared me."

"Sorry," she said. "Fun party."

"Yeah. Hey, what happened to that guy...um..."

"Oh, Steve. He was nice. We talked about food and stuff."

"He didn't try.."

"No, silly. He's just nice," Beth giggled.

Tim smiled and offered her arm. "Ready to go? Big day at the bakery."

Beth smiled. "Let's rumble."

Chapter 13

At the ring of the alarm, Bobbie wanted to cry. She hurt, her stomach
rolled.

Ugh! I need to stop trying to drink. There was a taste in her mouth, a
taste that should have...

Mary! Bobbie blushed, her head clearing slightly. Dressing quickly, she
crept downstairs to see Kim drinking coffee.

"There she is," Kim said. "I can see that you remember last night. You
look like a dog that just peed in the house."

"I.."

"Don't worry. Mary feels just as weird about it. She thinks she chased
you away. I think she's got a crush on you."

"Oh, God. She smokes. All I could taste was tobacco. She handed me a
cup..."

"Yeah, what's up with that?"

"Ever since... 'Bobbie' everything effects me. Funny thing is, I didn't
think that there was anything special in that cup. It was just beer."

"You were pretty buzzed," Kim agreed.

"She just showed up when that guy..." Bobbie shook her head as she
seasoned her coffee. "I've got such a..."

"Hangover? Yeah, I'd stay away from that stuff. It's almost like you're
allergic."

Bobbie was downing her coffee, trying to get at that life giving
caffeine. "Kim, I..I."

"You're confused? Right? Question is, how did you feel about it?" Kim
looked intently at Bobbie, holding her gaze.

"When she grabbed me, I tensed. Then when she kissed me... I...I was Robb
again. I forgot about this, but it ... I don't know... smelled wrong? Then I
looked down and realized I was 'Bobbie', and that was it, I just felt
weird. Did I like it? Sort of? But that's not the weird part," She
sipped at the rest of her coffee.

Kim cocked an eyebrow. "How do you mean?"

"I fell later, and Tim was there. He stopped me from falling and..."

"Go on..."

"When he touched me... It felt... I dunno, comforting? When Mary did it. I
tensed."

"That didn't happen with Tim," Bobbie said. "In fact, just the opposite.
I felt... secure."

"See, told you," Kim swallowed the last of her coffee. "You aren't gay."

Great, one confusion settled.

After showering, Bobbie's head stopped throbbing and her stomach stopped
riding the rollercoaster it had been on all morning. She and Kim got to
the Bakery late. Everyone was there. Including two new faces, an awkward
looking blonde guy they had seen at the party.

And another, vaguely Asian girl with a longish pixie cut and a purple
streak framing the right side of her face. There was something about
her. "Oh, good. It's the Duchess of Dessert," she said dryly.

"Bobbie, Kim. This is Nick and Faye. Nick's a graphic design student at
DCC. He can help with our signage. His work's pretty good, and he'll
practically work for cupcakes."

"Which will go straight to my boobs and my hips," Faye said. Beth and
Kim chuckled. Bella and Amber smiled.

Bobbie shook Nick's hand, then Faye's. As soon as they touched, she felt
a wrongness. A subdued, muted version of Roxx's. Looking closer, she saw
darkness. Hers was unique, unusual. She wanted to jerk her hand away
like she touched a live wire, but instead allowed the low voltage to
flow through her.

"So, the idea is for Nick to design the logo. We're gonna need a name,
Something we're gonna plaster all over town. We need to let them know
we're different," Tim was excited, talking animatedly. Gone was the shoe
gazing. Bobbie smiled as she saw Heather grinding her teeth every time
he unsuccessfully tried to hook his hair over his ear.

Bobbie noticed that Faye couldn't stop looking at her. A small part of
her liked the attention, a slightly larger part felt wrong for liking
it, and the largest part wondered what was so different about her that
she gave off such unusual vibes.

Bobbie got up. "Well, I guess we're going to have to make some of these
famous cupcakes, right?"

"Fuck yes," Kim said.

Beth clapped, signifying her answer.

"Yeah, sure. I'll talk some things over with Nick. See if we can figure
out a direction"

"...And I'll sit here and look sexy," Faye said, causing a caustic look
from Heather. And with that, they broke. The Band setting up, Bobbie and
Beth getting their stations set up. Tim and Nick sitting in front of a
laptop. The general stir engulfed everyone. Everyone except Faye, who
couldn't stop watching Bobbie.

"I'll be back, I need to run to the bathroom. Can you keep an eye on the
candy thermometer for me?" Beth said, wiping her hands and hustling out
of the prep area.

As Beth left, Faye slinked from where she sat to where Bobbie stood,
grabbing measuring cups. "So, how long ago did it happen?"

"Oh, I met Tim and Beth when..."

"Don't give me that bullshit. How long ago did you have a dick?"

Bobbie dropped a measuring cup, she heard the plastic crack. She spun
quickly and Stared Faye right in the eye. As their eyes connected,
Bobbie saw understanding.

"Was it Lust? How long ago was it."

Lust! Justice had warned me about her.

"Please," she said pleadingly. "I have to know. There's more than us,
you know?"

Bobbie's eyes widened.

"Lust," Bobbie's eyes widened. She whispered the name.

"Why did she do this to you?"

"I think we should go outside," Bobbie eyed Faye suspisciously as Beth
came in and washed her hands. "Beth. Temp's still good. I'll be right
back."

Bobbie led Faye outside. Her mind was a whirlwind of activity. She
seemed to know. "Lust didn't do this to me," Bobbie began. "Justice did.
But she did mention Lust"

"There's more of them?" Faye looked at Bobbie incredulously. "What does
this one want? What did you do?"

"I don't understand," Bobbie said into Faye's pleading eyes.

Faye took a deep breath, looked both ways. "I used to be a guy," She
breathed quietly. The effortless confidence she exuded was gone,
replaced by a vulnerable teenage girl."Believe it or not, I used to be a
six foot plus man named Kane," She ran a hand along her body. "Lust did
this to me. The first year was some Event Horizon shit. Now I'm this
irresistible bundle of sexiness you see before you."

Bobbie was taken aback. Here was evidence of Lust's handiwork. Well,
Justice had said...

And here, she was. A kindred spirit. A TRUE kindred spirit.

"Liberate Tut e me ex inferis," Bobbie said. Smiling as she shed a
single tear, she leapt forward and embraced Faye.

Faye awkwardly returned the hug."Anyway, I had to learn everything all
over again. If it wasn't for Nick, I doubt I'd be breathing. What's your
story?"

"Drugs, robberies. I... I got shot. Justice came, said she'd save me if I
helped her."

"What does she want?"

"Not much. Just to be a good person and to help people. I'm being... I
don't know. I'm just different now."

"No shit."

"So, you got the Event Horizon thing? Play much Dead Space?"

"Oh, God. Yes!" Bobbie squeed. Faye's perfect left eyebrow went up.

"So not long enough to know to keep that shit on lockdown?"

"Look, Bobbie? We should talk, but not here. You got a free night
tomorrow?"

"Yes! I've got so many questions..."

"You never answered my question. How long?"

"About a month? I've been really busy."

"Again, no shit. You're taking this better than I did. I moped like
Janeane Garofalo on downers Got into fights, and was just a pain in the
ass. Look, we should get back in there. I need to try these cupcakes
I've heard so much about. I know you want answers, you can wait till
tomorrow. Until then, sister-brother?"

Bobbie laughed, uncontrollably; as she shook Faye's offered hand."No
one's ever said that to me before."

Faye looked back at her, and as their hands shook.

"Then it pleases me to be the first."

"Transformers? NICE! Oh, nerd roots showing," Bobbie quickly repostured.

"Allow me to introduce myself," continuing to shake.

"My name is Faye. Faye Valentine."

As they let each other's hands go, Bobbie's face fell. "Faye Valentine?
How on Earth do you manage to keep that name? I mean, doesn't everyone
know it by now?"

"Girl's gotta keep some secrets." Faye smiled as they reentered the
bakery.

Beth had done her work and the cupcakes were ready to go in. Faye headed
back over to Nick and Tim who were talking excitedly about something.
Heather and the rest of the band came into the baking area to the smell
of baking.

"Bobbie, I don't want to have to take all my dresses out," Heather
warned.

"Fuck it," Bella declared. "Em are good."

"They won't be ready for a while yet," Bobbie said.

"Yeah," Beth interjected. "We still have to put together the..."

Tim burst into the now-crowded bakery. "Holy... wow, lot of people in
here. Ummm, Bobbie, could you come out here?"

Bobbie shimmied her way through the crowd and tried to ignore when her
breasts brushed against Tim. A slight tingle, almost a burning sensation
lingered almost to the small seating area where Nick and Tim had been
working.

Faye, I really hope you can help me. With Tim.

With everything.

"Cheepskates Cupcake Boutique. There's the logo," Tim pointed to the
monitor of Nick's laptop. There was a small green bird on rollerskates
inside an orange circle. "What do you think?"

Bobbie looked at it, cocked her head and studied it. Something wasn't
quite right.

"Can we make the bird blue?" Bobbie asked. Nick tapped the stylus to the
drawing pad twice and the bird changed color.

"It looks better," Tim said, lowering his voice. "It's just that green
was Stephanie's favorite color."

"The lettering could be green," Bobbie offered.

Nick, without looking up, said, "Green would throw out the scheme. Blue
and orange are complimentary."

"Don't worry, Tim," Bobbie promised, "We'll get green in there somehow."
Tim brightened some, smiling at Bobbie in a manner so infectious, she
returned it.

There was some commotion as Beth called for Bobbie to return to the
production area to finish the cupcakes.

"Shoo," Beth said, waving her hand at everyone except Bobbie. Twenty
minutes later, they returned with one dozen each of Mortal Choklate and
Great White North.

Everybody grabbed theirs, looking at the edible art before them. Faye
and Kim were the first into theirs.

"MMMMMMMMPH!" Faye declared, working her mouth slowly. She set one hand
on the table as she swallowed. She panted, staring at the cupcake
incredulously. "I think that you just became my new junk food stop."

Nonplussed, Nick opted to try the Great White North first. His eyes
closed, rapt in delicious sensation. Mmmming as he chewed, dismissing
the crumbs that landed on his Gungrave shirt.

After cleaning up and stowing their sound gear. Faye and Bobbie
exchanged numbers. "Tomorrow?" Faye asked.

"For sure," Bobbie smiled.

That night Bobbie and Kim were on the roof again.

"So, you made fast friends with Faye. Nick seems cool. Maybe I'll bring
Roxx by next week," Kim said pensively, staring off into empty space.

"Yeah, I can meet her sober."

Kim laughed and extinguished her cigarette. "C'mon, we got school
tomorrow."

**********

The next day passed in a blur. Classes, the occasional 'hi' from some of
the other kids in her classes, small talk with Beth and now Tim, who sat
far away from 'slacker's cove' as it was called. In Drama, Bobbie's
phone vibrated in her pocket. She flipped it open to find a text from
Faye:

Meet me in the parking lot, Ive arranged transpo

After class Bobbie said goodbye to Beth and headed out to the parking
lot. She quickly found Faye who indicated Nick's car pulling into the
gravel.

"Go ahead and get in the front. I like to make him think he's a
chauffeur," Faye said loudly enough for Nick to hear. Bobbie got in the
front seat, Nick brushing some chip crumbs onto the floor.

"Dammit, Faye. You can't just leave your shit up front, then jump in the
back," Nick said, craning his neck. Faye glowered at him. "Yessah, Miz
Daisy. I be drivin'"

"Just get us home, Nick. Or I will describe my last period to you in
great detail"

"You're kidding," Nick said evenly, not taking his eyes off the road.
Bobbie could tell that this was common.

"I have pictures," Faye said, grinning broadly.

Nick mumbled something under his breath as he drove out of the confines
of Delacriox High.

"So, Bobbie. I never got to tell you yesterday. But, that may have been
the best baked anything I've ever had. Did I hear you right, that
there's bacon in them?"

"Yeah," she said. What did Nick know? She wondered. She thought it best
not to bring it up.

"Well, you found a way to get another food group in there," Nick said

"Hmmm," Faye purred. "Breakfast cupcakes. Me likey."

They pulled into the place Nick and Faye called home. Faye shooed Bobbie
into her room quickly, closing the door behind her. "Please, sit."

Bobbie looked at the room. It was a mess, there were food wrappers and
video games, anime dvds and various items, some of which defied
explanation.

"So," Faye began, extending her hand. "Name was Kane... Hmmm. Haven't said
that in over a year."

"Robb," Bobbie shook her hand again. "I think."

"Robb, Bobbie. OK."

"That was Melanie's idea. Oooh, she controlled everything. First it was
playing hooky, then shaving my head..."

Faye giggled. "Sorry, I can't picture you bald."

"Yeah, well waking up with all this extra hair was a bit of a shock. So
were these." Bobbie put her hands on her breasts."

"My change was slower, took a couple of weeks," Faye said. "If it wasn't
for Nick. I...I don't think I'd be here."

"He knows?"

"Of course. He's my best friend. Has been for years. Don't think we
should tell him about you, though. He's just getting over losing me."

"Losing you? Wait were you...?"

Doing the mental algebra, Faye brought up her hands reassuringly. "No,
no. Nothing like that. It's just, he wanted his old buddy Kane back.
Friday night Anime marathons, both of us bitching about how we never get
laid," She held up a locket that was around her neck. "There's a lock of
Kane's hair in here. Nick saved it, and I've kept it ever since."

"I tried so hard to not mope around. Didn't work. Then I met a girl
named Amy. She's like us. Well, like me. Lust did her. She was a guy
named Marten. Lust didn't just change his sex, she regressed him to 11
years old. Think about that."

Bobbie wondered about that. That would have been a special type of hell.
Puberty, again, parents and playgrounds, again. "I was gonna die. Female
was preferable to dead. The next day. I guess when the change was
finished. I... I ... had a period."

"Me, too," Faye interjected. "Thought I was gonna die," She chuckled at
the memory. Also remembering telling Zoe and Rachel the same story and
the resulting laugh.

"I'd just recently been shot. I freaked out. All that blood... Kind of
silly now that I think about it. But."

"Yeah."

"How long before you double clicked your mouse?"'

"Huh?"

"Masturbated? I mean, you have done that, right," Faye asked.

She nodded her head. "Melanie set up a webcam thing and we did this
Angel/Demon thing..."

Faye's face fell as she ran to her computer. After a few quick taps and
clicks, she turned the monitor to face Bobbie.

Where she saw Melanie and herself. Bobbie looked away, blushing.

"Sorry. Didn't recognize you. It's a hot video. You look different...
What's wrong?" Bobbie's hands covered her face, she was sobbing. Faye
came and sat next to her.

"M..Melanie made me do it so we could make some money. She gave me
ecstasy...and...and," Bobbie collapsed. "Sorry, it's just..."

"Hormones? I'm sure you've noticed a difference. You don't get mad like
you used to? Things make you cry more. Welcome to girl Auschwitz. Where
every move courts disaster.

"Hey, we 'girls' have to stick together. Hell of an introduction," Faye
said, smiling.

"So," Bobbie sniffed, regaining composure. "What did you do about guys."

Faye looked sheepish. "I have a girlfriend."

Bobbie was stunned."I... I didn't..."

"It's okay, we keep it quiet. What about you?"

"At that party last weekend. One of Kim's friends kissed me. I guess to
save me from being hit on. I kind of liked it, until I remembered I'm
not Robb anymore and it smelled funny, . Kind of left me in a funk, then
I drank some beer, and most of the evening is a blur, except..."

"Go on," Faye dug in, hoping for details of the juiciest variety.

"Tim helped me up, and it felt...I don't know, comforting. Like he
wouldn't let me fall. Ever."

"Ah, I see. It sounds like you're not into girls."

"But, I'm not gay."

"Honey," Faye said, cocking a hip sensually. "look in the mirror. How
old were you?'

"21"

"And you've got a whole life ahead of you, no one will ever know unless
you tell them," Faye pointed out matter of factly.

"Kim keeps telling me I'm not gay, but..."

"What's her story?"

"Oh," Bobbie waved her hand," She's my sister."

"You went home?" Faye said, as if stricken. "I only talk to my parents
through email now. Did you get ID?"

"Yeah, I knew someone. Son of a bitch wanted me to blow him," Bobbie
said distastefully. "I told them I was Robb's girlfriend, and that he
was dead. They bought it. I told Kim, so she knows, and now there's you.
And Melanie, but, I think she's probably long gone by now.

"Did you?" Faye quizzed.

"What?"

"Blow him?"

"Eww, no."

"So, what were you like? Y'know, before," Faye asked.

"Not much to tell. Wallflower, no real friends, some online D and D, and
movies. Lots of movies. I probably know more about movies that most
people you know."

"Probably. I am a gamer, that hasn't changed. I just keep it quiet. Tell
people I'm into hiking," Faye let out a sly grin. "Getting used to this
body was... a journey."

"The body stuff isn't so hard. I have to admit I kind of like how the
clothes fit. It just seems weird that I like guys now. I guess. Don't
know if I'm ready for it.

"Everybody finds their own time. Having friends helps. Without Nick,
Rach, and Zoe..."

"I dropped out of school. I'm gonna finish this time. My mom seems like
she's doing better. I have friends now. It's... nice," She smiled. "I had
a dream..."

Faye leaned in, listening intently. "I saw me. I mean, I saw Robb. And
he told me that it was okay. To keep what there was, because there was
so little of him. No friends, no future. Justice told me I'm on the
right track. So, I must be doing something right.

"Looks like you made your saving throw."

Bobbie looked at her, perplexed, then laughed at the reference.

"Well, you've got a better handle on this that I did at a month. I think
you'll be okay. Looks like you have friends," Faye said, adjusting her
low neck top.

"Really?"Bobbie looked down. "Yeah, I guess I do. Never did before,
Never talked to anyone, got bullied. All my friends were online, You
know all those experiences we were supposed to have growing up? Well,
not me."

"My father died when I was 11. He was my dad. I mean, never got fishing
or football, but I had to learn to be a man from movies. Worst teacher
ever. Kim and I were close until... well, until Melanie. I followed her
like a puppy, did whatever she wanted. Wasn't too sure about the
robberies, but she convinced me. Like an idiot."

"Whenever people ask you 'didn't your parent's ever...' My answer is
usually no. Ask me how many stuntmen were in Die Hard, and I can tell
you," Bobbie smirked.

As they talked, Bobbie and Faye realized that, Bobbie just needed to
talk to someone else who had been through a similar, traumatic change.
She went home, buoyed as she was by some catharsis.

Chapter 14

She smelled it before she saw it. A cigarette. It didn't smell offensive
or clingy. It smelled soothing, pleasant, instead. There was a hard
packed dirt path that seemed to stretch forever, an equally infinite
field. A dark shape stood out in the distance.

"Hey," It called. "Think I could get your help, Bobbie?"

Stunned, she made her way toward the voice. The cigarette smell got
stronger.

She gasped as she saw his face. Robb. He looked worse, sicker. His
grungy clothes hung oddly on his gaunt frame. The light dappling on the
mottled skin of his shaved head.

"Hey, gorgeous."

Bobbie looked at her funny.

"Only so brash because you're you, me... whatever," Robb waved his hand,
smoke trailing. Bobbie stared at the cigarette, transfixed. He pulled
out his pack and offered her one. "Don't worry, it's just a dream. Your
body remembers. Go on," Bobbie took one of the Camels and put it in her
mouth. Robb lit it for her. She inhaled. It was relaxing and made her
head swim. Robb then produced a joint, and lit it. "Same here," He said
holding in the pungent smoke.

They smoked the joint and their cigarettes. Bobbie was high, the high
she remembered. She smiled blankly. So many memories...

"Okay, Now that you and I are on the same page, grab a shovel and come
with me."

"Wai... huh?" Bobbie asked.

"You're gonna help me bury something," He said as he started to hack and
cough.

"What?"

"Me," He said spitting a glob that was at least part the red of blood.

Robb told stupid jokes, as if he'd been privy to everything that
happened to Bobbie. Bobbie laughed, they were a little dark, but they
were funny. He stopped and dug his shovel right in. "C'mon, don't be
shy," Bobbie also dug in, churning the dirt.

"Way I see it," Robb began. "Is you've got to bury me, if you don't,
you'll never be happy. Look you may know who directed what and all that,
but what did that knowledge cost you? Look at Beth, God, she's almost
like a female me. Probably why you helped her. But that's my point, I
never would have. Not only did you do it," He leaned on his shovel. "You
did it with some Crouching Tiger style."

Bobbie laughed.

"Look at Kim, you two get along better than we did at the end there. And
Mom, I know she loved me, but she seems to get you. Heather seems nice.
Pay attention to her. Bella and Amber... Y'know, you have the start of a
really great group," Bobbie looked down.

"And Tim... he's nice, he likes you, you know? Reminds me of me. It's
okay to admit it. I know about Mary. I understand. But things are
different now. Remember how I used to always push away the broccoli in
the Chinese food?" Bobbie nodded.

She remembered how she had eaten everything at Bamboo Panda, relishing
the crunch and its earthy flavor.

"Anyway, the baking, Tim. Seriously, you could go places I never would
have gone. Let's just say I survived the robbery, then what?" Bobbie
hadn't thought of that. He coughed and spat again.

"You know Melanie would have rolled over on you in a heartbeat. Me?
Jail? That would have gone over like a lead balloon. That webcam shit.
Her using you, me, again."

Bobbie agreed as she wiped sweat away from her forehead, making her
bangs stick awkwardly.

"Justice gave you this chance. You've already done more with it than I
would have. Sing, dance... love. There's going to come a time when you
will have been Bobbie longer than I was Robb. I think we've all
established that you're not gay. You gonna wall yourself off from
everyone? You don't even like cats."

They dug in silence. There was soon a large hole. Robb offered Bobbie
another cigarette and lit another joint.

"Figure we can do this one more time," Robb said, lighting Bobbie's
cigarette.

"Forget about all the things I did. They're long past. Concentrate on
now. I know you can do it. You've come so far already. Style, I mean, I
know I would have been terrified of you," Bobbie blushed.

"You have talents you don't even know about yet, and even more will come
with age and experience. It's a little different, not much.

He stubbed out his cigarette and stood. Crossing over to Bobbie, he
hugged her. She returned the hug. It was the embrace of two best friends
that will never see each other again. Bobbie could feel the tears on her
shoulder.

Robb's tears, cooler than the tears from her own eyes.

"C'mon. No need to cry. It's better this way. Take care of Mom, and
Kimster. Especially Kim. Try to live, have some fun. Get through the bad
times. There's more to life than I lived. Go on out and find it," And
with that, he unceremoniously jumped into the hole.

"Well, fill it in. Let's do this," Robb pulled the last cigarette from
his pack. "One for the road." He smiled weakly.

Bobbie wanted to scream, NO. We can fix this, it doesn't have to be this
way. But, she saw the truth of it. He was gone, no going back. Apart
from watching movies with his dad, there were no real happy childhood
memories. Movie and book trivia was all there really was. Tears streamed
down her face as she began tossing dirt into the hole at Robb's feet.

"Kinda reminds me of Army of Darkness," Robb said, exhaling smoke.
Bobbie chuckled through her tears.

As the dirt reached his neck. "Goodbye, Bobbie. Make it count. Live
loudly."

"No matter where you go, there you are," Bobbie sobbed as she threw the
last of the dirt over the hole, burying the last of Robb. She fell to
her knees, sobbing. The high was gone. Looking up, she saw a lake that
she somehow missed. She stripped off her dirty clothes and walked naked
to the water.

It was on the third step when she felt the wetness creep under her
thigh...

* **********

Bobbie woke with a start and a scream. It took a full three seconds for
Kim to burst through the door. "Wha?" Kim said.

"Bad dream," Bobbie started, feeling the wetness. "Oh," she said feeling
the familiar seep and the dull, throbbing pain of her abdomen. Throwing
off the blankets, She ran to the bathroom and rummaged for the pads she
had recently put there.

Bobbie installed the absorbent, slightly off. She knew she'd get it
eventually.

"Huh?" It was Sylvia, standing in the hallway.

"It's okay, Mom. Just a bad dream."

Knowing, her eyes cleared up for a second as their gaze locked. "I know,
Bobbie," She stepped forward and hugged her. "I miss him, too," She
whispered into her ear. Sylvia turned and went back to bed.

Kim was still on her bed when Bobbie came back into the room, giggling.

"What?" Bobbie said, slightly annoyed.

"I know that look. Started your period, huh? Sorry, just. Robb is still
in there and..."

"No, he's not," Bobbie said distantly, shaking her head. "I think I just
buried him. The memories are there. But, I'm just gonna be Bobbie. You
said it yourself. What kind of girl do I want to be? I'm not sure."

"But I'm going to find out."

Kim smiled. "Well, right on. Sis." It sounded natural.

"Yeah, sis," Bobbie echoed, both of them smacking their fists into their
palms in unison. They giggled...

Like schoolgirls.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part V

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 15

Bobbie was a little grumpy, but felt lighter than she had recently.
Despite cramps, she smiled some, happy to see Beth and Amber who had
joined them for lunch to talk about the cupcakes.

"Cooking is all science, really. I mean, there's the art stuff, too, but
the physics of it... Those were so good. I was wondering if you could make
some for the bake sale?"

"Bake Sale?" Bobbie asked, Beth's expression mirrored Bobbies.

"Yeah, we do the big musical in the spring. We hold a bake sale to help
fund it. Last year, we used the home ec kitchens. I think it'd be a
really big hit."

To new experiences. "Sure," Bobbie said. "But only if Beth helps."

"Of course, silly." Beth said, suddenly bouncing.

Bobbie survived the rest of the week

The shopping list for the bake sale came through on the following
Monday, and Bobbie and Beth were on the case. They had even managed to
enlist Tim, who had his own ideas.

"...Well, there's this restaurant that won the James Beard award that has
something called a Chocolate Bacon Crunch Bar. I think we can pull off a
cupcake version of that. Thanks Chef Duff."

He turned to Bobbie and smiled broadly. "And you, Bobbie."

"Me? What did I do?"

"You got me interested in things again. I wasn't lost, I just didn't
know where I was going."

"Ah," Bobbie said, feigning wisdom. "A zen answer, nice one pilgrim."

Tim's eyes widened. "There is no way you know where that's from."

"Steve Perry's The Man Who Never missed, my favorite book."

"Get the fuck out of here," Tim said, pulling the battered paperback out
of his back pocket.

The timer dinged and Tim spun to pull the cakes out of the oven. Bobbie
stood still and noticed a smell, undertones of sweat, wood and leather,
it hung in the air. The smell was so... so...

Male.

She remembered that smell, that one of a general floweriness that girls
had. He'd been alone with women for over a month now. It seemed alien to
her now. Somehow faulty and misleading.

But the other smell, his smell...

It stirred something, something deep and ancient. The lizard part of her
brain sending signals that were familiar, faint and distant. Her cramps
faded for a second, she smiled. "Rest of the series wasn't all that, but
man...."

The cupcakes were finished, ten dozen each Mortal Choklate, Great White
North, and Tim's experiment, which he dubbed the Womanimal. "Chocolate
and bacon, and the restaurant's name is Animal."

Ms. Varney, the Drama Club advisor saw the output and was simply
overjoyed. "So many. They should sell. Hope you're ready..."

"Ready?" Bobbie said. "For what?"

"You're going to work the stand, right?" Ms. Varney asked. Beth answered
in the affirmative immediately.

"Umm sure," Tim said, glancing at Bobbie. "Bobbie? You in?"

"Alright," she said. "That escalated quickly." Tim laughed.

Where once was great trepidation, Bobbie felt optimism and hope.

"I'm gonna have to get ready for tomorrow," Tim said absently. "Beth,
want a ride home? I just got my dad's old Vespa fixed. Mean to ride it
around. Got two helmets?"

"Ooh, okay," Beth squealed, Bobbie smiled at him, turning to leave. Tim
flipped out his phone. After countless taps and a few moments, he turned
to Beth and said "Let's go."

As they left, Bobbie felt, well slightly down. Damn hormones. She left
to find Kim and walk home.

She found Kim with Roxx, trying to suffocate each other with their
tongues.

They separated when Kim's eyes widened at the sight of Bobbie.

"Hey, Roxx. I've gotta go. Until later tonight?" Kim said, a hunger in
her eyes.

Bobbie felt it the sheer otherness of her.

"Oh, yeah. See ya then, Tiger. Nice to see you again, Angel." Roxx said,
spiling herself from step to the next viscously like the heaviest cream.
Kim leered at Roxx's rear end as it swished from one side to the other
like the pendulum of a grandfather clock.

"MMM, I like her. We're gonna do such depraved and horrible things to
each other," Kim said uncharacteristically.

Bobbie saw the darkness in her, she had learned to tune it out. It was
present in everyone to varying degrees. Even when she saw it go away,
the same person would have it back soon. But the echoes of wrongness
followed Roxx out like a tide going out.

"I don't know about her. Something's not right."

"Geez, bro. Jealous much?" Kim looked defensive.

"Me? No. I'm not gay, remember?" Bobbie said defiantly. "C'mon, let's
get home."

"Yeah, we should do that," Kim said, still staring after Roxx.

Dinner and homework taken care of, Bobbie was ready to go to bed. Kim
had taken off with Roxx, Sylvia was out with friends from work. She had
the house alone. The squeezing and general crappiness went away after a
hot shower, removing bits of batter and frosting. Once out, she began
the process of towel drying her hair. Ready for bed, she slipped into
her pajamas and...

BZZT! BZZT!

The phone vibrated on her nightstand.

Heather: HEY BOBBIE!! Need to pik u up 2mrw, early, lik 6. B rdy.

Bobbie: Y

Heather: Gt rdy 4 bak sal.

So much for 8 hours

Chapter 16

Bobbie was up at 5, slightly dressed in jeans and a tshirt, a cup of
coffee in each hand. Heather was, true to her word, there at 5:59 on the
dot.

"Come on," Heather said. Bobbie had never before seen her like this. No
make up, and a baggy shirt and sweatpants. And, Bobbie noticed upon
closer inspection, pink fuzzy bunny slippers.

"Thanks," Heather said, accepting the brew. " Late night. Be worth it
when it's over. I am so tired. Never got to say this before, but
thanks."

Bobbie sipped at her coffee. "Sure. For what?"

"Since you've been around, we've gotten band space. And I got to meet
Beth. She's sweet. She helps you a lot. I like her. She needs a woman in
her life so bad."

"And she's amazing. I wish I could do more to help her. Just glad to get
her into a kitchen..."

Heather guzzled a long swallow of coffee. "I'm gonna set up a camera one
day and film you two in action. It's like watching a fish get put back
in water." She guzzled again, finishing the cup.

"Okay, We're gonna get us dolled up at my house. Besides, you've got
some surprises coming. You're gonna be ready"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You'll see. C'mon, we're here." Heather practically jumped out of the
car.

Heather bolted up to her room, and Bobbie followed. What happened over
the next two hours left Bobbie transformed. Her hair had been done in
victory rolls, the back tied in with a blue bow. She was wearing a blue
swing dress with leopard print around the curves of her breasts. She
felt how it clung to every square inch, it felt, somehow right. She
randomly thought about the anime she watched while still a child, many
of them revolving around tightly fitting power armor. Heather was
wearing a similar dress, this one red. Her hair was pulled back in a
simple ponytail. They both wore nylons. Heather's make up was plain,
pretty. Bobbie's was... well, pinup was the only word he had for it. Bold
eye makeup and sassy style. She realized, the dress was her power armor.

Heather handed Bobbie a pair of low heels. "Bobbie, Kim tells me you're
not too confident in the heels. These should be okay, just carry your
other shoes in your backpack. Gonna want those back at the end of the
day. All part of my duty as costume department."

Heather and Bobbie stepped onto campus decked out like women on the
Olivia calendars and the Fargas paintings. They turned heads wherever
they went. Bobbie was self conscious. Having been a guy, she knew that
at least one person would be gratifying himself tonight over the sight
of her. She shook the thought out of her head.

Yeah, and you were one of those guys, enjoy the power. But, remember,
with it comes responsibility.

The first part of the day was uneventful until fourth period, which had
let Bobbie out early to set up the bake sale. When she walked up to the
series of picnic tables, she stopped, stunned. Beth was in a polka dot
dress and saddle shoes, ribbons in her hair. Simple, clean makeup. But
it was Tim that got her attention.

He was wearing basic jeans and a t shirt. The hair was mostly gone, cut
into a flat top, He looked better. Bobbie had to admit, stoner chic
making him look like someone who would have been at home touring with
Pearl Jam. He looked good, not flashy, clean. His broad shoulders and
smooth skin

"You like, Bobbie?" Tim said, his nervousness detectable but not overly
so. She smiled. "This is why Beth and I ran off yesterday." His color
changed. "Give you a ride today though." She could hear that his mouth
had gone dry. Her heart felt like an inflating balloon, one filled with...
what?

"Cool, Daddy-o," Bobbie said, smiling. Turning to Heather, she said,
"Why are we wearing this? You never told me, and what's with..."

"I told you guys, style interventions for both of them," Heather said,
pointing to each. "How'd I do? I mean they're only dressed like this
today. But." Heather looked right at Tim and enunciated very clearly.
"We will be taking care of that this weekend, won't we?"

Heather continued, "Oh, that's right. We dress in costume from the
musical we're doing. This year it's Grease. I'm excited, because we get
to use the whole band this year. We're going to use the Less Than Jake
arrangement of the soundtrack. It's going to be boss!"

"Well, as long as it makes sense. Let's set up." Bobbie said dryly.

It was crazy, there was a clamoring for the cupcakes from the moment
they opened. Faye was there first, flanked by two girls she introduced
as Rachel and Zoe. The cheerleaders and jocks were next. They had sold
every single item by the end of lunch. The only person shocked by the
sudden depletion of stock was Bobbie.

"Wait, that's it?" Bobbie said, looking for another tray.

"That was so cool," Beth squealed.

Tim was completely nonchalant about the whole thing. As if he knew that
this was the only possible outcome. "Better get used to that. Those
cupcakes of yours are gonna make you famous. Watch." Bobbie blushed.
"Hey," Tim said, stepping closer. "I mean it. Those things are a
goldmine, Peggy Sue."

Bobbie felt her hear leap at the nickname. She didn't know why, but she
liked the familiarity it conveyed. Bobbie walked carefully for the rest
of the day, her feet tender from the heels. She had changed back into
the sneakers and, despite the foot discomfort, floated on air. The
change in the air was palpable. It was like the darknesses she saw were
muted, subdued. It was during drama class when the P.A. system came to
life.

"Students. This is Principal Michaelson. I just want to congratulate you
on having the first day I've ever seen with no fights, or discipline
problems. Keep up the good work. Thank you and have a nice day."

As Bobbie slung her backpack over her back, she saw Tim on his Vespa. He
raised his arm and waved her over. She went over to the vehicle, waving
goodbye to Beth and Kim. She had to admit, he looked good. A pleasant
buzzing tingle at the pit of her stomach spread out evenly and made her
smile as he handed her a helmet.

She smiled as she put the helmet on. She could feel the helmet push her
hair down in ways it wasn't meant to. When she finally got on, she
grabbed the metal bar behind the seat. Tim slowly started riding away.

He pulled out into slight traffic and headed toward Bobbie's house.
After a couple of turns, she realized he was taking the long, scenic
route. She felt the wind on her face, she was with a friend. It had
been a particularly good day. Tim rolled to a stop at the light and
looked to his left. A hill slanted down toward the cluster of streets
where Bobbie lived. When the light turned green, he twisted the
accelerator. The moped threatened to jump out from under Bobbie's legs.
Thinking and moving quickly, she let go of the bar and grabbed onto Tim.
Pulling herself into him, she could feel his heat, smell the cheap
aftershave he used, and that light undertone of leather and wood. The
smells and proximity were so intoxicating. When combined with Bobbie's
already light mood, she hugged him, placing her helmeted head on his
back. His body sagged slightly as they reached the bottom of the hill.
The rest of the way to her house, Bobbie held on to Tim.

Tim smiled as the world slid by. There could have been zombies or
terrorists chasing him and it wouldn't have mattered. Now, at this
moment, he was the happiest guy in the world. He brought the Vespa to a
stop in front of the House. Bobbie swung her leg off of the bike, taking
care not to expose herself. Tim followed suit. Bobbie took off the
helmet, Her hair hung limply in some places where some had escaped the
pins, and slightly frizzy where the product was spent. Tim took the
helmet from her and locked it to the rear compartment.

"Bobbie, Beth told me about your conversation..."

Bobbie looked blankly at him.

"...I know you say you're not. But-" He reached out and hooked an errant
clump of hair over her ear. "You must be an angel. Everything just gets
better when you're around." Bobbie smiled up at him.

"See you tomorrow. Angel." Smiling, Tim remounted the vehicle and rode
away. Bobbie walked backward towards the house, smiling. The tingle
becoming a glow, there was an excitement inside her body that threatened
to burst.

Entering the living room, Kim was watching TV. "Good day, huh?" She
said, not turning her attention away from the news.

"Oh, just the best," Bobbie squealed. Kim looked at her, cocking an
eyebrow. "Everyone loved the bake sale and...and..." Bobbie was positively
beaming.

"Tim gave you a ride home, took you down the hill. It made you feel
special, huh?"

Bobbie's face fell.

"Beth and Heather conspired on that one. You like him, huh?'

Embarassed, she smiled. " I.. I think so. He even likes Buckaroo
Banzai."

"What a keeper," Kim said sarcastically. "Bobbie's got a boyfriend." The
old singsong voice teased.

Bobbie stared, eyes narrowing. "Shut up! I need a shower." Bobbie turned
and bounced up the stairs, buoyed by happy thoughts or helium. The smile
remaining plastered to her face.

Gathering her clothes, she looked around her room. It didn't seem to
suit anymore. She opened the blinds, hearing them creak, Robb had never
opened them. He eschewed natural light. Had stopped going outside,
playing with Kim. God, did I really close myself off that much? She
thought as the water sluiced the day off her body.

An errant jet of water came close between her legs. Her left knee
buckled. The smell of wood and leather.

The thought of how she felt when Tim spouted a familiar movie reference.

The way her body relaxed at his touch at the party.

Tim was part of every thought as the water caressed sensitive parts that
Bobbie was still unfamiliar with, sending sensation after sensation into
her brain. And then it stopped as the water moved away. Not wanting it
to end, she turned the water back to its previous position. Waves of
pleasure overtook her as she drowned in thoughts of Tim and a tide of
tactile bliss. When it finally ended and thought became coherent again.
Bobbie stopped.

Did I just... She couldn't tell if it bothered her or not, only serving to
make it bother her more. Finishing her shower, she toweled off and got
dressed. Looking in the mirror, the smile was still there, turned down
to 10. She went downstairs, back to Kim.

"You're loud, you know that?" Kim said, changing channels.

Bobbie blushed to her ears. "You.. heard?" she whispered.

"Um, Yeah," Kim said, smiling. "It's okay. I'm a little loud myself,
apparently."

Bobbie looked at her. "Roxx?"

Kim smiled impishly. "Yeah." It was her turn to blush.

"First time?" Bobbie asked.

"Yeah. Oh, it was sooo..."

Bobbie held up a hand. "Don't wanna know. Got enough pictures in my head
right now."

"Yeah, of Tim," Kim said, hitting her with one of the couch's throw
pillows.

Bobbie hit her back. "About Roxx. I don't know about her. Something's
not right about her."

"Oh, you're jealous because that was your type, and she's hotter than
your last girlfriend." Kim's smile wavered. The darkness had progressed,
Bobbie could see that now. Her face hardened imperceptibly.

"I just don't want what happened to me to happen to you. Kim, I died.
Remember?"

"Yeah, in more ways than one," Kim mumbled.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're not exactly the same person now. You need to face that."

"I think I have."

Kim looked at Bobbie and through her. "Then talk to Tim. I mean, really
talk to him. He likes you, he told me not to tell you. But you like him,
and you need Stevie Wonder to point it out to you. You're scared of
cock, aren't you?"

Bobbie looked at her sister, stunned. She'd never used that word before,
well not while Bobbie was around. Bobbie looked at Kim and realized just
how much she'd grown up. When did she find the time to get so wise?

Bobbie appreciated the situation. A young lesbian telling a girl who
used to be a guy that he was afraid of cock. It would have sounded
ludicrous...

...if it wasn't true.

Chapter 17

"There you are." Ms Varney said. "The bake sale was such a success, and
I understand it was your cupcakes that single handedly made the sale.
Just wanted to say thank you." She hurried of to her classroom. Bobbie
walked the rest of the way to Mr. Lesko's class

The glow from the bake sale carried over until the next day. When the
lunch bell finally rang, Bobbie went to find Beth. She found her picking
at her sandwich, she perked up as soon as Bobbie showed sat down.

"So, how was your ride home?" Beth asked smiling.

Bobbie smiled back. "Fine."

"Did you kiss him? Did he kiss you? Did he..." Beth was letting her
excitement show.

"Whoa, slow down. He just gave me a ride home."

"Yeah, on his moped." Beth said dreamily. "Did you lean into him? I did.
He smells nice." Beth turned scarlet. "I know he likes you, but it was
nice to pretend he was mine, even if for only a minute." She turned her
attention back to her lunch, where her sandwich had acquired something
fascinating.

"Yeah." Bobbie smiled, the scent of wood and leather replaying in her
mind, his warmth.

His closeness. How her stomach dropped when the seat threatened to drop
out from under her. How grabbing and pulling him close just seemed
right.

"You two going to the Winter Ball?" Beth asked, pointing to the poster
hanging from the awning of the lunch area. Bobbie looked up and saw the
sign proudly announcing "Delacroix winter ball 2013: Forever Young" in
silver, glittery letters.

During the first round of high school, Robb never went to any dances. A
part of Bobbie's mind drifted to thoughts of Tim and slow dancing.

"...this weekend? Bobbie." Beth's hand shook her shoulder gently.

"Hmm." Bobbie came out of her reverie.

"I said, were you doing anything special this weekend?"

"Oh, just hanging with the band."

"...and Tim. You know he's gonna ask you, right?"

"Heya, Bobbie." Tim's voice came up behind her, making her eep and jump.
Beth snorted laughter.

"Oh, you shit." She playfully slapped his shoulder as he sat. "We were
just talking about you."

"I can tell, you're blushing." Tim smiled. "So Bobbie. Since someone let
the cat out of the bag," he glanced at Beth, who turned back to her
sandwich while pulling a chip from the small bag. He cleared his throat,
and looked into those blue eyes that went on forever. The hum and munch
of the lunch crowd. A detached part of Bobbie's mind went into Bullet
Time.

...Beth slowed mid chew.

...The soda can who shot was at the trash can by one of the football team
twirled languidly through the air.

"Bobbie Sharpe, would you like to go to the Winter Ball with me?" Tim
asked, looking for all the world like he just killed the bear.

Her stomach knotted, thoughts of cupcakes gone. She remembered 'you only
have to be bold for twenty seconds. A fluttery feeling ballooned in her
belly, festooned with a curious warmth.

Their gaze held. Bobbie didn't know if it had been twenty seconds or
not, but it felt longer. She could feel his confidence; she could see
that the answer didn't matter to him. It was a courage 'Robb' never had
displayed excepting that one time. She understood the courage he was
displaying. Felt it radiating from him.

"Yes," she said, feeling like she was all that mattered to him at that
one, perfect moment. She reached forward, hugging him. She craved that
wood and leather smell, his warmth.

Time returned to normal, the sound of one Beth clapping. "Oh, I'm so
happy for you, Bobbie. Wish I could go." Her expression drooped a
little.

"Don't worry, it's early. I'm sure something will happen," Bobbie
reassured.

"Yeah, Beth. Plenty of time." Tim winked at Bobbie. "Bobbie, you got
anything going on today?"

"Helping Kim with homework, which means I'll probably write most of it.
Got another cupcake to try today." Bobbie said, wishing it wasn't true.
What she really wanted was to catch a ride home again.

"Well, Beth. Wanna ride home?"

"Oh, yes please." Beth said, eyeing Bobbie nervously. Bobbie chuckled
and waved her hand noncommittally. They were gathering their books when
the bell rang.

Kim was lighting a cigarette as they walked through the field. "So,
Winter Ball with Tim, huh?" She looked at Bobbie, who stared back in
surprise. "What?" She said, exhaling. "Like you were gonna hide that. He
asked me first you know. I told him I didn't know, he'd have to ask you.
Look, I knew this was gonna happen."

"You've been Bobbie for a little over a month now. I think the last of
your old testosterone worked out. Yesterday proved it, you should have
seen yourself." She smiled. "Giddy as a schoolgirl."

Bobbie thought about it. She had been noticing things differently, but
didn't really think about it. Now it came into focus. The way she
noticed Tim's muscles that first day in the bakery, The way he made her
feel when he was around, the way he smelled. She slowly smiled, it was
true, she realized.

"C'mon, princess, let's go. That paper's not gonna write itself..."

Chapter 18

The next few weeks passed as summer offered it last dying gasp before
the leaves began to change and fall began to lay the town under siege
with its unpredictable weather. Classes continued in sort of a blur of
days, weekends full of band practice and friends.

Heather had taken Beth under her wing. Bobbie had seen the confidence
she showed in the kitchen blossom into something more. She kept her
head up more, her movements more sure.

Bobbie continued working on cupcakes. They only had until March to open
the bakery. She had many flavors, all with names like Blue Velvet(Red
Velvet cake with blue food coloring instead), La Dulce Vita(Dulce de
Leche), and The Dragonslayer(That one had a green apple jelly filling
and a caramel frosting). They would be ready to open soon enough.

On a Wednesday in late October Tim called Bobbie. She'd been doing
government homework when the phone played it's ringtone. As a practical
joke, Kim had changed it to play One Direction's 'Beautiful', and Bobbie
had left it to annoy her.

"Hey, Bobbie. Great News."

"Remember when I said we should try to sell some of these to Daily
Grind? They said yes." He was so excited.

"We've got an order for five dozen for Friday. I figure you, me and Beth
can knock that out pretty quick. Tomorrow?"

"Sure."

"Till then. Sweet dreams. Later, sweets."

She smiled. "Do Svidanya." She hung up and called Heather.

"Heather? I was wondering if you could give Beth a ride to the bakery
tomorrow? Cool, thanks Heather."

The following day, they all gathered at the student parking lot. Classes
forgotten, idly chattering, Heather turned to Beth. "So, any luck
finding a date to the dance?

Beth pouted slightly. "No. Not yet. Keep hoping though. No one seems
interested"

"Don't worry kid. You're going if I have to kidnap someone to go with
you." Heather said, winking at Bobbie.

What's that supposed to mean? Bobbie wondered.

"Ready, Bobbie?" Tim asked, handing her the helmet, strapping his own
helmet to his head and mounting the bike.

"Alright ramblers, let's get ramblin'," Bobbie said. Affixing the
helmet. She swung her leg over the back of the moped. Bobbie snaked her
arms around Tim and scooted her body closer, trying to get as much
contact as she could. The thrum of the engine tingled her thighs. She
turned her head and leaned in, inhaling his smell deeply. She smiled.
All was right with the world as they sped off, into the rapidly cooling
afternoon.

* * *

"Kim." Roxx purred, massaging that spot between the shoulder blades.

"MMmmm?" she responded.

"We should go to the Winter Ball." Roxx moved her hands further down.

"The ball? O...Ok, didn't think you'd wanna go."

"Why?" She bent down to whisper sensually in her ear. "Give up a good
reason to see you in a suit?" She nibbled an earlobe."

Kim quivered with pleasure. "Mmm. Anything for you, baby."

Standing up, Roxx said, "You carry way too much tension. I'm never gonna
get anywhere this way." Reaching into her purse, she pulled a slightly
twisted with cylinder. "This'll help." She put it to her mouth and lit
it like a cigarette. Kim recognized that smell."

"It's not a big deal. Lots of places give prescriptions for this now.
They are doctors." Roxx passed the joint to Kim. She inhaled, it was
harsher than her cigarettes.

"Hold it in," Roxx said, "Don't choke." She laughed.

Kim felt a little light headed, she giggled a little at some
unidentified humor. "I don't know why I'm laughing." The giggle became a
full laugh.

"That's because you're stoned, dork." Roxx said as she leaned in for the
kiss, bringing her free hand up to caress a breast. Kim reached around
to rest her hand on Roxx's ass.

***

Bobbie was winding down from working in the bakery when Kim came in,
grinning ear to ear. "Hey, Kim. Was wondering if you were gonna..." She
stopped when she saw Kim's face.

"What?" Kim said, grabbing a roll from the baking sheet. Bobbie was
pale, her eyes wide with surprise.

"You're fucking high. And don't bullshit me. Your eyes are red, and I
could blindfold you with dental floss." Bobbie pointed accusingly almost
feeling her darkness.. Kim started laughing, a lot more than she should
have.

"Well, OK miss pottymouth." Kim continued laughing.

"I'll tell mom. Remember what happened to me? I'm not gonna let that
happen to you." Kim's face went serious as Bobbie went over and hugged
her.

Kim wriggled out. "Jeez, Robb. Jealous much?"

Bobbie looked as if she'd been slapped, she stepped back. "What's wrong,
Kimster?"

"Nothing. I do one little thing, and you think I'm gonna get all stupid
like you did. I'm not robbing anybody." Bobbie jerked her head, stunned.
"So, I got a little high? Roxx is right, you all baby me too much." She
turned and head up to her room. And that was all.

Was this how I made them feel? If so, I'm so sorry. Bobbie stood there
and tried to hold down the tears, Can't let that happen to her. Not
again.

She tried to hold the tears back, gave up, and wept silently. Sylvia
came home, and dinner was a quiet affair, with Bobbie eating silently.
Afterward, she put food on a plate and went up to Kim's room. She
knocked, hearing nothing she let herself in. Kim was asleep face down on
her bed. Bobbie shook her gently.

"Hey, Kim. Get up. Brought you dinner," Kim stirred.

"Hey." Bobbie said. "I'm still mad at you, here's your dinner."

"I'm sorry, Bobbie," Kim said, turning over to accept the plate. "Didn't
mean to be a bitch. But, I can handle it. Don't worry."

"That's what I said."

"Yes." Kim said, spearing a potato. "But, Roxx isn't Melanie."

"You better hope not," Bobbie said. "See you in the morning." Bobbie
closed the door and went to bed.

Chapter 18

The Daily Grind order was a success and they wanted a weekly delivery.
The Signs were due to be delivered just before Thanksgiving and
everything seemed to be holding together. Band practice continued.
Bobbie walked home alone for the first time in recent memory. Beth and
Tim had to do some studying, Heather, Bella and Amber were going to the
mall, and Kim was with Roxx... again. It was starting to get dark,
Daylight savings time taking its toll on the visible light of the day.

Walking up to the house it seemed quiet, eerily so. The silence and
darkness seemed almost absolute. She inserted the key and turned the
lock...

"SURPRISE!!" Bobbie nearly jumped out of her skin. Deafening sound and
blinding light exploded around Bobbie.

"Why didn't you tell me, you had the same birthday?" Sylvia said,
hugging Bobbie close. "Happy birthday, Bobbie."

Never before had a birthday happened this way. There was Beth and Bella,
Heather and Amber...

...and Kim, who seemed to be partially attached to Roxx.

They've all been so nice to me, made me feel at home. The dam broke, and
Bobbie dissolved into happy, joyful tears. Sagging against Sylvia,
Bobbie sniffled. She stepped away and turned to everyone.

"Oh, you guys," Bobbie began, not noticing the slight smear of her eye
makeup."You... nobody's ever done this for me before." She tasted her
salty tears and bitter makeup through her smile. She sniffled and
regained composure.

Beth burst forward first, full of unbridled energy. She hugged Bobbie
and gave her her present. It was wrapped in pink wrapping paper, but
upon touching it, she knew it was cloth. Ripping it open, she unfurled
the cloth, revealing it to be a blue apron. The front had "Cupcake
Angel" Embossed on it's front in purple sequins. A cupcake forming the
'u', and a crooked halo resting on the 'l'."When I saw it, I had to get
it for you. Oh, happy birthday..." Beth hugged her again. "You're the
best friend I ever had." Bobbie could feel emotion swelling.

Heather had a clean, white box, tied simply with a powder blue ribbon.
Bobbie opened it and gave a quick hug. "I know you need a dress for the
Winter Ball, and I know you're busy with the bakery. So, I pulled this
out of my closet and altered it. This kind of dress never goes out of
style." She lightly stamped her foot."Oops," she said. "Let the cat out
of the bag." She opened it.

It was shiny and blue, the same blue as the ribbon. Holding it up, The
gown tumbled down to its full length. Bobbie looked at it. The shimmer
of the satin, the play of the light on the bodice, it was beautiful. A
slight burning began behind her eyes. "It's beautiful."

"And don't think, you're going out in that dress without hair and
makeup." Heather admonished harshly. A smile broke her expression.
"Don't worry, I've got you covered."

Amber and Bella came up together. "This is from us." It was heavy and
rectangular. Ripping the kitten wrapping paper off, she noticed it was a
book, An older book with a battered dust Jacket. "We found it, and knew
you would like this." Amber said. Bobbie gathered them both in her arms
in a group hug. She felt a phone vibrate. Bella flipped open her phone,
glanced at it and flipped it shut.

Looking down at the cover, she noticed it was a cook book. Not just any
cookbook, it was an old edition of Larousse Gastronomique, The essential
handbook to all things food. "Now if only there was some food here."
Bella said.

"...Some Food HERE!" she repeated, cartoonishly loud.

Ding, dong.

"Bobbie, could you get that, dear? You're closest." Sylvia said with a
beaming smile. The kind, Bobbie absently noted, from before the death of
her husband.

It was Tim, carrying two large pizza boxes. "Hey there, Birthday girl."

Kim swept in and relieved him of the pizzas. When she had taken the
boxes from Tim, Bobbie noticed a pink box with a gold ribbon in his left
hand. She felt an irresistible urge to grab him, she gave in. Tim
meeting her halfway. He hugged Bobbie close, whispered "Happy Birthday"
into her ear. He kissed her lightly on the cheek. She felt his lips long
after they left her face, and a warm glow in the pit of her stomach.
"Here, this is for you. You've helped me so much. With the bakery, with
everything." He hugged her again. That feeling of closeness was better
than any drug, if it could be bottled...

She glanced sideways at Roxx, inwardly she hoped that Kim would figure
that out quicker that she did. Bobbie moved aside, allowing Tim
entrance.

"Well go on, open it," Tim said.

Bobbie lightly shook the box, listening. Pulling the bow open, she
opened the box. Inside, was a small silver charm in the shape of a
crossed spatula and whisk. It sat on a thin gold chain.

"You've got a baker's soul, Bobbie. Why fight it? Here, let me help you
put it on." He took the necklace from the box. Bobbie turned around and
held her hair off her neck. He moved in close, raising his arms to lower
the charm in front of her. He clasped the necklace. She could feel his
breath on the back of her neck.

"There." Tim said, letting it go. Bobbie turned, feeling like the only
person in his world that mattered. She spun.

"Perfect," Tim said, lightly touching the charm as it lay on her chest.

"Tim, that's so... I'm gonna cry again." Bobbie started. Bobbie laughed,
tears leaking. The smell of pizza drifted around the room. Tim stepped
past Bobbie to see the candles put into the pizza. "Oh, you guys."
Bobbie said.

Kim and Roxx were next. "Happy birthday," she said. It was unwrapped,
save for a pink ribbon. The ribbon was tied around several small
graphic novels titled Iron Wok Jan. "Comics, cooking. Seemed like a
perfect fit."

Roxx touched Bobbie's shoulder.

Wrong, wrong WRONG, WRONG... the thought tattooed itself inside her brain.
The happiness of the evening strong enough for Bobbie to shake most of
it off, leaving a small, suspicious part of her mind to watch.

Roxx handed her an envelope. Opening it, the card said "Happy Birthday,
Roberta."

"I couldn't find a card that said 'Bobbie'. But I figured that it's
Roberta, right?" Roxx said, trying to hide a sly smile. A look of
mischief behind her violet eyes.

Bobbie looked down to see the card to see that Roxx had signed it "Happy
Birthday 'Bobbie' xoxo in red.

Bobbie looked at Roxx for a minute. "It's casual," she said.

Even though it wasn't.

After the pizza was gone and the evening wound down, Kim and Roxx
disappeared into her room, and the rest of the friends slowly filed out.
Promising to see each other the next day.

Left alone, Bobbie walked up to Sylvia. "Oh, Mom. That was the birthday
I ever had."

"Okay," Sylvia said, lauging while patting Bobbie's back. "I just wanted
to say thank you."

"Thank me? For what?" Bobbie asked.

"I haven't felt this good in years. You seem to be good luck for
everyone. Beth, Heather...I don't think Kim's been happier. Bobbie, we're
all glad you're here."

Bobbie thought about that. She felt wanted, For the first time in recent
memory.

"You better get off to bed, school tomorrow. I'll clean up," Sylvia
said, smiling. "Good night, Bobbie."

Bobbie smiled, gathered her presents and went upstairs. The boxes and
books went on the dresser, next to her lamp. But it was the card that
drew her attention.

Has to be a coincidence...

Has to be.

She heard Kim's door open and close. The telltale click of Roxx's heels
dopplered down the hall and the stairs. Bobbie quietly snuck over to
Kim's room.

"Kim?" She knocked, opening the door.

Kim was sitting on the bed, staring off into space. "Huh?" She said
distantly.

She could see that Kim was high, but she seemed in control. Bobbie
hadn't caught Kim high since that first time, and decided now wasn't the
time for that argument.

"It was a great birthday. Thanks, sis."

Kim smiled. "Just didn't think you should be alone, like usual." She
looked ruefully at Bobbie through her slightly glazed, reddened eyes. "I
hope you like Roxx, she's a tough girl, been through a lot."

"If she really likes you, then she has nothing to worry about. Ow."
Bobbie said, smacking her fist into her palm. Too hard, she shook her
hand. "Alright, I won't do that again, get some sleep. Good night."

"'Night," Kim said.

"Sis," she finished after a pause. Bobbie smiled as she went to bed.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part VI

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 19

"Here." Tim said, giving an envelope each to Beth and Bobbie. Looking
inside, there were two crisp hundred dollar bills in each. "It's your
share of the profit. Wouldn't be fair if you didn't get something."

"Oh, Heather and I can go shopping..."Beth asked, peering into the
envelope. She looked back at Tim "What did you do with your share?"

"I bought Bobbie's gift, and a couple of pizzas." He smiled at her. "The
rest I'm putting back into the bakery. I wanna open the day after
graduation. Well, two days."

"Well, then. That settles it." Bobbie said, returning the envelope."Keep
it. If we're going to do this, let's do it right."

Beth thought about it, and handed hers back. Tim took one of the bills
out and gave it back to her. "Go ahead, go shopping. You deserve it." He
said. Glancing back at Bobbie, "Are you sure?"

"Not this time. Let's just keep focused on that Daily Grind order.
Thanksgiving's coming up. That means shopping season, that means bigger
orders."

Tim hadn't thought about that. That was one of the things he liked about
her the most, the way she sometimes seemed to solve problems that hadn't
arisen, or effortlessly being there at the precise moment. "You're
right. Got any holiday themed ones yet?"

"Hmm, let me get back to you." Bobbie said, noticing a slight twitch at
the corners of his mouth.

"You've always got something cookin'. See ya later."

Bobbie's mind started turning. Several ideas were bubbling. As she went
through her day, she did her tasks on autopilot. Fruitcake? No real
schoolwork was getting done with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, she
made absentminded notes and doodles in her notebook. Candy cane? Looking
down she had not only written Tim's name, but also her own, with tiny
smiley faces dotting the 'i's. Shocked, she turned the page, somehow not
feeling right. Cranberry Orange? Her mind wandered.

Later that evening, Sylvia and was having dinner with Bobbie.

"Mom, would it be okay if Beth and her dad came for Thanksgiving? It's
just the two of them. I think I can take care of everything. I just
think it would be nice, they could use the company." Bobbie asked.

"I don't see why not. We haven't had a real Thanksgiving here since..."
Sylvia trailed off, remembering that last 'real' Thanksgiving.

Bobbie inwardly winced, she remembered. Was that the really the last
one?

"Sure." Sylvia smiled. "It'll be nice to have some adult company for a
change."

The door opened, it was Kim, she was wearing sunglasses even though it
had begun getting dark. "Hey, guys. Roxx and I grabbed a burger. I've
got homework. G'night." She had disappeared up the stairs, the sound of
her door heard off in the distance.

"Kim?" Sylvia said, raising her voice a little.

"It's okay, Mom," Bobbie said. "You did okay with her, she's pretty
smart."

Sylvia smiled. "Just like her brother."

* * * * *

It was that time all students dread, finals. There was a palpable
darkness as students succumbed to sleeplessness, and endless cups of
coffee from Daily Grind. Bobbie had been right about the increase in
the order. Mortal Choklate was suffering fatality after fatality, and
Great White North was turning into desolate, white wrappers.

Bobbie was showing Beth and Tim her notes for the new holiday flavors.
There was a general friendliness in the air. Working with them had
become a high point of the week. Every week, Bobbie got her own 80s
movie montage, complete with music.

"So we're going to need the candied fruit, pecans, cranberries and candy
canes added to the shopping list for next week." Bobbie told them. "With
the increase in the order , we should be able to add more flavors with
no problem, might just take us a little longer." She spend the next
twenty minutes explaining the new flavors. A fruitcake(The Royal
Tannenbaum), a chocolate candy cane(The Clark Griswold), and a cranberry
orange custard filled cupcake(The John McClane).

"Bobbie, how are you so good at this? We better get started. I have an
appointment tomorrow." Tim said, turning to the mixers.

"Oh," Bobbie said. "Okay. No problem. Beth."

"Hmm," Beth said, looking at the recipes.

"Tell your dad that you're coming to have Thanksgiving with Kim and I.
Just can't the thought of you two by yourselves."

"R...really?" Beth smiled broadly. "Of course. I'll tell him"

Time passed quickly. With songs in their hearts and batter crusted under
their fingernails all the prep work was laid out to make the next day's
work go smoothly. Roy came to pick up Beth. She bounded out to the car,
Bobbie followed. It was obvious that Beth was breaking the news from the
way she got animated. Bobbie knocked on the window.

Beth rolled the window down.

Roy offered his knuckles again, Bobbie bumped smiling.

"So, Thanksgiving at your house, huh? Looking forward to it."

"See ya at school, Bobbie." She turned and waved. "Bye, Tim."

"Later, Beth." Tim said. He watched them drive away." So, Bobbie, that
just leaves us. Want me to walk with you?"

"Something wrong with the Vespa?" Bobbie asked.

"No," Tim said. "Just a nice night is all." He offered her a hand.

"It'll be fun, I promise." Bobbie took his hand and felt a rush of
warmth. His touch felt good, reassuring. Bobbie lifted her right foot
and took the first step. Tim didn't let go. They started walking. Bobbie
realized that she and Tim were still holding hands two blocks later.
They talked of many things. Of spaceships and sponge cake, of music and
meringue, love and lemons. Bobbie felt so comfortable opening up to him,
like she could tell him almost anything. When they finally reached
Bobbie's house, she was wearing Tim's jacket. He insisted, she
protested, secretly wanting to be surrounded by his smell.

"See you tomorrow, Tim." Bobbie said with grinning eyes.

"On the flip side," he said. Bobbie realized that she hadn't let go of
his hand as he started to walk away, stretching out the touch as long as
she could.

She watched him walk away until he turned the corner.

Entering the house, there was yelling.

"Kim, get back here. You don't walk away from me when I'm talking to
you," Sylvia yelled, receiving a slam in reply

"What's going on?" Bobbie asked.

"Kim is in big trouble. I found this in her room." She held up a
cigarette butt. Sylvia stomped upstairs and more yelling was heard.
Bobbie stayed downstairs until Sylvia returned.

"Dammit, Bobbie," Sylvia began, exasperated. "I don't want the same
thing to happen to her..."

"I know, but... she's going to make mistakes. All you can do is hope they
realize what they're doing."

"I hope for her sake that she does. I'm starting to dislike this Roxx
the way I disliked Melanie." Sylvia looked like she tasted something
rotten. Maybe she did.

Bobbie winced at the mention of her name, and realized she had a point.

Chapter 21

Roxx was getting impatient. "Can't we just do it now? It would be so
easy to..."

"Patience, pet. We could. But it would be so much better if it was
closer to the finish line. Don't you think?" Lust stroked the back of
Roxx's neck

"It's just a matter of time." And if there's one thing Lust had, it was
time.

Knock, knock.

Bobbie looked up from the pile of potatoes she was peeling. "Mom, can
you get that?"

Sylvia was up and at the door quickly. She opened it to reveal Beth and
her father. Bobbie could see that someone insisted that Mr. Rivers
visited Heather. His hair had been cut, giving him a less slovenly
appearance, and he was wearing a suit and tie. Bobbie could see that he
wasn't comfortable in it, but smiled he had made the effort.

"Hi, you must be Sylvia. Roy," Roy said, shaking her hand. Bobbie
thought he looked nervous.

"Here. Wasn't sure what kind to get." He flourished a bottle of wine.

"Thank you, Roy. Hi Beth."

"Hi Miz Pointe. Bobbieeee!" Beth ran past Sylvia into the kitchen. "Need
any help? I can get those potatoes. How much longer does the turkey
have? When..." She asked all the right questions, and was up to speed in
no time."

Kim came downstairs wearing the same sunglasses she'd been seen in a lot
lately. "Takin' off, Mom."

Sylvia looked at her. "Where are you going?"

"Roxx doesn't have anybody. I'm gonna spend it with her, watch some
Twilight Zone. Don't freak out, it's casual.Just..."

"I don't like her, Kim. Why can't you..." Kim coiled, eyes becoming
nuclear cooling vents

"Why can't I what, Mom?" When Sylvia opened her mouth to answer...
"Whatever." Kim slammed the door behind her. Beth looked after her
shocked. Bobbie was a little stunned. Sylvia was the most surprised of
all, her ashen face saying everything that needed to be said. But no one
understood it.

Bobbie understood. All too well, she'd seen this all happen before. It
seemed to be playing out the same way. She wouldn't, couldn't let that
happen. But how to stop it?

"Sorry," Sylvia apologized to Roy. "I don't like her girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" Roy asked.

"Daddy," Beth said, selecting a new potato to peel. "She's, she's..."

"Gay," she whispered.

"Oh?" Roy looked at Sylvia.

Sylvia looked at the wine. "Bobbie, could you get out the corkscrew and
bring some glasses?"

"So, we were eating the contest entries. We could have eaten the million
dollar winner. Wouldn't have known." Sylvia finished. Roy laughed.

Dinner had been amazing. Bobbie's stuffing made with ground pork,
cilantro and water chestnuts was a hit. The turkey was perfectly juicy.
All the extras could have come from a professional caterer. Even the
sweet potato pie was a hit. Roy and Sylvia had talked until the bottle
of wine was gone. There was relief in both of their voices, the relief
borne of adult conversation. Today, for the first time in an
interminably long time, they could talk and not worry or care what they
might say. The wine loosened their tongues. Beth and Bobbie retreated to
Bobbie's room to discuss the bakery, the Winter Ball...

...and Tim.

Beth absently looked at the DVDs on the shelf. "You sure watch a lot of
movies. I've never even heard of half of these. But I love this one.
Lloyd really loved her. I always thought that huge radio would be
heavy." A picture fell from between ...Say Anything and Sword of
Vengeance. Beth picked it up and laughed.

"That's Kim?" Beth asked seeing a younger version of the badass bass
player for Grrl Army, one with her hair in pigtails and wearing a bright
yellow dress. Bobbie came over and looked at the picture.

It was one of the old family pictures. Sylvia stood there with out of
date clothing and a much shorter haircut, Kim in a state of girlish
glee. Jeff also stood there, smiling, and finally Robb, a Robb that had
yet to know how bad things could get.

"That's Robb isn't it?" Beth asked. "What was he like?"

Bobbie stared at picture. It was Robb alright, hair askew and standing
at odd angles. "Afraid, I guess." She saw his life objectively now. "He
was afraid of almost everything." It was weird to hear it out loud.
"After his dad died, " She pointed to everything. "He came home and read
books and watched movies. He got brave at the wrong moment. He met a
girl who... was bad for him."

"Oh, I bet he was nice. He was wasn't he?"

"You would have liked him." Bobbie looked at Beth, she looked so
innocent. She was such a nice girl."He would have liked you, too"

"You'll find someone. And they'll deserve you."

Beth smiled, "I know. I just wish I had someone."

"You have me," Bobbie said.

Chapter 22

Tensions strained at the house as Kim became more and more scarce.
Bobbie only really saw her for band practice. Sylvia was at wit's end
with Kim. Bobbie couldn't help, either. Kim seemed to be unfindable. An
awkward conversation with Mary yielded no other information. She was
showing up for school, with Roxx, or closed up in her room. Bobbie saw
what was happening. She knew this is what it looked like when Robb had
started dating Melanie. What could she do? Everything seemed to only
serve to push her further. She only hoped she could help Kim see reason
soon.

Cupcake sales at Daily Grind had been, stupendous. There was talk of a
second order, The new holiday cupcakes disappearing like the season's
hottest toy on Black Friday. Tim had finally insisted that Bobbie take
some of the money. The signs were due to be delivered just before the
start of the winter break. Talk of the ball overtook nearly all of the
social circles, and preparations had begun in earnest. There were
banners and posters, photo packages and meal selections, corsages and
boutonnieres.

Semester finals breezed by, Bobbie doing quite well. Out of boredom, she
often doodled in her pad, or stared around the room blankly. Some found
her spacy, but she displayed a level of awareness that bordered on
prescience. Kim hadn't done so well, her grades dipping into 'D's
territory. The weather started to turn cold and snow began to fall.
However; that wasn't the only chill Bobbie felt.

It was an overcast Saturday in mid December and the morning of the
Winter Ball. The members of Grrl Army decided to have their own pre
party. Heather, Beth, and Amber helping Bobbie and Bella, preparations
took hours. Bobbie and heather walked around with their hair in curlers
for at least half the day. Bobbie chafed at the notion, but Heather
insisted that this was going to be a special moment in her life, and she
was going to look spectacular, even if it killed her. They talked at
length about it after Bella and Amber left to finish preparations at
home.

"Think of it as a renewal. Where were you last year? Six months ago?"
Heather asked, sipping Diet Coke from a can through a straw. "You've had
a rough year. Leaving your family, losing Robb." She put her hand on
Bobbie's. "But look at the other side. Since you came to Delacroix... well
you helped Kim for what that's worth. You met us and Beth. I wouldn't
have met Beth. Tim would still be... blecch." Heather stuck out her
tongue. Bobbie laughed. "And the cupcakes, and the bake sale. The
bakery..." She saw Bobbie's nails. "Bobbie, when's the last time you had a
manicure?"

As the sun began to sink in the west, the dying light cast beautiful,
irreproducible colors against the newly fallen snow. Bobbie sipped cocoa
with a candy cane stir. Her hair was curly for the second time in her
life. Bobbie had to admit that Heather had done it better. The curls
cascaded over her shoulders, her bangs framed her face. It was tacky to
the touch, but Heather assured that it would hold for the night. Her
makeup was flawless, Bobbie's blue eyes nearly glowed, her fingertips
lacquered azure. Blue teardrop earrings dangled from each lobe, a string
of blue gemstones ringed her slender neck.

And the dress did the rest. It looked positively ethereal on. The
strapless dress was a floor length gown made of ice blue satin and
tulle. Tiny gems decorated the bodice. It hugged every inch of her
waist. This is my power armor now, she mused. She was in Heather's
living room waiting with her and Beth. They were all dressed. A limo had
been ordered and they were just waiting.

Beth was similarly made up and also dressed in a gown. "You're going,
period." Heather had told her, Beth had acquiesced.

"You know, Bobbie. I screwed up royally," Heather said absently.

"What do you mean? I have listened to you haven't I?"

"My point exactly. You look better than I do. Have to admit I was right
about the color though," Heather said, her voice tinged with mock
jealousy.

The limo pulled up, crunching small errant rocks on Heather's driveway.
The girls left the confines of Heather's house , light jackets covering
their shoulders. Tim jumped out of the back of the vehicle. He was
wearing black slacks, shiny dress shoes. A grey, tailored jacket covered
his arms, his shirt was white with an ice blue tie and pocket square.
Bobbie saw him, he looked... well, grown up. She couldn't see the shoe
gazing Tim she had first met.

Tim's face fell upon seeing her. Here she was again, proving that she
was an angel. The first thing he saw was how her eyes glowed. "Hey
there, Bobbie Blue." He said, an almost imperceptible shakiness in his
voice. He hugged her carefully. "You look amazing." He whispered.

Turning back to the car, Tim waved at someone. An overweight guy stepped
out of the car wearing a recent suit. A shriek from behind her called
her back to the present.

"STEEEVE!" Beth said, nearly knocking Bobbie and tripping on the hem of
her dress. They collided as Steve lifted Beth off the ground slightly.

"I know it's a little late, but. Beth, would you go to the dance with
me?" He said.

"YES!" Beth cried. "Oh, you're gonna mess up my makeup." She sniffled.

Heather was walking out to the limo. Bobbie and Tim met up with her.

"Heather?" Bobbie began. "What just happened?"

Heather smiled her evil smile. "Remember that party we played?"

"Of course." Bobbie and Tim both said, their different experiences
causing vivid memories.

"That guy," Bobbie said. "But he's in college. How..."

"He graduated last year, he's 18. I got the paperwork in early. They hit
it off so well at the party... She needs this just as much as you do. I
paid him to keep an eye on her at that party" She giggled a little

"Heather!" Bobbie looked at her. She's only 15. Isn't that..."

"He's not going to do anything wrong." Heather said, waving her hand
nonchalantly.

"He is my cousin after all."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Bobbie asked.

"She might have found out. The three of you spend a lot of time at the
bakery. I thought it would do her good. I'm going to make a woman out of
her yet." Heather smiled. "You kids have a good time."

"Aren't you coming?" Beth asked.

"I'm Bella and Amber's ride. We're going stag." She laughed. "Now go on,
shoo."

They piled into the spacious back of the limo; Beth and Bobbie, Steve
and Kim. The long, black vehicle cruised at a medium speed around
Delacroix. Bobbie looked at the town where Robb grew up. It had changed.
Some of the old fast food places were still there, boarded up. Bobbie
recognized where they were...

His and Melanie's old apartment, it had been four months since she'd
left and hadn't looked back. The area around their old window had been
blackened. She could see from the lack of duct tape that the glass had
been replaced. Bobbie wondered who lived there now.

They arrived at The Shelton and stood with the throng of other girls in
their multicolored gowns and dresses, complimenting each other. The boys
stood around in their suits, trying their best to be adults and spend
time with a special someone. Bobbie looked around. It was a little
overwhelming. So many people, even everyone's combined darkness couldn't
pierce the brightness of everyone's mood.

The banquet hall seated the attendees of the ball as they were served
their beef or chicken dishes (Tim and Bobbie agreed it was overcooked
and under seasoned.) When the dance floor opened up and the lighting was
turned on, the hall became bathed in white, tiny specks of light dancing
along the walls. The music started, couples taking to the floor
immediately. There was an enjoyable chaos, Bobbie noticed, everyone
nervous about everyone else. It was recent dance music, and top 40
standards. The first slow dance was announced as the throbbing music
faded out, the synthesized strains overtaking the formerly loud hall.
The dancers stopped their modern dances, breaking off into couples. The
girls stepped forward, the boys slid arms around the smalls of the
girls' backs.

Bobbie and Tim were no exception. Every movement in the dress caused a
torrent of sensations as the satin and tulle brushed against her bare
legs. She looked at Tim, who was staring into her eyes, lost.

Let's dance in style/ let's dance for a while...

The warmth of Tim's hand made the nerves in Bobbie's back dance. The
contact of their bodies was nuclear. She felt close, protected...safe.

Let us die young or let us live forever....

He held onto Bobbie, rocking from one foot to the other, keeping pace.
He saw the whole universe in her eyes. He could smell lilacs and brown
sugar under her perfume. This girl had come out of nowhere and now here
she was, slow dancing with him. He couldn't imagine anyone he'd rather
be doing this with right now. Or ever.

Can you imagine when this race is won?

Turn our golden faces into the sun...

Bobbie felt Tim's closeness, smelled his wood and leather smell. Looked
up into that smile, and his soulful brown eyes....

Forever young, I want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever? Forever or never?

Tim's body pressed lightly against Bobbie, she felt his torso against
hers. Her breasts responded and a tingling tightness began to spread out
from her center.

Some are like water and some are like heat.

Some are the melody and some are the beat.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Beth and Steve, locked together
and dancing awkwardly. Together, they looked like they were having such
a good time. Even in the lowered light, Bobbie could make out Beth's
smile. Tim noticed as well. "That's my cue, I guess." He smiled.

Bobbie looked at Tim, wondering what it was he meant.

So many adventures couldn't happen today.

So many songs we forgot to play.

"I like you, Bobbie Sharpe," Tim said, she could feel the thudding of
his heart. "Like you that way."

So many dreams are swinging out of the blue

We let 'em come true.

Tim started to lean his head forward, his lips parting. Bobbie was
struck, the smell, the heat, his closeness coherent thought was a jumble
of mismatched threads. She tilted her head up, parted her lips and
closed her eyes.

Forever young, I want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever? Forever or never?

She let his tongue touch hers, it wasn't weird at all. This moment
completely unlike how she had thought it would be. Their tongues writhed
against each other, their mouths pressed tightly together. Swaying and
kissing, the song ended. The dj said something and the song changed to
something a little more uptempo.

With Bobbie and Tim still dancing to the beat of the song in their
heads, eyes locked, lips occasionally touching.

Tim went to go get some punch while Bobbie looked around at the scene.
The other couples were dancing in a display of sound and color. With a
feeling of such lightness that she felt she must be levitating, it was
almost like she couldn't breathe in enough. Bobbie stood there, drinking
it all in. Robb was only a memory, and Bobbie thought of her new life
and...

"Bobbie." There was a hand on her shoulder. With a start, she realized
it was Amber.

"Oh," Bobbie smiled distractedly. "Amber, hey." She looked around.
"Where's your date?"

"Bella and I came together. We're lending support to Heather. We did
this last year." She pointed at Beth and Steve." We decided it's her
turn."

"You mean you didn't get dates because..? Why?"

Bella walked up. "Because, you silly bitch. You fuckin' deserve this.
You just fuckin' rock" She held up her hand in the devil horns and stuck
her tongue out, looking highly incongruous in her peach taffeta dress.

Tim returned with the punch. He offered Bobbie a cup. She sipped at it
pensively.

"But," Bella continued, grabbing Tim by an arm. "I'm borrowing him."
Tim's punch sloshed in the cup, narrowly keeping it all in. Amber
grabbed his cup from him as he was led helplessly away by the tomboyish
Bella. Bobbie giggled, still intoxicated by the dance.

"Bobbie," Amber started, brushing an errant red hair from her forehead.
"I've been meaning to ask you. What's wrong with Kim? I mean, you live
with her..."

Bobbie's mood was darkened at the thought of her sister. "I don't know,
teen rebellion? She's been practically joined to Roxx's hip for weeks.
Mom's mad at her a lot lately, too."

"There you guys are." Heather walked up, cup in her hand. "I was
wondering where you all got to, where's..."She scanned the crowd for
Bella. "Oh, there she is."

"Speaking of Kim, anyone see her?" Bobbie asked, suddenly worried. If
they saw something wrong...

"Oh, yeah. She's off in a dark corner making out with Roxx." Heather
said. "I don't know what she sees in her."She lowered her voice "could
do better". She brightened quickly "With my mom coming home next week,
though, I've got too much on my plate to think about it."

"You're mom's coming home?" Amber asked.

"Yeah, she'll be here for a week, There's a break in the shooting. So,
Christmas." Heather said. The song ended and Tim and Bella returned.

"You were fuckin' great, kid," Bella said, kissing Tim on the cheek. He
blushed as he realized that some of her lipstick stuck to him.

"Bobbie," Amber said, handing Tim's cup to Bella."I'm sorry, but I need
to borrow him, too." Amber captured Tim's arm and back out to the dance
floor he went.

"He's either really fuckin' nervous, or he's a fucking awful dancer."
Bella said smiling. "But he's yours, and he fuckin' likes you." Bella
seemed like she was just giving Bobbie a hard time. Bobbie smiled.

When the next song ended, Amber and Tim returned to the group. They were
all smiling and laughing. Bobbie felt....high. Is that the right word? She
smiled at Tim, he smiled back. Everything

They chatted, sipping their punch. When the next slow dance came, Tim
offered his hand to Bobbie. "May I have this dance?" Tim offered his
hand. Smiling and nodding, Bobbie went out there silently. Welded
together, they slowly swayed.

There is freedom within

there is freedom without

Try to catch a deluge in a paper cup

There's a battle ahead

many battles are lost

But you'll never see the end of the road

While you're travelling with me

"I'm fuckin' jealous. How is it she just shows up, finds the right
fuckin' guy, and we all still fuckin' like her?" Bella sipped at Tim's
forgotten punch. Amber nodded.

"There's somebody for everyone." The redhead said. "My luck, he lives in
Zimbabwe." Heather laughed.

Hey now, hey now, Don't dream it's over...

"Sometimes, they're closer than you think." Said the singer; eyeing Kim
in her dark suit with white tie. She was latched to Roxx's painted on
dress. The unlikely pair disappeared out of the hall and into the night.

Hey now, hey now, when the world comes in

They come, they come to build a wall between us...

After the last dance of the evening, the young revelers spilled out of
the Shelton and broke off into groups, each heading for the
afterparties. Beth and Steve arrived at the limo, smiling and giggling
and holding hands. They had a good time, that much was readily apparent.
They were starry eyed, Bobbie noticed. So was Tim, she concluded that
she must be too. Steve helped Beth into the Limo, followed by Bobbie.
Steve entered, then Tim, finally closing the door.

They didn't go to any of the parties, but elected to drive around with
the sun roof open and take turns standing out of it and staring up at
the night sky. Tim stood there with his arm around Bobbie, his touch
blocking the chill rush of air that hissed past the car. Bobbie
remembered seeing the stars before, but never like this. It was
wonderful.

Beth got dropped off at home just a few minutes past her midnight
curfew. From the glow of the light, it was obvious that Roy had stayed
up late. Their silhouettes merged as they hugged. The Limo pulled up to
the bakery. "Last stop, everybody out," Steve said.

"Bobbie, I'll give you a ride. C'mon." Tim handed Bobbie her purse and
led her out of the limo.

"What about Steve?" Bobbie asked.

"I'll be fine, he'll just drop me off last." Steve said, waving and
closing the door, his smile still glowing. The limo drove off, leaving
Bobbie and Tim standing outside the bakery.

Tim opened the locks, entered the building and hit the breakers. Only
this time, the overhead fluorescent lights didn't come on. Yet the room
glowed dimly. Looking around, Bobbie realized that the light came from
all of the ovens. She smiled.

"I just wanted one more dance with you before I took you home. I didn't
think you'd mind, and I picked this song especially for this. I knew
they wouldn't play it at the dance. He walked over and switched on the
small cd player. Slow, sparse guitars began to play. "So," He stretched
out his hand. "One more dance, Bobbie Blue?" The light glinted over his
eyes and teeth.

Bobbie swelled; he had done all this for her. Granted, it wasn't much,
but the gesture touched her. She took his hand and moved in close. Bella
was right about one thing, he was a terrible dancer. But the feeling she
had when she stood that close to him more than made up for it.

They will see us swinging from such great heights

'Come down now' they'll say

But everything looks perfect from far away

'Come down now', but we'll stay

They danced in the dim glow of the oven lights. "Always wanted to dance
with a girl to this song," Tim said.

Bobbie smiled. "I liked Garden State, too." This time, she kissed first.
She didn't want the night to end. Everything seemed so... right. Bobbie's
life was heading in the right direction.

Shame I had to cause so much trouble to find this.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part VII

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 23

With school out, Bobbie had been going to Heather's under the guise of
being her model. Heather's mother, Betty; had come home with wild tales of
New Zealand and bad stitching. Heather, while happy to see her mother,
seemed a little annoyed after the first day. While standing in yet another
blue gown with Heather affixing pins to the hem, Bobbie found out why.

"You are such a beautiful girl, Bobbie. You have a boyfriend, right?"
Betty asked.

Bobbie got timid. "I ...I guess...."

"Heather never has a boyfriend."

"Mom," Heather said, annoyance creeping into her voice. "Give it a rest. I
don't want you to start putting Bobbie on a pedestal."

"It's just that..."

"Mom, I... ow." She stuck her finger in her mouth.

"Ok, okay. No need to get all flustered." Betty backed away slowly.

"What was that all about?" Bobbie asked.

Heather waved her hand. "She's always on me about getting a boyfriend.
I'll find someone when I'm damn good and ready. You want to get out of
here?" Exasperated, Heather started putting her supplies away.

"Anything to get out of this dress," Bobbie said. Heather smiled. Soon,
the pair was off to Daily Grind. At a table usually home to studying
students, Bobbie and Heather sat, sipping hot, caffeinated bliss. Between
them sat a Mortal Choklate.

"I'm worried about Kim," Heather said. "She's been spacey lately. She
spends so much time with Roxx..."

"For what it's worth, Mom and I don't like her either," Bobbie said.

"I know that her brother Robb went through something like this, but I
don't think it's exactly the same. I don't know if I can live with myself
if something happens to her," Heather said absently. Bobbie wondered where
that came from. Catching herself, she said. "Hard to find a good female
bass player is all," Heather pulled a piece of the cupcake off and popped
it into her mouth as if to stop talking. Bobbie could see a tightening
darkness. It had been gathering a lot lately, but she just figured it due
to the stress of the holidays. But, this was something else.

Heather sighed "I guess we should get back. I at least need to finish
that dress."

That weekend, Tim, Beth, Bobbie, and Grrl Army stood at Cheepskates. Their
diligent efforts had bought them their sign. It sat atop the door in a
large circle of orange and the blue chick in the center. Tim was excited,
so was Bobbie. Neither she nor Tim couldn't wait to open. A little
interior redecorating and Delacroix would have the country's newest
gourmet cupcake boutique. Everyone was excited...

Except Kim, she sat behind her shades, looking for all the world like she
couldn't wait to leave. When her phone rang, she was up and excusing
herself. Once she was gone, conversation turned to her.

"I fuckin' swear. That Roxx..." Bella said.

"Yeah, Bobbie. What's up with that? She was always so gung ho about the
band. Now, she just hangs around with that Suicide Girl wannabe," Amber
spoke up. "I think she was high."

Bobbie sighed," Probably.'

Heather looked at her. "Didn't her brother have a drug pro..." She turned to
Bobbie.

She screwed her face up. "Yeah," Bobbie groaned inside, she didn't want to
remember anymore. Everything had been so much better. But here it was
again. Worse, it was happening to someone else, and she seemed powerless
to stop it. All the darkness and cupcakes only seemed to draw it into
focus. They were right, Bobbie realized.

"She doesn't joke anymore," Heather said, her usually sunny expression
falling. "Not with us anyway; every time I see her and that... that..."

"Fucking whore," she spat. Bella and Amber looked at Heather, shocked.

"About fuckin' time someone fuckin' said it," Bella exclaimed. "What the
fuck is going on with her? She's like a different person."

"I know," Bobbie said. "I hope for her sake it won't last."

Heather sighed. "But it's going to break her heart. She deserves better
than that."

Beth, who had been quiet during the exchange suddenly looked up. "I don't
like her either," she said timidly. This was shocking to everyone as well.
Beth liked almost everybody, even the mention of Carla Castillo didn't
raise her ire.

Tim finally re entered the room. "Why does everyone look all down?"

"Kim," Bobbie said. "Well... more Roxx."

"We don't like her," Beth said with finality.

"Whoa." He looked around. "Well, the signs are up. I guess that means
we're ready. Just need to finish school." A buzzing sounded. Beth jumped
as if bitten by an unseen animal. The group looked at her quizzically. Her
phone never rang.

"Hi... yes, this is.... Oh, hi Steve," Beth squealed. Tim and Bobbie looked at
Heather, who seemed just as shocked as they were. "I'd love to. Okay see
you in a bit."

Folding her phone, Heather looked at Beth," What was that all about?"

"Steve just asked me to go miniature golfing with him." Her face slackened
in realization. "I have a date?"

"Fuckin' sounds like it," Bella said.

"I better get you ready," Heather said mocking annoyance. "We'll see you
guys soon. Beth?"

Beth was both stunned and excited, she chatted excitedly at Heather as
they walked to her car.

"Yeah, tomorrow's Christmas Eve," Amber said. "I should get home. I'll
call you or see you or.. whatever."

"I'll roll with ya," Bella said. The girls got up, gathered their things,
and left into the grey afternoon.

"I think we're alone now," Tim sang. "What's wrong?"

"It's Kim. I don't like Roxx."

"She seems nice enough," Tim said, sliding his arm around her shoulder.
"Kim seems to like her."

"That's what I'm afraid of. She's been getting high."

Tim looked at her. "And..."

Bobbie sighed. "I had a problem, too. So did her brother."

"She'll be fine, she's smart. You're smarter," Bobbie smiled.

"...and much cuter," Tim finished, squeezing her closer. The smile
continued, but the vacancy behind her eyes told Tim that the subject was
far from forgotten.

"So, wanna go out and look at the lights tomorrow? I mean, I know it's
Christmas Eve, you probably have..."

"Sure. I'll go. Sounds like fun."

"Oh... I forgot. This is kind of your first Christmas, isn't it?'

Bobbie reflected. In a way, I guess it is.

"Okay, sounds like fun."

Chapter 24

It was cold, storm clouds had been gathering all day. Kim was gone, Sylvia
was getting ready to leave. Apparently she and Roy hit it off at
Thanksgiving and they had continued talking. She absently wondered if Beth
had noticed.

She's been busy with Steve. She thought.

Kim was gone, again. She had been gone a lot. She looked at the miniature
Christmas tree that sat on the end table in the corner with presents
sticking out from under it at Lovecraftian angles. She remembered an
earlier life, one with a larger tree. One with more family members.

Now, things were not even remotely the same. Sylvia was leaving for the
night with Roy. She was going out with Tim. The Pointe house would be very
quiet this Christmas eve.

"Alright, Bobbie. How do I look?" Sylvia asked. She was wearing a dress.
It was an old one, it still fit her, but may have come from the wrong
decade. Like the 80s.

There was a knock at the door when Bobbie opened her mouth to speak.
Sylvia quickly crossed the room and opened the door. Roy was there, in a
slightly different suit, also looking like the 80s never died.

Bobbie grinned a little. "Just fine, Mom. Just fine."

"Hi, Sylvia. You ready?" Roy asked smiling. Sylvia returned the expression
and stepped out the door.

"You crazy kids have a good time, and you have her home by midnight
mister," Bobbie scolded, eliciting a laugh from the adults as they left.

Bobbie looked ruefully as the adults drove away. She needed to get out of
the house, she needed a break from Kim...

And Roxx.

Bobbie looked at the clock and decided it was time to change. It was cold,
and she knew she'd be walking around. She donned her cold weather gear
just in time for the sound of Tim's Vespa. As she pulled on her sweater,
she reflected on what Tim had said.

Before Jeff died, Christmas used to be a big deal; large tree, many
decorations...After his death, Christmas became a muted affair. Robb and
Melanie never really celebrated either, finding solace in each other's
arms. Bobbie looked into the mirror and brushed her hair a few times. It
was 'Bobbie's' first Christmas, she felt it; the 'Christmas Spirit'. She
wasn't sure if it was a byproduct of everything else that had happened
this year, but she felt different. Was different.

Tim rode up not long after, wearing a heavy coat. Bobbie opened the door
and pulled a beanie over her hair. It was cold, and there were streaks of
clouds that threatened to gather hanging in the sky like ethereal
ornaments attempting to find something to attach to.

"Hey, Bobbie. You ready?"

She nodded and started to reach for the spare helmet.

"Uh Uh. We're walking. All the good lights are down here," He extended his
hand. Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out two cans. He handed one to
Bobbie. Tim turned his upside down and pulled out a plastic tab, he
indicated that Bobbie do the same. The cans hissed a little as they
righted them. They flipped their cans over and...

"Careful, Bobbie. It's hot," Tim said, popping the top and sipping. To
Bobbie's surprise, it was. She sipped at hers as they started walking.
Bobbie noticed the lights, it had been years since Christmas held any kind
of special enticement, for Robb or Bobbie.

They walked and sipped their coffee. Turning a corner, Bobbie and Tim
burst out laughing. One of the residents had but a large 'L' in green
lights and a circle slash in red ones covering their roof. There were the
obligatory manger displays, snowmen, and Santas with and without sleighs.
Bobbie felt a strange warmth in her hand. Looking down, she realized that
she'd been holding Tim's hand. How long have I been doing that? She felt
his hand, the skin was rough. A fleeting memory of young Robert, hold his
father's hand as they crossed the street crossed her mind. She remembered
feeling happy to be out with him. Tim's hand felt pleasant, she felt
wanted. But like two different freeways that meet at the same exit, the
journey had made everything different.

Tim and Bobbie returned to Bobbie's house late, they had walked long after
the self heating coffee had gone. Walked until the cold began to creep
into their toes, after a hug, kiss, and 'Merry Christmas', Bobbie crept
into the dark house. Small colored lights cast strange shadows on the
corner. An oddly shaped form was bunched up on the couch. Upon closer
inspection, she realized it was Kim. She was out cold, even Bobbies
shaking couldn't rouse her. Giving up, she quietly went to bed.

The next morning found Kim in the same place as Bobbie came down. This
time, her shaking worked. Her eyes looked slightly sunken in, her skin
pale. "Ugh," she said, moving to a sitting position. "Too much last
night," she groaned.

"Too much what?" Bobbie asked.

"Drank some vodka." She smiled. "I was so messed up."

"Kim..." Bobbie began.

Kim held up her hand. "I'll be fine, once the coffee gets made.

"...Merry Christmas."

Her eyelids stretched open. "Oh, yeah. I think I 'm still a little high."

Bobbie looked at her distastefully. "Keep it together today, Kim," she
warned.

Booze, pot. Jesus Kimster. This better not go any further.

Coffee was made, and Kim seemed slightly more human. "Merry, fuck it," She
reached into her jacket and pulled out a small package. "Roxx and I..."
Bobbie cringed inside at the mention of her name. "...got this for you. "
She yawned.

Sylvia came downstairs to see a wakened Kim and Bobbie drinking coffee.
"Merry Christmas," she said, heading for the coffee maker.

"Merry Christmas, Mom," Kim and Bobbie said, almost in stereo.

"Merry Christmas," Sylvia yawned. She also looked like she'd been drinking
the previous night as well. She headed to the coffee pot. Pouring a cup,
she shook her head. "Egg Nog is just as alcoholic as I remember it," Once
she reached the couch, she sat gingerly.

"How'd it go?" Bobbie asked.

"Oh, good. Roy's a nice guy. It was nice to go out." She reached over to
the tree and pulled out the slimmer packages. "Here you go, Merry
Christmas."

Opening the packages, They each found fifty dollar gift cards.

"Thanks, mom," Kim said, slipping the card into her pocket.

"Thanks," Bobbie said, looking at the card. "Your present isn't ready just
yet."

"Oh, Bobbie. You didn't have to get me anything."

"Yes, I do. You've been nothing but nice to me, even though you didn't
have to."

"Open mine," Kim said.

Bobbie ripped the paper off to reveal a custom corer/peeler/slicer type
bench scraper with "Bobbie" embossed on the blade in beautiful script. She
was touched. She looked at Kim, saw her through her hangover. For a second
the sweet girl was visible, but just for a second.

"The name was Roxx's idea," Kim admitted.

Knock, Knock.

"What the..." Bobbie said. She went to the door and opened it.

"Merry Christmas, Bobbie Blue." It was Tim, thrusting a package at her.
Myka stood behind him.

Sylvia looked at the newcomers. "Tim, what are you doing here? It's
Christmas."

Tim interrupted her. "...and I wanted to get all the people I care about in
one place. Ms. Pointe, this is my mom, Myka."

"Hi," Myka said timidly. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Myka. There's coffee and..."

"'Sokay," Tim said, gesturing at the other bag he'd brought with him.
"Bobbie, you should open that," He lifted the bag in an indicative
gesture.

She did, inside was one of those floppy chef's hats, this one a powder
blue.

"Go on, put it on," Tim chided

She did, it flopped to one side comically. Tim laughed, so did Kim and
Sylvia. After a moment, Bobbie started laughing. It was in a room full of
laughter that Bobbie heard the sobs.

"Hey hey hey. Don't be sad. Remember. No matter where you go," Tim said,
turning to his mother.

"There you are," Bobbie said.

"It's okay, mom. Lot of firsts here today, It's Bobbie's first Christmas.
Let's try for a good one," Myka smiled wanly at Tim.

"First... Bobbie? Why didn't you tell me?" Sylvia looked at Bobbie with
surprise. Bobbie shrugged.

"She doesn't think it's a big deal," Tim interrupted. He moved toward her
and snaked his hand around her waist. He used his free hand to hold up
some mistletoe over Bobbie's head.

He kissed her lightly. "Wanna make some breakfast?"

"Sure," She said, nodding, the hat falling over her left eye comically.
Kim laughed, as did Tim. Sylvia started.

In the end, Myka laughed. It started with a slow giggling that wouldn't
stop, and ended in uncontrollable chortling. It was a morning of laughter
and coffee, presents and pancakes, friends and frittata. Even Kim seemed
her old self.

***

"...so, you gotta see it the way I did. This..." He smiled at Bobbie and took
a swallow of the sparkling cider. "Stunning girl comes up to me,
introduces herself, then Carla Castillo comes up to attack her, she flips
her over like nothing and... That's how I met Bobbie," Tim finished.

"Wait," Kim said, poking a fork into the last marshmallow covered yam.
"You broke her nose again?" Kim laughed.

"I guess. We left. Guy in a Deicide beanie showed up..."

"Oh, Kurt, he's funny," Kim got up. "I'm gonna catch a shower. Gonna meet
Roxx later," Sylvia hmmed.

How does she know Kurt? Tim mouthed at Bobbie.

"Kim," Bobbie called. Tim put his hand on hers.

"It's alright. I wanted to be with my girlfriend on Christmas."

Girlfriend?

"She should be, too."

Kim slipped out without anyone noticing. Myka and Sylvia were talking,
Bobbie and Tim were outside looking at the snow, enjoying each other's
silence. The sun, already a memory threw yet another Christmas on the
bonfire of time.

"So, how was your first Christmas?"

"Pretty cool," Bobbie said, indicating the snow."Thanks for inviting
yourself over."

"Ouch," Tim took the chide. "Remember how I said lot of firsts today?"

"Mmhmm."

"It's the first Christmas since Dad and Stephanie died. I was hoping to
jar mom out of her... whatever it is. This is the first time I've gotten her
to leave the house in weeks. They seem to be getting along."

Bobbie looked at the two women. Myka's darkness was certainly less dense.

Tim and Bobbie made quick work of the dishes, leaving the cleaner than it
was when they had started. They stood at the door, Tim looked into
Bobbie's eyes.

"We'll have to make the next one better." He smiled. "At least I have a
year this time," He pinched at her side. Bobbie squirmed and giggled.

I'm ticklish? Oh, just great. She tried to tickle back...nothing.

"See you in the morning, big order tomorrow. Mom?"

Myka looked up at Tim. She hugged Sylvia before grabbing her coat.

"See you next week," Sylvia said.

"Bye," Myka waved back shyly. "Thanks." She ducked out the door ahead of
him. He kissed Bobbie.

"See ya tomorrow."

The following week was a busy one. Getting cupcakes ready, one last full
band practice before Amber and Heather went almost full time on the Spring
Musical. It was at band practice that Bobbie finally got Kim alone.

"Kimster, seriously. What's going on. You're never around anymore. I miss
having you around," Bobbie said.

"How's it feel," Kim murmured, lighting a cigarette. "What is it with
everyone? Grades are okay, haven't been arrested. Mom fucking drug tested
me yesterday."

Bobbie looked concerned. Kim waved it off.

"I knew she was going to. Took some certo. Roxx swears by it." Kim was
clearly not unnerved. Which unnerved Bobbie to no end.

"Seriously, she's not good for you. Drinking, drugs. What the fuck?"
Bobbie hissed. "You saw this happen with me. You don't want..."

"You know what?" Kim raised her voice. "I'm tired of everyone else telling
me what's not good for me. Mom, you, Heather..." She dropped and stomped on
her cigarette. "Fuckin' son of a bitch, I'm outta here," Kim stormed off,
in the distance she told her phone to call Roxx. Bobbie stood there
gobsmacked. She didn't get her bass, Bobbie noticed.

If Kim had been scarce before, then she had been downright invisible after
that.

Tim was finding it increasingly easy to get Bobbie alone. Roy had been
seeing Sylvia more often. Beth was hanging out with Heather and Amber in
preparation for the Spring Musical. The band's sudden implosion coinciding
perfectly with the year's end. Bella and Amber were positive that the
band would be back together soon, after the school year.

On New Year's Eve, Bobbie saw Kim and Roxx again while they were standing
on the roof. In the multicolored explosions of the town's annual fireworks
display, Bobbie and Tim stood holding hands.

Tim was looking at Bobbie, ignoring the fireworks. Watching the colors
reflect in her hair, he thought about his last three hundred sixty five
days. Last New Year's Eve had seen him drunk, stoned, and passed out, too
inebriated to care about the difference of one second to the next. He had
still been reeling from the deaths of his father and sister. Now, Bobbie...
this... angel... had somehow turned him back around. You tricked me into
liking myself again. Like always, you fixed a problem I didn't know was
there...

Bobbie stared out absently. Last year, I was messed up. Since August...since
'Bobbie' everything has been so good. Tim, Cheepskates, Mom...

Kimster.

As she thought about her sister, she saw her unmistakable profile down in
the street. Kim walked up to one of the seemingly random passersby, shake
his hand and walk off. Bobbie knew that move. It was obvious what she was
doing. A loud series of booms broke her focus, and she was unable to
regain her sister's location. A loud series of wild cheers erupted from
the streets below as the night sky became a twisting vortex of sound and
color.

"Happy New Year, Bobbie." He leaned into her.

"I know," Bobbie said, half grinning.

"Hell of a time for a Star Wars reference." He giggled, kissing her.

Bobbie looked out over Delacroix, it was a different place now.

It's different because I feel like a part of it now. She remembered
feeling so disconnected as Robb. It wasn't like that anymore, people liked
her. She had real relationships.

Random gunfire sang out, followed by some muted screams. Sirens rang out
after.

It was an ominous start to a new year. But, standing there with Tim, she
was sure it would be a good one.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part VIII

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

17,500 < Novella < 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 25

Kim's thoughts were like the internal contents of a food processor,
with said food processor flying through a hurricane. She couldn't
control herself; Roxx was doing all the talking. Kim moaned and allowed
the shockwave of orgasm take her. Roxx slithered up, casually licking a
nipple on her way to cradle her head on her ample bosom.

"Mmmm, Roxx. Just when I think it can't get any better..." She craned her
neck up and kissed Roxx's neck, then reached over for the pipe. She
touched the flame to the marijuana in the bowl, inhaled quickly and
handed it to Roxx. Taking the glass utensil, Roxx inhaled deeply, then
set it down. Kim snuggled up to Roxx, placing a hand on her flat
stomach. Kim's eyes fluttered as she careened headlong into sleep.

Now, Roxx. It's time. Lust's voice echoed through her brain. The drugs
had almost no effect on her, but keeping up appearances was vital. Roxx
smiled and kissed Kim's head. She quivered with anticipation.

This is going to be so fun. Roxx thought. She was so excited she
squeezed Kim tighter. The diminutive girl snuggled closer in her sleep.

* ******

Bobbie was dressed for school early, she knew Tim would be coming to
pick her up soon. Kim had disappeared early, as she had been doing
lately. Bobbie breathed in deeply, smelling the sharp scent of snow.
This would be her year, she decided. Put everything behind her and let
the good in her life carry her through.

Bobbie was happy to be back at school. It wasn't the toxic wasteland it
had been for Robb. In the four months since school started, she had
assimilated. Resistance was futile. People said hi in the hallway,
complimented her (insert name of random fashion item here.) It was a
very different place from what she remembered. Her time as Robb had
begun to feel like a bad dream that everyone shared. There was almost
combined decrease in the darknesses she sensed.

She saw Tim pull up through the window. He waved back at her and
playfully honked the tinny sounding horn.

Alright, let's make this year my bitch. Bobbie thought smiling.

They stopped when they saw the red and blue lights drawing their pattern
on the ground like a drunk kaleidoscope. There were three police cars
parked in front of Daily Grind, roofs lit. Three officers were standing
out in front, sipping from Daily Grind cups.

Confounded, Tim pulled the moped over and stepped off. He and Bobbie
walked inside the coffee shop. One of the morning crew was sweeping up
large chunks of thick glass. Tim's stomach dropped down a bottomless
pit.

Daily Grind's pastry case had been smashed, destroyed. None of the
equipment had been touched. Neither had the till or the safe, aside from
one shattered door and pastry case, nothing else had been touched. Tim
turned to Bobbie, pale. Bobbie was stunned. Tim came and hugged Bobbie.

"Tim," a voice rang out. It was Gilda, the owner. He snapped his head up
and let go of Bobbie.

"You must be Bobbie." She turned to Tim. "You're right, she is
gorgeous." She smiled.

"What happened?" Tim asked.

Gilda shrugged. "Vandals, I guess. Door's gonna be easy to replace, but
that case..."

Tim swallowed hard.

"I guess I can't order anymore of those cupcakes. Damn, those things
were selling so well, too," Gilda said distantly. "I'll still take
Tuesday's delivery since I already paid for it. But, until I can get
that case fixed..." She trailed off.

Tim looked deflated. "How long until you can fix it?"

"It's going to have to wait until I pay taxes... so, April or May?" Gilda
looked almost as depressed as Tim. She put her hand on Tim's shoulder.
"You'll be the first one I call." She turned to Bobbie. "I'm Gilda, and
I have been profiting from your cupcakes for a couple of months now. I
just wanted to say thank you. Those little bites of heaven of yours were
like a shot in the arm these last couple months. Never thought I'd say
'Mortal Choklate'." She chuckled, Bobbie smiled weakly. Gilda could see
that the teenager's day had been decimated. "Cheer up," she told them,
"won't be long."

Bobbie and Tim waved as they left. "Well," Tim began, "that just sucks
out loud."

Sucks? That the word you want to go with? Bobbie felt let down. The
afternoons at the bakery were some of Bobbie's happiest memories. She
felt a twinge of sadness as she realized that they wouldn't be making
cupcakes for a while. Boarding the Vespa, the mood was certainly
darkened.

It was lunch before she saw Beth and Heather, they were poring over the
latest fashion magazines when Tim and Bobbie arrived. Beth looked up and
gave an excited wave. Bobbie opened her hand, palm out. She sat down and
opened her lunch. As Tim broke the news to Beth, Bobbie saw what must
have been a far worse reaction. Where Bobbie was let down, Beth was
devastated. Her face fell and she paled, she turned and hugged Heather
awkwardly.

"Yeah," she heard Tim continue. "The case was completely shattered."

"Who would do that?" Heather asked, consoling Beth.

"Even stranger, they didn't take anything else," Tim shrugged.

Bobbie was slowly chewing her sandwich. She heard nothing, it was only
cupcakes.

And Kim...

And Roxx...

The rest of lunch passed without incident, until a fight broke out in a
corner of the lunchroom. Campus security arrived and quelled the violent
outbreak quickly, casting a pall on an otherwise average lunch. The
rest of the day passed in a blue funk. Nothing seemed right to Bobbie.
Seeing Kim and Roxx as they turned a corner did nothing to settle her
unease.

On the ride home, the Vespa suddenly died. Tim was off the moped first.
Opening the side panel, he saw nothing wrong at first glance.

"What's wrong?" Bobbie asked, just wanting to get home.

"Well, if I had to guess, I'd say it was the voltage regulator. I've got
a couple at home, they're notorious for going out, can't do much about
it till we get there. C'mon," He grabbed her hand," It's not too far.
Let's get you home. I can call my mom when I get back."

Tim took Bobbie's helmet and locked the headgear to the side of the
bike. They trundled off into the snow; Tim asked Bobbie if she was cold
no less than three times. When she didn't answer, he had his coat off
and around her shoulders. She looked up at him, there was a wispy
darkness gathering like a loose hoodie

"You okay?" Bobbie asked, huddling into Tim's jacket.

"With you? Always?" he smiled. "We may have to open a lot sooner. But,
hey, some free time. They're showing an 80s triple feature this weekend.
Wanna go? They're showing Buckaroo Banzai..."

Bobbie acquiesced immediately. It had been a while since she had just
gone out. Maybe this little break is exactly what everyone needs. All
work and no play make Jack Nicholson go crazy.

The walk went silently, with Bobbie giving Tim his jacket back as he
visibly started to shiver.

"You sure?" he asked. "We're almost there."

Bobbie rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't want to hug a Timsicle, when we
get there."

Tim ran his finger down her nose before shrugging back into his jacket.
He brought one side of it up and bundled Bobbie under his arm.

"And I thought these things smelled bad." She panted heavily. "...on the
outside."

Tim laughed and kissed her head. Bobbie grinned as their arms clumsily
slid around the small of each other's backs.

Chapter 26

Somehow the movie date became a double date with Steve and Beth. Bobbie
had seen them standing in line holding hands. She waved, causing the
other couple to let others in front of them in line. Soon they were a
quartet.

"Glad you told me about this. I've never seen this on the big screen.
She's never seen Big Trouble in Little China," Steve said to Tim. Beth
slapped at him.

"Why would I? Seems weird. You guys all watch this weird old stuff."

Tim held up a finger. "They are called classics, dear Beth. Right
Bobbie?"

The blond girl looked up distractedly. "Hmmm?"

"Oh, certainly; lessons for life in Banzai." She turned to Beth. "You'll
have a good time, I promise," She looked up at Tim. She was having a
good time, just being near Tim. Beth smiled and put her head on Steve's
shoulder.

It was a triple feature, like Tim had promised. Starting with Remo
Williams: The Adventure begins. Bobbie had seen it...before. Nobody else
had. She felt like a keeper of secret knowledge. Every line, even the
words to the song played during the end credits. But it felt different
sitting there with Tim. He smiled and laughed in all the right places.
They held hands and she leaned into him after lifting the middle
armrest. Beth had inelegantly done the same with Steve.

During the first intermission, everyone went outside to stretch. Tim was
the first to say anything.

"Don't know how I missed that one. That was cool. How haven't I heard of
it?" Steve asked.

"It came out the same..." Bobbie began.

"...weekend as Aliens," Tim finished, looking at Bobbie. "I don't know why
I'm surprised you know that," He stepped behind her and hugged her from
behind.

"I swear, sometimes you are so clueless," Beth said, swinging her and
Steve's clasped hands back and forth. "Then, you two get all nerdy. How
many times did you guys start speaking Chinese in the middle of a
sentence at the bakery?"

Bobbie flinched at the mention of the bakery.

"Firefly is a great show," Tim raised a fist. "Browncoats unite."

Steve raised a fist, too. "Remember Serenity Valley!"

Beth looked up at her date. "Not you, too."

"Hey, you'll understand when we watch. I have the dvds, your house? I
think your dad will like it too," Steve said. Beth looked at Bobbie, who
nodded imperceptibly in the affirmative. The crowd headed back in
slowly.

Steve seemed excited. "Oh, I love this move. It's so wacky. I've never
seen it on the big screen before."

"You movie people get excited by the weirdest things," Beth said,
walking on air. Bobbie had never seen her so happy. They disappeared
into the dark theater.

And she should be. Bobbie realized everything that had happened since
she met Beth. She wasn't the bent over girl anymore, she'd gone on
dates, and become an integral part of the Cheepskates crew.

It was Big Trouble in Little China, and Beth couldn't look away. She
sat there enthralled. Bobbie and Tim fell into a familiar pattern,
shared popcorn and a semi cuddle. The film let out and soon the audience
was spilling their way out to the concession stand.

"That was so cool. Bang!! Pow!! And that girl... umm. Gracie, she was
beautiful," Beth chattered excitedly.

"You know, she's Samantha on Sex and the City, right?" Steve said. Tim
and Bobbie looked blankly at him. "What? You have met my cousin, haven't
you? When they don't talk about sex, they talk about clothes." He put
his hands on his hips and said, "Shut up, I'm watching. Oh, dammit. Now
I missed who she was wearing..."

Beth hugged Steve. "You're so silly."

"I'm gonna get a couple of hot dogs, you want one?" Tim asked.

"You never could defeat me, Egg Shen," Bobbie said.

It was the end of the day, and the sun was passing over the overcast
sky. The clouds dimmed, becoming the color of an ancient tv signal.

The last film of the day had started. Bobbie had never seen this one on
the big screen. She munched her hot dog. Tim had fixed it, and done it
exactly right. Mustard, onions, relish, and jalepeno. Her favorite film,
some of her favorite people, she wished Kim could be there. Something
else was nagging her, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

No sooner than Buckaroo had driven through the mountain, a piercing
shaft of light came in from the side. Some laughter was heard. Bobbie
recognized it immediately.

Kim...She turned, and saw Roxx with her. They found seats in the back and
laughed loudly at the funny parts. Bobbie had a hard time enjoying the
movie. The laughing suddenly stopped before the world was once again
safe. Bobbie's dimmed mood stayed long after the screen promised
Buckaroo Banzai Against The World Crime League.

"Wow, that was a fun movie," Steve said. "Think they'll ever make that
sequel?"

"Nah," Tim said. "Been too long."

Bobbie's mood must have shown. "What's wrong, Bobbie?" Beth asked.

"I heard Kim in there. Roxx was with her." Beth looked unhappy, so did
Steve.

"I don't know who this Roxx is," Steve said. "But if Beth doesn't like
her, then she must be bad," Tim and Bobbie nodded solemn agreement. "

They all went and split a pizza and pitcher of Dr. Pepper at Slice of
PI.

"So what's gonna happen with the Bakery?" Beth asked.

Tim sipped at the dark soda. "I don't know. I was thinking about
dropping out and just opening. My mom will just have to help me," Bobbie
paled, and Beth gaped at Tim like he had just succeeded in eating his
own neck.

"Tim, no," Bobbie said, stricken. "You have to graduate."

"I'd still walk, just have to do summer school. "Tim took another slice
of pizza.

Bobbie looked at Tim intensely. "You're graduating on time. Don't make
me chain myself to you."

"Don't threaten me with a good time," Tim shot back, cheese hanging from
his lip. Steve laughed.

Bobbie sat in silence, picking at her pizza. First Kim, then the Bakery...

Now this?

Beth talked about the movies with Steve and Tim while Bobbie stewed. The
rest of the night left a kernel of doubt attached to a splinter that had
lodged itself deep in her cerebellum.

"Remember guys," Steve said. "No matter where you go..."

"There you are," Beth finished, kissing Steve.

As they walked away, Tim looked at Bobbie. "I'm glad you found her. I
mean, if you hadn't broken Carla Castillo's nose. She wouldn't have met
Heather or Steve. We wouldn't have her at the Bakery..."

Bobbie wished everyone would stop bringing up the bakery. She didn't
want to be reminded. She just wanted to go home.

"...and I wouldn't have met you." He folded her into his arms.

All of her vexation and worry was gone, well most of it. Soon the worry
melted away, with the tiny thorn of anxiety clinging stubbornly. She
closed her eyes and fought against thoughts of Kim and cupcakes...

"I...I... like who I am now. After the accident, I thought I didn't wanna
feel anything anymore. The pot helped," Tim let go and touched her face.
"Then you show up, rack up the highest 'fresh chick points' total ever,
and boom. I don't think you make everything better..."

"But, everything sucks when you're gone," Tim said, hugging her again.
This time a kiss completed the duet.

Chapter 27

Roxx was in the girl's restroom, handing over the bag of 'party favors'
to Carla Castillo.

"That smug cunt deserves this. No more cupcakes for a while. Bitch broke
my nose... twice."

Carla's nose had healed, crookedly, nothing a good nose job couldn't
fix. The awkward healing along the bridge of her nose made her voice
more nasal. It had the unusual effect of making her sound whiny.

"So you just smashed the case?" Roxx asked, flipping her hair over one
shoulder seductively.

"Yeah, would have loved to take the money, though," Carla whined,
shaking the bag, "But, you're payin'"

"I want her reminded of Daily Grind every time she sees someone walking
with one of their cups." Roxx lit a cigarette. "I may have something
else for you soon. Just stay out of trouble. Won't do either of us any
good if we're suspended, feel me?"

"It's casual," Carla said, looking at the bag. "Gonna be a fun week. Is
that Vicodin? Nice. See ya," Carla pocketed the bag and zipped out the
door.

Roxx watched her leave. She was glad that the Advocate had intervened
there. It was almost as if she had said, "It's not even yet. You need
more people." Roxx took a final drag before dropping the cigarette in
the toilet.

Let's see how well she does now.

****

Bobbie felt anxious, she'd felt it all day. She almost couldn't sit
still. The schoolwork was second nature. The information was always
still there, something she was glad for. She didn't know what to do
about it. She sat through her classes, trying to occupy her mind. It was
of no use. It wasn't until Drama class that anyone noticed. Beth wasn't
there, Bobbie surmised that she was sick, a quick text

"You OK, Bobbie? You seem fidgety." Amber was peering through her
glasses. The guitarist seemed concerned.

"I'm fine, it's just that... Well, with the bakery gone, it feels like
I've got nothing to do," Bobbie slightly pouted. "It's almost like I'm
going stir crazy."

"I know, right?" Amber put her hand of Bobbie's knee. "Since Kim walked
out, I've felt kind of ... I dunno, aimless. I signed up with the musical,
gonna do the lighting. Heather'll be there, too. She's doing the
costumes, and is helping with the band. I kind of want to see this. I
mean a 50s based ska musical? I don't know how in the hell Heather
talked them into it. But, your bake sale cemented that..." Amber went on
for a minute, while Bobbie pondered.

"Need some help?" Bobbie interrupted. "I've got to get out of the house.
Kim's always gone..."

"What about Tim? You two are... Y'know? I've never said this but," Amber
chuckled.

"You guys make me sick," she smiled. Bobbie looked on in mock horror.

"I'm kidding. But, you have to see it our way..."

"Our?"

"Yeah, Bella's usually quiet. But, I'm just gonna say it. We're
jealous," Amber was still smiling. "You just show up, cast out a fishing
line to slacker's cove. And somehow you pull out a good fish on your
first time."

Amber started ticking things off her fingers. "He's kinda cute, although
we couldn't see it until Heather got to him." She used the finger to
point at Bobbie. "But you did."

"He had the bakery space for us to practice." Another finger.

"He's not just another insensitive jerk, I've seen him give you his
jacket, open doors for you, and pull out your chair. You caught the one
tuna in a sea of sharks." The last finger.

Bobbie saw it; she hadn't had it spelled out for her before. But, there
it was. "He's... he's got a lot going on, something with the licenses for
the place. Health Department or something. He's talking about dropping
out to save the place and do summer school."

Amber paled. "No."

Down went Bobbie's eyes. "Yeah. I don't want him to." Bobbie looked up
and forcibly brightened her expression. "So, about the play? Want some
help?"

The redhead could plainly see the pleading in her eyes. The blue irises
so clear that no emotion could hide, "Fo Shizz," She laughed. "Where's
Beth? She's out with Steve all the time now. I think it's sweet. But
she's gone all the time, too. It's like we're all getting pulled apart."
She sighed heavily. "But that's what life is like, I guess," Her vision
blanked. "We're all gonna go off to college next year, Kim and Beth'll
be the only ones in school. I'll have classes, they'll have classes.
It's sad, but it happens."

Bobbie brooded, she hadn't thought about that. Settling in had taken up
all of her focus. Between the bakery, and her friends...

And Tim.

"I know, I can be such a Debbie Downer sometimes. Sorry, it seems like
you have a lot going on with Kim and Tim," She put her hand on Bobbie's.
"Hey, after the rehearsal today, why don't we shanghai Heather and get
some dinner? I've been itching for Chinese food for days."

Bobbie forced a smile. "Sure. Sounds great."

After class, Bobbie and Amber headed to the auditorium where the sets
were under construction. There was lots of black and white, with sharp
contrasts. She could see Heather running around with a tape measure
around her neck, measuring everybody on stage and making notes in her
little notebook.

"We need to change the bulbs up at the top and bottom, the colored bulbs
are going to be all wrong for the sets. Strictly black and white," Amber
informed Bobbie. She megaphoned her hands and yelled "HEATHER!!" The
brunette spun and saw them standing there waving. She smoothed her dress
under her legs as she sat on the edge of the stage.

She cleared her throat loudly. "A little help here? I'm trying to get
down." One of the actors rushed over and jumped off the front of the
stage, he helped her down gingerly. Heather could see beads of sweat
forming on his forehead as he tried to avoid placing his hands anywhere
important.

"Hey," Heather greeted. "Bobbie, you're here, too? Groovy."

"So where do you want us to start?" Amber asked.

Heather gestured. "Well, the bulbs are in the storage closet. But the
ladders are in the janitor's area."

"We can get them," Bobbie said.

Amber and Bobbie walked through the hallways of Delacroix High. It was a
quiet place, made all the more creepy by the lack of other human
inhabitants.

Click click click click...

Turning a corner the sound grew louder, two shapes in the distance.
Bobbie's eyes picked up the forms moving in the distance.

"Kim!" Bobbie took off running down the corridor. She got to the end of
the hallway quickly, Amber jogging.

Kim and Roxx were permabonded, like every other time she saw them
together. Roxx pulled a flask from her purse, gave it to Kim. "You're
gonna need this."

Kim unscrewed the top and tilted it back, she swallowed three, four,
five times. Shaking her head, she looked dead into Bobbie's eyes. She
could see the veins like a patchwork road map of a nation of insane
drivers. She was drunk, Bobbie decided, noticing also that her pupils
were acting funny.

So she's drunk and high. Wonderful.

"Kim, what the frak?"

"Great, now it's nerdy cussing? Fucking unbelievable, how goodie goodie
can you get?"

"Now, Kim. Don't be so hard on Bobbie, she's looking out for you," Roxx
said, clearly not meaning a single word. "I mean her boyfriend..."

Kim snickered. "Boyfriend, right... Look, Bobbie." Kim drew out the name
for effect. "back off, okay. I'm fine." It was obvious to Bobbie that
Roxx was holding Kim up. "And Mom needs to back off, too." Hic. "I'm not
gonna go robbing liquour stores or anything." Kim shot back a hateful
glare at Bobbie. "Go bake some cupcakes or something. Leave me alone.
C'mon, babe, let's hit your place for a little Roxxy Roll." She clumsily
kissed at Roxx's neck. "Amber's waiting," Kim said, indicating the
redhead.

Kim and Roxx turned and made a mostly zigzag path to the door. Even with
the drunken girl, Roxx's every move rolled and swished the right parts
the right way. Her back tattoo clearly visible, the kanji blazing in
it's darkness. Kim's darkness was pronounced, almost in sync with
Roxx's. Bobbie noticed Amber's darkness was a little deeper than usual
when she spun around.

"Bobbie?" Amber queried. "You okay?"

"Yes," Bobbie hissed. "I'm fine."

"Because, your face," Bobbie reached into her purse and brandished a
mirror. Tears had leaked from her eyes, ruining the liquid eyeliner she
was finally mastering.

"I'm okay, it's just..." Bobbie wiped her eyes lightly.

"I don't know what to do about her."

Amber sighed. "Me neither, let's get those lights and we can go grab
dinner, you're right. You really need to get out of the house."

The lights were easy enough. Everyone was out earlier than expected.
Amber used the bait of dinner to get a ride from Heather. Heather was
plowing through her Kung Pao Chicken with Lo Mein while listening to
Bobbie.

"I know, Bobbie," Heather said, dabbing at the side of her mouth with a
napkin. "I can't stand seeing her like this either. Jesus Christ, I want
to punch that slut between the silicone sacs."

"Wow," Amber said. "You really don't like her do you."

"What? Miss..." She put her hand on her hips, and raised her voice a full
octave. "I'm an alternative model. I paint my clothes on. I swing my
tits around like floatation devices," She returned her voice to normal.
"Can't believe a girl like Kim would fall for that...that... fake hussy."

Bobbie and Amber were a little stunned by that outburst.

Bobbie set down her chopsticks and put her hands together. "Well, that
settles it. She rubs everybody the wrong way."

"Yeah," Amber agreed

"...'snot all she rubs the wrong way," Heather muttered.

"Question is, what do we do about it? She won't listen to anyone, and
you need a crowbar and industrial strength solvent to separate those
two," Amber finally spoke up. The other girls looked at her. She threw
up her hands. "She needs to see it for herself, and it's killing us."
She turned to Bobbie.

Bobbie opened her fortune cookie. 'fight with courage you will win.'

Heather's read, 'free yourself from what is expected of you.'

Amber's stated. 'absence of a thing, is a thing unto itself.'

They all read each other's fortunes and laughed at how the lucky lottery
numbers were same on all three. It was too obvious to the three of them
that everyone missed Kim.

"Thanks for your help today, Bobbie," Amber said, breaking the silence.
"I hate working on the ladder."

Bobbie smiled. "No problem whatsoever. I guess we should motor."

"Hey," Heather said. "I'm the only one that gets to use out of date
slang," She looked serious.

Then broke up laughing.

The girls went home, and Bobbie went straight to her room. She wasn't
there long before she heard solo footsteps in the hall.

Kim!

Bobbie opened the door to an empty hallway, she moved down the hallway
silently and knocked on the door before opening it.

Kim was sitting on the bed with a soda. Bobbie saw her take a pill and
chase it with a swig of the beverage.

"What was that?" Bobbie asked.

"Uhhh," Kim moaned. "Got this colossal headache, Roxx gave me some pain
pills." She pinched at her temples.

"It happens when you drink too much, smoke too much," Bobbie admonished.
Kim let go of her face and rolled her eyes.

"And take too many pills," Bobbie finished. "What was that?"

"Oxy...oxy... cotton?"

Bobbie's eyes widened. "Oxycontin? Jesus, Kim. That's like using a
cutting cake with a chainsaw."

Kim shrugged. "Works, though. 'Takes away the pain from your head, legs,
and childhood' she said."

"That stuff's dangerous," Bobbie pleaded, hoping that she could get Kim
to see reason. It was crystal clear through the donut glaze of her
bloodshot, milky eyes that she would get further teaching a mountain
goat physics.

"Didn't kill you," Kim said blankly. "Get out, Bobbie." She turned to
Bobbie and smacked her fist into her palm. It was sinister now,
threatening. The old playfulness was gone.

"Just get out." She finished the beverage.

"Kim, I..." Bobbie was cut off by the empty can flying through her room
and colliding with the wall.

"Last chance... Robb. Get out. It's your turn to feel alone."

Bobbie went back to her room and stared at the computer monitor for a
long time before sleep came.

Karma's a bitch? No, Karma's a girl.

Chapter 28

"Why doesn't Bobbie like me?" Roxx asked Tim. She had caught up to him
in the hallways between class.

"Kim's like her sister. She's just being protective," Tim said,
uncomfortable. He could talk to Bobbie easily. This was different, he
felt as though he was being sized up. Whether it was for a fight or for
dinner, he couldn't tell.

"Do you think she needs to be?" The seductive redhead pulled at a lock
of her hair coquettishly.

"Uh... ummm." Tim felt himself stiffen.

"Maybe you and me and Bobbie can be friends," Tim felt a hand on the
inside of his thigh. He gasped as Roxx's hand slid higher. Tim swallowed
hard.

"That's what I like about you." She leaned in and gently kissed the left
side of his neck. "You're so sweet." She curled her right index finger
and slowly scraped it down along his plain blue t shirt.

"Catch ya around, Tiger," Roxx said as she worked a piece of gum into
her mouth slowly, dragging the corner across her lip.

She walked away slowly. The crowd seemed to part just for her as the
warning bell rang.

Tim couldn't stop thinking about that encounter all day. Even lunch with
Bobbie left him distant. So much weighed on his mind, it wasn't until he
sat in the principal's office that he began to calm down.

"Tim?" Principal Michaels said, inviting him into his office. He got up
and entered the room. Hi, Mr. Michaels. I'd like to talk about dropping
out...

He tried to think happy thoughts. Walking across the stage with Bobbie.
But, why was the picture in his head fuzzy?

And why was Roxx the one handing out diplomas?

Bella, with the band not practicing anymore, and with her afterschool
schedule suddenly full, she hadn't been around much. But, today she saw
Tim on the way out of the principal's office.

"What the fuck did you do?" Bella asked, shocked.

He hefted a sheaf of papers. "I'm outta here," he muttered, looking
down.

Her eyes opened. "You fuckin' dropped out?"

The drummer could see the sadness in his eyes. "I... yeah. Don't tell
Bobbie. I wanna tell her."

"He said that I could get the work for the rest of the quarter. And get
the rest finished in summer school. I should still be able to walk,
but." He sighed. He looked up and around. "I really wanted to finish out
the year. But, the money isn't coming in from Daily Grind. The only way
to keep it going is to just open. Bobbie'll come help, and Beth. It has
to work. My mom can't take any more of this. I just need her to sign
this." He shook the papers.

"I don't want to bring it up." He looked away. Tim ran his hand through
his hair. "I'd rather someone forged the signature. Just don't want to
talk to her about this." He fidgeted from one foot to the other.

"I...I've gotta go."

Bella watched him leave. "Poor fuckin guy." She watched him wipe his
face with his sleeve.

Poor fuckin' Bobbie.

Bella walked around, not depressed but depressed for people. It wasn't a
sensation she was familiar with. But, she felt sorry for Bobbie, and
Tim. They were the nicest people she'd ever met. A little weird, they
were way too knowledgeable about movies; sometimes to the point of
incomprehensibility. Just a quirk, and an endearing one. Bella wouldn't
have ever seen Suspiria. Bobbie had recommended it after she mentioned
she liked Black Swan. It was the unadulterated joy that shown on her
face. The joy of someone lost in doing it whatever it was they were
supposed to be doing. And, in their case, with the person they were
supposed to be doing it with. When she heard about Daily Grind's
vandalism, she felt terrible. Not because the world would be deprived of
those bites of bliss she turned out with no apparent difficulty.

...But because of that, the joy had rushed out of her life quickly. Now,
Tim was dropping out of school, Beth was sick, Kim broke up the band she
started. It made her feel guilty. Good news like she had just received
only made her feel more depressed for them.

***

Bobbie was alone at lunch. It wasn't so bad, she thought. She'd be
seeing Tim after school. He'd been down lately, she just gave him his
space. He was busy opening the bakery. But there was no way she was
planning on not seeing him. He'd been there for her, she needed to be
there for him. Kim was the biggest problem. Taking painkillers, smoking
pot; she saw Melanie in her memory. Melanie and Roxx seemed cut from the
same cloth. It was maddening, she didn't know how to fix this. Previous
experience told her she couldn't.

What could someone have said to make me see?

She deflated, realizing there was nothing anyone could have said.

"Hey, Bobbie," said a voice behind her. It was Beth, still pale from the
illness. "Where's Tim?"

"No one told you?" Bobbie asked. "He's gone."

"No," Beth exclaimed. "What happened?"

Bobbie looked down at the ground. "He dropped out to open the bakery.
I'm going there after school."

"Oh, shoot." Beth lightly stamped her foot. "That's not fair." Her face
crumpled a bit, leaving the sunniness behind," You guys are so close."

"I know," Bobbie murmured. "But, he'll do summer school and finish, I
guess."

Beth put her hand on Bobbie's shoulder. "Hey, it's okay. We'll get
through this."

She smiled. "All in a day's work for an angel, right?"

It was Bobbie's turn to smile. "I guess."

"Hey, enough of that. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't know Steve. Or
Heather, or Tim. Now, put on a smile missy and get back in there," Beth
said uncharacteristically.

The rest of the day went smoothly, with Bobbie slightly buoyed by Beth's
speech.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part IX

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 29

The bakery had been open for all of a day before Tim realized the problem
with running a food business. Waste. He kept the ones he didn't sell that
day and sold them for a reduced price the next. Even then, once his costs
were covered, there wasn't much left in the way of profit.

The door bell rang and Tim looked up from the assignment he was working
on. He saw the flash of crimson and knew who it was.

"Hey, Tim," the voice purred.

"Umm... hi, Roxx," Tim said, their last meeting coloring his face. She was
both attractive and terrifying. His thigh burned where she last touched
him.

"Kim's not feeling well. Thought I'd pick up some cupcakes. Got any of the
chocolate ones left?"

"Yeah," Tim sighed. "Plenty. Keep thinking that coffee might help. But, I
don't want to take Gilda's business," He rubbed his hand through his hair.

"But," Tim said, rifling through his papers, "I'll give you a few if you
can..." He looked around and lowered his voice to a hoarse whisper.

"Could you forge my mom's signature? I need it to drop out. She doesn't
know, and I don't want to tell her. Still haven't figured out how I'm
gonna tell Bobbie.... Just-" His voice broke. "Can you?"

"Now, what makes you think I'd know anything about that?" Roxx grinned her
wicked smile and cocked her head.

"Sorry, I didn't mean..."

That made Roxx giggle. "Silly, I can do it. Let me see." She took the
papers and didn't even wait a second before she started scribbling.

The likeness was perfect, every loop and flourish was there. Had anyone,
official or otherwise given a closer inspection, they would have believed
that all of Tim's check out documents were signed by one Myka Flaherty.

"Thanks, Roxx. I feel so bad not telling Bobbie," Tim said, boxing up some
of the cupcakes. "I owe you one."

"I'll keep that in mind, tiger." Roxx blew Tim a kiss as she swished
around. She poured herself out of the room, spilling some with each
swaying step.

***

Since Bella had told Bobbie about Tim's dropping out she had been avoiding
the bakery. It had only been a couple of days and she noticed herself
becoming unstuck. A glitch in the connection she felt. Darknesses swirled
around her, her mood making her see them more acutely. She walked home
that night, just walking.

There needs to be something I can do. Why is everything falling apart? I
see that these people need help. I just feel so overwhelmed. Dammit. This
walkabout doesn't seem to be helping at all.

Either that or Justice is Blind. She smiled weakly.

She arrived at home without noticing. Sylvia's car sat there in the
driveway. That was an unusual occurance lately. Sylvia had either been at
work or out with Myka. Or Roy, she had been slowly getting back out into
the social world in recent months. Bobbie noticed that she smiled a little
more when she was home and not yelling at Kim or complaining about Roxx.
Or it had seemed that way because she now had other people to vent to.

Opening the door, she saw Sylvia standing there smiling into a glass of
red wine.

"Hi, Bobbie," Sylvia said, studying the light through the wine. "Roy asked
me out tonight." She seemed excited.

"Beth's dad? That's great. Where..."

She gestured with her wine glass upstairs. "She's not feeling well. Today,
she gets a pass. I'm in too good of a mood."

Bobbie wrinkled her brow. "Well, I'm going to go off to bed. Good night,"
she said weakly.

Great, now she's going to have stars in her eyes. Why is my life suddenly
a series of Shaymalan endings?

The next day Bobbie saw Tim walking into the office wearing a visitors
badge. He froze when he saw her. His darkness nearly doubled the moment he
noticed her.

"Bobbie," he gasped. "I...I..." She could see he wanted to cry.

"Fuckin' perfect. I was fuckin' hoping to get you two the fuck together."
Bella was suddenly there.

"Bobbie, Tim needs to do this. Tim, you should have told her," Bella said,
quietly and evenly. They both listened, shocked to hear her utter a
sentence without one 'fuck'.

"Listen, you two. I'm not gonna be around in a few months. I haven't told
anyone yet, but I got accepeted into Brown. Unless they find another
drummer, Grrl Army will just be a memory. I'm not gonna be here, and if
you guys don't stay together, then love is dead."

She turned to Tim and grabbed his face in both hands. Looking into his
eyes. "If you ever try to hide something like that again. I will come down
here and play a complete Peart solo on your ribcage. From Brown."

She grabbed Bobbie's hand. "If you do anything to hurt him. I'll come back
and steal him myself. You got lucky. I'm a good judge. You belong
together. Help him get through this. Should be a piece of cake for you.
And we all know how well you deal with cake."

She walked away, through them. "Don't fuck it up."

"I'm sorry, Bobbie. I wanted to tell you. I was, just got busy with the
bakery. I can get the work done. I'll graduate. I can do this without
you."

"But," he continued, "I don't want to." He reached forward and clasped her
in his arms.

She forgave him in that instant. His darkness ebbing away slightly. "Beth
and I will be there. You should have told me you decided, told us."

"I know." Tim looked at roughly unable to look into the ocean of her eyes.
"Roxx came in yesterday. She said Kim was sick. How's she doing."

Bobbie shrugged. "I don't know if she's sick, or just high anymore. Mom
won't see it, either. She started seeing Beth's dad."

"Roy? Good for him, and your mom. It should all balance out soon. This
whole thing's gonna work out. Peas and carrots again?" Tim shyly looked
up, drawn in by her eye's tidal pull.

Bobbie shook her finger at him. "Stupid is as stupid does, you magnificent
bastard." She smiled sarcastically. "What did Roxx want?" Bobbie eyed him
suspiciously.

"She got Kim some cupcakes. Which I seem to be wasting a bunch of, I
dunno. I need to make this work, dammit. It's all he wanted. I know it'll
succeed. There's no way this can fail."

Bobbie said, "Be wary of Roxx, I don't trust her. And neither should you."

Tim's face looked scared, his eyes flashed dimly.

"Look," she said, her expression dark. "I know what girls like that can do
to guys like you."

"I don't care about her. I care about you. Losing you would be a Sommersby
level tragedy." He finally held her gaze.

"I've gotta turn these in, you should get to class. See you tonight?" Tim
asked.

"You know it," she said, hugging him again.

Chapter 30

The prep work was going well, Beth was rolling out the chocolate ribbons,
and Tim was doing schoolwork. Bobbie had insisted that he focus on the
work, insisting that she and Beth could do all of it.

"Yeah," Tim finally acquiesced. "I've got night school tomorrow."

"Night school?" Beth asked.

"If I can get all the work done in time, I won't have to do summer school.
If I bust my ass, I can just pull it off. I hate that I'm not gonna see
you at school every day, I hate that I can't have lunch with you." Tim
scrubbed his face with his hands.

Bobbie saw his frustration, his darkness swirling around him. Bella's
words echoed in her ear. "Tim needs to do this," Looking around, she saw
the veracity of it. Bobbie saw what this place meant to him, and to a
lesser extent, her. Cheepskates had become an important part of her life
as well. She looked over at Beth, she was happily rolling the chocolate
ribbons. Her darkness was nearly nonexistent. Between having friends for
the first time in her young life, and her burgeoning relationship with
Steve, she was content in a way that no one had ever seen before.

Bobbie started to feel better about Tim's school situation as the days
wore on. He was making good progress on the remainder of his schoolwork.
The Spring Musical's rehearsals were on in earnest. February was soon in
full swing, the major snows of the season starting to slip into the past.
The bakery was wasting less food. Things seemed back on track.

***

Kim felt like shit. Her mouth tasted dry and ashen, her skin had lost
color. Waking up, she took another Oxycontin and swigged some flat Sprite
to chase down the bitter pill. Looking into the bottle, she saw that there
were only two of the little white pills left. Need to get some more from
Roxx. She was pretty high most of the time now. Kim hated how she felt
when they wore off, but she always had more. In the shower, the warm,
tingly numbness spread out from her stomach into her limbs. Looking in the
mirror, Kim noticed that her hair was getting shaggy. Fuck it, she
thought. Pulling on her clothes, she headed downstairs.

It was a little early for everyone else, but she wanted to meet Roxx for a
little before school fun. It was always fun with Roxx, she thought. She
grabbed her backpack and slowly closed the door behind her.

***

Amber was looking for Bobbie when she saw Kim and Roxx ambling onto campus
late. She had noticed Kim getting worse. She's gonna be a permanent
resident of Slacker's Cove or worse if we don't do something.

"Kim," she called. "Kim," Amber yelled again. She saw both girls turn
toward her.

"What is it, Amber?" Kim said, clearly annoyed by the presence of the
second redhead.

"Heather was wondering when you were going to pick up your bass," Amber
lied. Heather had put it in a safe place, hoping she would come to her
senses and pick it up.

"Give it to the next bassist." Kim waved her off. "I'm too busy for that
now."

Amber wasn't sure if she saw red, or if her hair had fallen in front of
her eyes. "Fuck that, you tell her yourself, then. We're all worried..."

"Save it. I'm fine." Kim shook her head. Roxx seemed to be posing for an
invisible photo shoot, each pose a subtle seductive fever dream. "I'm not
fragile..."

Amber cut her off. "But you are breaking, and we can't stand to see you
like..."

"Like what? Happy? Fuck you, Amber. Just because you don't have someone."
She leaned back and kissed Roxx mid pose.

"Fine, and Kim, Roxx."

"Fuck you, too. Enjoy your high." Amber turned on her left foot and
stormed off, the world and her hair sharing a color.

***

Lunch. Bobbie and Beth were joined by Amber, who told her about the
morning's confrontation.

"Why won't her mom do something?" Amber asked Bobbie, clearly still
frustrated by the exchange.

Bobbie breathed heavily in an exaggerated sigh. "Mom's out with Roy a lot
lately, so she's gone. I never see Kim, and when I do..."

"She kind of scares me." Her eyes became misty.

"None so deaf as those that will not hear," Beth suddenly spoke up.

"Huh?" Bobbie said, suddenly turning to her.

"Mr. Boyd said that today. Some guy named Matt Henry or something. Kim
won't listen because she feels like you're attacking her," Beth said. "If
we could just break them up."

"Beth, that only works on television," Bobbie smiled.

"But, she has a point. None of this happened until That Girl showed up,"
Amber stated, not wanting to use the offending name. "It was all music and
fun with her. She never even showed any interest in that stuff. After what
happened with her brother..." Bobbie visibly winced. "...that was that.
Now, she's spaced out. I'm starting to think they're stuck together
because Kim needs to be held up."

Bobbie thought of Tim, and how with him, she enjoyed being held. This
Roxx/Kim thing seemed to be the inverse of her relationship with Tim.
Where her time with him was constructive and meaningful, their time was
fraught with dead brain cells and weakened bodies. She thought of Melanie.
They shared the obvious brokenness and self esteem issues. There had to be
a way to show her without attacking...

"We could try an intervention. You know, kidnap her one night, and we all
talk at her until she gets it. Never mind, too much tv."

"Beth, you may have something. I'll talk to Heather and Bella and see if
we can set this up. None of us want to see her like this," Amber turned to
Bobbie."You should bake her a cake or something. Or just force feed her a
dozen cupcakes," Beth laughed, breaking the tension.

Bobbie didn't laugh. "I think this is beyond the range of mere baked
goods."

Amber looked at her, stricken. "Bobbie, whatever else happens in this
world. Those cupcakes are no mere baked goods. You can taste the love in
them, and THAT is what makes them special." The bell rang, and the girls
said their goodbyes and went off to finish the rest of the drudgery that
was the remainder of their day.

Chapter 31

Heather was in the restroom, fixing her makeup between classes when an
almost reptilian clicking sound crossed the ladies room threshold.

It was Roxx. She walked up next to Heather and began to touch up her
violet lips.

"Hi, Heather," Roxx purred, not looking away from the mirror.

"Mmm," Heather acknowledged. "Get a good deal on those stripper heels?"

"Of course," she laughed. "Jealous? I ALWAYS get good deals.." She
shimmied, her breasts and hips shaking slightly. "I know what people
like," She turned to Heather and stepped closer. She could smell Roxx's
musk, as well as an undertone of candied bacon; smoky, salty, sweet, and
tempting.

"It helps to be able to read people. People tell me everything. And what
they don't tell me, I have a knack for figuring out," Her voice mixed
molasses and vodka, smooth, intoxicating, and menacing. Heather couldn't
speak; she was overpowered by Roxx's sheer presence.

Roxx smoothed down her hair and leaned into Heather; putting her lips
right next to her ear, Her hot breath humidly steaming her earrings.

"I know your secret, too."

Heather gulped as Roxx turned to slosh away. She watched the crimson
locked girl as she left.

"That was fun, we should do that together again sometime..."

"Tiger."

***

Bella felt good. Bobbie and Tim were back together, it was going to be
hard for her to leave Delacroix. Her world seemed so different now. When
she'd taken the SAT last year, the last thing she expected was a perfect
score. Being accepted to an Ivy League school was far beyond anything she
could have hoped for. Her mood was darkened by Amber's sudden appearance.

"We need to do an intervention on Kim. We've all had enough."

"Fuck yes, we fuckin' need to get her fuckin' ass back to reality."

Heather also showed up, visibly pale, making the red of her lips stand out
all the more.

"Fuck, Heather. You look like you fuckin' saw a ghost."

"Er...I..."

The other girls looked at Heather. Never one to be at a loss for words,
her speechlessness was a surprise.

"Heather, we're gonna kidnap Kim and make her listen to us. You in?" Amber
said

"Uh, sure," Heather said, her voice shaky.

***

Beth sat in her room, the house seemed a little lighter. She had never
seen her dad happier. And she just thought it was so cool that he was
seeing Bobbie's mom. Maybe they'll get married, then I'll have two
sisters. Kim'll get better and Bobbie will be around to help with the
bakery. Dad was happy, she was going to have sisters, she had friends. All
the prayers she ever offered were being answered at once.

Thank you, God.

It didn't matter what Bobbie said. To Beth, Bobbie would always be an
angel.

***

Roxx shook the bottle, the little pills rattling like a baby's toy.
"You're going through these a little quick." Kim was mesmerized by the
curves enhanced by her tight clothing.

Kim looked up at her. "I snorted a couple. Lawrence told me about that.
Didn't even know you could do that. Kicked in like a motherfucker."

Roxx laughed her beautiful, terrible laugh. "Oh, you can do all kinds of
things. I don't know why people always think we're lazy. We can figure
anything out." She lightly tossed the bottle to the girl.

Kim clumsily caught the bottle. As she slipped it into her pocket, she
brushed some errant strands of hair off of her forehead. Roxx moved her
hand toward Kim's head. She ruffled the shaggy, unkempt mess. "I can take
care of this mess if you want. You need a new look anyway."

Kim looked up at Roxx. Swallowing a pill, she said, "Sure, I trust you."

***

Since Bobbie and Beth were helping out at Cheepskates again, there was
lest waste. Not none, but since Bobbie recommended donating the day olds
to the local homeless shelter, it had ceased to be a real problem.

"Yeah," she had said. "Tax writeoff. And it'll help make someone's day.
They need help, too. Just wish I could do more."

"What would I do without you two?" Tim asked the room. Beth was humming
what sounded like the Firefly theme.

"We have done the impossible, and that makes us mighty," Beth said,
abruptly blurted.

Bobbie and Tim both looked at Beth.

"What? You were right, great show. Totally dah byen wah." She smiled.

"Looks like we have another browncoat," Tim said, looking back at Bobbie.

The bakery seemed to be shaping up. Nearly everything has certainly had
its ups and downs, but Tim was confident that by the next year, there
would be at least some profit. He looked over at his accomplices.

Thanks to you, Bobbie. Must have done something right in a previous life,
can't imagine what it could've been. But whatever it was, thanks you
prehistoric pirate ninja conqueror sports hero actor person...

The song playing came into clarity.

Vindicated. I am selfish, I am wrong
I am right. I swear I'm right, swear I knew it all along.

Tim felt his eyes mist up a little. Since he lost his father, he noticed
himself getting emotional at weird times. This was one of them. He wished
that it had been raining, he could hide it then. Watching them work was a
thing of beauty, as if it had been engineered by Hephestaus. The nearly
full-contact, double dutch style with which they worked was a cross
between a finely designed timepiece and a pinball machine. made him stop
and appreciate the wonderful turns his life had taken lately.

***

Everything was going so well. The opening gambit was finished, the next
part would be so much more fun. Roxx was enjoying every minute of this.
She had gotten her hooks into Kim, and she had fallen just as hard as Robb
did, maybe harder. Let's see how she deals with what's next.

"Wow, dries a lot faster now." Kim had entered the room from the shower,
the light glinting off of Kim's shaved scalp, "Good thing it's winter. I
can imagine the tan line being totally obvious."

"Mmm," Roxx said. "Sexy." She strode over to Kim and folded her body close
to hers. Kissing her smooth head, Kim moaned. They collapsed to the bed
again.

You're mine, Bobbie. You're gonna beg for me to take you, beg for my
forgiveness.

And. I. Will. Laugh. As. You. Weep.

Chapter 32

Carla Castillo was anxious. Roxx had asked her to meet today. She wasn't
sure she could do that breaking and entering thing again. It had weighed
heavily on her, getting high helped her not remember. And she was okay
with that.

The click of heels followed by the distinct metallic clink of a Zippo
lighter alerted her to Roxx's presence. She stepped out of the stall.

"Told you I might have something..."

"Yeah, about that..." Carla whined, her crooked nose slightly whistling.
"Look, I don't know if I can do anything like that again. I mean, if I got
caught.." She shivered.

Roxx inhaled hard on the cigarette and exhaled. She threw her head back.
She laughed loudly, her body shaking where it counted. "No problem, This
is much easier." She handed Carla a violet flash drive.

"You just have to make sure that the contents of that drive go public.
Very public."

"What's on it?" Carla took the drive and turned it over in her hands
several times.

"Shattered hopes and broken dreams." Roxx smiled, dropping the butt into
the nearest toilet. "Just get it out there. Think of it as a 'greatest
hits'.

The contents of the flash drive bothered her all day. She would have to
ditch at lunch to get home to use her computer. Which was fine, missing
another stupid lecture on why these people throwing tea in the harbor are
considered heroes was fine by her. Who cares, anyway? Nobody even really
drinks tea anymore.

When she got home, she started up her cranky laptop, the centipede like
loading bar of Windows XP creep creep creeping along. It took a while, so
she inserted the USB device into her tower front and went to take one of
the remaining Vicodin. Stopping in the kitchen to grab some pop tarts, she
came back in time to see the desktop flash its marijuana leaf wallpaper.
The contents of the drive came up rapidly, as if by magic.

It contained one file, a video file called nicenaughty. Double clicking on
the video, she heard some industrial sounding music and two cute girls.
One dressed as a demon, and one dressed as...

Holy Shit! She recognized the angel. Sure, her hair was different, but
those eyes and that hair color were unmistakable. Bobbie Sharpe. The video
continued, and ewwww! They were... ugh. She clicked it off. She didn't
need to see anymore. She understood the what of what Roxx wanted.

But she couldn't understand the why. She copied the contents to her hard
drive and powered down her unit. She put the drive in her pocket and left
to make the rounds. Everyone would see this, and knowing the boys of
Delacroix...

It wouldn't take long.

***

It was March before long. The students already starting to talk about Prom
and what their summers were going to look like, the ending of the third
quarter loomed. Cheepskates was finally starting to put money back into
the safe. Still not enough to make ends meet, but Tim was always thinking
about ways to reach more people.

"We could do a Grand Opening during Spring Break," Beth said to Tim.

"That's a good idea. Be some free advertising. Social media and word of
mouth will only get you so far. We'll need some help. Think we can get the
band back in here? I miss having the band practice here."

"Probably. I keep seeing Heather playing Kim's bass. I think she named it
Kim. She's been a little... strange lately. Don't know why." Beth seemed
puzzled by her friend's sudden shift in instruments.

Bobbie was also puzzled by that tidbit. She named it Kim? Tim turned
toward Beth.

"Thanks. Bobbie?"

"Hmm?" She looked at Tim, wondering why she hadn't thought of it before.

"You got anything to contribute? Your ideas are always good."

"Nah," Bobbie said, shaking her head, "I think Beth's got this one."

***

"There's no way that's her," one stoned teen boy said.

"'Sgotta be. Look at those eyes, that hair. It has to be," Another said.

"Dude, upload that shit, seriously. The world needs to see this."

"Seriously though, hottest shit I've ever seen, Who's the other girl. She
can swallow my soul."

The file was burned off onto DVD discs and flash drives and passed around,
soon the guys had all seen it. It was making the rounds like a bad case of
rhinovirus.

***

Tim got a copy from one of the kids who actually bought the cupcakes. Told
him he should watch it. When he clicked play, he was stunned.

Bobbie? Can't be.

Tim had seen porn before, everyone had. It was different when you knew one
of the performers. Bobbie made faces and noises he could only dream
of...Well, not anymore. He thought distractedly. And the subject matter...
He reminded himself not to call her 'angel' again. He made the decision
right there, He'd click it off and destroy the disc. He didn't know what
to say to Bobbie. Tim would just let it go for now, he hoped he could
feign ignorance.

***

Bobbie was at her locker, getting her books out for Economics when she saw
a familiar face.

"Mary? Hi, I haven't seen you since... that party."

"Yeah, hey," Mary said looking down. "If you wanna maybe do somethin'
sometime, I'd be down."

Bobbie looked at her, perplexed.

"Look, no one seems to have noticed, but there's this video I saw, and...
Well there's this girl in it, and she looks just like you. I figured it
out, you're so hot. I mean you really do look like an angel."

Bobbies mouth went dry, her stomach threatened to turn inside out, her
knees almost buckled. She grabbed her locker door to steady herself.

"So, like I said, if you wanna do something sometime." Mary reached out
and ran a hand through Bobbie's hair. She was suddenly very
uncomfortable.

"It's okay. I won't tell anyone. But Jeb was right about one thing." She
looked up at Bobbie.

"You were the prettiest girl at the party." Mary, suddenly looking as if
she had run out of courage walked away at a power walker's pace.

How did that video get out? Faye? No, Faye wouldn't do that. She had no
reason to.

Melanie? She hadn't thought about her in months. Those thoughts were
shoved aside by one other.

If she knows... who else does?

The rest of the day was tinged with panic, whenever she saw people
whispering in the hall, she was left to wonder if they were talking about
her, laughing at her. She was quiet and thankful as school let out that
day. She rushed home just to be alone and away from the bulk of the
student body.

It was about a week later when it all came home to roost. Bobbie had come
to school to find "SLUT" painted on her locker in pink nail polish. People
were coming out of the woodwork. Jocks applying for the easy lay, nerds
praying that she could be their fantasy. Darkness was everywhere.

It was terrible. Girls were taunting her. From here the rumor mill did
it's nasty business. She was pregnant; no, she had an abortion. She was a
prostitute; no, her father molested her. It was disgusting. She was glad
that Tim wasn't there to see this. Just about ten more weeks, and it'll
all be over.But can I make it?

C'mon, another part of her mind said, the voice oddly deeper. You did this
for years. How much worse can it possibly be?

When she saw Beth at lunch, Bobbie seemed blissfully oblivious to the
things people had been saying. But the weight they put on her face was not
able to be hidden.

"What's wrong, Bobbie? You look like someone just walked over your grave."
Beth was smiling, her usual cheerful self.

"Oh, nothing," Bobbie lied. She couldn't imagine explaining this to Beth.
She could tell Beth anything. But not this.

She could only hope that Tim hadn't seen. It was a meeting that she didn't
want to have, would have done almost anything to avoid it.

Oh, you see. I got turned into a girl after I got shot during a robbery,
then my girlfriend and I took ecstasy and recorded us fucking so we could
make some money. She got up and left. Beth watching after her, confused.

Bobbie made her way to the bathroom, catcalls following her all the way.
She felt herself turn lobster red as she hugged her books so close to her
breasts that it hurt. Once inside, she made it into a stall and dropped on
the seat. She sobbed quietly. All the bad things were coming back.
Everything that had happened since then had been good for everyone,
couldn't that be enough?

Click, click, click, click.

The sound went unnoticed. There was a metallic clinking sound, followed by
the smell of a cigarette. Bobbie suddenly shivered, all of her skin
becoming gooseflesh. She peered out of the crack of the unevenly hung
door. She knew it was Roxx before she saw. Roxx turned and looked right at
her.

Green met blue from opposite sides of the door. "Peek a boo, Bobbie."

"What do you want, Roxx?" Bobbie hissed.

"Just thought you might need a friend."

Bobbie opened the door and peered out. "A friend? You?" The gooseflesh was
starting to crackle unexpectedly.

"C'mon. We can all be friends."

"Yeah, I see how you treat your friends. Leave Kim alone. She's all fucked
up now."

"Oh," Roxx pouted. "Language, girl. What? Kim and I are just having some
fun."

"She doesn't need your kind of fun. It's no good for anybody."

"Like you're some kind of expert?" Roxx grinned, reaching over to toss the
cigarette into the next stall.

"I'm warning you, Roxx. Stay away from Kim."

"Or you'll what? Throw cupcakes at me?" Roxx was staring Bobbie down.
"Face it, Roberta, she belongs with me now. You had your chance." She
pointed a purple nail accusatorily. "You should worry about yourself." She
pointed again, wagging her finger. "You have enough to worry about."

"Maybe you should believe in something." Roxx turned on her heel and
walked away. The purple kanji burning like an ultraviolet corona, luminous
in its darkness

Bobbie was stunned; by Roxx, by being called Roberta. Roberta, she cringed
so hard her feet started to cramp.

"FUCK!" she screamed to the empty restroom, it was in fact a girly scream.
She pounded the stall's wall with closed fists. She collapsed in a heap,
sobbing.

Beth came in to find her crying. She went over and hugged her friend. She
couldn't help it; she cried too. Bobbie wouldn't let go. The bell rang,
leaving both girls late for class.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part X

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 33

Heather put Kim(the bass guitar) back on the rack. She was still so mad
at Kim, torpedoing the band like that. She was no good at playing the
thing. Luckily she could work around the missing instrument, playing a
keytar had its advantages. Since Beth and Tim had asked if Grrl Army
could play at the grand opening of Cheepskates, she had been finding
herself missing band practice. Not the frozen pizzas they ate, but the
music. The Spring Musical was set to go on this Thursday, it would be
nice to get the band back together.

She had spoken with Bella and Amber, they were totally okay with playing
another gig, especially if they got some cupcakes out of it. Besides,
Tim deserved this. He and Beth and Bobbie had put in so much work that
failure at this point would be a tragedy. A gooey, chocolate-filled
tragedy.

***

Spring break loomed. The mood was lighter, but Bobbie's locker had seen
other defacements. After 'slut' was 'whore', then someone with a
vocabulary had used 'harlot'. The janitor was getting sick of cleaning
off the locker. Bobbie apologized and brought him some cupcakes. She
felt it was the least she could do. The looks and stares of the
cheerleaders were filled with disdain. She heard derisive comments
whispered behind her.

"That virginal act of hers is disgusting."

"I'd ride that for the full eight seconds."

"An ass like that? No surprise she did porn."

"She probably doesn't even like guys. Lesbian."

"We're praying for her."

"Dammit, there's no justice."

Bobbie sat through the classes, occasionally a propository note would
appear on her desk. Sometimes it would be threatening. She felt
helpless, just like Robb had. There was nothing anyone could do. Here
was Melanie, rearing her head again. She put her head down, just wanting
the day to be over. The bell finally rang, signifying lunch. Bobbie made
it to the lunch area where she could sit with Beth and ignore everything
else.

She found Beth sitting alone. Staring at something, when Bobbie finally
got there, her insides turned to water. She was stunned. "Bobbie," she
whispered harshly. It was a still from the video. It was out now. Beth
knew. Bobbie felt herself starting to cry.

"Is that you?"

That was it, the waterworks turned on. With her face in her hands, the
blonde girl cried. Makeup be damned. Beth put her hand on Bobbie's
shoulder.

"It's before you came here. It doesn't matter; you wouldn't do it again,
right?"

"No," Bobbie whimpered. "Didn't want to do it that time," she started
crying again.

"Hey," Beth said sharply. "They don't know you. Fuck 'em."

Bobbie looked at Beth shocked.

"Sorry, but I don't know another way to say that strongly enough," Beth
continued. "Everyone makes mistakes, you shouldn't have to pay for them
forever."

Bobbie sniffled, smiling feebly. "When did you become so smart?"

Beth straightened. "Since I found out what having friends is like. Since
I found out that someone wants me. Thanks to you, I have Heather and
Steve, and you and..." she stopped short of saying Kim.

"Anyway. That's not who you are now. Ignore them, you're out of here
soon anyway," Beth showed confidence. She was reminded of the girl she
met that first day; on the ground, hurt and helpless. She remembered
feeling that way, then and now. It was different this time though. Beth
was there for her, It wasn't like this before at anytime in her life,
Robb's life.

I wish someone had been there for me... Bobbie's eyes focused and looked
at the concern in Beth's face, and she realized. This was that time,
again, and someone was there. Tears welled up again, as she hugged her
friend.

"Just don't try to kiss me," Beth said. When Bobbie looked at her.
"Sorry, that wasn't very funny."

***

The auditorium was full. She looked at Tim and smiled. His darkness was
lighter, a lot lighter. The one island of reality awash in an ocean of
unfathomable emotion, Her time with him had been the only time she
didn't feel lusted after. She didn't like it, it felt.... Greasy. She
heard whispers and felt people staring. She shifted in her seat,
welcoming Tim's arm around her shoulder.

The pictures were in wider circulation; Bobbie had opted for slightly
baggier clothes. It always felt like people were staring now. Almost the
same way as before; with derision, but, now it was coupled with desire
and disgust. The propositions were getting worse and more graphic. She
hoped that Spring Break would serve to help people forget. She couldn't
go anywhere without seeing the pictures or the reflection of what they
did to people in their eyes. Darkness merged into an almost negative
gelatin. She wasn't sure if the miasma of antigood was her own, coloring
all else. Or if everyone else had gotten worse; either way, it was
oppressive like the overabundant humidity of the tropics.

"Big turnout," Tim said. "I guess that the idea of a ska punk musical
was way too novel for everyone to turn away," Bobbie smiled, momentarily
letting go of her thoughts.

Looking at him revealed the tiredness in his eyes. Working at
Cheepskates was taking its toll. There was money coming in, and the
Grand Opening was coming up. Tim hoped that was the answer, he'd blown a
lot of what was in the safe to make it happen. Bobbie felt some of his
tension release as he hugged his girl closer.

They heard the band start up, horns, strings, and percussion all coming
together like a leviathan rising from its slumbering depths. The set was
striking, as were the costumes. Heather had done it, again. Sharply
delineated contrast between white and black, the only color being the
sunglass frames each character wore. But it was the music that struck
Bobbie and Tim. Both had seen Grease before, but not like this. It was
loud, horns echoing off the chamber walls, distortion laden guitars
shrieking their amplified sounds into the empty space.

The acting was amateur hour, but hey, it was a school play. Thunderous
applause greeted the actors and crew as they came out for a bow. There
was a rush for the exits, Tim and Bobbie got separated in the confusion;
a hand snaked out and slid up the inside of her thigh

Bobbie gasped and slapped at it, only to have another grope one of her
breasts. Slapping at hands, she started to shove her way through the
crowd. The grabbing continued, she felt her shirt tear. The hole opened
up on the right side, near her midsection, in the exact same place as
the bullet that had ended Robb's life. She saw the exit sign looming
close, just a couple more steps...

RIP!

The shirt had come completely off, leaving Bobbie standing there in her
blue bra, hands up to her breasts, she ran away from everyone, crossing
the street and hiding around a corner. Her phone vibrated in her pocket.

Wher u at bby blu?

Looking at her bra, she felt...well, exposed. She called him and
whispered, "Around the corner by the auto shop. Please hurry," she
flipped the phone closed. It took him exactly seventeen seconds to find
her, and his jacket was off before he said a word. Crouching down, he
swept the garment over her.

"What happened?" he asked, concern marinating his voice.

"They were grabbing at me and feeling..." she shuddered before collapsing
into him.

"Who?" Tim's face darkened.

"Everyone," she whispered hoarsely.

"C'mon. Let's get you home."

"YEAH, CUPCAKE DUDE!! GET SOME!" yelled someone from the street,
followed by titters of laughter that bounced around in pockets. They
started moving the other way, away from the crowds.

Bobbie couldn't stop crying, Tim's reassuring touch on her shoulder were
the cadmium control rods that stopped the full blown nuclear meltdown.
They stopped at a covered bus stop, the flickering light threatening to
give anyone who looked at it a seizure.

"Bobbie, is there something you want to tell me?"

Bobbie's skin matched her hair. She abruptly stopped crying, her red
eyes made the blue stand out more. "I...I..."

"I saw the video, I don't care. You're still you. So you have some
skeletons, we all do. It made you who you are now, right. I can't
complain about anything that led you to me, can I?"

Bobbie was struck, he knew, and didn't care.

"I don't care," he repeated. "Whatever different person you were then,
that's not the Bobbie I know. She cringed, if you only knew.

"The Bobbie I know is sweet, thoughtful, funny, one hell of a cook..."

"...and a great Vespa passenger. Beth is always kind of stiff," he smiled.

"And, honestly, the way you look, well, now the world knows what I have.
And I hope they're jealous. Whatever this is, it'll blow over. If I
wasn't here to help you through this, what kind of human being would I
be?"

First Beth, now this. The overwhelming tide of support from her closest
friends bolstered her mood. Bobbie was just about home before her
stomach knotted. She saw the unmistakable rear and red hair that
followed Roxx wherever she went. The nausea abated as she and Tim came
to the front door.

"Hold on to the jacket. Just bring it by the Bakery, We're closed for a
couple of days, so I can prep for the Grand Opening," Tim kissed her
cheek. "Sorry about tonight." He looked down.

Bobbie went inside and peeked down the hallway, she saw the light under
the door. She knocked and entered. What she saw jarred her.

It was Kim, and her hair was gone, the skin of her scalp reflecting the
dim lamplight.

"Kim," she gasped.

"Yeah, Roxx's idea. Maybe a little butch, but..."

"After..." Bobbie began.

"Save it. I remember everything you did. It looks better on me than it
did on you anyway. Any other lectures? Mom's out with Roy again. I'm
going to sleep, a little privacy," Kim was drunk, probably high, and
possibly on some variety of painkiller. She hoped that the intervention
would do something about that, Beth and Heather decided that Spring
Break would be the best time.

"Fine," Bobbie backed out of the room and went off to bed.

***

Water. Everywhere. Stretching out into the horizon, with no firmament
between water and wind.

The sky was overcast, all the clouds joining into a single mass. Her
hair was plastered to her head, any attempt to brush it out of her face
caused her to lose buoyancy, threatening to repeat the cycle again. The
water was clear, in the way a swimming pool was. Looking down the bottom
was an eternal black mass. The strains of an old John Williams score
played in her mind.

Sharks?

That thought terrified her. Being shredded by razor sharp teeth in a
feeding frenzy of blood was not on her list of things to do today.

Looking down into the inky blackness, she saw the reality was far worse.

Zombies. The kind that attack sharks. Bobbie looked around again, there
was no land, no respite anywhere. The sky began to open up and heavy
rain began to fall. She started to swim. Something grabbed at her feet,
her legs. She started to struggle as hands reached her thighs, her
breasts. Next was her hands and arms.

She couldn't swim anymore. The ocean of water became an ocean of hands
and teeth as the shapes upon her. The biting started...

She couldn't...

Get...

Away...

There was a girly scream from the top floor of the Pointe home. Kim was
too inebriated to respond or care, and Sylvia was still gone. Bobbie
went to sleep alone...

...and afraid.

***

Beth and Tim were measuring flour and sugar for the simple batter they
used to base every flavor of white cake when Tim finally heard about
Kim's intervention. She was so positive it would work, like on TV.

"I didn't realize it was so bad. Y'know? Roxx has been nothing but nice
to me, a little forward maybe, but I think she's just misunderstood.
Something happened to her, she just needs to be loved. You know what I
mean, like you and Steve?" Tim was smiling at Beth.

"Yeah," Beth smiled, "Or Bobbie and you. It seems like we're all meeting
the right people," she looked at the slowly forming batter. "All of us
except Kim, I just hope she'll hear us."

"Huh?"

"We're gonna talk to her. Bobbie hasn't told you yet?"

"No, we've been busy. She's got her own issues now," Tim said carefully.

"I know, can you believe that video?" Beth said. Tim's face changed to
one of shock.

"You know?"

"Yeah, the pictures are all over school."

"Damn. I'm sure there's a good reason she did it. She doesn't seem like
that kind of girl...at all," Tim couldn't put the images out of his head.
"Hey, this batter's done, grab the cocoa powder and I'll get the coffee
started. And hey, Beth. Let's not bring it up around her, okay?"

"Sure," Then the girl turned to her task. Tim watched her turn, that
Bobbie was in the video wasn't the problem.

Who was that other girl? Why hasn't anyone asked about her?

***

Bobbie was coming back from the store when she saw Sylvia standing out
front. There were some garbage bags out on the ground. Puzzled, Bobbie
came closer.

"Well, were you going to tell me?" Bobbie recognized that look, she was
past angry and upset, and on the way to enraged. "Or were you just gonna
let this ride out?"

"I..." she began. Sylvia pulled out a picture.

Bobbie turned white, her knees buckled. "Just go away and I won't call
the police. You did that with...that...that girl? The whole good girl thing
is just an act. Isn't it? Was it an accident? Was it Melanie?"

"Or was it you?" Sylvia quickly turned and went back inside, leaving the
bags. "What else did you lie about? Don't come back," Crying, Bobbie
slowly got the bags into a comfortable position. She began walking to
Cheepskates when she realized it was the only place she could go.

Chapter 34

Spring Break. Students, bikinis, alcohol and bad decisions. Delacroix
was no different, at least for those that stayed home. The weather was
shaping up to be beautiful. Monday morning, Kim was sneaking out early.
She had been doing so every day, so the fact that school was out made no
nevermind. Turning the corner she felt someone grab her, someone strong.
Her elbows touched. She struggled and kicked, soon a velvet bag was over
her head. She was bundled into a car . Her screams were drowned out by
loud guitars and heavy percussion.

What'd that fucker do?

With his negligence?

Turned you into a victim

of your innocence

And he'll never know

'Cause he don't look back

He'll never know...

Kim knew that song, at once she knew what was going on. Shit, some
intervention crap. I swear when I get out of here...

The car stopped suddenly, she was moved out of the car. She was grabbed
and moved into a cushioned chair, her hands secured by bungee cords. The
bag was ripped off and sure enough, the rest of the recruits of Grrl
Army stood there before her. She realized she was in Heather's studio.
It looked different since the band started practicing at Cheepskates.

"Kim," heather began. She wasn't her usual impeccably dressed self. Her
skin looked oily and her eyes seemed dimmed. "We all thought we should
talk and didn't know how else to get you here."

"I'm not going to even start on the hair. We're worried about you, we
care about you a lot. You brought all of us together, you brought Bobbie
here... and...."

"Save it, Heather. Maybe I just outgrew all of this," she gestured to
the adornments that signified teenaged girlhood.

"Kim," Bella interjected. "You don't fuckin' know what it is you fuckin'
want."

"Fuck Bella, anyone ever tell you to watch your fuckin' language. And
another thing, you tell them about Brown yet?" Bella's countenance
displayed shock. Heather and Amber looked at her.

"Oh, you didn't tell them yet? If I hadn't walked out, we would have
been gone by Summer."

"Kim, we're just trying to help you," Another voice behind her, Beth.
Kim craned her neck toward her.

"You have to get off the...the... whatever it is. It's making you..."

Amber spoke up. "Addicted. You watched it with your brother..."

"All you know about me is what I want you to know," Kim spat through
gritted teeth. "Now let me out of here."

"Not until we've all had our say."

"Fuck all you guys. I don't want your help. There's nothing wrong with
me," The bungee cords came undone with a snap. One of the hooks swung
out, catching Beth's ankle. She went down with a yelp. Kim bolted for
the door. Bella missed her completely, while Heather dove for her feet.
Amber tried to catch the door, only to catch it and close the door right
behind her.

"FUUUUUUUCK," heather used 'the scream' and Bella and Amber ran to help
Beth.

"Well, that was..."Amber said.

"A fuckin' waste," Bella said, pressing a cloth against the bleeding
wound on Beth's leg.

Heather stared at the door, her already red eyes not showing the initial
signs of tears.

***

Tim was frosting cupcakes when he heard the distinct clatter of the
opening door.

Click, click Click, click.

"Hey, Tiger," It was Roxx, and she wasn't wearing much. Her hair sat
perfectly straight, strands falling in front of her cleavage.

"Roxx," Tim gasped. Squeezing too hard on the piping bag, he overfrosted
a cupcake.

"Mmm," she said, oozing forward like perfectly melted cheese. "Your
frosting is so good," she dipped a perfectly manicured finger into the
puddle of wasted frosting. She raised it to her lips and slowly sucked
the sugary substance from her purple painted nail. She moved closer to
Tim. Her breath smelled of cigarettes and caramel. She pulled a joint
out of seemingly nowhere. She lit it and inhaled it deeply. She offered
it to him. He took it, stared at it. It's been so long, just a little.

Tim hit the joint. From the taste alone, he knew it was high quality.
Holding his hit in, he quickly moved away from the finished cakes.
Exhaling. "Health code. Gotta be away from the merch," His mind began to
cloud. "Merch," he laughed.

He offered it back to Roxx, she declined. "You need it more than I do,"
he did. God, I miss this. He put it out. "Keep it, I can always get
more."

"Thanks," Tim said, grinning like an idiot.

Roxx moved languidly closer, then suddenly she was in front of him...
kissing distance. Her tongue was in his mouth, her hands...where?

She had her hand around his stiffening manhood. Something gritty and
sticky between, he responded with every move of her hand. Smiling into
his stoned eyes, "I told you how much I like your frosting, right."

"Ummm, Roxx. I can't do this. Not to Bobbie. I...I..."

Roxx rolled her eyes. "What? You go soft or something?"

Tim stammered, "Uh...uh...no....but..."

Roxx traced a hand along her breasts, "Not long ago, you would have
given anything for a girl like me."

"A lot's happened since then," Tim stated distantly. He ground his teeth
against the terrible pleasure.

Roxx's green eyes flashed. "Shut up," she said, forcing her mouth back
onto his. Her tongue darted into his mouth. Tim felt his pants loosen
with an expert touch of her other hand, the cool air greeting his legs.

"What about Kim?" he breathed as their kiss ended.

"Forget her for now," she whispered into his ear. "I like boys too, she
doesn't."

Roxx's hand moved slightly, she felt him harden further. He bit his lip
as a small moan escaped his lips. The sound of the door flushed his body
with adrenaline.

****

Bobbie left her garbage bag by the door to Cheepskates as she opened it.
She opened the door, she heard a soft sigh. As she came around the
corner, what she saw caused her to freeze. Tim was standing there, with
Roxx velcroed to his side.

Bobbie saw the tan mass of frosting covering the waistband of his
boxers. Tim opened his eyes to see her standing there. The horror on her
face caused him to try to move away from Roxx, but he couldn't while she
still had her grip.

NO! this isn't fair. First Cheepskates, then Kim, now this?

"Tim!" Bobbie yelled.

****

Tim saw Bobbie but couldn't think clearly, He was just about to.....

Roxx felt him twitch in her hand; once, twice, five times. His semen
mixing with the caramel frosting that was smeared into his pubic hair.
"Bobbie!" he tried to yell, his voice coming out pitched and cracking.

****

Bobbie saw Tim's eyes roll up a little, there was no hiding what was
happening. He tried to call her name, but it sounded funny; like he was
going through puberty again, backwards.

Her mind was every significant weather event at the same time; Tornadoes
of hate for Roxx, Hurricanes of disappointment for Tim, And an
earthquake of uncertainty for Bobbie. Her mind tried to fight for just
one emotion, but could only come up with extensive cocktails of
feelings.

"Tim," she cried again, venting some anger, but keeping the
disappointment behind another filter. Tears flooded her eyes.

"Bobbie," he said, clearer this time. "It isn't... I ...I..." As he spoke,
Roxx kissed his neck, lightly biting at the end.

Bobbie's wail was the only sound heard as she turned and bolted away.

Roxx saw the tears in Bobbie's eyes and grinned impishly, savoring their
flavor. Then, looking back at Tim, she saw his. Tim looked down with an
expression of hurt and disgust.

"Roxx, get out. I...I..." His confusion was getting the better of him. He
couldn't think of anything to say.

"I have gone soft" Tim started to find his resolve. I care about Bobbie
too much. And now that you...."

"You just better hope I can fix this," Tim said through clenched teeth.
"Go away Roxx. Don't come back here," he was freely crying now.

"Goddamit," he wiped the moisture from his face. GET OUT!" Tim brought
his hands to his eyes.

Exasperated, Roxx grabbed her purse with her left hand, she wiped her
right on his shirt in a long, smearing motion.

"It's okay," Roxx smirked malevolently. "I got what I wanted."

Tim was still covering his eyes as she left. Roxx's normal seductive
exit had no power over him.

After she left, an abstract though entered his mind. Frosting wasn't
mixed well enough, he thought of the grit he felt during the handjob.
"Damn sugar," he said.

Then he started to cry... uncontrollably, he punched a nearby door. The
pain of his skinned knuckles didn't bother him.

Not one bit.

****

Bobbie was losing it, the garbage bag she carried was cumbersome. Every
ten steps or so, she had to reshift the bag to a better position.
Standing at a stop light, she heard wolfwhistles. A truck came by,
splashing water all over her body. The tears started again, these not
visible through the water.

She sunk to her knees. She pulled out her phone and looked through the
contacts. She dialed Heather, her voicemail message coming on
immediately. Scrolling up, she saw a name she hadn't thought about
lately. Faye. Looking around Bobbie saw where she was and knew it wasn't
too far to where she lived. She started to head there.

It was a few blocks away, the bag would continue to annoy her as she
walked. The world seemed to be a much darker place as she walked. The
sense of wrong started to tingle her skin, it grew stronger as she got
closer. She felt that she was going the right direction, her suspicions
reaching apogee as she reached the darkened doorway. The car she
recognized as Nick's Camaro sat shabbily in the driveway. The recent
rains had sort of cleaned the car, tracks of dust reminding Bobbie of
her running mascara. The rust spots blotchy like the rest of her makeup.

Bobbie stood at the door hesitantly; she reached into her pocket for her
phone. Something sticky greeted her. Pulling out her hand, dark black
and purple bruiselike smears covered her fingers. An errant flying
insect landed on her face. She slapped at it, leaving ink in drops and
splotches on her face. The balance of fear, anger and just being upset
made the tears come again. She knocked.

The door opened. Nick was standing there, looking like he was
interrupted. "B...Bobbie? Right?"

The tears were still coming. Looking at him, she... needed something, she
couldn't figure it out. It didn't matter. She dropped the bags and
hugged him close, the ink on her hand and face printing its outline on
his Air Gear shirt as she tightened her grip.

"Hey, what's wrong," Nick weirdly returned the hug. She let go and
stepped back. Sniffling and smearing the ink further, she reminded Nick
of the Maori warriors he'd seen on the Culture Channel.

"Is Faye... oh, I'm so sorry," Bobbie stuttered, noticing the ink smears.

"It's okay. I've got three of these. Gotta protect the geek cred," he
smiled. "Faye should be home in a minute. Everything okay with you?"

"No," she started to cry again. Before she wiped her face, Nick stopped
her. "Hey, bathroom's over there, you might wanna," Nick imitated
scrubbing his face.

Bobbie went down the hallway, past a locked door and into the bathroom.
Looking at the mirror, she saw how bad it truly was, thick smears of ink
looked like oil slicks against her face. Deciding that the sink wasn't
enough, she turned to the bathtub.

The hot water came on slowly. Bobbie rinsed off what she could by
putting her face directly under the faucet, water sluicing the ink off.
She was reminded of the blood running down the drain in Psycho.
Satisfied that the bulk of the ink was off of her face, she turned to
her hands.

WHACK! Pain exploded across the back of her head, a split second later
the culprit made itself known. The shower curtain rod had fallen from
its previously secure location and landed square on the back of Bobbie's
head.

That was it, she couldn't take anymore. Everything that had happened
since becoming Bobbie was falling apart, slowly, like a villain in a
samurai movie. The cut took only a second, but the effect was
dramatically delayed. The crying started again, then as she thought
about how funny it would have been in a movie.

Then the laughing started. Abstractly, she thought she must have sounded
like a maniac. The laughing continued with the tears. A loud noise came
from the entryway, there was some mumbling and crashing. Bobbie was
oblivious to the noise, lost in the fog of past emotion and present
feelings.

The door opened, Faye looked at the blond girl. Without taking her eyes
off of Bobbie, she yelled. "Nick, I think she's a little batty."

Bobbie turned quickly, she grabbed Faye. Patting Bobbie's back she
looked at Nick and mouthed "what's wrong?"

Faye managed to coax Bobbie out into the living room. Fast food bags and
cups occupied the coffee table, along with game cases and controllers.
Bobbie got to the couch and sat heavily.

"Bobbie, what's got you so upset?" Faye finally asked.

"Everything," she sobbed. "The video, Kim, and... Mom kicked me out.
Tim...I," The crying began again.

"Nick," Faye started. "I forgot the ice cream, you wanna..."

"Faye, can't you ever..." he looked at Bobbie. "Okay, fine. Bobbie?"

She looked up at him with tear stained eyes.

"Monkey Madness or Awww Fudge?"

"Nick, honey," Faye said condescendingly. "Just give her three hundred
ccs of chocolate, stat."

Nick shook his head as he grabbed his keys. Once the Camaro started,
sounding like an old WWI fighter, Faye looked out the window at the
place where the headlights were.

"Okay, he's gone. Now tell Aunt Faye everything," Faye smiled, putting a
hand on Bobbie's shoulder reassuringly. Bobbie let Faye's voltage flow
through her.

Bobbie inhaled deeply. "Faye, everything's gone wrong. The bakery...Kim."

"Those things get better."

Bobbie shook her head. "Then Mom threw me out... She saw the video."

Faye's face fell. "Oh, shit. That's..."

Bobbie dissolved into more crying. "...and I saw Tim," More sobs. "Roxx
was... she had her hand..."

"See?" Faye said. "Boys are stupid, aren't you glad you're not one
anymore?"

Chuckles and tears. "Everything started so well. Kim and Mom, Tim and
the bakery, I was helping people. I started to like myself, now it's...
it's..." Bobbie stopped talking.

"Bobbie, I'm going to say this as nicely as I can," Bobbie's eyes turned
to Faye.

"Shut the fuck up."

Bobbie looked stricken. She opened her mouth to speak.

Faye held up a hand. "I don't wanna hear it. Seriously. Neither one of
us wanted this. I jumped off of a fucking bridge. You have had a really
easy change. Last time we talked everything was looking up. You can't
win all the time, but you can't lose forever," she pointed at Bobbie.

Bobbie smiled a little. "Don't start quoting John Woo at me. I've seen
it."

"Huh?" Faye asked.

Her face fell. "The Killer? No? Never mind," her voice softened. "Tim
would get it."

"Forget him. If he wants her, let him have her. He deserves what he
gets."

"Thanks," Bobbie said, sniffling into another sob. "It just feels like
everything is falling apart."

"And why do we fall?"

"To learn to pick ourselves up again," Bobbie said, completing the
quote. "Thanks Alfred."

"'Attagirl," Faye took out her phone. "I know what you need," she tapped
and swiped her screen. "Hey, Rach. Remember that party tonight?...We got
room for one more? ...Well, I wasn't, but...Rad. Hey," Faye eyed Bobbie.
"Bring some clothes. She can't go out in what she's got on... Bobbie... yes,
the cupcakes. No, she didn't bring any. Late."

"Hey, c'mon. We're gonna get out of here," she handed Bobbie a burger.
"It's Nick's, he won't notice.

Bobbie, upon smelling the burger, realized she was starving. "Thanks,"
she demurely started eating.

"Well, it's not much, but you can stay here a bit. Nick won't mind. Rach
should be here soon. Don't worry, we ungirls have to stick together."

Bobbie smiled limply as she wondered why Pam's had to use cinnamon in
their grilling seasoning.

Chapter 35

As Promised, Rachel was there within twenty minutes, carrying a bag.

"Rach, you've met Bobbie. Bobbie, this is Rach, my girlfriend," Rach
looked at Faye, shocked.

"Faye!"

"Don't worry, she'll keep it quiet. That the infamous bag of fun?" Faye
grabbed the bag from Rachel.

Nick reentered the house. "Rachel, do you have to take the parking space
every time?"

"Of course, shows how much I care about you," Rachel kissed her middle
finger and blew it at Nick. He wrinkled his face as he put the ice cream
into the freezer.

"Nick," Faye started. "I gave Bobbie your burger. You can have mine."

"The one with the pickles? Great," Nick huffed. "Faye, you're eating my
brain with an ice cream scoop."

"It's only because I love you," Faye smiled sweetly, her voice dripping
sarcasm.

Nick grumbled as he opened the burger and started removing the green
discs.

"C'mon, to the Batcave," Faye said, waving Rachel and Bobbie along.

Faye's room was, like before, a mess. There were articles of clothing
sitting amongst circuit boards, DVDs, food wrappers, and colorful cans
that contained fermenting energy drinks.

"Rach. Bobbie... well. You remember that video we paid for last summer?"

"The demon and the...omigod," Rach's face contorted into surprise as she
recognized Bobbie. "You're amazing," Rach thrust out her hand to shake.
Faye pushed her hand back down, nodding.

"She'd rather forget it happened," Faye said. "And it seems like that's
the least of her problems at the moment."

Rach looked at Faye with a face full of confusion, she shrugged.

Faye reached into the bag. She pulled out a garment. "LBD," Faye said,
throwing it at Bobbie. "Put this on," Bobbie started for the bathroom.

"It's okay, we're all girls here," Faye said, her stare suddenly became
something more, the slight wrongness enveloping her. Bobbie uneasily
slipped off her jeans and blouse.

"Bra, too. Not gonna work with that dress," Rach said. "God you're
cute."

Bobbie reddened, heat creeping into her cheeks, she unhooked the blue
bra. Left only in her panties, Faye and Rachel could see how embarrassed
she truly was.

***

Over an hour later, Bobbie sat on the sofa. The cry of shoryuken
repeating like a bad techno sample.

"You done yet, Rach? We should be leaving sometime soon, HA! Take that,
Nick! Dishes are yours."

"One of these days, Faye. I'm gonna get out of this."

"Only if you get better. And face it Nick, My Zero will always beat your
X-23. I think you've plateaued. Or you just get off playing a sissy
character"

Nick mumbled under his breath as he looked over at the other girls. "In
the interest of continued relations, this topic is shelved for tonight.
I've gotta get to bed. Game release."

Faye's eyes turned into searchlights. "Shit. I totally forgot about
that. I said I'd..."

"No way, Faye. The last Call of Combat release had you wearing a
camoflauge bikini top, in November. You nearly started a riot. I think
they're still replacing the glass. I've waited too long for this one."

"You say that about every game," Faye said dismissively.

"And I mean it about every game. Besides, looks like you're headed out."

Rachel was sitting in front of Bobbie, applying makeup.

"Jesus, your eyes are just gorgeous," Rach said, refilling the
applicator with eye shadow. A few more deft strokes and she was done.
"Open 'em."

"You almost done, Rach? Nick can't take much more of this merciless ass
beating," Faye was finishing a bout against the computer.

"Almost, just finishing up the mascara," Rachel finished quickly and
handed Bobbie a blue lipstick. "Don't worry, Bobbie. It won't show up
blue, but your lips'll look amazing."

Looking into a hand mirror, Bobbie studied Rachel's work. If her eyes
had been large before, now they were the size of small moons. That's no
moon. The mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow were a blue tinged charcoal
color, expertly blended to create the smoky eye effect she'd seen on
some of the other girls around town. Bobbie looked at the lipstick for a
second. In for a penny...

The dress and the makeup left Bobbie not recognizing herself. Standing,
she tugged at the hem of the dress. It barely covered her legs.

"Feel sexy yet?" Faye asked.

"If by sexy you like a piece of candied meat, then yes," Abstractly she
wondered what Tim would have thought of...

She slammed that mental door so hard it rocked its hinges. Faye was
right, screw him. Kim doesn't want help, Tim doesn't either.

"Just wait, a night of dancing and debauchery will cure what ails.
Ready, Rach?" Faye said, obviously reading Bobbie's mind.

"Nick, we're leaving," Faye called out. A muffled cry responded.

"Okay, that's just about everything," Faye said. Bobbie looked back at
the apartment as she left.

***

Bobbie was standing outside the location of the party. The warehouse
district was home to many abandoned warehouses, many of which have been
used for illegal parties over the years. Robb and Melanie had gone to
one, back when they had started dating. The music was too loud, the
crush of people proved to be too much. Melanie, on the other hand had
had a fantastic time. Bobbie's trepidation was palpable.

"Ladies? Shall we?" Faye casually outstretched her arm to knock on the
heavy door.

A wall of dubstep greeted them, followed by the aroma of alcohol and
sweat. It hit Bobbie in the face with the force of a glass pie dish.

"Welcome to the pleasuredome, where sins of the flesh aren't just
encouraged, but graded," Faye screamed over the throbbing baseline.
Bobbie felt the vibrations immediately, the heat of the crowd was
enticing, as was the music.

Bobbie lost sight of Faye and Rachel within minutes. She felt her hips
start to move of their own freewill, the beat penetrating her bones. The
bass made her skin tingle, the sensitive skin of her nipples responding,
tightening. Before she knew it, she was dancing, she felt herself stop
caring. There were no cupcakes, addicted sisters, cheating boyfriends,
or sneering teenagers. The music was all there was.

Bobbie didn't know how long she'd been dancing, but she felt a little
sweaty and thirsty. The only thing she knew was that she did indeed feel
better. Her parched throat got the better of her and she went in search
of refreshment. Unfortunately for Bobbie, nearly everything had alcohol
in it. After some searching, she found a pyramid of water bottles.
Grabbing one, Bobbie emptied its contents in one long gulp. Grabbing
another bottle, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

It was Mary.

"Bobbie?" she slurred. "Oh wow! You are so hot!"

Bobbie opened her mouth to answer when Mary took the initiative.
Surprised, Bobbie didn't have a chance. They kissed for a moment...

****

Alcohol has sixteen atoms of carbon for every twenty two atoms of
hydrogen and eleven atoms of oxygen. When a drink is imbibed, most of
the alcohol goes straight into the stomach, some however stays in the
mouth, mixed with saliva.

In Mary's mouth were approximately five thousand molecules of alcohol.
They slipped into Bobbie's mouth, and straight into her brain.

****

Jerking her head back, Bobbie felt lightheaded, and full of helium. She
pictured herself floating away, it looked silly to her. She laughed for
a second before the song changed.

"Oh, my God. I love this song," Bobbie twirled away and ran to the
nearest open space in front of one of the massive sound system's
speakers. She started by allowing herself to lose control of her hips,
the sway more pronounced.

Bobbie was drunk, the kind of drunk she remembered from before. It had
soaked into her mind like an old friend. The world's cares disappeared
as she lost herself in the music, she felt parts of herself shake, and
others shimmy. She opened her eyes and looked around the partying mass
of flesh. She saw Faye and Rachel...it could have been called dancing if
dancing looked like sex. They were so close to each other, hands sliding
up and down, hips were being caressed. Lips were kissed. The boys had
formed a crowd around them, looking down, Bobbie realized that she also
had a crowd.

Bobbie was having a really good time, her cares were gone. Faye was
right, again. Maybe I should listen to her more. Nothing mattered.
Senses were slightly dulled,

By the end of the evening, Bobbie was wearing the last piece of the
ensemble...

A smile.

As the trio headed back to Rachel's SUV, Faye noticed Bobbie's face.

"See? Told you, a little debauchery never hurt anyone."

"That was so fun!" Bobbie yelled, the music still taking a toll on her
eardrums.

Faye looked at the blond girl. "Are you drunk?"

Bobbie tittered, "A little."

Faye started laughing. "Our little girl is growing up."

"Hey, not my first time," Bobbie said, having trouble with her balance.

"Not judging," Faye said. "Just glad I could help."

****

The next morning Bobbie woke in a darkened room, she was still in the
little black dress, her mouth dry. She felt around for her surroundings.
All at once she remembered where she was. She worked her way to a
standing position, the digital clock's red numbers told her it was 9:00
am. She quietly moved away from the snoring form of Faye. Bobbie turned
the knob and slowly backed out of the room.

She looked for the coffee filters and coffee. She knew it had to be
somewhere. The sound of a turning lock made her jump. It was Nick, and
he was carrying a bag from Experience Point, and one from Pam's. His
eyes doubled in size when he saw Bobbie, he dropped the Experience Point
bag.

"Oh, hi Nick. Where are your coffee filters?"

"Bobbie? Sorry, didn't recognize you. They're up here." He reached the
top shelf to get the filters.

"What's with you two and the burgers?" she said, indicating the bag.
Bobbie had seen so many wrappers from fast food places, that she thought
she was in the Crappy Food Museum.

"Faye's insanely lazy. I can't cook, last time I tried..." He shuddered at
the thought. "Was crock pot chili. The beans are supposed to soak first
apparently. So we got spicy meat stew with rocks."

"You have a crock pot? Y'know, I can show you how to make some simple
stuff," Looking around, Bobbie saw the state of the place in daylight
for the first time. Faye's room was worse, but not by much.

Nick was ripping plastic away from the green case, he threw it aside. It
drifted to the floor lazily. Bobbie cringed. God, they need help. She
was reminded of Robb's apartment with Melanie. That didn't take too
long, neither should this.

Sipping coffee, Bobbie started loading the dishwasher. Satisfied that
she had played Tetris with the dishes enough, she added the detergent
and started the clunky machine. Next were the counters and the stove,
then the floor. Dishes are done, man.

Nick was lost in the game, trying to get those first few hours of
mastery in specifically before Faye woke up and mopped the floor with
him. He was so lost in the combo attacks that he never noticed that
Bobbie had managed to clean and straighten the entire living room.

"Ahhh, shit," Nick said, setting down the controller. He stood and
stretched his back. Looking around, he noticed the sudden cleanliness.
Bobbie sat on the sofa, sipping at her coffee.

"Did you do all this?" Nick looked around at the suddenly clean space.

"Well, yeah, I was bored. You think I could get a ride to the store?"

"Sure." Nick smiled, happy to finally avoid dish patrol.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XI

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

hapter 36

Bobbie was fighting the urge to clean Nick's car as they drove.

"So, Bobbie," Nick said, trying to make small talk. "What's your story?
Study cupcakes under the French masters? Sell your soul to Satan for the
ability to bake?"

Her eyes tumbled downward. "Apparently, just a girl who seems to have
bad luck lately. My mom threw me out, and..." Bobbie's voice broke as she
started to cry a little.

"Hey, we all have bad luck. My parents and I aren't exactly close." He
put a hand on her shoulder. It felt different from Tim's touch, the
familiarity was there. She thought of Kim.

"Brothers and sisters?"

"Nope, only child. Kinda wished for... well, a different upbringing," Nick
shifted in his seat nervously. Through her tears, she noticed Nick's
darkness for the first time. It wasn't like any other she'd seen. It was
shaped to his body like a finely tailored Italian suit, and hung
tenuously close to his skin.

The Freddie's was full of people, well, as full as it could be on a
Tuesday morning. Bobbie grabbed a cart and walked through the entrance.

"I'll take that," Nick said. "You got a list?"

"List?" Bobbie wrinkled her brow.

"For shopping?"

"Oh, this is easy, where's... ah there." Bobbie was throwing two onions in
the bag. Cruising the aisle, she also grabbed a small pork roast.

"You guys need anything?"

The shopping continued. Bobbie buying more groceries than Nick had seen
at one time. They headed home. Once there, Bobbie went into the kitchen.
Nick followed, a look of unease on his face.

"Cut these," Bobbie told Nick, handing him the onions. "Just slices,
y'know, rings."

Nick grabbed the knife nervously. Bobbie laughed. "No. Like this." She
grabbed the knife and pinched it where the blade met the handle. "Don't
put your finger along the spine. Think of it as a sword." Minutes later,
there were uneven slices of onion.

Bobbie opened the crock pot. "Put the onions in the bottom." He did.
"Now rub the salt and pepper into the roast. Nick grimaced.

"What's wrong Nick?"

"I...I..." He sighed. "You're different to them. Faye and Rach. It's gonna
take some time to get used to. Faye's...not a regular girl."

Bobbie smiled. "Tell me about it. Different to?"

Nick smiled. "You like that, huh. Been saying it that way for years
since... since..." His eye twitched. "Since Kane and I...," His darkness
flared. "It's not important. What's next?"

Bobbie clenched her teeth at the mention of Kane. She realized that
while Faye's change was traumatic for Faye, she had not given much
thought to how it had affected Nick.

"Put the barbecue sauce and the cherry cola in. Put it on low."

"That's it?" Nick looked surprised, with a small sadness in his eyes.
Nick couldn't understand what he felt with this girl, it wasn't sexual.
But there was a connection, like...

That's it. Nick decided. A sister. He forced a smile.

"So, think I can kick your ass while we wait?" His teeth flashed
sharklike, gesturing to the game console. "AI is shitty." He handed
Bobbie a controller.

They selected characters and waited for combat to begin. Bobbie didn't
stand a chance. Fists and feet of fury pummeled Bobbie's pixilated
avatar to death, and again, and again."

"You've never played fighting games before?" Nick said, surprised at the
easiest victory he'd ever had.

"Not really. Last game I finished was Dead Space," Bobbie said, trying
to reorient her thumbs.

Nick raised a shaggy eyebrow. "Here." He switched controllers with her
and selected training mode.

"You have to be able to hit the combos, single hits only work as combo
breakers," Nick went into a long discussion about how to link the
buttons and joystick positions. Bobbie listened as well as she could, he
was talking so fast. Bobbie nodded understanding, then started to move
her fighter through a series of punches, flips, and kicks that looked
far more choreographed than any attack she'd pulled off before.

****

"Yeah, yeah!" Bobbie said, her voice louder than usual. Nick's warrior
died a violent death.

He smiled at Bobbie. "Looks like I've created a monster."

Bobbie smiled back. "It's alive, it's alive, it's alive..." Nick laughed,
a relaxed laugh.

"Bobbie, you're cool as hell." He sniffed. "That smells great."

"Hey, you made it." The creaking of a door went unheard.

"Uh. Please tell me there's coffee." It was Faye, she ran a hand through
her hair. Opening her eyes, she looked at the living room.

"What the fuck happened in here?" Faye asked, confused by the sudden
appearance of natural light. "Looks like a reverse cyclone came
through. And what is that smell?"

"Morning, sunshine," Nick said. "Bobbie straightened up a little and..."

"She made dinner?" Faye said, stifling a yawn.

"Nope, That was Nick," Bobbie said, starting the game again. "Defend
yourself, infidel."

Pouring the remainder of the coffee in the pot, Faye came in and sat
down.

"So, everything okay Bobbie?" Faye asked.

"A little. Thanks for making me go out last night."

"No problem. God, you were drunk."

Bobbie was gnawing on her lower lip as she worked the controller. One
more hit and...

HUUUAAAAAA! Bobbie's character laid on the ground, lifeless. "Victory!"
The voice proclaimed.

"So close," Bobbie said.

"You're getting better," Nick said. "So, Faye. Up for a catfight?" He
gestured toward her with a controller.

"Even hung over, I'll win. That's why they call me the professor, 'cause
I school fools."

Nick handed Faye the controller. "Good luck." He left the room and
entered the bathroom.

It was over quickly. Bobbie eked out a victory in the last second. Faye
looked at Bobbie narrowly. "Something's not right here. One more."

Bobbie repeated the win. "Nick? You showing Bobbie the ropes?"

"Yeah," he yelled back. "If she's gonna be here, she's gonna have to
learn." Faye's eyebrows knitted together.

"Hey," Bobbie said. "I need to start the slaw, want to stand in the
kitchen with me?"

"I'm bringing the coffee, it's the only thing preventing me from getting
stabby."

Bobbie made a simple cole slaw and stored it to allow the flavors to
marry. Faye was shocked at the amount of food in the refrigerator.

"You bought all that? Usually just cereal and fast food around here,"
Faye yawned, still paying for last night.

"Cooking keeps my mind off of things. Want some breakfast?" Bobbie was
pulling ingredients out.

"Sure," Faye said, reaching around to scratch her back.

"You didn't tell me Nick was so cool."

"He's a ham and cheese fuckwich with hot sauce."

"No, I'm serious Faye. He mentioned you, you know."

"We live together. He always does. Damn, what is this itch? Something
must have bit me."

"No..." Bobbie said, breaking eggs into a bowl. "He mentioned Kane. I
caught him saying different to," Faye chuckled

"Yeah, I remember. His Monty Python phase. That's about the only thing
that stuck. Well that and his silly walk."

"He still misses you, I mean Kane."

"I know. I just can't be...him... anymore. I mean, haven't you noticed that
you feel... I dunno different?" Faye kept scratching, her top baring her
midriff. The bottom of her bra beginning to show.

Bobbie added cinnamon and milk to the eggs. She began heating the pan.
"I have. I was picked on a lot. I never felt like a part of... well,
anything. I grew up in a room, in front of a tv. Movies and books don't
judge, you know?"

Faye did.

Bobbie soaked the bread and added it to the buttered pan.

"So, what's the game plan, Kevin?" Faye asked.

Bobbie chuckled. "Vanity's your favorite sin, not mine."

"Really? What's yours?"

Bobbie flipped the pieces of French Toast. "Don't think I have one;
although, I hate unfairness. So... Wrath?

Faye looked at Bobbie intently. "Wrath? Now we're talking."

"Plan is for me to finish school and...I don't know, get out of
Delacroix?"

It wasn't long before breakfast was served. French toast, bacon, and
eggs. Nick dug in and was immediately busy not saying anything and
cleaning his plate.

"Jesus Bobbie. The inside is like custard, and it doesn't even need
syrup. I've never had anything this good outside of Benny's."

"Nick, she's not gonna go out with you, sicko."

Nick looked hurt. "Nothing like that, I couldn't... She's so cool. She got
my references."

Bobbie smiled. She liked Nick, Robb would have, too.

"She gets everybody's references," Faye said dryly. "She's seen more
movies than we've seen... put together."

As they finished, Bobbie cleared the dishes. The upset feeling she had,
while masked by the previous night's alcohol, had retreated far enough
to allow her to feel a sense of normalcy for the first time since
leaving home.

Faye, who had retreated into her room, came back with a wad of white and
black. "I got this for Rachel as a joke, but it seems to fit here. Try
it on." She threw the wad at Bobbie, who caught it out of midair.
Opening it to its full length, she saw what it was.

It was a French maid outfit.

"I'm not wearing that," Bobbie said incredulously.

Nick returned to the room in time to see the outfit. He chuckled
quietly. Faye pointed at Nick. "Maybe you should wear it. You made
dinner, right."

"I did mention the fuck you, didn't I?" said Nick, selecting his
fighters.

"Yes, just not today," Faye nonchalantly replied. "I've got a shoot at
Mt. Forbes this weekend, so I'm gonna be gone. Bobbie, you gonna feel
safe here with a repressed sex maniac?"

Nick, without taking his eyes off of the screen. "Blow me."

"You wish." A look of distaste flitted across his visage, lit by the
epilepsy inducing light patterns. An almost inaudible growl escaped his
lips.

Nick's phone rang. Pausing the game, he answered. "Hello... oh,
hey....Really?" A sigh. "Okay, I'll be right there."

"I've gotta run. Taylor needs help. His computer's fritzing again."

"That's because you fixed it," Faye quipped. "I still don't understand
why you don't fix yours."

"Because it's not broken. Just messed up in a way I understand."
Grabbing his laptop, he headed for the door. "I'll be home for dinner.
Can't miss this. See y'all in a bit," He smiled at Bobbie and exited the
apartment.

Bobbie watched him leave. "He's really cool. Kind of reminds me of
when..." Her face darkened.

"When what?"

"My little sister and I used to play together. Now she's..." Bobbie's eyes
became moist.

"A druggie?" Faye said. Bobbie shot her a look

"Yeah," A single tear rolled down the left side of her face, her
expression shifted to one of anger and frustration. "...and that
girlfriend of hers, OOOH! I just want to...."

"Wrath, right?" Faye said.

****

Bobbie and Faye continued the war of fighters for a while. Faye's trash
talking continually made Bobbie laugh. "These noobs, I swear."

"So," she turned to Bobbie, "how drunk were you last night?"

Suddenly Bobbie remembered. "Mary kissed me again, she must have been
drinking."

Faye's confusion was made plain on her face.

"Since I changed...I can't... well, I can't do anything. No smoking, no
drinking. At first it sucked, but now..." Realization dawned, Bobbie saw
what she had been doing unconsciously.

"I don't really need it anymore, When I do stuff for people...That's it!"

"What?"

"Helping people." Bobbie grinned like a lunatic. The doors were thrown
open. Everything that had happened made sense. Helping people was her
drug, her addiction, her vice.

"I understand now."

Faye reached around to scratch again. "Damn, this itch is driving me.
You wanna help? Could you...I just can't."

Faye pulled up the back of her top. Bobbie scratched with her nails.

"Oh, God. Yes!" Faye was reacting orgasmically to the scratching.

Bobbie noticed discolorations on her skin, some dark purple splotches
right above her tailbone, and some blotchy spots to both the left and
the right. "You might want to put some lotion on that, it looks, well,
like a rash."

"Lovely. Probably just stress, the shoot this weekend is a big one.
They're bringing in a snow machine. God, that does smell good."

"I just told Nick what to do. This is an easy one."

"I'm not sure about this, I don't trust food that doesn't come in a
paper wrapper, or a box."

"Hey, you model. I cook." Bobbie shrugged.

Faye stripped off her shirt leaving her in her bra. Bobbie looked away.
"Maybe if I let it air out, give it some sun." She moved the coffee
table closer to the window, allowing her to get the affected area into
the light.

****

Bobbie was feeling better. Looking at herself in the mirror, she noticed
her skin was brighter. Her bangs, still wet from the shower dipped into
her eyes. Looks like it's time to call Frankie again. Her situation
hadn't improved. Here she was, living in a stranger's house. She looked
around, what an insane couple of days.

When Bobbie reentered the living room, Faye was topless, and scratching.
"Bobbie, I need your nails again. Maybe I do need lotion, could you get
it out of the bathroom?"

Bobbie grabbed it and went over to Faye's makeshift gaming seat.

"Would you mind?" Faye asked. "I can't reach."

"O...okay." Bobbie felt a little strange from the proposition. Bobbie
began rubbing the thick lotion onto Faye's back.

It started with almost a purring, that graduated to a soft moaning. Faye
was getting pummeled onscreen as she sunk into the savory, meaty feeling
of Bobbie's hands sliding over her back. The itch was gone, replaced by
one far more insidious."

When Nick got home, Faye was dressed in the camo top that nearly caused
Playtread to close, still playing.

"God, these guys are terrible. Nick, We need to clean up in there.
Basements are being flooded by the tears of sweaty man children,
schooled by a pretty pretty princess.

"It's still release day, give the noobs some time to come up to speed."
He sniffed. "Wow, that smells like heaven."

"...and you're just in time to finish it," Bobbie said, getting up.

"Nick, the maid's outfit is on the lamp. Don't forget to wear the
tiara?? What is that thing called?"

"Again with the fuck you."

Bobbie helped Nick drain most of the liquid out of the crock pot. "Add
the rest of the barbecue sauce, then pull it apart with a couple of
forks. I'll cut the rolls." She pulled the slaw out of the refrigerator.
Bobbie sliced the buns cleanly, then piled them high with the shreds of
pork and onion. Topping each sandwich with a helping of slaw.

Nick watched with amazement as Bobbie flowed from movement into the
next, moving like water. "Wow, you're good." He took two plates out to
the living room. Bobbie followed with her own plate. Faye was the first
one into her sandwich. She moaned in ecstasy. The crunch of the slaw,
the sweetness of the pork, the resistance of the bread; the flavors and
textures mingled. Faye's tongue danced and twitched as flavor overloaded
her senses.

Nick was also impressed. His eyes opened completely, he bobbed his head
up and down. "I made this?" filaments of apple clung to his upper lip,
hanging like Velcro to his unshaven face.

"You sure did," Bobbie said, smiling as she took a bite. "Good stuff.
Tried other sodas, but nothing works like Cherry Pepsi," She shrugged.
"Don't know why though. But you could play with it. I keep thinking
Mango Habanero.."

Nick's eyes gleamed for a second. "...or like spicy Dr. Pepper?"

Bobbie cocked her head slightly. Holding her eyes up and to the left,
thinking, "Don't see why not. Kind of like Tetris. Cooking's like a
living puzzle, a really cool game." She hefted her sandwich "And you get
to eat your achievements."

"Didn't think of it that way, this might be fun. Faye..." She had gotten
up and left without anyone noticing.

"I'm sure she'll be back in a second. Bobbie," He gestured to his
sandwich. "Thanks. I haven't had real food in a while."

Bobbie shook her head. "You made it, not me."

Faye returned wearing a pair of pink camoflauge sleep pants. "Where'd
you go?"

"Just to change," Faye said quickly. A superfine sheen of perspiration
coated Faye's face, and Bobbie could have sworn that she was breathing
faster. "Gotta grab another sandwich, those are really good." Nick shot
a glance at Faye.

Several more sandwiches were eaten before the food was put away. Nick
finally decided to turn in when his phone rang. It was Taylor. "Shit,"
Nick grumbled.

"Hello...are you fucking serious?.... And you need it.." Nick ran a hand
through his hair. "I'll be right there."

"Why does he keep calling you?" Faye asked, eating her third sandwich.

"Faye, there's too much pork in your mouth." Nick was up and pulling a
Red Bull and a container of the leftover meat out of the refrigerator.
"I'll be back at some point, I guess. Faye."

"Hmmm."

"Don't burn the house down. Bobbie. Don't let the professor here do
anything stupid."

"Like what? I'm online, noobs need to learn their place." She lowered
her voice," And class is in session."

"Okay. Have fun."

Nick left, the sound of the car thunderous against the foreign screams
of the videogame still playing in the background.

"So. Up for a rematch?"

Bobbie grinned. "I think I can arrange that."

****

She was alone, whispers carried on the currents of air that twisted past
her. The walls were once white. Trails of black ran down the walls, as
if it were running mascara, flickering fluorescent bulbs cast a sickly
pall on the room.

"See? If we had waited, we wouldn't be having this much fun right now.
Would we?"

"Yes, Lust you're right. You always are. What's next?"

"We lay low for a bit. She's gone to ground. When she pops up again.
We'll be ready for the coup de grace."

Lust! Bobbie felt a chill splash over her body. That other voice, who is
it?

"Shh! She's here. How is she here? Than can only mean..."

"Go," The whisper chuckled. Then the sound changed, it became a low
voice. "And Advocate..." it teased.

Bobbie suddenly felt as if the walls were pressing in on her. Closer,
tighter.

"There's nowhere on this Earth..."

****

Bobbie flinched awake to see Faye's face hovering above her own, close
enough to smell the remnants of dinner.

"You can hide from me," she said. Her eyes blazing, yet dead, lifeless.

Finishing her sentence, Faye rolled off of Bobbie and back into her bed.
There was a rustling of linen as Faye's hand dove beneath her sheets.
There was a combination of moaning and squishy sounds that felt every
kind of wrong to Bobbie. Terrified, uncomfortable, and just wanting to
sleep, Bobbie quietly backed out of Faye's room and let her do her
thing. Her moans became louder the moment Bobbie closed the door. It was
as if the volume had been turned up with each quiet step. She tossed and
turned on the sofa. It wasn't long before she was asleep again.

But, it seemed like forever.

*****

CLANG!! CLANG!!

Bobbie saw the room materialize in front of her. And Justice came with
it.

"What do you think you're doing?" she said, a tinge of anger peppering
her voice.

"Huh?"

"She's a thrall. Lust will always have a link to her, however small. She
works against everything you do, they all do. Always have," Justice
snapped.

"Faye's not like that," Bobbie said, defending her. "And what else was I
supposed to do?" She sunk to the sofa, head in her hands, unable to hold
Justice's gaze.

"I'm a terrible Advocate," she cried, yelling over her tears. "I can't
help anybody. I just don't know how to fight this, or anything. That
video... dammit. I wish I could take it back. I can't help anyone. Kim's
on drugs, Mom threw me out. Tim and.... Everything's....everything's
shitty."

"The path of least resistance is rarely the right one."

"Enough fortune cookie philosophy," Bobbie raged, locking her identical
eyes at Justice. "I don't want this responsibility. I hate feeling like
this."

"WANT?" A sudden breeze kicked up. Justice's eyes became bluer, more
piercing. The wind blew her hair away from her clear face. "Who ever
said this is about want?"

The wind started to howl. Justice's voice raising in volume, becoming
more authoritative. "Do you think her life is better? Do you want to see
how she lives? What Lust does to people? Then so be it. You need a
lesson."

"And I am the teacher," Justice said, drawing out the final 'r' into a
growl.

Bobbie blinked.

CLANG!!

Chapter 37

Bobbie woke up feeling... odd. Her hand felt moist, and it was in her... She
withdrew her fingers, gasping as she did so. Unfamiliar and unused
muscles tightened, thumped, and flexed. It felt good, really good, much
better that it should have. Finally disengaging her hands, she wiped her
fingers on the sheet, removing the resulting juices from them. She
finally got a look at her surroundings.

This wasn't the living room. As her eyes settled on piles of clothing
and different posters plastered on the walls, Bobbie realized she'd
woken up in Faye's room. Wiping the sleep from her eyes, she blinked
wearily as she struggled to force the arrival of more coherent thought.
Her hands drifted across cotton sheets, finding the softness of a
feather duvet.

Faye's room? How did I get back in here? And, why am I in her bed?
Confusion reigned supreme...And where's Faye?

She sat up, causing dark sheets to slip away from her body like the
unveiling of a new car. What she laid eyes upon caused her to gasp in
shock; Her breasts, now exposed and bare for all to see...were huge.
They'd doubled in size overnight, sitting pert and full atop her chest,
thrusting out proudly as if daring someone not to look at them.

Moving off the bed, a cold blast of air greeted her neck. She felt her
hair swing strangely. A glance in the mirror called her attention.
Panic, not just panic. The resin of panic, freebased in one enormous
dose.

Her breasts weren't all that had changed. Her nipples were dark brown
now to match her tan skin, looking fat and turgid, capping off each
enormous mound. Looking past her new endowments, Bobbie hastily tore at
the sheets, what lingering fragments of drowsiness still afflicting her
scattered, like leaves on the wind. Her waist was a little narrower,
tapering out into wide, luscious hips that swelled into a truly
magnificent ass that practically acted as an extra cushion between her
and the soft mattress. Nestled between her legs, her new vagina seemed
to almost bristle when exposed to the cool morning air. In her panic, a
lock of purple hair fell into her vision, and it caused the truth to
crash down on her so hard it sounded like thunder.

It was Faye, standing in the place her reflection should be. Bobbie put
her hands to her face, her breasts. The sensation of touching them was...
different, more sensual. The curves stuck way out. She wasn't bad, she
was just drawn that way. Looking around, Bobbie noticed that the world
seemed bigger, as if someone had rescaled everything while she slept.
Her hands moved over her body, her touch like arctic splashes of water
freezing over unfamiliar territory. It was like watching a foreign film
without subtitles, swim or drown. So many thoughts flitted rapid circles
in her mind. Rational thought was at a premium. She remembered the
dream...

Justice! Is this what she meant?

She looked at her body. It was sultry, curvy. Although she was shorter,
all that height apparently had gone straight to her breasts, they had
doubled in size where she had lost nearly another foot in height.. They
wobbled like perfectly made gelatin. It was if everything was suddenly
was seasoned with monosodium glutamate. That tiny thing that made
everything feel more complete. She looked into the mirror, the dark eyed
reflection staring back at her. Wow, Faye's cute...where did that come
from? Bobbie slowly turned and checked out that amazing derriere, a dark
shape was seeming to rise beneath her skin, like a blemish yet to bloom,
the dark splotches above her tailbone itching, burning with a heat that
was more penetrating than physical. She examined every inch of every
curve, hefting one breast, than the other. Heavy, Bobbie mused, no
wonder she doesn't exercise. Bobbie mused. The sublime calculus which
had allowed Faye's body to have curves that stretched into the eighth
dimension revealed themselves to her.

She was shorter, again. Bobbie looked in the mirror and stared into the
vaguely almond shaped eyes, veins of violet pulsated in her dark irises.
The face was cute. She turned her head one way, than the other, the hair
little longer than chin length. The purple streaks conveying a hint of
chaotic neutral, the almost Asian mystique completing the playful gothic
look, she continued to look. She pouted and widened her eyes. There was
just enough Suicide Girl to tease, and just enough innocence to provoke.
She was a well oiled and designed machine, one engineered to produce
stirrings of passion in any of those who appreciate the female of the
species.

Without even thinking, Bobbie watched her reflection as Faye's hands
went to her breasts. Her dainty hands couldn't hope to contain all of
the swollen flesh. As her fingertips made contact with the supple flesh,
Bobbie shivered with sensual delight. Her body instantly responded as if
on auto-pilot: Nipples hardening into aching nubs, her skin bristling
with excitement and the promise of further stimulation. Even her crotch
flexed and clenched, feeling a trickle of arousal slowly seeping in...

"Oh my god...!" she gasped in surprise, drawing her hands away before
she was tempted to explore any further. Just a simple touch of her ample
breasts had caused her whole body to respond like she'd been making out
with Tim.

Forgetting to put clothes on, she ran out into the living room. Ignoring
the acutely odd sensations of her hips rolling with every step, or the
way her bare breasts bobbed and tugged at her chest as if demanding
attention, Bobbie strode into the living room. A sense of relief washed
of her, as she spied her familiar blonde form sprawled out on the couch,
still clad in the same PJ bottoms and a nightshirt she'd worn last
night.

Bobbie saw her body sleeping peacefully. Bobbie bit her lip, trying to
think of the best way to wake Faye...assuming it was her in there...
without freaking her out. Sadly no particularly clever responses came to
mind, and she settled for nudging her awake. She shook the person on the
couch.

"Hey, wake up."

***

"Hey, wake up."

That was the annoying sound that threatened to drag Faye away from her
dreams of flying through the air, bouncing from one snowflake to
another. Her hand shot up, slapping at the offender of her sanctuary of
slumber. "Too early," she heard another voice say blearily.

The eyes opened into the purple gaze she was used to seeing in the
mirror. Faye sat upright with the reaction time of someone on fire.
"Lust? What the fuck?" Faye screamed. Her hand shot out and nearly
caught Bobbie's throat. She fell backwards fleeing the grip, the landing
softened by the new insulation of her ass. "You're dead. How can you
even be here?" Faye remembered the last time she saw her supernatural
tormentor.

"Faye?" Bobbie raised her hands defensively. "Calm down. It's me,
Bobbie. Breathe and take a look at yourself."

"The fuck you're not her," She spat venomously. "You're bare assed naked
and you look exactly like me. Who the fuck else could you be?" Faye
looked into her own stricken eyes, realizing that there was none of the
black ichor that usually occupied Lust's orbital sockets. She jerked her
head downward and peered inside her shirt. Gone were the globes that
usually hung there; replaced, halved in size. She looked down at her
long legs. She grabbed a handful of hair and pulled it in front of her
eyes, it's whiteness and length both surprising her.

"I think... I think..." Bobbie watched as the eyebrows knitted, freezing
into a look equal parts rage, confusion, and fear.

Faye got up and sprinted to her room. She was looking into a mirror, she
pulled at her face.

"Holy fuckin' fuck. Bobbie? Why am I...you?" Faye was naked by the time
Bobbie entered the room.

"I'm a fucking cheerleader!" Faye exclaimed, pawing at her new body. She
pulled at her cheeks, working them in circles.

"That didn't take long," Bobbie muttered. God, that's what I look like?
No wonder people thought I was an angel. Angel, a concept she wanted far
from her mind, it had started this whole mess. What is Justice thinking?

"I had this dream... then you....I... Justice.." She collapsed to the bed.

Faye inhaled and exhaled deeply. "Justice? What did you do?"

"I don't know. She seems to think you're not good for me. Said I needed
a lesson."

Faye swept the white blond hair out of her face. "Any lesson I can teach
can't be a good thing." She sat next to Bobbie. "What a load of shit. So
she just pulls a Freaky Friday? This is crazy. And how is being me going
to teach you anything? Sounds like I'd rather tangle with Lust again.
She sounds less spiteful." She brushed hair out of her face for the
third time in as many minutes. "Just great, you'd think I'd be used to
this shit by now."

"I swear that's all I know," Bobbie decided to omit what she'd seen just
before the switch regarding Faye waking her. Clearly Faye didn't
remember it, and she doubted the girl was in the mood to hear any
implications this may be as much her fault as it was Bobbie's.

"Rent's due, Rach, Nick... Fuck. Justice did this, right?" Faye watched
her own head bob up and down. "Is she in your head like Lust was in
mine?"

Bobbie looked back, puzzled. "She said Lust will always have a link to
you. I don't know, I mean, she's only spoken with me a few times. I
don't remember most of it well, she just kind of points me in a
direction and let me do what feels right"

A sharp slap rang out as Faye facepalmed. "Perfect. So not only do we
not know why she did this, but we also don't know what she wants. We
could be stuck like this forever trying to figure it out."

"Yeah...I know."

She stared wide eyed back at Bobbie. "...Oh, shit, My shoot this weekend."

"GODAMMIT!" Bobbie shrieked. "I don't know how much more of this I can
take."

"You? What about me? Fuck, I just got used to all this. And..." Bobbie
crossed the room quickly and hugged her old body. Faye hugged back, she
was reminded of Tim and the feeling of being protected. The tears
started to flow for a second, as Faye's hug made her feel... antsy.

Faye noticed that the tactile overload that usually ruled her life was
gone, the sensory fuzz that fogged her mind slightly burned off. Bobbie
was squirming in her embrace.

"Um...Bobbie? You okay?"

Bobbie thought of the couch, of that video. God, that felt good. A
slight pressure in her nethers caused her to keep rubbing her thighs
together, "I'm a little...oooh..." Hesitantly, she lifted her hands to
those mammoth breasts, and began squeezing them together as a look of
pleasure crossed her face like a shadow. "Oooooohhhh...!"

Faye knew that look, it was one she'd been wearing a little too often in
recent memory. "Oh come on. You've gotta be kidding me!"

Bobbie looked at her pleadingly, biting her lip as she stifled another
moan. The obvious humiliation she felt clearly wasn't enough to stem the
tide of her building arousal.

"...Fine," she muttered darkly, stalking off toward the bedroom. "Just
do what you need to do. I'll be in my room when you're done."

She backed out of the room and left Bobbie to her... own devices. Faye
entered her room and looked at herself in the mirror, longer this time,
appreciative. The body she was wearing was cute. Definitely more of a
cheerleader type. Another body, Faye had the advantage of navigating
this dungeon before. At least this time, there was more information,
more knowledge. Bobbie what the hell did you get me into?

****

Bobbie was reminded of ecstasy, her tactile senses wired to the silicon
chip inside her head, and they were set to overload. The gentle probing
of her fingers was electrifying. Perspiration and nectar ran down every
curve, droplets clinging to every curve like millions of methed out
truckers all driving through breakneck canyons of pleasure. Her loins
swelled. Her hand snaked down to the smooth hairless crotch. Every move
caused the parts she only had a passing acquaintance with to quiver and
sing their siren song into the nerve endings not being teased by the
complete stimulation of her self caress. Everything had vibrant color,
smell, sound...

...and touch, rapturous touch.

Bobbie didn't want to do this, but her body ached for it so badly. It
needed release in the worst way. She felt her fingers tremblingly touch
the wet, velvet folds of her pussy, causing her back to arch. She
started to rub, feeling the velvet folds part, her body whispering
promises of pleasure in what lay beyond. She moaned and pushed against
that void, and felt a finger slide into her vagina.

She gasped sharply, pleasure filling her hips. Bobbie thrust further in
and wiggled her finger, feeling hot, wet and velvety flesh squeeze the
invading digit. The sensation was so acute, delicious like the sweetest
sugar rush, that she didn't stop. Couldn't stop. Her finger brushed
against a small, swollen bud that was beyond exquisitely sensitive.

"Ah...Ahhh...Ah!" she cried as the pleasure rose in her hips, her huge
jiggling breasts, capped with thick erect nipples, bounced and trembled
with every thrust. "Ahhh...AHHHhhhh....AHHHHHH!!!" she screamed as the
dam burst, and pleasure suddenly flooded her body from the cramping,
seizing canal between her legs! Her pussy throbbed and pulsed, and
Bobbie felt wetness flood from her, cream dripping down into the crack
of her rounded ass.

She fell back against the couch, moaning softly. Her body relished the
release, although she still felt horny, her pussy still craving further
stimulation. However she reluctantly withdrew her hand, the scent of sex
wafting through the air. She'd tested Faye's patience enough
already...pushing any further may be too much even for her to bear.
Besides, Bobbie was more than a little concerned about how easily she'd
caved in to her new body's need for pleasure and sensual delight. Bobbie
realized that she could have continued, but the burning, the itch. The
withdrawal, The Jones. It was held back. Enough to get through, but not
enough to sate.

Standing up, Bobbie quickly made her way to the bathroom, determined to
have a shower and clean up a little before meeting with Faye.

She toweled off her body, rapt in feeling the rough cloth against her
breasts. God, they're huge. Bobbie spent more time drying them than she
normally would have.

Her hair; however, took far less time. Strands fell in front of her
eyes, she brushed them away. The itch on her back started soon after.
She tried to scratch. Her arms couldn't quite reach its source. I need
to get dressed, where are my...? She looked down and realized that
'Bobbie's' clothes wouldn't cover her breasts, or fit her in any way.

She went to cover herself with a towel, but figured since it was Faye's
body she wouldn't mind.

***

As she walked into Faye's room, she was welcomed by the sight of Faye
standing in front of her mirror, posing like a cheerleader as she said
aloud, "Gimme an A!"

Bobbie tried to stifle a giggle, but was only partially successful. The
resulting sound caused Faye to spin around, her cheeks burning with
embarrassment at how she'd been caught out. She scowled at Bobbie,
holding up a hand to make her stance painfully clear "Not a fucking word
from you."

Bobbie nodded wordlessly, a few stray rivulets of water mapping the
terrain of her luscious curves as they rolled down her body.

"Trust me, I'm not thrilled with the current accommodations," She said
tersely, walking over to her bed and taking a seat on the edge. "I was
just messing around."

"I understand," Bobbie nodded sympathetically. "This is...pretty weird
for me too. At least this body's the same gender."

"You seemed pretty comfortable on the couch," she shot back.

"I know..." Bobbie said with an air of concern. "Are you like that all
the time? I mean...uh...horny?" She rubbed her thighs together.

Faye shrugged her shoulders, running a hand through silken locks of
blonde hair. "I dunno, maybe? I mean...I've always been pretty
sensitive. I just figured all girls were like that. But lately it's been
a little more intense than usual."

"Really? I think it's pretty obvious most girls aren't built like
Juggasaurus Rex." Bobbie hefted her bare breasts to emphasize the
effect.

Faye scowled. "You can blame Lust for that. Besides, it's kinda hard to
avoid. Any time I eat junk food, it just goes straight to my tits."

"Are you serious?"

Faye smiled darkly. "Why don't you grab one of your cupcakes and find
out?"

Bobbie let go of her breasts, which seemed to instantly lament the
sudden lack of attention. "Uh....maybe later. I was hoping to get
something to wear, unless you want me walking around naked all day."

"Yeah, I'd kinda appreciate it if you didn't. I've teased Nick enough
over time that if he saw you naked, I'm pretty sure he would
spontaneously combust. You got something I can wear? I'm pretty sure
none of my clothes are going to fit."

Faye turned to her closet. She laughed.

"What's so funny?" Bobbie asked, gaining control as she found something
to focus on.

"You're not gonna like it," Faye said as she started to look through the
closet. "Everything I have is... less conservative."

After some poking and prodding, teaching and toddling. Bobbie stood in
Faye's trademark boots, a puffy skirt that left Bobbie feeling a draft
and a tight cleavage building top. It took a minute to coax her breasts
into the bra Faye had handed her. "Tough to get stuff in my size. It'll
be nice to be able to buy off the rack for a change."

"Yeah, I'm sure it'll be great," Bobbie said. "There's got to be a way
back from this, right?"

"C'mon, beautiful. Let's get your makeup done. We better get this over
with."

"What?"

"Look, If you're gonna do that shoot..."

"Shoot? Me?" She shook her head, the tips of her hair touching her face,
she frowned.

"Allegra will have my ass. AAAAAAllllll of it. I need you to do this,"
Bobbie watched her own wide, blue eyes plead.

Bobbie looked down at her body, the thought of modeling terrified her.
All those people, staring, taking snapshots to be preserved forever.
"I've got a bad feeling about this."

Faye was rummaging through Bobbie's bag, looking for clothes. Dammit.
This sucks noodles. Jesus, another floral print sundress? Blue dress,
blue jeans, blue panties. She settled for Bobbie's Clash shirt and her
skinny jeans. The dressing wasn't as sensuous, she realized as she slid
the denim up the long, smooth legs of yet another body that wasn't hers.

Faye sighed, gesturing to her Heather inspired outfits. "Yeah, are you
trying to look like Taylor Swift or what? Feeling better?"

"Hey," Faye said sharply. "Let's not work under the assumption that I'm
enjoying this either. I need to be you. How's that gonna work? I can't..."

Bobbie narrowed her eyes. "Can't what."

"Look, no offense. But you're kind of a goodie two shoes."

Faye watched her face blush. "I was trying to help people," Bobbie said.
"I'm supposed to, it's something I am, not something I do."

"Exactly my point. You've got six hours in a car with Rach coming up .
And Nick... Oh, God. Nick... Hey, Nick. Remember when I was a guy, well, now
I'm Bobbie. Everything should be great." Faye slapped her head. "Bobbie,
school? What about school?"

Faye looked at Bobbie, it was weird to look down at her body. "We need
to figure out what needs to be figured out. But first. I'm hungry. Want
some breakfast?"

Did I really just say that?

Chapter 38

Faye was looking through the cabinet. The same boxes of cereal greeted
her. None of them looked appetizing.

"Bobbie what goes in pancakes?"

"There's Bisquik up there... I can..."

"No," Faye sighed. "Look, if I'm gonna pull off this act..."

Bobbie turned her new eyes on her old body. "What exactly do you mean?"

"Well," Faye said, using her new height to grab things on the top shelf,
"everyone's gonna think I'm Bobbie and you're Faye. And we need to make
sure that everyone continues to think so. Being me is... complicated."

"Gee," Bobbie said sarcastically. "You think so."

"I'm not saying that being you is my life's greatest thrill either. Now,
what do you do with all this shit?"

Bobbie stood off to the side and watched Faye attempt to cook. Bobbie
cringed. Eggshell made it into the batter, which she fished out with a
fingernail. Flour messily dotted the counter. The batter was soon
together. She heated the pan.

"Add oil. Just a little. Let it heat up."

Faye did, brandishing a spatula like a samurai sword. She poured some
batter into the hot oil.

Soon, a burning smell started, the acrid burn smelled sour. Faye flipped
it. There was a black mass. Faye made a face.

"You probably have the flame up too high. It's okay. The first one
always comes out badly," Bobbie said, drinking coffee, still feeling the
abnormality of both her breasts and her coffee cup doubling in size.

Faye seemed to concentrate on the frying pan. The second came out
better, the third even better. The burn marks getting smaller. Bobbie
nodded approval on her progression.

"Look," Faye said, pointing out an unusual pattern on one. "Jesus,"
Bobbie frowned

"Maybe you wanna put that maid outfit on now?" Bobbie's sardonic smile
burst onto her face as she ate the first bite.

"Bobbie."

"Hmmm," she responded.

"Fuck you," Faye spat, the taste of the burnt spots bitter against the
maple syrup. "If we're gonna do this, we need to do this right," Faye
huffed. "We better fill each other in."

Bobbie grinned. It frightened Faye a little. "Serious here. What is
wrong with you?"

They talked about the minutiae of their lives. Bobbie figuring out that
this was going to be just as tough on Faye. She explained who everyone
was and their little quirks. Faye had the added advantage of having seen
them around before.

"Beth, be very careful around her. She's too sweet and innocent to get
caught up in all of our insanity. If you do anything to hurt her."

"I'm not that much of a bitch." Bobbie was still a little stunned to see
her mouth swear so casually. "Besides, I just talk about movies and
cooking and I'm golden, right?"

It was Bobbie's turn to facepalm. She was realizing that maybe this was
maybe meant to be a learning experience for the two of them.

****

"No, no. You're still too stiff," Faye told Bobbie. "Now arch your back
a little. Lean on your elbows. There." Bobbie lay fat on her stomach,
looking down at her cleavage. It was more than cleavage. It's Cleveland.

Faye had spent the morning showing Bobbie how to be a model. Faye had
paraded her around in what seemed like every one of her outfits. Bobbie
had gotten the basics easily, but she was always too stiff. Echoes of
her old modesty remained.

Bobbie felt a tiredness creep into the new body. "Faye. I need a break."
She rolled over onto her back and go up carefully. Once onto her feet,
she headed for the refrigerator and grabbed a Red Bull. Downing the
elixir, Bobbie swiveled towards Faye.

"Look," Faye said, pointing a long, blue fingernail at Bobbie. "You'll
be fine, you just need to relax." She turned and walked heavily down the
hall to her room. Quickly returning, Faye handed Bobbie five cards. They
were old Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards, battered and dogeared.

A Blue Eyes, White Dragon, Exodia: The Forbidden One, A Dark Magician, A
Mystical Space Typhoon, and a Chain Disappearance. Faye handed the cards
to Bobbie.

"Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards? Seriously?" Bobbie smiled, raising an eyebrow.

"It's called a metaphor, got a better one? No? Then can it, I'm working
with what I have here," Faye pointed to the cards. "See those cards.
They represent fucks. You have five cards, ergo, you have five fucks to
give, while I..." She held up her hands and wiggled her fingers.

"...have none. Really, Bobbie, People stare at me all damn day. After a
traumatic first few months I kind of got used to it. Now, I kind of like
it... a little." That devilish grin again, it was starting to look more
casual on that angelic face. Bobbie noticed. Ancient lizard memories
rustled in the carrion black void. Robb. The first time he had seen
unusual hair colors on girls, piercings in other than standard places.
Heavy, dark makeup... Bobbie shook her head, trying to clear out the new
old memories of what she used to be. And what it had led to.

The memories creaked slightly, breaking the dam of things forgotten,
allowing the two sets of memories to overlay each other like an old
videotape. Images of some memory played over another, more recent one.
The memories had a smell, one that stank gloriously of countless
unhallowed centuries. She looked at 'Bobbie's' body, its sensuality was
understated, but the features carried an unerring beauty that she'd
never noticed or thought possible. A visual representation of beauty,
perpetually trapped in the body of a game show hostess. She found
herself staring at the person she had become. The person Faye is. A
tingling spread through her body, Bobbie felt her nipples tighten. She
looked into those wide, blue eyes. I'm fucking gorgeous! A light sheen
of sweat appeared on her skin as she felt her cheeks get hot. She began
to squirm in her seat, the need was coming back. Made worse this time by
how easily she recognized that she was feeling the Jones.

Again.

Chapter 39

Faye couldn't quite explain it, but her craving for chocolate was an
itch in her mind. It replaced the one she had on her back, before...

She looked over, Bobbie trying in vain to scratch. "Easy, you're gonna
make it worse. I'll get the lotion. I know that helps," She grabbed the
lotion and started to rub it on Bobbie's back. The first touch elicited
a moan. Looking at the rash for the first time, she noticed the dark
lines converging in some places. The splotchy masses starting to join.
Kind of a cool pattern, Faye mused. She noticed Bobbie rubbing her legs
together absently, her breasts grinding slightly into the sofa's
armrest.

Thoughts of chocolate made her want cookies. "Bobbie, I think I know
what you need."

"Chocolate. I have some chips. I'm just gonna make some cookies."

"You?" Bobbie said. "You aren't gonna point at me and scream are you?"

Faye showed no recognition.

"Pod people? Invasion of the oh, never mind," Bobbie gestured. Faye
recognized her own 'piss off' gesture as she turned to the kitchen.

The real world melted away. Equipment appeared in front of her...

The flour packed the cup...

The sugars and butter were dropped in cleanly, each exactly measured...

The eggs were cracked, one handed. The shells cleanly delivering their
contents, she threw the spent casings toward the trash can, where they
flew in cleanly.

Nothin' but net.

The dough became unto its destiny, Faye's hands bringing everything
together into a rough ball. Faye delighted as perfection moved its
focus, like targets in an arcade shooting game. Each fading into the
next, like pulling off a perfect combo with finishing move, Achievement
unlocked: In the Dough.

Before she knew it there were two dozen cookies. Some burned, but most
were chewy and filled the biochemicals of passion that chocolate
carried. Bobbie ate three at once. The flavors so intense, so fully
realized.

"Easy, killer. Remember that's still my body. Buying clothes is hard
enough."

"But it's soooooo good," Bobbie said, eyes closed. Bobbie could bring
the house of Yu-Gi-Oh! cards that was her life crashing down, Faye
decided that she couldn't let that happen.

Faye refusing to leave the kitchen. "You were right. This is the best
puzzle game I've ever played."

"Certainly tastes like it," Bobbie agreed.

"So, you think you can handle everything? This should be easy. Nick'll
be in and out. And Rach... well. I don't know what you're gonna do about
her," She brushed at her bangs.

"Call Frankie," Bobbie said. "She'll take care of it. I am due for a
trim. The card's in my purse."

"Okay, but stop with the eating. You wanna wind up on a diet of
vegetable juice?"

Bobbie slowly backed away from the table.

Faye called Shear Ecstasy. Booking the appointment was simple, there was
a one day wait. She was sure she could wait that long. She sighed.
"That's done," She hung up the phone. "Look, I get that done and you're
fine. Just don't..."

Bobbie dismissed Faye's line of inquiry. "I've seen this movie." She
laughed. What the hell was happening here?

"Look, there's no way I'm going anywhere other than the shoot. I'll stay
right here," Bobbie pointed at the ground

"Hair appointment and home. Heh, hair appointment. I do the dying
myself, always have. Bobbie, I'm gonna rip Justice's eyes out if I see
her. I swear." The expression on Faye's face was frightening, Bobbie was
reminded of umpteen horror films. She had never worn or seen that face,
nor saw the frosty fire within.

She turned away. Bobbie raised a hand to shield herself. "Hey, Doctor
Pretorious, look away."

Faye wrinkled her face. "Speak fucking English. What are we doing for
dinner? And why do I care?"

***

Faye was making meatloaf, with minimal help from Bobbie, who was
drinking Red Bull with a coffee chaser and screaming into a headset
unintelligible syllables that could have been any one of a dozen
languages.

"Do you even know what you're saying?" Faye asked.

"Well, yeah," Bobbie said. "Watch enough movies and you kind of figure
it out. The insults and cuss words anyway. More than an average baka
little gaijin boy would ever get anyway."

"Bobbie, did you buy cheap spaghetti sauce?" Faye looked at the jar, she
remembered seeing it at the store once, on the bottom shelf. Why am I
even asking that question?

"Yeah, it was for the meatloaf... why. YES, goodbye. OOOH! Reality,
you're soaking in it," Bobbie was rotating the joystick and pressing
alternating patterns of firing buttons and shoulder bumpers... and
completely destroying challenger after challenger.

Faye was forming the loaf and pouring the sauce over the lump of meat,
watching the speckles of mierpoix disappear under the spreading red
mass. Putting the dish in the oven she turned and looked at her...No,
Bobbie's hands. She looked over into the living room. If Faye didn't
know better she would think that Faye was out there.

And Bobbie was in here. What was all the cooking all of a sudden? What
can I do with potatoes? Faye shook her head violently.

Faye's phone rang, Bobbie answered it, sticking the phone in her
cleavage. "Yeah? Hey, Nick...No problem... yeah, meatloaf, I guess. Okay.
See ya."

Faye looked at Bobbie incredulously. "What the hell is that?"

"Honestly," Bobbie said. "I wasn't sure it would work either. What good
is all this cleavage if you can't put it to good use? It's almost like a
third hand."

"What did Nick want?"

"Oh," Bobbie said. "He's coming back for dinner, then he's heading back
to Taylor's," Looks like it's just us."

***

Nick arrived and sat down his bag. Faye had plates ready and in the
plate warmer. So that's what that drawer at the bottom is for. Meatloaf
with Au Gratin potatoes and succotash. What the fuck is happening to me?

"Hey, Faye."

"Faye!" Faye felt weird screaming her name. Bobbie jumped, dislodging
the forgotten cell phone.

"Oh, right. Thanks, Bobbie. Looks great."

Bobbie started eating, she saw something around Nick...The Darkness. She'd
forgotten about it, what with suddenly having reality upended again, but
Nick's seemed different somehow. Ribbons of violet, fuchsia, and green
seemed to rotate and twist inside and through each other, like moebius
strips within each other, writhing at perpendicular angles. Does Faye
see it?

"Alright. Hate to eat and run. Bobbie. My mom used to make meatloaf. It
was awful. Brown gravy, and just...yuck. And those potatoes," Nick patted
his stomach. He reached over and side hugged Faye. Her shocked
expression turned to Bobbie, as he got up. Look, don't wait up. This
might take a while. Some genius decided to try to put the wrong CPU and
motherboard together."

He left and started the Camaro. He was gone. Faye noticed Bobbie
squirming in her seat, staring after Nick.

"God, he needs to get laid."

"Really, Doctor?" Faye looked at her. "He's shy, and fragile. That's why
Rach and I give him so much shit."

"You ever..."

"No, you see that hug he gave me a minute ago? That's the sister hug.
The same one I get... you know what I mean. He just has to follow his own
road."

Bobbie noticed that she couldn't stop thinking about Nick, she smelled
detergent and milk. The odd combination combined with the odd behavior
of his darkness made her lose some focus. She lost the last three fights
quickly, unable to link combos. Faye attributed it to tiredness.

Shit, Faye thought. Tomorrow's gonna be hell.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XII

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 40

Faye was frying potatoes in bacon with onions and heating the oven,
The eggs and zucchini were ready and the bread was ready to go into
the toaster.

Bobbie woke up sweaty. And her hands were... engaged. She looked around,
touched her ample breasts, and relished her own touch. Rolling out of
bed, she grabbed another pair of the frilly panties Faye wore so
often, and grabbed a shirt that barely covered her chest, the bottom
of the shirt dangling in the two tails meant to be tied together.
Bobbie tied a hasty knot. She moved out into the living room.

"Smells tits, what is it?"

"Bacon frittata. You want to explain why I know that and you don't?"
Faye looked at Bobbie, shrugged. "And you're doing your own laundry. I
have to leave soon. You going to be okay here?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm sure I can entertain myself."

Faye hummed. She put some of the baked omelet on a plate and handed it
to Bobbie.

"Thanks, but coffee first."

Faye handed her a mug. Bobbie sipped, frowned, and added more sugar.

Faye ate in silence. This is going to be fun. Even the voice in her
head couldn't help but sound facetious.

****

Faye got out of the car at Shear Ecstasy, there was some noise by the
Curious Cabinet. Some of the skate punks were whooping and hollering
at her, the smarter ones were rubbing themselves against the corner of
the building. Ugh. Minus one d twenty for intelligence.

She walked in to see the woman who obviously Frankie.

"Hi, Bobbie, ready? You've had a rough month. I hear what people are
saying. I don't believe it. You're too sweet for something like that."

Faye said. "You have no idea. I was wondering if we could do a little
something extra...

***

Faye had the music in the Evo playing. It was a little too loud, but a
quick adjustment of the volume fixed that. She pulled into the
Freddie's and parked far from the store due to the lack of parking.
How does that girl get around without a car?

She had a cart and was weaving through the other customers. Soon she
had the eggs, chicken, and cheese. Ducking into the baking aisle, she
reached for the flour and saw a slender arm reach out for the same
bag. Faye locked eyes with Tim.

A gasp. "Bobbie. Your hair."

Shit, Tim. Faye looked at him, daring him to say something else.

"Bobbie, I.. I..."

"You what?" She smacked him on the head.

"Ow!"

"No, hold your head like this." She made to smack him again.

Tim smiled. Faye didn't.

"Look, Roxx? Seriously?... You think I even want to see you right
now?"

"It wasn't like that at all," Tim blurted. "She was there, and she was
just..." Tim started to tear up. "I told her no." His voice cracked. "It
was weird."

"I miss you." He looked away, hoping to reabsorb the moisture.

Faye rolled her eyes. She'd heard it all in the past year, but she'd
never seen crying used in this way before. Boys, geez. "Look, this
isn't a good time, really. I can't miss you if you don't go away, can
I?"

Tim grabbed the flour he was reaching for.

"Sorry, Bobbie." He lowered his voice. "I'm so sorry."

"Yeah, yeah. I'm sure. I'm also sure that I'll stop missing you after
I take a couple of warning shots. I've got to go."

Faye spun the cart around. "Tim," Faye said. She removed Bobbie's
necklace and put it in his hand. "Seriously, I'm going to need time."
She pushed the cart away quickly. She didn't see him grip the charm in
his hand.

Put his hand to his face.

And sob. Right over the flour in his lap.

She was in the checkout when the cashier looked at her too long.
"Angel, alright." He winked creepily. Faye paid the total and left,
piling the groceries into the car. She saw Tim leave the store from
the tinted windshield. He was still crying.

Oh, Faye realized, so it's not an act?

What's Bobbie gonna do? That moment slammed the realization that she
was Bobbie home.

What am I gonna do? FUCK! She honked the horn, irritated. Faye looked
up as Tim looked toward the EVO. She started the car and did her best
Tokyo Drift to get away.

Chapter 41

Faye returned home, ready to start packing Bobbie for the shoot. She
was three steps in the door when Bobbie shrieked.

"What did you do to my hair?"

"What," Faye said, grabbing at the blue peek a boo that imbued her
right side. "It's blue, works great with your eyes. Frankie approved..."

"I didn't. Dammit, Faye."

"Hey, I don't know how long I'm in here. I can decorate the walls a
little."

"Besides-" She turned her head back and forth. "I think it's hot."

Bobbie had to agree, she still would have liked to have a say in the
matter.

Faye made some sandwiches with the leftover meatloaf and went to pack
her suitcase for Bobbie's weekend at Mt. Forbes.

"I saw Tim at the store."

"That's nice." Bobbie flung her hand up nonchalantly. "Screw him.
After..."

Faye cut her off. "I don't think that you know the whole story. He was
crying for fuck's sake."

"He does that, still don't know why."

Faye was folding and moving things in the suitcase. Satisfied that she
could pack no more and had everything, she closed the hard sided
luggage and zipped it shut.

Nick didn't return home for dinner. He sent a text straight to
Bobbie's phone:

Sav me dnr, pls :)

Faye looked at the phone. "Okay. I think we are almost ready. You, my
dear, need to turn in early. Rach will probably make you drive, at
least part of the way."

Bobbie looked at Faye. "I... don't know how to ."

Faye shook her head, the blue streak moving like a water spout.
"Fucking great. Just tell her you're sick or something. I don't know,
cramps?"

Bobbie ran a hand through her hair. This is gonna be a long weekend.

Faye and Bobbie ate leftovers that night while Faye went through the
final checklist.

"Faye, I think I've got this," Bobbie said, hoping that Faye would
stop droning on about the minutiae of her life.

"You better hope so," Faye replied. "I don't want to make a decision
on which body to stab."

They went to bed that night feeling anxious.

Rachel rolled up in the SUV early, the sun was barely breaking over
the horizon when she honked. Bobbie sat up quickly, only to find that
Faye had taken care of the morning caffeine duties. She handed Bobbie
two egg sandwiches wrapped in yellow paper. "Break a leg, Faye."

"Sure thing, Bobbie."

***

Faye watched Bobbie hug Rach and get into the gas guzzler. She waved,
Bobbie and Rach waved back. Remember, It's a rental... She felt the fear
as the vehicle disappeared. Rach, the shoot, anything could go wrong.
Given the last couple of days, anything already had. Looking across
the street, she saw an older woman. Her hair was white, her eyes
clear. She felt rather than saw the ankle give way.

She tumbled to the ground roughly. Faye was across the street in the
space of two breaths.

"You okay, ma'am?" Ma'am?

"Yes, I'm fine. Thanks. Could you?.." She raised her hand. Bobbie
helped the woman up. Looking down she saw that the ankle was starting
to swell lightly. The woman hopped on her one good foot for a second.
Faye helped her to a white resin chair.

"That never happens. Getting old I guess."

***

Rachel was singing along with whatever song was on the radio, and it
was terrible. Dogs heads were exploding from as far as fifty feet away
in Bobbie's mind. She tried to tune out the new darknesses NOW IN
COLOR!!. But she couldn't, it was drawing her attention like never
before. The reds, pinks, and greens were richly hued, the shadows
making a ballet of darkness and color. Everyone's was different.
Rachel's was a bundle of streamers, like those found on a children's
bicycle, flapping in the breeze.

"What's wrong, sugar tits?" Rach asked, causing Bobbie to burst out
laughing. She never thought anyone ever said that in real life, only
in reel life. She burst out laughing, causing said tits to bounce up
and down. Rach scrunched up her face, barely paying attention to the
scant traffic. Faye had never laughed like that, her movements
strange. Faye covered her mouth as she tried to get some composure.
"Jeez, Fay-fay, blunts for breakfast? What did Bobbie put in that
sandwich?" She eyed the other, paper wrapped package. There was no
reason for Faye to laugh like that. 'Sugar tits' had faded into the
private slang they used when alone.

"Must be tired, I guess," Bobbie said, stifling titters. "I'm just
gonna get some sleep."

"Okay," Rach took her right hand off of the steering wheel and touched
the back of her girlfriend's neck. Bobbie shivered.

"You need a blanket, babe?" Rach smiled.

"No, I'm fine," Bobbie said. Curling herself into a semi ball. It was
quick, Bobbie drifting off to sleep by the subtle rocking and swaying
of the car.

Bobbie sighed. I'm never gonna figure this out...

Rachel looked over at the girl that got into her heart. This crazy
girl that used to be a guy. Almost no sign of guy left in her now. She
spied Faye's sleeping form. Rach admired the lines and curves of her
body. She could see Michaelangelo's and Donatello's unmistakable
influences, but something more.

A heart. It was hard for Rach to believe that Faye had ever been a
guy. From the moment she'd run her old bike into her in the middle of
the path, she was smitten. Now, Faye was hers.

Being with Faye was different, Rach mused. There were more than enough
boys who had tried to make a run at her. Yuck! But, she had always
known that she wasn't interested in them. She didn't want to be her
mother, some trophy wife who sold pottery at street fairs. The idea of
being like her father caused a full body shudder, there's more to life
than money.

Faye was her ticket out, her chance to be something different.

And, after this weekend, she'll know how different.

The bouncy vehicle changed lanes to exit the freeway. Mt. Forbes crept
across the windshield from the right, the midday sun slowly creeping
behind the craggy peak.

***

June laughed. "My husband was drunk, and he grabbed me and jumped in
the pool," Faye laughed. "Ruined my makeup," She took another bite of
the oatmeal cookie. "These remind me of my grandmother's. You know,
Bobbie. I like you, you're not like the other people, here on this
block."

June got up and headed for the house. "I'm going to a doctor's
appointment. I would have been late if you hadn't been there to make
sure I was okay. Nice to see kids helping people these days."

Faye smiled. "Just lucky, I guess," She felt a warmth, a fuzziness.
Her usually hardened core, molten, like perfect caramel. "You going to
be okay?"

June waved. "Yes, yes. Before you go, though. One question."

"Sure."

"What's with the blue hair?" She chortled. "I swear, you kids today
and your hip hop..."

Faye grabbed at the blue strands. "Brings out my eyes."

"Well, it does that," June laughed. "You have a nice day."

Faye went back to the house. She didn't recall feeling this good
without wiping the floor with basement dwellers, or a forty ounce Red
Bull. She watched as June drove her car away in the same direction
Rach had used earlier. Entering the house, she started thinking about
dinner. There was chicken, vegetables...

The rumbling mass of Detroit steel that made up Nick's Camaro crunched
and popped into the driveway. It's suspension making noises it wasn't
meant to. Nick came in, looking like he hadn't slept.

"Hey, Bobbie. Faye leave already?" He asked as he watched her... well,
dance was the best way to put it. There was a grace to Bobbie's
movements. More than feline or ninja, yet containing pieces of both.

Faye turned quickly, grabbing the counter to stop her spin. "Hey,
Nick."

Nick looked at Faye, noticing the blue streak. He chuckled. "Like the
color, Bobbie. Looks like Faye's starting to rub off on you," Nick
watched the humor disappear from her eyes and turn into a stare that
would stab the sun.

Grabbing a controller, Faye tossed the other one at Nick's head.
Surprisingly, there was an almost magical catch.

The glare continued. "Defend yourself, infidel."

***

Tim was crying again. Staring at the necklace and the scabs on his
torn knuckles, he shut off the radio. It seemed like he was crying
more now, every song on the radio attacking him again in a new and
interesting way.

"Fuckin' Roxx."

Roxx! Tim suddenly remembered the joint she left. He looked for it. He
used a book of matches from an old closed hotel to light it. Within
moments, he was getting high. Just to not feel.

He started to raid the liqueurs that helped form the flavoring base
for the frosting. He hadn't had a drink since...

Bobbie...

He hit the joint again, the paper burning his fingers.

He was freely swigging from a bottle of 99 Bananas, he decided what he
was going to do.

Tim had seen Bobbie drive off from Freddie's in the car that model
chick drove. Some anime name. Faye Valentine. He figured out where she
lived shortly after that. Then the crying started, again...Always again.

He grabbed his radio, and started walking. He was still crying. And he
didn't care. He'd tell her everything. What could he possibly have to
lose?

Chapter 42

Faye was starting another batch of cookies. Oatmeal raisin. Next,
sugar cookies with frosting. Suddenly the ideas were coming ...

Faye watched June's car head back into the driveway. She walked
quickly inside, no sign of the earlier ankle injury. She smiled, she'd
felt good all day. She grabbed a Red Bull and hesitated, putting it
back. The smell of Faye's baking binge filled the room.

She made to take some of the freshly cookies to June, putting it on a
plate. Faye was barely out the door when, from the direction Rach,
Bobbie and June had left, she heard it and saw it.

Every time I think of you

I get a shot right through

To a bolt of blue.

Tim.

He was staggering, but made good time toward Faye. She froze.

"Bobbie!" Tim slurred. "I'm sorry, you don't understand what..." He
swayed, he was covered in sweat. His tongue worked thickly. "You.
Belong. With Me!" He yelled, dropping the radio, he fell forward on
her. Faye caught him, just barely. He couldn't stop crying. Faye was
annoyed, but wasn't sure why. She could smell the marijuana and
bananas.

Pulling her hair over one shoulder, she said. "C'mon, let's get you
inside."

Faye, what the fuck are you doing?

She looked across the street. June waved from the door. She waved
back.

Helping?

*****

Bobbie was checking into her room, the bellboy wasn't even upset that
he hadn't been tipped, especially when Rachel started making out with
Bobbie. It was different from how it felt when Mary had kissed her.
There was no tension, no hesitation. Rach's kiss reminded Bobbie of
Tim's somehow, not in any readily apparent way. But there was
something. Hands hovered downwards, teasing her skin with the promise
of touch, only to be pulled away at the last second. Rach was nearly
mummified by the ribbons of her darkness? What is it now?

She threw her bags on the bed, Rachel told her that she was going off
to get a few runs in while the snow was still there. Another kiss and
a nibble of an earlobe

Bobbie had been told that she(no, Faye.) was supposed to meet the
photographer and the other models in the lounge.

Bobbie showered to get the six hours of sitting in a car with Rachel
off of her, there were shreds of lettuce and cheese in her cleavage
from the tacos and burgers that constituted the ride. Bobbie writhed
with the energy only a half gallon of Red Bull and Mountain Dew can
bestow. She stripped off the ensemble Faye had dressed her in before
leaving.

Wow! She looked into the bathroom, It looked like someone had moved it
from a movie set. She turned the shower on and was greeted by six
massage nozzles. Water was spraying her body from every angle. Bobbie
noticed the shower radio, found a dance pop station and let the shower
gel do the rest. Everything felt so amazing, she remembered vaguely
how everything used to taste, now her sense of touch was just as
acute. Bobbie took so long cleaning that the deejay had changed.

She slipped on one of the color coded outfits Faye had laid out. The
vinyl top with the purple stitching. Jeans so tight, Bobbie considered
buttering them before trying to slide them on, and the classic purple
Chuck Taylors. She grabbed the mint from the pillow, she spat out the
thing just before it dissolved into buttery, sugary goo.

Checking for her keycard, Bobbie took a deep breath. Ok, okay. You can
do this, you can do this. I must not fear, fear is the mind killer...

She headed out the door and down to the lounge. Hoping like hell that
this crazy plan would work. Walking down the hall towards the
elevator, she saw the bellboy from earlier. He smiled at her with an
appreciative leer. Bobbie smiled back, offering a wink as she entered
the elevator.

She was rubbing her breasts thoughtlessly as the metal car sped down
the shaft.

*****

Faye couldn't believe that this guy was melting down in front of her.
"I hate that bitch," He was speaking slowly, trying so hard to
enunciate.

"Roxx she...she," Tim looked at Faye with his sad eyes.

"I know, and..." Faye tried to put on Bobbie's angry face, only to
realize she'd never seen the expression. She began to wag her finger
at Tim.

"She forged my mom's signature to let me drop out," He wiped at his
eyes. "Goddammit!" Tim growled, pounding his fist into his leg.

Faye raised her eyebrow. She didn't know that, that explained nothing.
"What is up with all the crying? It's making it really hard to
understand you."

Tim sniffled. "Remember how I told you my dad and sister died?"

"It's my fault," He yelled," They were coming to pick me up. I was so
drunk, they said," He was wiping his eyes after nearly every other
word.

"My dad was pissed, and so was Stephanie. She was gonna let me have
it," He shakily pulled out his wallet and removed a folded green piece
of paper. He carefully unfolded it. The fold lines much lighter than
the rest of the paper. There was a rainbow on the front, crudely
drawn.

He opened the paper towards Bobbie, and read, knowing the words from
uncounted readings. "Dear Tim, I love you and I miss you. I want you
to not drink, okay. I'll play with you, you don't need them," Tim was
sobbing heavily. "They found that in the wreck. I never got to say I'm
sorry. I wanted to play with her again," He put his face in his hands.
"By the time I sobered up, Mom had already identified the bodies. My
dumb ass kept partying. Stoned, drunk, having a great time. .," He
couldn't look up, his shoulders moving up and down like an oil
derrick.

"I never told anyone," He said hoarsely. "I don't even think Mom
knows. You see the way she acts. That's my fault. If only... If..."

Jesus. Faye wanted to cry for him. Just so he'd stop.

"Then it just got worse. I just wanted to be high. No, I needed to. I
didn't want to feel like that. I didn't wanna feel anything."

Tim's eyes met Faye's.

"Then one day. " He grabbed her hand. "This beautiful young woman came
up to me with a cupcake," He smiled.

"And my life was never the same again. I never wanted Roxx. I want
you. I threw Roxx out. She rubbed frosting on my cock for god sakes. I
was upset she was cheating on Kim. Next thing I know, you're walking
in the door, I can't think straight, I can't talk. I never said, 'hey
Roxx, How about a handjob. Use that frosting over there.'"

He laughed. "And it wasn't mixed right. It was all gritty. The stupid
things you think of, huh?"

Faye laughed out loud.

"If anything, she attacked me. I could never hurt you, Bobbie."

The corners of his mouth turned up. "You don't get it, do you?" He
touched her face.

"Bobbie. You mean more to me than...well, anything. " He looked deep
into her eyes.

Faye looked at Tim. That's horrible, no wonder... Awwww, poor guy. I
bet that it's just like he says it was. The accident, the drugs. Roxx.
She felt concern flare up, he had opened himself up to her completely.
It seemed like that was the final boss. He had let it out after
harboring it for just over a year. To watch everything fall apart and
not be able to reassemble it, she saw what Bobbie meant to him. Faye
admitted she kind of had to like him, too.

The pan-fried jerk.

"I'm sorry," Tim said. "Peas and carrots?"

"More like broccoli and beets," Faye shot back. Tim looked confused.

Faye wondered what Bobbie would do. She'd probably fold, what's the
worst that can happen?

Faye grabbed the plate of cookies and offered him one.

"Right as rain," Tim said eating the cookie slowly.

Faye was reminded of seeing the movie showtimes next to the grocery
sale in the paper. "Hey look, this probably isn't the best time. But.
There's a double feature tomorrow. Both Dawn of the Deads. We could
go," Faye regretted it instantly. Stupid, stupid, stupid...

Tim looked like he had been shot with adrenaline. His spine
straightened. "Really?"

Faye looked at his brown eyes. She knew what a girl like Roxx could do
to anyone like him, especially one so...not broken, but certainly
sprained for sure.

He certainly hadn't told Bobbie. Faye couldn't imagine having that in
her face every day.

"Yes , you stupid shit. Now, get out of here before I change my mind,"
Faye hugged Tim, she felt his heat and smell. The feeling of
closeness, she sagged against him.

Faye watched him walk out the door with a minimum of swaying. As the
door closed, Faye smacked her forehead. Bobbie's forehead.

What the hell did I just get myself into?

Chapter 43

Bobbie was aware of feeling warm. Warmer than usual. She didn't know
what it was, but the world was intense. Had been since the switch.
Well, Justice? Being a model is going to teach me a lesson? I don't
understand.

She walked up to the bar and was about to ask about her meeting when
she heard a deep voice from one side.

"Faye!" She looked over and saw the photographer. He was wearing a
pink shirt and a green vest. A tall man with perfect hair that
appeared to be combed with buttered toast, a large gold watch. And the
eyes of a serpent.

Literally. Bobbie noticed that he had contacts in. He raised his arm
and shook his glass of scotch. Bobbie went to the table.

"Mike Sobol," He offered his hand, Bobbie shook. His grip sweaty and
hot, the skin of her hand leapt at the joy of being touched.

" So," He began, his voice mellow. It was smooth and fake, like
Velveeta. "You're Allegra's new girl? First thing tomorrow morning..."He
slid an envelope toward her. "You're gonna take the lift to the top,
and we'll get the shoot done. Gonna be a busy weekend for me. Got
another shoot set up tomorrow night. Allegra says you're popular and
you work fast. I hope she's right," The waiter brought the Scotch. He
sipped at it, baring his teeth briefly.

"Lift tickets are in there, and well, eat away. Room service is on us.
Have fun," He slid an envelope across the table at her.

Bobbie took the envelope and looked into his snake eyes and grinned.
"Thanks," She said. "I guess I'll see you in the morning."

"You've got an early wake up call. Don't party too hard," Mike
chuckled, sipping his scotch again.

****

Faye was making a salad, something which surprised the hell out of
her. It still freaked her out a little that she knew the difference
between radicchio and endive. But, she shrugged it off as she tossed
the dressing into the mixed greens.

"Bobbie," Nick said. "When you came here to stay. Faye didn't tell me
we were getting a wife," He chuckled.

Faye walked all the way into the living room for the sole purpose of
punching Nick in the arm. "Dinner's ready."

Nick rubbed his arm. "Owww. Hey, that area is like, permanently
bruised or something. I swear, you two have deadly accuracy."

"Faye's punched me a hundred times in that same spot."

Faye smiled. Good to know the Fayedar still works.

"Okay. What am I gonna do tomorrow night?" Nick said.

Faye looked puzzled at him.

"Your big date? You're not gonna be here. I mean, you're going to
leave me alone with all those leftovers?"

Shit, must have let that slip. Good thing he said something.

"Yeah. I'll just take a bite out of everything in the refrigerator,"
Faye said, scrunching up her nose. "I've already licked the rims of
all the bottles," Nick laughed.

"Well, Nick. You wanna hurry up and eat? There's basement virgins for
us to take to school."

"You've totally been hanging around Faye too long."

"You have no idea."

Faye and Nick ruled the leaderboards for the next few hours. For Nick,
it was like old times with Kane. For Faye, it was like it used to be,
with more boobs. The anime jokes and references flew back and forth
between Nick and Faye. They played and laughed, their trash talk
causing laughter. Even the defeated were laughing through their Dorito
stained tears. Much Mountain Dew was spluttered over control pads.
Even digitally, Faye had a way of making people all sticky.

"Bobbie," Nick said, stretching. "That was a good session," Faye held
up a hand. Nick high fived her.

"They'll think twice before messing with the Dynamic Duo again," Faye
said, forgetting the swap. The last year just kind of vanished, The
Nick that Faye remembered from the Kane days. She smiled broadly, eyes
beaming. It was nice not having too much being piled on for a change.

"Well, time for me to be hittin' the ol' dusty trail," Nick said. Faye
noticed that he looked younger, the crow's feet gone. His eyes clear.
She just wanted to cry. There he was, the old Nick.

They'd spent time together, just like the good old days. And, just
like the good old days.

They spent it playing games, and talking about nothing.

Faye wouldn't have had it any other way.

She went to bed that night staring at the spot where Nick had
disappeared around the corner, happy to have gotten one more night
with her best friend in the world.

The way it used to be. She closed her eyes and fell into sleep.
Unconsciousness beckoned with a new lightness. Even worried about
Tim's date with her, the lightness carried her off into slumber.

***

CLANG!!

Faye looked around. She had a chill. The place was cold, antiseptic,
yet warmly lit.

...And then Bobbie appeared in a robe.

"Bobbie? What the hell?" But one look into her eyes told her that It
wasn't Bobbie that appeared Before her.

"No, thrall," Justice said distastefully. "Not Bobbie."

"Oh," She said. "You're the one behind this. Well then..."

Faye bolted for the blonde in front of her, hands raised. Abruptly,
and against the law of inertia, she stopped cold.

"I'll..."

"You will what, thrall? Your dark matriarch will not help you here."

"Dark...?" Faye's eyebrows attempted to touch each other. "Lust? Oh,
hell no," Faye twisted her face into a snarl. "Thrall? Bitch, you
don't know me. This lowly human beat her with nothing but my wits. You
want some too?"Faye was suddenly able to move, slowly. Letting her
hands drop was like watching things fall on the moon.

Justice looked at her quizzically. "Is that all? No speech about
freewill and how we need each other?"

Faye scoffed. "Why? We don't. Lust took everything from me, and I got
it back. I fought so hard," Feeling gravity return to normal, Faye
shook her head. 'You know this doesn't make any sense, right? I mean
Bobbie doesn't deserve this. She's too sweet and nice. I don't know
what he was like, but you took away his identity. Surprised she hasn't
fought you tooth and claw."

"When I found Robb, he was dying of a gunshot wound. A drug addict,
look at the person Bobbie became."

"Yeah," Faye countered. "Think you can do better? Take your best shot.
Lust couldn't turn me into a nympho, so I don't like your chances with
this Suzie-homemaker bullshit."

"Suzie Homemaker?" Justice asked. "Oh," Realization spread. "The
cooking? That was her choice. It was the first thing she did to make
herself happy. Everything she is, she made herself."

Faye rolled her eyes.

Justice cocked her head. "Have you considered that this might help
both of you?"

"Hah. Like I told Bobbie, any lesson I can teach can't be a good
thing."

"That is exactly the point. You will not understand yet..."

Faye knitted her eyebrows and cut her off. "How does this work with
you? Bobbie doesn't seem to have a clue sometimes. Then, out of
nowhere, she starts helping people."

"I cannot tell her everything. Believe me, it is sometimes frustrating
to watch. If I told her what she truly was, she would shrink away from
everything she's supposed to do."

"And that is?

"Ah ah," Justice wagged her finger. "If someone came to your village
and said 'Only you can slay the dragon.' What would you say?"

"Yes, pass me that sword?" Justice stopped wagging and started
pointing. "Or would you run and hide?"

Faye inhaled and exhaled. "You have a point," She slumped

"I will admit it is taking her longer than I would like, but this
should speed things along nicely."

"You were right about one thing, thrall. No one should find out about
where you are."

"Really, Doctor? That's my plan," She raised her arms and let them
slap on her legs. "Keep it all quiet until," She pointed at Justice.
"...you switch us back. Don't worry about me," She jerked her thumb at
herself. "This girl don't break. One question, though. How long is
this gonna go on? I appreciate what you're trying to do here, I think.
But, this..." She indicated her body. "Isn't me. And I'd kind of like to
be back in my own underwear before too long. How long are we stuck
like this?"

"Until she learns what she is fighting against," Justice turned and
looked at Faye with great consternation. Her face sagged, becoming
less hard."You are different from the others I've met."

"Yeah? Well let's just say that I've ridden this horse before. Much
easier a second time."

"I misjudged you. You are not the hedonist your kind usually are,"
Justice said.

"Oh, I wouldn't go that far," Faye smiled. "Like I said, you don't
know me. But, I'm not heartless. I'm not her plaything anymore."

"Then, accept my apologies....Faye."

"Faye. I could give you your old life back when this is over," Justice
opened her mouth to continue,

"Look, Justice. I know you're trying to be helpful and put things
right the way you see it. But, My old life? What old life do I have to
go back to? This isn't much, but I've given up everything just to
survive as a girl. And there's no goddamn way I'm going to let you
take away everything I've worked for, the friend's I've fought to
find, just so you can hit the world's biggest reset button to ease
your guilty conscience!"

"Kane's gone. But, Faye remains. It's okay. It really is. I've come to
grips with what I am. Bobbie'll figure it out, she's a smart girl.
We're tougher than our delicate feminine looks belie."

Justice gave a knowing look and a nod of approval. "Sometimes you
people still amaze me after all this time."

"That's me," Faye said. "Amazing. Always, with a dash of awesome," She
flashed her smile again.

"Good luck, then."

"Faye."

CLANG!

*****

Faye woke to the familiar smells of breakfast. Bacon, maple, and a
slight burning smell. Quickly dressing in Bobbie's Marvin the Martian
sleep pants, she heard the sizzling. Looking up, she noticed that the
smoke alarm had been removed. Coming around the corner, She saw Nick.
He was running back and forth as his hair was on fire. That would have
accounted for the smell. Looking around, Faye saw a plate full of
partially blackened bacon, one of pancakes with inkblots of burns, and
one empty one. That one was waiting for the eggs that Nick was burning
with great care.

"Morning, Bobbie. Coffee's ready, this is almost done, and..." He
grabbed the pan too close to the hot surface. "Son of a... He dropped
the pan.

"Run it under cold water. Right now," Bobbie called, running in to
turn off the flame and transferring them to the plate."

"Shit, that's gonna blister," Nick said, looking at the welt starting
to form on his hand. "Thought I could do this, but..." He put his hand
back under the water. "How do you juggle all this? Oh, nevermind," He
smiled at Bobbie broadly. "I wanted to make you breakfast today. I
mean, you have that date tonight..."

Faye smiled. Sappy bastard, Wonder how Bobbie's doing up there with
Rach?

"Faye called me earlier. She's fine, she said something about hair and
makeup for the shoot. She asked how you were. And I said you were
asleep. She always forgets to call, seems weird she remembered this
time."

Turning off the water, Nick looked at Faye. "Maybe this won't blister
too badly," He grabbed a plate and served himself some of the fruits
of his labor. Faye poured herself some coffee, and ate some of Nick's
burned first attempt at breakfast.

"Thanks, Nick. For breakfast, I mean."

"No problem. I'm all set to give you a ride when you need it. Tim
texted me this morning."

Nick ate everything on his plate, as did Faye. The burnt spots took on
a different flavor. As Nick moved his plate to the sink. Faye silently
moved across the room.

"Let me see that hand," Faye grabbed his hand, twisting it so she
could see. "Yeah," she grimaced. "Might blister."

Faye dropped his hand and hugged Nick. "I know you've been through a
lot, Faye must have put you through the wringer more than once."

Nick returned the hug, he closed his eyes.

"Bobbie, you have no idea. But I endure. Meeting people like you makes
the whole thing worth it."

Faye softened. He still cares about me that much? Even after all
that's happened?

Nick, I love you too, man.

Chapter 44

Bobbie was up early. The anticipation was killing her. Trying not to
wake Rach, she dressed and snuck out of the room like an assassin in
the night. Riding the elevator down, she gripped the metal rail.
Hoping that the nervousness would drain out of her the way electricity
flowed to the ground.

Looking at her reflection in the metal surface of the elevator door
Bobbie started realizing the problem. She was trying way too hard to
be Faye. She needed to let it come naturally. The elevator opened, a
bellboy stood there, stunned by her presence in the elevator. Okay,
okay. What would Faye do?

Quickly, Bobbie flipped up her top, baring the tiny purple bra that
covered her nipples, and not much else. The poor kid's jaw nearly hit
the floor. Bobbie didn't see the rest because the door had closed. The
look on his face... No one's gonna believe him, best tip he'll get
today.

That wasn't so bad. There was less nervousness abruptly, followed by
exhilaration. Looking at her face in the mirror again, she knew what
she needed.

Bobbie grabbed a quick espresso from the coffee bar. The heat from the
caffeine warmed her core. She stepped out into darkness. The sun
hadn't come up yet, but the snow machines were already working; laying
the thick layer of powder down, as they had been all night, their
noise in the distance. She looked in wonder. It never snowed this much
in Delacroix. The icy morning had extra snap. She didn't know if it
was giddiness, fear, or what... But she felt feverish, like her body was
radiating extra heat. The snow jacket came off immediately. There was
no sweat, Bobbie turned into the distance and headed for the lifts.

Once there, she calculated the complex geometry of entry, Bobbie felt
the seat scoop her up and begin trundling its way to the top of the
mountain. It was kind of scary. Watching the world below her slide by
whilst suspended by a single, slender cable, the seat jumped under her
as the chair passed the first sheave. It wasn't really cold, but the
amount of snow did cause a slight chill. Bobbie's unusual feverishness
cut right through it. Awash in a river of endorphins and conflicting
feelings, the trees passed by blackly in the morning's purple, velvety
night.

When she got to the top after an interminably long time, she saw the
tents off to her left, a snowmobile sat idly between them. Bobbie
ambled in their direction, flagellating currents of wind cooling her
exposed skin. She walked into the nearest one, peeking her head in
first. The inside was almost hallucinatory. There were two people
running around stocking makeup tables, setting up mirrors, and
unfolding chairs. She recognized one as Mike. The other was a thin
redhead with sharp features and a commanding presence, she turned to
Bobbie.

"Ye must be Faye, I didnae think you'd be so eerly," She offered her
hand. "Ailie MacTaggart, the poor lass what got stuck runnin' this
fookin' gig solo."

"You guys need help?" Bobbie asked. "I mean setting up. I'm kind of
anxious. Be good to clear my head," Bobbie said, seeing blues and
yellows quivering so fast that they could vibrate through solid
matter.

"Nay, finished up in here," Ailie said. "Mike?"

"Nah," Mike said, Bobbie noticed his eyes were hazel. Makes sense he
wouldn't wear the contacts today. He laughed slightly. "We're about
done. So glad you're not a diva," He ducked out of the tent. "I'm
gonna set up the tripods. Just let Ailie know if you need anything."

As she watched Mike leave, Ailie swigged coffee from her cup. "Well,
since ye're the first one te arrive, what say we get started on ye?"

Bobbie stripped her shirt off. Is it hot in here or is it me? C'mon,
can we just get this over with already. Bobbie moved herself into the
chair.

"Well, this is what ye'll be wearin'," Ailie pulled out a hanger that
looked like an outfit more at home on a girl raised by wolves. "I
guess thee're lookin' for the 'wild child' thing."

Bobbie was stunned by the skimpiness of the garment. It barely would
cover the front of the breasts she currently called her own. Both the
breast coverings and bottom had a caramel colored animal skinlike
material. "Does it have a headdress with little ears on it, too?"

Ailie laughed. "Aye, there is," Bobbie groaned inwardly. "Yoo're
sharper, than the other lasses."

Bobbie smiled at the compliment as she climbed in the chair. "Well,
I'm smart enough to know which what side of my bread gets the
Marmite."

"Hah. What would you know about tha'?" Ailie asked.

"Girl's gotta keep some secrets."

***

Tim was shaving very carefully. In fact, everything he was doing today
was careful. He had talked to Grrl Army and postponed the Grand
Opening. He had even gone so far as to tell Bella everything that had
happened. He brought some cupcakes and waited until she was eating
them before telling her. To his surprise, he didn't break down. His
eyes stayed Ben Stein dry.

The suit he wore to the Winter Ball had been cleaned and the creases
were sharp enough to cut diamonds. He only owned the one tie. He
somehow knew Bobbie would be wearing blue, she always worked it in
somewhere. He looked into the living room to see his mother sitting
there, the same threadbare blanket around her legs. He wished he knew
what to do about her. I'll wind up taking care of her, as well I
should. This is my fault, no one else's. Don't know why she has to pay
for it so much.

Tim looked impatiently at the clock, Bobbie wasn't due for a few hours
yet. He was more nervous now than when he had told her how he felt. He
needed to be Iron Man today, not Tony Stark. Definitely need the suit
today.

He was in the kitchen, prepping everything for when Bobbie came over.
Nope, gonna make this perfect. The shopping was done, he just needed
to get the rest of the stuff up to the roof...

***

Faye was rummaging through both Bobbie's bag, and Rachel's infamous
'bag of fun'. She had to try to help Tim, she wanted the time she
spent in Bobbie's body to be smooth. She didn't want any weirdness
when they switched back. Rachel's bag yielded a shimmery blue sheath
dress, Bobbie's had a strapless bra and underwear. She had an idea of
what she was going to wear. Goddamit, Tim. You better appreciate this.
And Bobbie, you're gonna owe me free cupcakes forever.

Nick looked at the plate containing a sandwich with a bite missing
from it. He laughed, grabbed the plate and took a bite just as Faye
walked into the room.

"Just gonna eat it anyway, huh?" Faye asked. Nick smiled, flecks of
spinach and mayonnaise showing in his teeth.

"Yeah. I drank from the milk last night and didn't get sick, so I
figured I was ok."

"Well, I did have all my shots. So, you gonna need the shower or
anything? I need to start getting ready."

"No problem, just let me know when you're ready, and I'll get you
there," Nick looked at Faye, and into Bobbie.

***

Bobbie was happy to have the tickle of hair back by her bra strap.
Ailie had gone to work, she had put in temporary hair extensions and
covered up the purple streak. Her eyes seemed to burst with the
addition of the silver glitter to her cheekbones and the vertical red
lines that trailed down from her eyes. Bobbie looked in the mirror,
she turned her head to both sides. The headdress did in fact have
little wolf ears on it. Now that's more like it. She put a hand on her
hip, feeling the fur under her fingers. She had the look of a feral
child, one that was kept as David Bowie's pet. Bobbie absently stroked
the fur covering her breasts with one hand while scratching at her
back with the other.

"Ye've got it, lass. This should be fun," Bobbie noticed that Ailie's
yellow ribbons were gone, her colors muted back into the world. Bobbie
smiled.

When Bobbie went out into the snow, the sun had come up, casting an
unearthly glow from the ground. She saw Mike over by the lights and
bounce boards. The snow felt good against her body, keeping her
focused on the task at hand.

"Okay, Faye. I just need you over there and we'll get started," There
was a snowboard with a large white wolf graphic on it.

Bobbie took the position by the board, the lights came on. The bright
illumination making her skin feel even hotter, as if that were
possible. Mike gave the signal and Bobbie started to run through the
pose reel that Faye taught her, careful to not get too wet from the
melting snow.

The shutter on Mike's camera opened and closed with the rapidity of a
machine gun. It was over almost before it began. The light in her eyes
combined with the snow was blinding. Bobbie just moved her body,
keeping the vague bloblike shape she thought was Mike roughly
centered.

"GREAT!" Mike's voice called. Someone ran forward with a blanket and a
cup of coffee. Coming closer, Bobbie noticed it was Ailie.

Bobbie had the blanket on her shoulders and the cup in her hands. She
did not shiver, in fact the chill water offered respite from the fever
that wasn't one. Red and green splotches pulsated in her line of
sight, they focused on the vehicle that had trucked all of Mike's
photo gear up the hill.

It was a fairly large snowmobile. Mike was already standing over the
vehicle, booting up his MacBook and plugging his camera into the side.
Within moments, Mike had access to all the pictures. Bobbie and Ailie
both made their way to him in short order.

"Damn, Allegra said you work fast, but you didn't even need
direction," Mike had been a photographer for years, but the 'perfect
shoot' still eluded him. He scrolled from one nearly perfect frame
after another. "How are you not on every magazine cover?"

"School is very important," Bobbie said, although she could give it up
for this. Obviously, she had a knack for it. Wow, Faye could have it
all... why doesn't she?

"Ah, school first. Smart lass," Ailie said, Breaking the silence.
"Yoo're photos astound."

Bobbie didn't see what they were talking about. They looked plain and
boring to her, recycled from every modeling shoot since time began.
Seeing the snowmobile, Bobbie had an idea.

"Who drove this thing?" Bobbie asked, rubbing a small piece of snow
into her back. The cold dousing the itch.

Mike looked at Bobbie. "Me? Oh, no. That was Ailie."

"Whee're I'm from, ye drive one of these or ye stay in," Ailie said,
smiling, the freckles on her face moving up slightly.

"God, I say we pack it up. I want some more sleep if I'm gonna do
everything else this weekend," Mike was disconnecting the camera from
the laptop.

Bobbie turned to the "Ailie? Up for a drive?"

"Sure, lass. What have ye in mind?" Ailie answered. Mike looked paler
as he nodded resignation.

***

Mike felt his colon attempting to crawl out of his urethra as the
snowmobile careened wildly down the Green Circle run. Somehow, Faye
had convinced him to let this madwoman drive him down the course while
riding sideways shooting. She wasn't a great snowboarder, but she
somehow managed to stay on top of the thing without falling. She
looked sideways at him, looking like she was having the most fun in
the world.

And, as with every other shot of her taken that day, it was flawless.

She needs to come to the night shoot. There's something about her.

***

Ailie's hair was blown away from her face as she twisted the
accelerator. She still wasn't used to the grip being on the right
side. But, steering was the same. She drove closer to the wolf girl.
Mike didn't look like he was feeling well, but he kept like his camera
still and shooting like the professional he was.

This girl was a mystery. Who the hell was she?

She saw big things for this one.

***

Bobbie was sliding over the snow, she crouched and hopped, trying like
hell to stay on top of the damn thing. She'd been lucky so far.
Leaning forward, she turned her face into the wind and splayed her
arms behind her. Looking up, she felt the wind cooling the rapidly
escalating heat inside her body. Bobbie never saw the mound of snow
that launched her aloft.

There was a sickening sensation that caused Bobbie to look down. Using
her left foot, she kicked the board out to her side and fumbled for a
second as she brought the flat surface back on the pristine, sloped
ground. Bobbie held it together for about five more seconds before
falling and rolling to a jarring halt. For a moment it looked like two
cats were fighting, until she stopped.

She laughed, long and loud. That was fun, Faye gets to do this all the
time. She looked at Mike, who was already rebooting his MacBook again.
His...colors? Darkness? Was almost gone, some traces of scarlet and
ochre remained. Ailie was the same, almost nothing. She was there
quickly with an open thermos of coffee and another blanket.

Bobbie swigged at the coffee. It tasted funny, there was a slight
sting....alcohol? Oh, no. She handed the coffee back and waited...

Nothing, just a slight warming in her belly. When the initial feeling
finally subsided, She handed Ailie back her spiked coffee and huddled
into the blanket while walking over to Mike.

"Holy Christmas. You... you are amazing Faye Valentine. I can't name
another model who'd do that if I asked them to, let alone come up with
that on her own. And that jump? I got both your face and the graphic
on the board in the same shot. And this one..."

The picture on the screen also showed the board, and her face... and
some errant snowflakes, creating an ethereal effect. Bobbie marveled.
Wow, that's a great picture.

"Faye," Mike said. "Look, remember when I said I had another shoot
this weekend? Well, after this, I'd like you to be there. Be at the
penthouse, tonight at seven."

Bobbie looked at Mike, then over at Ailie.

"Ye can trust him, lass. I'll be theere as well," Ailie smiled. "He
never makes last minute additions."

"Ye're special, Faye."

Bobbie wasn't sure if it was the alcohol, her higher than normal body
temperature, or pride in a job well done. But she felt warm and
tingly.

Still helping people. Not sure what your point is Justice, but this is
fun.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XIII

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Chapter 45

Myka sat quietly in the room, there had been some sound a minute
earlier. The buzz in her ears had started last year, just after the
accident. It was so hard to think through it. Some days it was just
easier to sleep on the couch. There was food, though she would be hard
pressed to remember much of anything. Tim was alive and taking care of
himself...

At least she hoped so.

There was that noise again. It meant something.

"Mom!." Tim huffed. "Didn't you hear the door?" She turned slowly to
him. His tie was around his neck, untied

"Oh...no, I didn't." He doesn't deserve this...

She heard him open the door, but the ringing in her ears started again.
Myka realized that they were still gone.

***

Tim dropped his tie clip when he saw her. Her body seemed to move like a
braided laser, her dress twisted and moved. After a moment of near
hypnosis as he saw the light patterns bend and play, Tim remembered to
invite her in.

Bobbie had teased her hair, going for volume rather than shine. The
dress had enough shine for both of them. She had large sunglasses on,
wire rims and oversized lenses. Heels completed the ensemble. He'd never
seen her in heels as high as this. Or in anything so tight. She removed
her sunglasses

"Ummm... Go ahead and have a seat. I'll be out in a minute. Didn't think
you'd be so early," Tim said, laughing nervously. Closing the door
behind her. "Yeah, she's..." He sighed. "She's having a day. I'll be right
back." He jogged back to his room, making the first of the two loops
that were required to produce a generic knot.

***

Faye looked at the room. The woman Bobbie mentioned, Myka sat under a
blanket. She looked at a small sphere of air directly in front of her.
She sat down right next to Myka.

Myka turned, as if Faye's sitting down disturbed the spiderweb of the
couch she had become attached to. "Hi, Bobbie."

She looked back. Verifying that Tim had disappeared.

"How are you? I mean, Really?" Faye asked.

Myka looked into the deep, blue eyes. "I...I..." She looked distant, not
really there.

"I know what it's like to lose everything." Faye said. "But it's how you
start over that counts. He needs you. Now more than ever, the bakery..."

"But..." she whispered. "It's my fault."

Faye raised her left eyebrow.

"When he called. I knew it was him. I already had the keys in my hand.
They both said 'No, I'll go.' I didn't think anything of it..."

Faye made Bobbie's face fall. First Tim told his story, then this
bombshell? It all seemed clear to Faye now. Colossal communication
breakdown.

"When they didn't come back after an hour I just thought they were
parked somewhere. Just talking." Myka's eyes began to well up with
tears. "After the third hour, and no one answered...When the phone rang.
I just stood there with the phone against my ear. 'No, that couldn't be
right. I just talked to them. When I went to pick him up, I didn't say a
word to him all the way home. I was just in shock. They were my world.
My whole world, and they were just... gone."

"Neither one of you dealt with this well," Faye said evenly. "And you
should have dealt with this together. Everyone chooses a path, their own
way of handling problems. And you both choose not to deal with it." Myka
arched a brow.

"Miz Flaherty." Faye put her hand on Myka's blanketed shoulder. "Myka."

"He blames himself, you know. He still has that card Stephanie made in
his wallet."

"He..." Myka's eyes went wide. Faye saw the irises shift open and closed.

"...blames."

***

Synapses and neurons fired in patterns not run in years. Myka suddenly
sat upright.

"No," she said with finality. "Not his fault."

Bobbie looked at Myka. "You need to tell him, then. He told me about
that night. He kept it bottled. Now you tell me this?"

"Bobbie." Myka blinked rapidly, shaking her head. "You're right... I need
to..."

"Okay, Bobbie," Tim called from the hallway. He looked like he did for
the Winter Ball."

Myka was up and dashing for Tim. She grabbed and hugged him close.

"Tim. It wasn't your fault, or mine. I... I..."

She backed up and looked at her son. He looked so grown up. So much like
his father, he looked older now. There was a look in his eyes, the look
of someone who looked inward and was unhappy with what he saw.

And Bobbie, who was this amazing girl?

And how was Tim so lucky?

"You two have fun tonight. I'll stay out of your way. But Tim. Tomorrow
morning, we need to talk." Myka smiled, happy to see her son happy.
Thanks Bobbie. Who are you, you angel?

***

Tim stood there, eyes like saucers. He jerked his head towards his
girlfriend. "What... How?"

She shook her head. "I'm gonna let you two figure that out tomorrow."

He looked back towards his mother. She was looking at the living room
and looking at the place like it was all new to her. Tim didn't know
what she had said. But, there's Bobbie doing her thing again...

"C'mon, Bobbie. Let's go upstairs."

"Upstairs?"

"Yeah," Tim started. "I've already done all the prep already. Thought
you'd enjoy dinner before the movie."

A look of trepidation crossed her face as she followed Tim up the
stairwell to the roof.

***

When Faye got upstairs, she was reminded of Lady and the Tramp. There
was a small table, replete with a black tablecloth, and chairs, and a
small radio that sat next to the propane grill. How in the hell had he
gotten that thing up here? Faye found herself smiling at the picture of
him trying to get the thing upstairs. Considering that the elevator
didn't go all the way to the top.

After pulling out her chair and letting her sit, Tim grabbed a white
chef's coat and went to work. "Bobbie. First, I want to apologize for
being drunk and just showing up at Faye's like that. That was the first
time I've had a drink since..." His face turned serious, yet caring. His
gestures were open, welcoming, his smile hinted of ultimate inner
knowledge.

"Since I met you, and we opened Cheepskates. I felt alive again, and
then all of this crap happened. I'm just sorry." He was using tongs to
get the steaks cooking in what looked like a saucepan. "There is no way
I'd be in anything like the shape I'm in now if it weren't for you. And
I have no idea what you said back there. You're like the person
whisperer. Everything works out for you eventually." He flipped the
steaks and started cooking bacon in a second pan.

"I know things have been bad lately, but I feel good about the future.
For the first time I think that we're all gonna be ok. He transferred
the steaks to a plate and started dumping little cups of things into the
pan. The one with the bacon got some green beans.

Faye looked out at Delacroix. She could smell what he was doing. Hmmm...
shallots and mushrooms. She turned back to him as he dumped something in
the pan and...

FWOOM! Faye jumped as a tongue of red orange flame leapt up into the
air. Tim shook the pan, the flames soon died down.

Putting the steaks back in to the pan, he covered it. Shaking something
into the other pan, he turned to her. "You're the absolute best thing
that ever happened to someone like me. How could I want to throw that
away for Roxx? Within minutes he had the two plates finished. There were
almost mathematically portioned amounts of the bacon cooked green beans
with what looked like almond slivers in them, a medium sized baked
potato wrapped in foil, and the steaks smothered in the sauce he had
cooked them in.

Faye looked at the plate, it was almost art, the arrangement of shallot
and mushroom and the positioning of the green beans left to the chaos of
the universe. Yet there was something deliberate about it, Faye could
see the effort he'd put into this. She softened as she watched him
remove the chef's coat. He filled her champagne flute with the sparkling
cider he kept in an ice bucket.

"Bobbie," Tim smiled. "I present to you Steak Diane, my dad taught me to
make this. Told me that it was the first thing he made mom." He sat down
with his own plate.

Faye looked at Tim from across the table. She looked into his eyes, all
the way in. If she spoke Na'vi, the phrase would mean 'I see you'.
Although that movie only made her want to punch every of those hippy
smurfs in the face, here she was. She finally understood the totality of
what that meant.

Tim's eyes showed the starcharts of his universe. His universe, galaxies
of memories; some good, some bad, some things causing unspeakable
conflagarations. The picture came into focus as though a holusion. Faye
saw the pieces of his life, where they had split and shattered. The
gigantic holes left behind by the losses he'd suffered, and the black
hole his mother had become.

Having been there somewhat, she knew where Bobbie's breaks were. How
things ended with his family, the girl who ruined him. How Robb's life
ended. It had been torture for him, Justice somehow managed to give a
second chance. From how things looked, it was the absolute best thing
that could have happened.

Faye cut into her steak, the meat was at the level of rarity that left
the red center chewy. The sauce was a detonation of flavor. The sauce,
combined with the steak, and the alternating textures of shallot and
mushroom pleasing every individual tastebud.

"Tim, this is...mmmph," Faye said, taking another bite, this one
accompanied by a bit of potato. He smiled at her. He loved to watch her
eat, the way she absorbed each bite. The way she seemed to file away
each detail for when someone needed help...

"Glad you like it." Tim set his fork down. He put his hand on hers.
"Bobbie..."

"You have to know what happened with Roxx wasn't anything I wanted. I
would have rather asked my mom to sign the papers. I meant what I said
before, when I was shitfaced. You do mean more to me than anything.
We're gonna fix all this."

"It's my turn to help you.

"Tim," Faye said. Trying to toe the line between what Bobbie would do,
and what Faye could do. "I know it wasn't your fault. It's just.
Everything came to a head that day. The video, Sylvia, then from all
that directly to you and Roxx."

Easy Faye, don't make any promises.

"Don't worry." Faye smiled. Glancing down, she had eaten everything.
"You're still my guy."

What the fuck was that?

Tim chuckled. "I'll give you my heart. Just don't give me a pen."

Faye put down her fork and looked back up, meeting his gaze again.
"Don't you think a pan would be more appropriate?"

Tim went into a full blown laugh. Faye laughed too, somehow feeling like
she missed the joke. The nervousness of her laughter lost in the joke
she almost got. A squeak cut through the laughter to reveal Myka.

She sniffed the air. "Steak Diane. Haven't had that in years. Did you
like it, Bobbie?"

Keeping her hand with Tim's, Faye turned her head. Flashing a winning
smile, she said. "Yes, I did. He's a wonderful cook."

Tim slid his hand away and was up. "Don't worry, Mom. I've got it. I
made extra. I just..." He stopped just short of putting the remainder of
the sauce on the steak. Tim looked back at Myka.

She smiled an atrophied smile. "Go ahead. Might as well go all the way."

"You okay, Mom?" Tim asked, setting the plate down at his old seat. Myka
sat across from Bobbie. "Yes." She said, looking at Bobbie. "For the
first time in a while. Yes, yes I am." Myka smiled, taking in the
picture of the man he had become.

And his girlfriend, she was amazing. Funny how some things work out.
Jack would have loved her. Stephanie, too... she smiled.

"Don't you two have a movie to catch?" Myka cut her steak. She ate
slowly, nodding approval. "I'll be fine, see you tomorrow. Take care of
her, Tim."

Wide eyed and slack jawed, Tim nodded and turned as he accompanied
Bobbie through the door and down into the street.

***

Bobbie was amazed she wasn't drunk. I guess Faye's body can handle it.
I'm supposed to see how she lives, right? Bobbie was interested and a
little excited to be able to experience that again. The itch on her back
was starting again, finally thawing from the case of near frostbite she
caused by holding chunks of snow over it.

The elevator car was sliding up the shaft, pushing down on Bobbie like
an invisible blanket. It stopped on the correct floor without any stops
this time. Bobbie strode out, still clad in only the furkini and hair
extensions. She knew she looked good, she'd just seen the pictures. The
whole wolf-girl thing was hotter than she thought. She'd been under the
impression that it would be far more annoying, lots of standing around
and being uncomfortable and bored.

And when she had suggested the snowboard run? She thought Mike was gonna
have turtles. But the pictures didn't lie. She pulled the keycard from
her left breast, which instantly seemed to wilt at the lack of touch.
Sliding the keycard into the slot caused a warming in her loins. The
click of the lock sounding surprisingly orgasmic. The door opened.

"That you, Faye-faye?" Rach was toweling her hair as she came around the
corner. "I freakin' love that shower. Man, they sure know how to treat..."
She stopped mid sentence and gasped. "Oh. My. God. You're fucking
gorgeous, babe."

Bobbie felt like she should blush. But instead of feeling the rising
heat, a cooling calm spread over her face." She smiled, tilting her head
demonically. Rach walked up to her and stroked a lock of her hair.

"Love the hair. I don't know why you don't ever grow it out." She
reached out around Bobbie's waist and stroked that covered her ass. "The
outfit? How anime of you." Rach giggled infectiously. She kissed Faye,
bending over slightly.

It was weird for Bobbie to be standing here with her tongue halfway down
Rach's throat. Just relax, Faye had to know something like this would
happen, right? But she hadn't said anything. Fuck it, I'm here and she
isn't. She noticed that the tension she felt around Mary was only a
memory. The tension was gone, the touch of alcohol still blazing in her
belly. All the blocks were gone. Her actions no longer dictated by what
she couldn't do. Rach spun away and went into her bag, coming out with a
bottle. "Stole this from home." Rach swung the bottle by its handle. It
was a bottle of Bulleit Bourbon. "Got some Coke from the vending machine
and..." Bobbie didn't hear the rest, she was watching Rach leer at her.

Bobbie came and grabbed the bottle. She opened and smelled it, it
smelled astringent, yet smooth. She raised it to her lips and took a
swig. It burned pleasantly all the way down. It was a pleasure to burn...

The buzz started to come on, and there was Rach. Completely naked, the
water on her skin combined with the colors she radiated caused another
warming beside the alcohol. "So, brave naked hunter," Bobbie whispered
breathily.

"Gonna hunt the big bad wolf?"

Rach coiled and leapt at Bobbie, knocking her onto the bed in a supine
position. Rach's face was there, millimeters. There was a sickly sweet
smell, one that Bobbie instantly paired with the lingering taste of
bourbon as Faye's girlfriend plastered her face onto her own.

Faye's just gonna have to deal. I mean, really? What else can I do here?

Rach was slowly sliding one of the furkini straps down a slender
shoulder, lightly kissing her way toward her neck. The buzz from Bourbon
dovetailed into the sensations of Rach starting to lose her mind as she
flipped.

"My what big teeth you have," Bobbie said.

Smiling, Rach said, "The better to eat you with my dear."

Bobbie wasn't able to keep track of much of anything for the next few
minutes. But the itch on her back seemed to start burning.

***

Kim was coughing as she stubbed out the cigarette halfway. She put the
half smoked cylinder back into her pack. She looked at the bottom of the
bottle. Only two left. Wish I knew where Roxx was. Roxx had all but
disappeared right after her mom threw Bobbie out. Bobbie? Kim thought
derisively. Hah. I bet Robb would have been more fun.

She spat thick mucus into a tissue and lay down. Jesus, must be smoking
too much. She knew Roxx would be around soon, she never stayed gone
long. She took one of the pills to help quell the burgeoning headache.
The small girl ran a hand over her sandpaperlike scalp as she took a
deep breath, resulting in another cough. The curtain of sleep soon came
down, making it impossible to notice the slight wheezing that rasped
under the shallow breathing of her voyage to dreamland.

***

Tim was talking about some of the strange people that had come in to the
bakery. Like the two cops, Officers Hudson and Hobson. Faye laughed at
that.

"They were two of the officers there when Daily Grind got broken into. I
swear, they know everything about cop movies." Tim smiled. "Life
imitates art, right?" It seemed that the two cops had become regular
customers, offering trivia references with a strange twist of fate. They
brought him coffee.

Tim laughed. "You'll meet 'em soon enough. With everything else that's
happened, I thought there was one thing..." He held up a finger. "...that
would cheer you up." He stopped on a dime, stopping Faye with him. He
looked up. The cup, clock, and saucer logo of Daily Grind thrust out
proudly above the glass doors.

"The new doors are much nicer, I really like the frosted work around the
border." Tim pointed out the tiny versions of the logo that sat at
jaunty angles at various points near the perimeter." Tim opened the door
and with a flourish of his hand waved Faye inside. Tim followed her and
pointed at the brand new, bigger pastry case that festooned the counter.
Tim's smile couldn't have gotten any bigger without tattooing it on.

"Tim, Bobbie. Hi." Gilda stood behind the counter. "Usuals?"

"Yes, ma'am." Tim reached into his back pocket for his wallet.

Gilda shook her head, "You two ride free today. Least I can do. You'll
have the order ready by Tuesday, right?"

"Gilda. You can count on it. Right, Bobbie?"

Faye looked at Tim, a little nervous. "Sure thing." She crooked her arm
and punched an invisible attacker in front of her stomach.

Within minutes, they had their beverages. Faye sipped at hers, what
strange beverage is this? It was like Faye thought it would be, sweet.
Surprisingly the raspberry flavor worked really well with Daily Grind's
special roast espresso. After a few sips, her full stomach began to
tingle as the caffeine did its wakening work.

Okay, Bobbie. I'll give you points for this one. The cup warmed one
hand, while Tim's warmed the other. Talk turned to zombies, and finally
Faye was thankful to have a conversational topic she could identify
with. They were discussing the finer points of post zombie afterscape
cuisine when they saw the marquee proudly proclaiming "Two Dawns, One
Ticket." Some people shambled about in zombie costumes, some in police
uniforms, and several sexy zombies. Two tickets greeted them at the box
office. Faye caught Tim looking like he was floating, and, come to think
of it, she couldn't remember the last time she felt the ground under her
feet. She smiled Bobbie's sweet smile, and understood what made some
girls so stupid.

And, as much as it killed her inner child, and doused the inferno of her
flames down to a mere blaze...

She kind of liked it.

Chapter 46

Bobbie was officially shitfaced, so was Rach. The half empty bottle
stood on top of the minibar next to the five empty cans of Coke. Rach
laughed. As Bobbie stumbled on her way to the kitchenette.

"Fay-fay, I've never asked you this... But, what was it like to be a guy?
You've never talked about it."

Bobbie swallowed hard, her dry mouth not making the activity simpler.
Faye had told her that she knew, and in her drunken state it all fell
out.

"Imagine being at the controls of a giant robot." Bobbie felt her eyes
glaze over. "You're walking through a gigantic city, fighting. All the
while you're fighting, doing good... You're destroying buildings, lives,
at least as much as you're saving. The fights keep coming, so do the
bodies."

"From outside all you can see is the impassive robot. But, inside..."

Rach looked puzzled. Giant Robots? What the hell?

Bobbie shook her head. "Sorry. Everyone expects you to be strong all the
time. And if you're not like everyone else they cast you aside. I never
really was cut out for it, so much. Guys and girls handle things
differently. Seems like I'm better at this..."

Rach watched her talk, there was something. Maybe it was the alcohol,
the furkini she was still wearing, the way the hair extensions caught
the light, or the glaze on her girlfriend's eyes giving the impression
of varnished wood. She got up and went for Bobbie.

Bobbie watched as Rach's colored ribbons became a blizzard of confetti.
She barely had time to refocus her her eyes before she was bowled over,
knocked sideways onto the bed. Rach's mouth was suddenly on hers, the
tongue probing. She felt a hand on one breast, her nipple between two
fingers. She remembered the times Mary had kissed her, how it had felt
wrong. It's different with Rach, there was a slight twinge of guilt that
was immediately relaxed away by Rach's caresses.

"I can't tell you how glad I am that you're not a guy," Rach said,
kissing her again. "I never would have met you." She smiled, bourbon and
coke odors emanating from her.

Bobbie smiled, Rach's hands found new purchase on the breasts she was
rapidly becoming accustomed to. She closed her eyes as she felt her neck
being kissed.

***

Rach was undressing Faye, she wanted her so badly right now. The hair,
the furkini, and the alcohol all mixed into a cocktail of arousal that
Rach had drunk without taking a breath. Faye must have felt it as well,
she seemed all clumsy. Her hands seemed to move awkwardly over the body
she should have known intimately by now. Weird, she's been acting
strange all weekend. Well, with Bobbie staying there, and school, and
who knows what all else?

You're lucky I love you. She looked down at Faye. The girl she loved,
through everything she may or may not have been.

Faye was hers.

***

Bobbie was overtaken by orgasm as she screamed like thunder, before she
could get her mind on top of it, another came. They were coming faster
and faster, and Rach seemed to have no intention of stopping. Soon, the
orgasms started to overlap each other, causing convulsions. The wild
bucking and thrashing finally subsided, leaving Bobbie wiped out. Rach
laughed at Bobbie as her eyes rolled up into the back of her head.
Thoughts of contentment flooded her mind. Since The Switch Bobbie had
noticed that she wasn't held back, there were no compulsions or blocks.
It was similar to the feeling she had after the warehouse party.

Summoning great effort, Bobbie sat up, carrying Rach's face up to her
own, she tasted herself mixed with the sweet, sharp smell of the day's
drinking. It was easy to forget who's body she wore, what with
everything screaming for her attention. She started to pay attention to
the places she could touch that made her dance partner soften and give
up just a little further. Every part of Bobbie's being craved carnal
pleasure with ravenous intent. The burning on her back made her arousal
seem amplified. As Bobbie and Rach tore into each other with no abandon,
the ice in the small hotel cups melted into their respective drink's
third ingredient.

***

"That blood was terrible, it looked like melted crayon," Faye said to
Tim. "And that Krishna zombie? Why were they all green?"

"Well," Tim admitted, "that wasn't exactly cutting edge effects, but the
story and the acting were good, and it's a hell of a swipe at consumer
culture. Romero knew what he was doing, Still think that Day is a little
better though. That guy that played Bub? Now, HE deserved an Oscar for
that."

Faye wanted to facepalm, even though there were zombies being spoken of,
she was lost again. "Although I would love a dubstep version of that
song, it's so awesome cheesy."

"Dubstep?" Tim laughed. "See? This is what happens when you hang out
with Faye too long, and it's called The Gonk." He brought her in for a
hug. Faye felt her body melt into his, a bunch of mismatched thoughts
and emotions played through her mind. Faye had to admit it was a
comfortable place, here with Tim. Even if the movie hadn't been that
great, she was still having a good time.

Since becoming Faye, simply living became a spectator sport. People
coming on to her became an almost daily occurrence, but here with Tim...
He didn't gawk. She didn't remember opening a single door. He didn't try
for the amateur breast grab. Raising the armrest and snuggling was as
far as he ever went. No cheesy whispers of salacious intent. Faye was
aghast, both by the film's mediocrity and Tim's lack of forward
behavior. It was obvious he had learned his entire repertoire of romance
from movies. But, wow, does he understand context. Faye thought, his
taste in films may be suspect... But, here I am, having way too much of a
good time. Faye looked at him with eyes she didn't know existed. This is
nothing to him, he must treat her like this all the time. She looked up
at Tim, realizing that he wasn't anything like other guys. He displayed
maturity and wisdom; she could see that losing half of his family made
him grow up...fast. How the last couple of years had been stolen from him,
mostly by his own choices. Bobbie had brought him back from the brink,
helped him regain what he lost and made him what he was now.

Someone who was head over heels in love with Bobbie. She's right, two
broken people, broken in different ways. Their pieces do fit together.
This whole date proved it. She would have absolutely loved this. Faye
could picture Bobbie being...exactly like I'm being right now. It was
batshit crazy for her to be doing this but...

Faye reached up, and grabbed the back of Tim's head. Their tongues met,
surging feelings mixed in Faye's estrogen addled mind like melted legos
forced together into a shape that was never meant to be. She kissed him
with a fervor usually reserved for Rach, It took about thirty six
nanoseconds for passions to bloom. Faye was equal parts enticed and
puzzled. She never thought she'd be engaged in this particular activity.

And here she was, with her buttery lips sliding over Tim's, tongues
waggling against each other.

***

Tim had kissed Bobbie before, several times since the Winter Ball in
fact. It felt different this time. Bobbie seemed to favor circling to
the left, she never did that before but...

Oh, screw it. She's here with me, and that's all that matters.

And there he stood with the one person he cared about above all else.
Stomachs full of Steak Diane, bloodstreams full of caffeine. Mouths full
of each other, and surrounded by zombies.

Chapter 47

Bobbie was still drunk, although now drunk also came in other flavors.
Cherry flavored headache, lemon flavored stomach, and a taste in her
mouth that was somewhere between grapefruit and shrimp. She glanced at
the clock and saw that she had two hours to get herself ready. Rach's
breath vibrating a nipple. First on side, warming the windward side;
then the other, a cooling breeze from the leeward side...

Better get up, Bobbie contemplated through the Ache of Life that was a
hangover. In her original body... well, there would be vomit all over the
place for one thing... She disengaged her hand from the place she seemed
to find it every single time she fell asleep. The shower did little to
settle her stomach or her head. She wasn't sure if it was her or the
room, but she felt hot, flushed. There's gotta be something in here
that's cooler. Bobbie wrestled her breasts into the teal top and the
denim mini. She felt the whole room wobble as she did so. Bobbie looked
at the color coded tags on everything and decided that she'd had enough.
The fever was lower now

Screw this. I can decorate the walls a little, too. She looked through
the accessories Faye had sent her with. So many things, I thought
Heather was bad, jeez. Bobbie came away with a thin, yellow vinyl belt
in one hand and a matching green one in the other. One yellow sock, one
teal...

The mirror stared back at her, mismatched socks and the two belts
nestled in the same belt loops. She pulled on the Chucks and looked
around the room. There was a disheveledness to everything. Both Bobbie
and Rach wound up knocking things over in their mad drive for sexual
satiation. While tongues and hands were busy; torsos, knees, and elbows
were busy making work for the housekeeping staff. She righted a lamp as
she got a good look without distractions.

She knew what others saw, the desire they all felt. Bobbie tried to keep
it in the box. Mike, Ailie, and now Rach didn't let her.

And, it was turning out to be more fun than she thought. The alcohol
seemed to be some respite. I think I'm liking this little vacation. Her
expression dimmed slightly. I know it'll come to an end, but I can enjoy
it while it goes on. The grin plastered on her face became a long leer
as she twisted to admire her body in the full length mirror.

Bobbie giggled as she looked at Rach. She had fallen asleep with her
body half off of the bed. She pulled Faye's phone out and snapped a few
photos. Smiling at the thought of some blackmail pics, Bobbie looked at
Rach one more time as she silently stole away into the corridor.

***

The undead gathered at the entrance to the theater, moaning and
chattering. Faye and Tim stood at the center, easily the best dressed of
the whole crowd.

"Alright," boomed from the speakers. 'Mad' Mike Morgan, owner of the
Revival Theater was addressing the crowd. Anyone could see that there
was some kind of costume competition going on that night. "I would like
to say thanks for coming out and making this night a success. Tonight's
winner gets four passes and four combos, and runner up gets a twenty
dollar gift certificate for uhh... Cheepskates." He looked down at the
index card he was reading it from.

Faye looked at Tim. "Yeah," he yelled over the din of the undead.

The contest entrants were lined up. Steampunk zombie, zombie cowboy,
horribly decayed zombie.

And a cheerleader zombie with a partially human head pom poms.

That cheerleader looked awfully familiar to Faye for a second... Stacy
Keebler? What the hell is she doing here? Tim squeezed her from the
side, she was taken off balance and fell into him a little. Faye was
dismayed as she tittered. It was strange to feel this way. See? Boys are
stupid, aren't you glad you aren't one anymore? She remembered telling
Bobbie that not too long ago. Tim pointed through the candy colored haze
of the evening.

"Runner up is..." 'Mad' Mike said, refocusing his eyes on the index card.
"Stacy Keebler, The ravishing, ravenous zombie cheerleader queen."
Applause went up, Tim cheering.

They watched her wave her human head pom poms toward the crowd. Her
blood drenched face and uniform broke where her teeth showed. Faye felt
bile rise up, she'd never gotten along from those long ago days when she
was still trying to figure out how she would endure life in her old new
body. Zoe had managed to stop them from killing each other.

Mike handed her the envelope containing her 'Cupcake Bux' , and Stacy
turned to face the crowd. More whooping and cheers went up. "And the
winner is... Jeb Stilton, the cog covered corpse."

Steampunk zombie made a glittery swagger work as he crossed to the
podium and received his prize from the theater owner. Light caught the
monocle he was wearing, it also glistened. the overly waxed ends of his
mustache. The horde went hysterical.

****

Stacy was pissed, her daddy had gotten her some really cool mannequin
heads from a hollywood makeup department... and this jackass hipster
glues some gears on something and wears a monacle and he wins?

Cupcakes?? Fucking cupcakes?? Like I wasn't already porking out. She had
gone on a crash diet to make sure she could still get into her old Blue
Devils cheerleader uniform. While it had seemed like a fun idea at the
time, the chill of the night and tightness around the midsection told
her that trying to recapture that part of her life was futile. It wasn't
like the passes and popcorn were high on her list either. But, she
wanted to win, dammit.

She put on her best gracious face and smiled. Accepting her envelope and
standing next to that douchecake ate at her like the zombies she was
dressed as. She was just so... so...

Frustrated was the word she was searching for, she walked heavily
through the crowd. She didn't want to sit through another version of the
same movie she had just seen.

She saw the blond girl, dressed more for the club than the cinema.
Everyone knew who she was. 'nicenaughty' had gotten to the guys at the
community college.

There was a drinking game involving when each girl blinked. Stacy had
been suckered into playing it once. After that hangover, she wouldn't do
that again. Somehow that slut managed to go back to school like nothing
ever happened. Then there was that thing with the bakery. Stacy had
taken home ec in school, but never got the hang of cooking. What was the
point with all the options available?

She needed to make her displeasure known, seeing that girl just having a
good time trying to be respectable. She'd been told that those cupcakes
were the closest thing to heaven she could ever eat. Heaven, angel, fuck
what an act.

Stacy walked right up to Faye and Tim.

"Those..."

****

"I gave him some gift certificates I made. It would have been worth
paying twenty bucks just to get him to mention it tonight." Tim's eyes
twinkled as he looked at Faye, turning her to face him. "I like that we
stand out more than the zombies do."

They did, easily the freshest uncorpses out tonight, There was almost a
Hollywood feel to their dress; when compared to the zombies, hipsters,
and movie lovers. They eyes locked, they smiled at each other. The sound
of a hissing goose knifed the balloon of happy.

"...cupcakes of yours better be good. Fucking swear I'll clip those wings
of yours. Send you back to that porn career. 'Least you'll have a future
there." Stacy was standing there, consigning Tim to oblivion.

Son of a bitch... Faye thought, Stacy put on her best face of disapproval.
The zombie makeup did nothing to help that, Faye burst out laughing.

"Porn future? Oh, that's cute." Faye stopped laughing abruptly and
brought her cold gaze to bear on Stacy. "Our cupcakes are unbeatable, we
make them from scratch. Our daddy doesn't give them to us. We work at
it..."

"...Princess." Faye made it sound like it rhyme with 'cunt' or 'bitch'.

Stacy looked a little stunned. Bobbie wasn't known for her outbursts,
nor was she known for having a forward nature.

Faye was enjoying seeing her off balance, so she pressed on.

"Hey, wha..." Tim began only to be silenced.

"Back off, burnout," she snapped at Tim.

"It's okay, Tim," Faye said, smiling. She turned back to Stacy. "Jealous
that I have a talent? Afraid you're gonna be stuck blowing some boring
guy so just he'll give you shopping money?"Faye was laying into the
zombie cheerleader.

"What, thought I'd just curtsey and bow? Not a chance." Faye leaned into
her.

"Princess." Faye carefully enunciated the word. The undead were starting
to pay attention.

"Okay, maybe I made a bad decision or two along the way. That doesn't
make you any better than me."

"I'm not that person anymore, and I'm through taking shit for it." She
grabbed Tim and kissed him forcefully. He was surprised, but went with
it.

Faye ended the kiss and looked at Stacy. "You better start finding that
guy to blow." She left her arms around his neck.

"Looks like I found mine."

"You BITCH!" Stacy fumed at Faye. She dropped the envelope and brought
her right foot back, perpendicular to her left and bent her knees. She
lowered her center of gravity, Just like her. Sahbumnim taught her, the
angered girl bent her arms at the elbow, ready to give her the full
Keebler fury.

Faye practically screamed with laughter. Tim started to laugh as well,
inadvertently.

"What? You gonna beat up the porn queen and the burnout? I don't care
how good your kung fu is. Not gonna look too good to the other zombies.
You could try it, I suppose..." Faye craned her neck to look at the
overrun of the undead that had started to look.

Stacy looked around nervously. She ground her teeth and started to stamp
her foot. She brought it down slowly.

"That's right, Princess. Don't want your reputation down here with ours.
'Cuz that's the one thing your precious daddy can't buy, is it?"

This is so, so fun. Is it because I can finally put her in her place?

Or because she's wrong?

Stacy lowered herself further and retrieved the envelope. She left
quietly, disappearing into the zombies.

Tim, still trying to calm the chuckling. "Where did that come from? And
who the hell is she anyway?"

"That's Stacy Keebler, and she was a bitch to someone who was really
nice to me when I got to Delacroix." She smiled.

"I stand by my friends."

Tim was still smiling. "I know you do. Best friend I've ever had."

Awww! She stared into his eyes. Faye couldn't remember ever seeing that
look in Rach's eyes.

As if fresh meat had been dropped, the undead shambled back into the
theater. On the way back in, Faye felt some sharp pricking along her
left side. Looking up, there was some hipster looking douchebag brushing
past her. A tinkling on the ground made Faye look down to see the cheap
costume gears bounce on the lightly damp asphalt.

Chapter 48

Bobbie was holding on to the chair as Ailie was pulling the laces on the
filigreed corset she was wearing.

"No, tighter. I will go to the ball," Bobbie said, Ailie laughed out
loud.

"Ye're funny," Ailie said, tying the laces into a bow at the top.
Gasping slightly, Bobbie grimaced.

"Too many fantasy novels I guess." She breathed shallowly. She felt the
cotton vest top shift slightly as she straightened. "My friend makes
clothes. Her mom is in New Zealand for that..."

"Wheel of Ages? I like those films, great costumes." Ailie tied the bow
at the top of the corset. "Theere ye are, I'm off to take care of Luka."

A willowy blond woman with thin features poked her head in. "I heard my
name, did you call me?" she said lowly.

"Nay," Ailie said. "But, I'm ready, nonetheless. Faye, this is Luka."

Bobbie extended her hand. "Luka? Do you live on the second floor?"

Luka's face fell. "How did you know?"

Bobbie laughed. "Suzanne Vega told me."

"Who's that? She one of the other models?"

Bobbie laughed through her nose. "I'll be out on the set while you get
her laced up." Faye looked at her costume; It was obvious that there was
going to be more lacing going on for Luka. She could smell a pungent
tang underneath her perfume...weed, she's high. The perfume of the
cannabis rousing something timeless in her. She walked into what looked
a perfect lady's sitting room. Merchant Ivory, eat your heart out. Mike
was already there, setting up his cameras.

"Oh, hi. Faye, I'm glad you're here." Mike looked tired, but still
moving. "There was supposed to be another model, but she dropped out.
Divas, am I right?" He tightened the last knob on the tripod

Mike continued, looking through his light meter. "So, you know who
Oswald Van Der Haven is? Probably not, but..."

"The software guy? Sure, what's he got to do with anything?" Bobbie was
puzzled.

Mike sighed. "Yeah, I guess it's always been his dream to own a magazine
like this. So, he's making a test issue."

He continued. "L33ts and G33kz, he's calling it. Supposed to be like
Playboy for nerds. I think it's a great idea, but this steampunk shoot
is taking it too far. All that brass is messing with my lighting.
Basically, The idea here is you're having Sunday Tea in the sitting room
here. "Steam and Sensibility is what we're calling this one, We've got a
college dorm room set up on the other side."

Bobbie chuckled. Costumes? Sets? Faye gets to do this all the time...

And she never wanted this, talk about being unappreciative.

***

Bobbie could smell the marijuana on Luka's breath, just as she was sure
she could smell the bourbon on hers. Their faces were so close together,
she could almost see how soft her lips were, felt her chi, her prana...

Her heat.

Their corsets touched. Luka brought up a slim hand and rested it on the
buckle holding the shoulder harness on. The clicking shutter made her
think she was radioactive, infecting her with her sensual fallout.
Bobbie was so turned on, her rigid nipple finding the need to press
further. Opening her eyes, she noticed shadows of reds and pinks. The
look on Luka's face looked like it would welcome her lips. Rachel? Oh,
Faye won't mind. She must do stuff like this constantly.

Bobbie leaned forward and kissed Luka deeply, tasting both the weed and
the strawberry ice cream she had eaten earlier, Luka responded by
pulling on the strap, causing the shoulder harness to come off in one
piece, one of the gears ripping the corset. Bobbie shot an arm around
her waist and looked up at the blond girl, the multicolored dreadlocks
they had put in behind the goggles and under the Lolita hat she wore.
The corset fell away, exposing Bobbie's right breast. The nipple poked
out like a curious animal, wishing to join the hunt. The sharp marijuana
taste lingered on Bobbies tongue, her lips.

Widening her eyes, Luka responded appropriately. Stealing a glance,
Bobbie noticed that the colors were gone. Like kissing her had made them
go away. She remembered how she noticed that sometimes that the
darknesses she saw would change and lighten when she helped people and
when they ate the cupcakes.

Cupcakes? Who gives a shit about cupcakes?

***

Mike watched through the lens as the corset fell away. The quickly
moving shutter captured every tiny detail. He kept shooting as he saw
Faye kiss Luka. Holy shit! Who the hell is this girl?

The two girls made out and drank tea, The shoot was over before Faye
noticed. And Luka seemed a little out of sorts.

"Okay, thanks. That's a break. Ailie should be here in a moment. I need
to get my power cord, be right back."

"Hey, Luka," Bobbie whispered. "Didn't mean to freak you out, just
seemed right..."

"...and it looked to me like you wanted to."

The blond girl smiled, her cornflower blue eyes grinning at Faye through
the rainbow of dreads. "Yeah," she said, drawing the word out dreamily.
"I'll bet those shots look boss." Her drawl gave her words a slight
lilt.

"Hey Luka."

"Hmmm?"

"You have any more of that pot? I haven't had any in so long, and when I
tasted it on your breath..."

"Oh, sure," Luka said, going into her hemp purse and produced a small
box. She reached inside and handed Bobbie a joint. "My family grows it
for medicinal purposes. I say screw it, I just like to get high. This is
a stressful job."

"Thanks," Bobbie said, she took the wide tube and secreted it away in
her belongings, looking forward to an evening to remember. She thought
of Rach earlier with the bourbon.

Tonight's gonna be fun.

***

This is gonna be fun. Rach stood at the top of the run, she was still a
little buzzed and headachey. Nothing could clear her head like drifting
down the snow that would be gone in three days, but not too good for
boarding tomorrow. She couldn't believe that she drank that much with
Faye. She had woken up stiff in an awkward position, I know as sure as
shit that she's got pictures of it in that damn phone of hers; adjusting
her goggles, watching the amber color overtaking the bright, white
blanket. She pushed off, slightly wobbly. Her boot scuffed the front of
the leading edge, knocking the board a little to the right. She got her
foot on the board and let physics take over. The lack of friction caused
the board to acquire speed, a little faster than she was ready for. Her
intestines buckled briefly as she listed to the left. Tacking back and
forth, she eventually righted herself just before the small mounds of
snow grew larger at the periphery of her vision.

Rach felt her mistake as soon as she launched the board aloft. She
couldn't get her nose up in time and it caught the snow at just the
wrong angle, levering her face into the snow. Her momentum carrying the
back of the board over her head.

Where is my mind?

"Ow..." A collision with the snow.

"Oof..." The ground smacked her again from a different angle.

"Shit." The board landed one way; her ankle twisted the other, she felt
pain spread throughout her foot as it grew warm and began to swell in
the constraint of her boot. It hurt, bad. She started to get the boot
off and pack it with snow to keep the swelling down the second she
stopped rolling. Rach unzipped the cell phone pocket on her jacket and
called Faye.

Faye'll be here soon, she always comes running.

It took over an hour and several calls before the rescue team came to
get her. She was treated and taken back to her room. She lay on the bed,
still loopy from the painkillers they gave her. Rach looked at the empty
bottle of bourbon. Ugh, not drinking for a while. The hangover was gone,
replaced by the dull throb of her sprained ankle and the sickly sweet
feeling of the Vicodin.

With clear thought impossible, Rach felt sad. Where was Faye? She felt
alone, morose.

She looked at the phone and saw the eight missed calls. C'mon Fay-fay,
where are you? All Rach wanted was to be in her girlfriend's arms, and
it appeared that fate would cruelly snub her today.

***

Tim and Faye were walking through the zombies on the way out of the
theater.

"Fast zombies are just better... Nothing happens, then BAM, they're
everywhere, like ants."

Tim looked puzzled at his girlfriend. "Really? Hmmm. See, I think the
slow zombies are better. They're out there, they're a threat. They'll
munch on your ass. But, it's the five assholes you locked yourself in
with that you have to worry about. Romero's are more like character
studies in miniature."

Faye wanted to roll her eyes, but couldn't. As nerdy as this
conversation was, she still felt herself hanging on every word. As much
as she wanted to continue to argue for the more ambulatory undead. Faye
couldn't find the depths of her endless snark available to her.

"Bobbie," Tim began, stopping at a street corner. "I'm really glad you
came out with me tonight. After that bullshit with... that girl." He
clinched his jaw.

"Forget it," Faye said, knowing that there was no way Bobbie wouldn't
forgive him. She smiled, "Besides, you don't think I'd let you treat
another girl like this, do you?" Tim smiled dreamily back at her.

A small part of Faye's mind couldn't believe she was falling for this,
even as it was happening. He's a walking chick flick. And she knew it
was real, she felt it deep in places she didn't like to talk about at
parties. Faye, snap out of it!

But she couldn't.

She kissed him, the corner bathed in the green glow of the streetlight.
They stood there so long that the light became yellow, then red, with
Faye falling for a guy. She wondered about Rach and Bobbie, and how hard
they all had fallen in one way or another. A fleeting thought of what
Bobbie and Rach might be doing kissed her mind. Zombies both fast and
slow dominated the conversation for the next few blocks, when Tim pulled
keys out of his pocket.

"I know you haven't been here since..." He trailed off. Faye looked up and
recognized the logo. "Just thought you'd like to take a look." He opened
the door and flipped some breakers on, the production area glowed dimly
with the light of the ovens. Music started to play through some speakers
that must have been hidden."

Let's dance in style/ let's dance for a while

Bobbie felt Tim's hand on hers as she was pulled close to him. There was
a woody, leathery smell under his aftershave. They danced, Faye tried to
fall into rhythm and must have stepped on Tim's shoes about six times
before they fell over crashing onto the floor in a heap.

Laughing.

Faye could feel him stiffen as she lay atop him, the smile in both their
eyes joining into a greater aura. She reached down and grasped his thigh
as she bent to kiss him again.

And again, tongues probing, Faye felt a hand slid up her left side
inflaming feelings that she recognized. She knew how her body was
responding. Generally anyway, the sensations were cleaner, more focused.
Passions bloomed as she brought her hand up to his neck. She had the
other sliding up the inside of his suit jacket. She needed to be closer
to him, and after everything that happened tonight. She wanted to in the
worst way, it was a hungering need she was familiar with. She knew the
usual method for alleviating the pressure, and Faye knew how it was
supposed to work. At least I think so...

The thought of holding a penis again was already weird enough, and the
fact that it belonged to someone else filled her with dread, excitement,
and guilt. Bobbie..

Ok, I'm not done with you, but think about this. Who are you helping
here? Bobbie or yourself?

Oh, shut up.

Tim felt her hand going for the belt buckle, he abruptly stopped and
tried to back away through the floor. Faye's face became a mask of chaos
and confusion as Tim slowly extricated himself from Faye.

"No, Bobbie. I..." Tim's eyes misted. Faye was both disappointed and
shocked.

"I don't deserve it yet. Things are still too fragile. I care about you
so much." Tim said, lightly wiping his eyes on his sleeve. "I don't want
to lose anyone else who's important to me."

Faye stood, still wearing a puzzled look. But... how...? She didn't
understand, wouldn't any guy jump at the...? Weren't guys mostly selfish
pricks? But not this one. Tim stepped forward and held her close, his
erection the furthest thing from her mind. She texted Nick and they held
hands in the oven glow until he arrived.

"Bobbie, you were a better dancer before. What happened?"

Faye creakily smiled and said, "Must be the dress, It's so tight."

"You really are beautiful, you know that."

Faye blushed. It wasn't the vapid comments she usually got. The loud
sound of Detroit came around the corner and stopped at the front door.
Faye kissed Tim one more time before leaving.

"See you tomorrow, Bobbie Blue." Tim winked as he drew out holding her
hand as long as he humanly could before.

A smiling Nick greeted her as she entered the car, which he had cleaned.
Stooping over, he waved. "Hi, Tim."

"Hey, Nick. Good night, Bobbie."

Tim closed the door and watched them rumble off.

After turning the corner, Nick noticed that his passenger was staring
out the window.

"So, how was your date?"

"Tim is just the sweetest..." Faye choked up.

Nick smiled. "Glad you had a good time.

Faye continued to stare out the window. He really is so... Faye, come on!
You're not gonna fall for this...oh, never mind. I'm done with you...

The rest of the short trip home was spent in silence.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XIV

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Not Work-Safe

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 49
Bzzt,Bzzt.
Bzzt,Bzzt.
Bzzt,Bzzt.
Nothing again… C’mon Fay-fay, where are you? Rach couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so hard to get to on the phone. It made her wish she could cry over something so trivial. Rach felt her eyes dampen. She knew it was the painkiller they’d given her. She got all emotional the last time they gave it to her; which, oddly enough, was due to a completely different snowboard injury.
They’d gotten her out on the snow, fitted her with one of those inflatable pressure bandages. It hurt through the numbness from the snow. Rach and the medic were more worried about frostbite than the ankle itself. The medics had gotten her back up to the room, where she was stuck watching daytime television laughing at the dancers who had just found out that they were, indeed, not the father. She’d been lying there for the better part of an hour. That added to the frustration. Rach realized some time ago how much she didn’t just want to have Faye around.
She needed to have her around. All the time in the clubs and at the parties, making stupid boys gawk… Rach smiled, feeling the buzz of the Vicodin. She didn’t even mind Zoe so much, as long as Faye was there.
Rach humphed and started paying attention to the two gay gang members from rival gangs and started giggling at the sheer stupidity of it. C’mon, Fay-fay, you should be here laughing at this absurd bullshit with me. Rach knew that Faye was at work and would be busy for a bit longer, but she should have at least texted by now…
*****
Bzzt! Bzzt!

Bobbie was trying to block out the sound of the vibrating phone. It just kept going off. She was glad that she had shut off the ringer after it went off the first two times. There was no way she was going to finish the shoot whilst talking on the phone. Mutant sentient elephants couldn’t drag her away from this.
The resort’s largest suite had been emptied, cloth draped over the walls. There were lights set up and Bobbie looked at the most ridiculous collection of things ever seen in a college dorm room. Musical instruments, video games, avant garde furniture…
Bobbie remembered before, Robb had wanted to go to college. Thoughts of starting fresh, meeting people, meeting girls; all the college comedies they watched. She vaguely wondered what it would have been like, going to college. For a moment, just a moment, she missed being Robb. Bobbie wondered what life would have been like if Robb had chickened out while talking to Melanie. Melanie. That was a name that hadn’t come up in a few days. Bobbie thought about where she could have gone…
“Faye,” Luka’s voice straight razored its way through Bobbie’s reverie, “Ailie’s ready for you.”
“Oh, alright.” Luka was dressed in a half shirt that exposed her midriff, ‘Talk Nerdy to Me’ Splayed across her breasts. Making her way to the corner of the room, Bobbie leered at Luka. Playboy for nerds, huh? I would’ve bought it. Looking at Luka, Bobbie decided that she still would.
After Bobbie got into Ailie’s chair, she sat and let Ailie work her magic. The pink streaks came back, and the extensions freshened up. An eye shadow with a matching shade was applied.
“Ye know, Faye. I ken Mike’s gonna let ye do as ye will. He’ll neever say it, but he’s in love with that snowboard shot.
“Of course he is.” Bobbie said nonchalantly. She saw some metal glint on the table. “What are those?”
“Oh, these? Thee’re magnetic bohdy joolry. Why? Ah, lass. Another idea?”
“Something like that.”
***
Bobbie walked out naked; faux snake bites and nose stud adorned her face, standing out through the smooth, even skin. The dark hair extensions covering the nipples, they eagerly tried to point out through the hair. She grabbed a tattered paperback copy of Dune and covered the delicate seam which held the enigma of her womanhood secreted away from all but the most prying of eyes.
“Ready for my close up, Mike?”
Mike was shocked by what he saw. “Faye! This wasn’t a nude shoot.”
“C’mon Mike. I have another idea.” Bobbie looked down at another book, this one a smaller paperback entitled Galactic Patrol. She swiftly traded books, holding up Dune. “You must not fear, fear is the mind killer.” She smiled, holding Dune’s binding at the middle of her bottom lip.
“Was thinking of artful placement of props, be more fun and flirty than Talk Nerdy To Me.” Bobbie walked to a maroon futon and lay down, using her legs to artfully cover herself. Bobbie shook her hair over her left nipple and struck a winking pose.
Mike fumbled for the camera and started shooting, thinking that all the while; this might be shoot he’d been waiting for. Allegra, I owe you bigtime. And why have you been hiding her? Mike thought. Curious how such a talent hasn’t blown up yet. He had visions of the Little Prince, catching a ride on a shooting star.
****
Bobbie sat with Luka, Yu-Gi-Oh cards splayed in a pattern Bobbie wasn’t familiar with. She held cards, as did Luka, now sitting in her underwear. Their hands held close to their chests, their faces scrunched up with effort, leaning in, noses nearly touching.
“See these cards, they represent fucks, ergo, you have five fucks to give, while I have none.” Faye had told her, her memory of the last four days… Four days? It’s only been four days?
Bobbie shook her head, a nipple slipping out into full view between the heartbeats of the camera lens. Mike gasped.
Bobbie shot him a stricken look. “Keep shooting…” She looked back at Luka. “This is… it feels right.” Nipples and even enough complete breast to imply perfect topography populated shot after shot. A cooling sensation spread through her back. “Luka, throw the cards up in the air on three.”
Mike quickly set the camera to take video, figuring he could isolate the stills later on the MacBook. Bobbie counted three and cards flew to the ceiling. fae guitar2notatsnobg.jpg
Bobbie posed with a guitar, while Luka sat topless on the drums. There was the videogame set, where Bobbie sat on the blue vinyl couch. Intense focus shown on the face Bobbie was rapidly becoming accustomed to.
Bobbie and Luka played around with every object in the room, Mike taking shot after astonishing shot. No one noticed time passing, Mike entranced by the perfect framing of his shots, Luka having a good shoot…
…and Bobbie having more fun than she could ever remember.
***
Mike couldn’t believe his luck. Faye and Luka are incredible together. Screw you, Leibowitz. He grinned as thoughts of this perfect shoot played through his mind. Van Der Haven’s gonna get his magazine alright.
“Y’know, Faye. I’m gonna need another release signed for these shots.” Mike said as he continued pointing the lens at Bobbie.
Posing with a copy of Watchmen and a tall can of some unidentifiable energy drink, Bobbie said, “Not worried, just have it ready.”
“Luka, you as well.”
“Oh. Okay.” Luka bent her willowy frame to the left, craning to read the adventures of Dr. Manhattan over Bobbie’s bared shoulder.
Mike was ecstatic. Bobbie could tell. The colors were gone, like the darknesses. There it was; it seemed stupid that she would only see black, white and grey. Once she had shifted into this body, the world and its people became alive, teeming and thriving with colors. Her actions changed them with a fluidity that bordered on hypersurreal. Luka, Mike, and Ailie; Even Rach. It made sense that those darknesses would disappear with the cupcakes she baked.
Jeez, seems like this way is more fun.
With the shoot over, Bobbie stood at a table, looking at the new release form. As she signed, she started to make a capital ‘B’. Quickly zagging her hand, she turned it into a large ‘F’ and made a rickety scrawl on the dotted line
You should thank me for this, Faye. I think I just made you a star. Bobbie got dressed and stood with Luka and Mike as he looked through the pictures he had gotten. The stills he isolated from the video came out beautifully, with the cards hanging in the air. The musical instrument shots looked fantastic, with the guitar covering her nether regions.
“Faye.” Mike began. “You are one hell of a talent, it’s almost like you knew what I wanted to see. And Luka.” He turned to her. “There should be a law that requires you two to work together. Last time I had two models this far from home… Well, let’s just say that I lost both models.”
The picture of Bobbie reading Watchmen appeared on the screen, the lines of her body obscured by both her hair and the graphic novel, only making the image more enticing. Bobbie laughed. “And they will look up and shout ‘Show me your tits’, and I’ll whisper ‘no’.”
“Huh?” Luka said. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s a quote from the comic.”
Mike snapped his head back. “You know that one?”
“I know all the books here.” Bobbie put a finger at the corner of her mouth. “I’m just a big nerd.”
“I only knew that Dune quote from the movie. Lynch’s photography is always so amazing.” Mike laughed.
“Then truly I must be the Kwizatz Haderach.” Bobbie smiled.
“It was nice meeting you Faye.” Luka drawled. “We must do this again sometime. You’re from Delacroix, right?”
“Yeah, where nothing changes but the seasons.”
“I’m gonna be there next week. I got an invite to a Playboy party. You could be my plus one. I don’t know anyone there…” Luka started to blush.
Bobbie grinned wickedly. “Sure, who doesn’t like a party?” They exchanged phone numbers and said their goodbyes. On her way out, Mike stopped her.
“Here’s my card. You’re going to hear from me again, for sure. I’ve seen some good models in my time, but you… you seem to know just what I want. Almost like you can see it, and that’s a rare talent, indeed.”
“Thanks, Mike.” Bobbie glanced down at her phone. She saw twelve missed calls and sixteen text messages, all from Rachel. “But, I’ve gotta go.” She flashed her phone at him. “Rach needs me apparently. This was fun.”
“See you around, Faye Valentine. I think this shoot is gonna go down in history.”
“Just like Rudolph.” Bobbie giggled and waved flirtatiously.
There was a giddiness that followed Bobbie wherever she went. Ailie popped out into the hall.
“Ye didnae think ye were leevin’ without sayin’ goobye, did ye.”
“Nay. “ Bobbie smiled. She hugged Ailie, who laughed at Bobbie’s pitch perfect version of her highlander accent. “I’ll be around, you can’t miss me. I stand out.”
“That ye do, lass. That ye do. It was a pleasure.”
“Nice working with you, Ailie.”
Bobbie felt less feverish as she strode down the hall and into the elevator. It had been a great day. Luka was cool, if a bit spacy. Ailie kept her head the whole time. Her thoughts turned to the colors she saw on people and how she had made them disappear. With her hand in her purse, she found the joint Luka had given her. Bobbie had forgotten about it, possibly the first time she’d ever forgotten about it.
Entering the elevator, Bobbie felt calm. She pushed the button for her floor and watched the doors slide closed, cutting her off from the world of glitz and beauty…
And back to Rachel.
What the hell did she want that was so important anyway?
Chapter 50
Rachel lay on the bed, her foot bound and elevated, drowsily drifting in and out of sleep. The door clicked open and her heart leapt.
“Fay-fay!” Rach saw her girlfriend and she outstretched her arms.
“Rach! What happened?”
“Mm-mmm. Come here first.” Bobbie dropped her bag and walked up to Rach, the injured girl. She saw some purple, some blue, and some yellow. Rachel aggressively hugged Bobbie.
“Where were you?” Rach sniffed. “I called and called, and texted... and…”
“I was at the shoot, which went great. So, what happened?” Bobbie asked watching the yellow flare and the blue twinkle.
“I went to get some runs in while the snow was still there, ya know… to clear my head. I launched wrong and landed worse. I called you right away and when you wouldn’t answer.”
Bobbie looked into Rach’s eyes. They were red, glassy.
“What’d they give you for the ankle?” Bobbie asked, seeing the yellow flare and fade, the blue glowing brightly.
“I dunno, but it’s good stuff.”
Bobbie looked at the bottle. She recognized the oblong pills with the ‘V’ on them.
“You always come, but when you didn’t answer.” Rach trailed off.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Bobbie returned the hug, suddenly feeling bad that she ignored the phone. All the buzzes of the vibrating phone made sense.
“I was scared, Fay-fay.” Bobbie could see that Rach was about to cry. “I needed you and you weren’t there.”
That stung. Whether Bobbie or Faye, she always tried to be there to help. Helping people is the reason to help. The world’s myriad objects and people screaming and vying for her attention just proved to be too much for Bobbie to stay on top of.
Bobbie smoothed Rach’s blonde hair. Bobbie had always thought of Rach as a tough girl. Apparently, she’s like a baked potato. Tough on the outside, and all warm and soft on the inside.
“It’s okay. I’m here now.” She rocked Rach’s head back and forth.
“I remember thinking, ‘Faye’ll be here’.” She looked up at Bobbie, her bottom lip oscillated slightly.
“I love you, Faye.” Not Fay-fay, but Faye. “And not just a little, freakishly and irresponsibly so.” Rach was drying her eyes. She pouted. “And you missed the gay gangbangers in love from rival gangs.”
“What?” Bobbie laughed.
“Daytime TV sucks. I was stuck here, waiting for you.”
Bobbie crawled up onto the bed, careful of the injured foot. “Hey, wanna order some food? I’ve got just the thing.” She picked up the phone on the dresser and dialed. “Hello, yes I’d like to order. What? Um… two Belgian waffles and two fried chicken breasts, lots of syrup.”
Hanging up the phone, Bobbie said. “Don’t worry, you’re gonna love it.” She dove into her purse and pulled out the joint Luka gave her. Using a book of matches she found next to the phone, she lit the cylinder and inhaled.
“Faye? What the hell? Where.”
“Shh, shh.” Bobbie said, exhaling smoke. “It’s okay,” She offered the burning stick. “You trust me, don’t you?”
Rach apprehensively took the joint and inhaled deeply, causing a coughing fit. Bobbie laughed.
“Chicks can not hold de smoke, dat’s what it is.”
“Shut up!” Rach laughingly interjected. “Not my first time.” She inhaled again. “You’re lucky I love you.”
They snuggled and laughed for a little bit when the sound of room service barged in to their private world. She retrieved the cart and rolled over to the bed. Rach looked at the plate, there was a large, thick waffle topped with a fried chicken breast.
“You have to put the syrup all over everything.”
“God, babe. You must be high.”
“And you should talk.” Bobbie said, shoveling maple flavored goodness into her mouth. Rach smiled forcefully, showing her girlfriend her “Seefood Diet”, as waffle and chicken squished through her teeth.
Bobbie laughed out loud, finishing the last of her plate. As Rach finished her portion, Bobbie set aside her plate and slowly brought herself up onto her hands. She crawled closer to Rach’s face, kissing a spot of maple covered chicken stuck to her bottom lip.
Faye would say it back? Right?
“Hey.” Bobbie whispered. “Hey.”
“What.” Rach whispered back, smiling stoned eyes looking back at Bobbie.
“I love you, too.”
Rach flung her arms around Bobbie bringing her off balance, sending her crashing into her. She winced, and whimpered as her foot was moved into a bad position.
“Oh,” Bobbie started, “I’m sorry. You okay?”
“Yeah, just help me up on the bed. “Time for another pill.” Bobbie got Rach wrestled up onto the bed, taking special care to not jostle her foot. She gave Rach the pill bottle and watched her dose herself.
“Think I can get one of those cowgirl?”
“Really, Faye? You know you’re driving, right?”
Bobbie shook her head. “That’s tomorrow.” She removed her top, then her bra. She stood before Rach. “But, we still have tonight. Let’s have some fun.”
Why not? Rach thought, she shook out one of the little pills and passed it over. Bobbie swallowed it dry, and then moved in on Rach.
Bobbie and Rach tested the limits of Rachel’s ‘First degree sprain of the talofibular tendon’. The occasional cry of pain was drowned out by the cries of orgasm.
Bobbie’s, Rach’s… who knew anymore? This wasn’t the wild, reckless abandon from earlier, the injured ankle preventing the absurdist reenactment of Little Red Riding Hood that had upended most of the furniture from earlier. This was passionate, sensual. Bobbie was melting like an ice cube, the spot on her back chill and cold to an unearthly degree, returning to a normal temperature as the two young lovers lay there, spent. They passed over into unconsciousness, With Rach finding out that her girl indeed loved her back. A smile that was equal parts opoid bliss and post coital afterglow.
***
Tim woke to the smell of sausage and cinnamon rolls, and his mother gently shaking him.
“Tim, wake up. The rolls are almost done and I know you like them fresh.”
Tim looked at his mom through the sleep in his eyes. “Mom?”
She put a hand on his bared shoulder. “Glad you two had a good time and well… We still haven’t talked about that night. Bobbie told me about the card, and I just… C’mon, get up. We should do this like adults. Obviously,” She said.
“You’ve grown up a lot, and I’ve been missing it. Get dressed, see you in the living room.”
Tim threw on a shirt and some jeans. Confused and shocked, he went out in the living room.
“Mom?”
Myka was pulling the rolls out of the oven and she set them on the stove to cool. “You’re father taught me to make these. I remember you licking the spoon when you were 2. Fah-sting.” She imitated a toddler’s voice “Your dad thought it was so cute. Stephanie liked it, too. But, not as much as you did.”
Tim smiled, pouring two cups of coffee and sitting at the breakfast bar. “Mom, what the..?”
“So, Bobbie tells me that you think that the accident was your fault. I should tell you that I’ve spent the last year on that couch thinking it was mine. You cry at weird times? So do I. I don’t expect you to forgive me for the last year.”
“Mom. Don’t be silly.” Tim could feel the tears start to burn behind his eyes. “Of course I forgive you. You’re my Mom.”
Myka could also feel herself starting to cry. She couldn’t remember the last time she had done so. Tim rose and embraced his mother.
“I love you, Tim.” She sobbed.
“I love you too, Mom.” Tim cried, both the coffee and frosting forgotten.
I’m going to do this better, Myka thought.
“Now,” Myka sniffed. “Tell me everything I missed, especially about Bobbie. She’s special.”
“I know, Mom. She’s special to everyone.”
He proceeded to spend the rest of the morning telling his mom about everything that had happened to him; the drugs, the despondency, the random tears…everything.
Then he started to talk about Bobbie, and all the people and positivity that came with her, and the magic of her cooking. “When she’s around, everything seems to work. Just not lately.”
“She’s special to everyone,” He repeated. “But, she’s more special to me.”
“I know she is. You never wear that suit.”
Tim smiled, grabbing the spatula out of the frosting; he licked the frosting from one side. “Just as good as I remember it.”
“Good,” Myka said. “Eat up; because I need you help today.”
“This place is a mess.”
***
Faye woke and stretched, her face hurt. She felt the twinge of pain in her cheeks, lancing through the tired muscles. She knew why, she’d been smiling all night in her sleep. Her night with Tim was nothing short of a scene from a Jennifer Aniston movie. And seeing Myka come back to the world of the fully conscious, it felt so good to finally be able to help people around her. Maybe Justice is right, maybe this will help both of us. This little vacation in Barbieland is turning out to be one hell of a learning experience.
Bobbie’s body had its own pleasures, but she missed the swing of ‘her’ breasts. She got up and dressed herself. Entering the hallway, she found Nick sitting there on the couch, watching the morning news.
“Hey, Nick. There any coffee left?”
Nick smiled, “Hey, I can see someone’s still smiling. Wow, it must be tiring.”
“What?” Faye said, cocking an eyebrow.
“Helping everyone you meet,” Chuckling, Nick watched Faye pour the last of the coffee. “And still have time for a night on the town. Faye’s coming back tonight, and I guess school starts back up tomorrow?”
“Yeah, joy of joys. Almost Summer though. One more year…”
Nick cocked his head. “I thought you were a senior like Zoe?”
Shit! Faye remembered suddenly that Bobbie was, in fact a senior.
“Uh, yeah. Forgot I don’t go back next year. No blood in my coffee stream yet.” She hefted her Aperture Industries mug.
“Has anyone ever told you that you have a very dry sense of humor?”
“Yeah,” Faye said. “Old Spice wanted to bottle it as an antiperspirant.”
Nick laughed aloud.
“So, any new characters for me to kick your ass with yet?”
“Just a few, but I wanna clean up some before Faye gets home. She’s such a mess.”
Faye rankled at that, but had to agree, the bedroom was a mess. She saw some clothes lying around, dishes in the kitchen. Leftovers spotting the counter, and speckles of sugar and non dairy creamer shown like the map to One Eyed Willie’s treasure. Each spot seemed to have a crosshair on it that only she could see. Dead or alive, you’re coming with me… to the trash.
“I swear.” Nick laughed. “Hurricane Faye, leaving a path of destruction in her wake.” Faye’s eye twitched.
She realized her friend was right, how many times had she done something without thinking of the consequences? How many times had she accidentally hurt someone close to her? With a toss of her hair, she studied Nick.
“Well,” Faye said, downing the last of her coffee. “Let’s get to it, then.”
***
Bobbie was a little queasy when she woke, after removing her hands from her groin… Both of them this time, she surveyed the room. The previous night with Rach was unbelievable. She looked over Faye’s girlfriend, her chest rising and falling smoothly and evenly. She started looking for the personal belongings that had been scattered around the room with almost algebraic randomness. She soon had all of her things and many of Rach’s packed away into the cases they came in. She looked at the room and made a final check for their things. Coffee was ordered and Rach awakened.
“Mornin’, babe.”
Rach smiled dreamily. “MMM, morning.” She gave a stretch, one that ended with several repetitions of ‘Ow!’ and ‘Fuck!” Bobbie went to help up the injured girl.
“I’ve already packed, got everything, I think. Just wanted to grab some breakfast before we left.”
“So glad I caught you. You take good care of me.” Rach fished out another Vicodin. “Just make sure you don’t go all Grand Theft Auto on the freeway.”
“Well, how else am I supposed to drive?” Bobbie smiled. “Where do you think I learned from?”
“I’ve ridden with you in the EVO enough to know that you can drive, babe” Rach sipped her latte, swallowing the pill.
Bobbie was worried about this, she briefly considered calling Faye to come and get them. Robb had never learned the art of vehicle operation. Anything more complicated than a bicycle was as confusing as a paragliding cow.
After eating, showering, and one last quickie, Bobbie grabbed her suitcase and shouldered Rach’s duffel bag, she pouted as she looked back on the room. That was fun, like the old days…
The old days, why were her memories of that time so bad, anyway?
They soon reached the parking area, taking longer than usually with Rach’s foot. It took seemingly forever to get everything in the back and Rach into a comfortable reclining position. Rach gave Bobbie the keys and she slowly, pulled out of the parking space and pulled on the empty road.
For the first few miles, Bobbie was trepidatious about every small move, the bouncy vehicle occasionally slamming Rach’s ankle into the door.
“Sorry.” Bobbie said, fighting like hell to keep the vehicle in the lane. She was glad that she was doing this now, rather than in the heavy traffic that would encompass the freeways into Delacroix later. She caught a look in the mirror and noticed that the extensions had started to come out. Bobbie quickly looked up Shear Ecstasy and dialed the number before sticking the phone in her cleavage.
“Hey, Frankie” I was wondering if I could get an appointment for later this afternoon? Great, I have to get these extensions fixed. Awesome… see you then. Name’s Faye Valentine…
Rach drifted in and out of sleep during the drive. Terrifying the SUV’s owner more than once.
The first stop for gas and snacks was simple enough. Bobbie stretching out her itching back and helping Rach to the bathroom was what took up most of the trip. She left Rach in the bathroom while she selected snacks and beverages for the next leg of the trip that was seemingly taking forever.
She had gotten used to driving well enough quickly enough by completely ignoring Rach. Grand Theft Auto was exactly what she needed to do. There was a slight difference, but not much from an escort mission where stealth was more important than speed.
Rach was super important to Faye; Bobbie could see that much, just as Faye was important to Rach. A weird symbiotic relationship between the two…
She said she loved me…her. She thought of Tim for a moment. Was great while it lasted…
Until he got that sweet handjob from Roxx.
All the good memories scattered instantly. She looked over at Rach. Maybe Faye’s on to something, maybe a girlfriend next…
HONK!
The loud horn blasted Bobbie back into her normal plane of existence. A green Prius zipped by displaying a lack of power. Jeez, am I driving that slowly? In response, Bobbie stomped the accelerator. She zipped by the Prius, narrowly avoiding a collision with the hybrid.
“Faye!” Rach shrieked awake, frantically grabbing for the safety grip and wedging her good foot against the dashboard.
“Sorry, sweet cheeks.” Bobbie took her eyes off of the road for a second. “Just realized how slow we were going.”
“Jesus, keep your eyes on the road.” Rach blurted. What the hell is wrong with her? She swallowed a gulp of water and started to relax as Bobbie swerved back into the middle of the lane. Bobbie moved the suburban tank to the right and pulled off the freeway. Bobbie started to squirm in her seat as that spot on her back started to burn again.
The second stop had Rach crutching herself to the bathroom, the scare with the Prius leaving her a little shaky. Bobbie checked her hair in the rearview and strode confidently to pump. The quick refuel got them back on the road, with Bobbie determined to get home. The driving was kind of fun, but it was getting old fast. Some tacos and another dose of pain medication for Rach later, the Delacroix offramp came into view
***
Rach had been asleep for the better part of an hour, out cold. Vicodin and stress keeping her in a deep sleep while her body healed. Her mouth was dry like burnt toast, her eyes equally arid. It was stuffy and dim in the car. Her hip was aching from the lack of blood flow, and her ankle throbbing. The column of drool moistened the right side of her chin. She looked around.
“What the..?” She looked around, since the sun was almost down wondering where the hell she was. Stretching up she could see the blue neon of The Curious Cabinet in the distance. She could see that she was parked in a handicapped space in front of Shear Ecstasy.
Grabbing her phone she dialed. “What the hell is going on, Faye?” She said to no one in particular. “What are we…am I doing here?”
“Hey, hey. It’s Faye, leave a message, okay?
“Godammit.” Rach hissed through gritted teeth.
Again?? Her thoughts carried concern as she lay there, uncomfortable.
****
Bobbie was laughing and chatting with Frankie while she sat under the dryer. The extensions had been an easy fix. They weren’t sewn in as well, but Frankie had quickly seen to that. What Bobbie wanted was to change that interminable purple streak, that was also simple. Bobbie paid the bill and got back out to the car quickly. The sooner she got home, the better.
When she got out to the car, the first thing she noticed was that Rach was visibly upset.
“Again, babe? Seriously? You just left me in the car while you…” She noticed that the purple streak that once curved down around her cheek was now a bright green. Faye has never gone to a salon in the entire time I’ve known her. “…had to get your hair done? What the hell?”
Bobbie pouted. “Sorry, just wanted to get prettied up before school tomorrow…”
Rach sighed heavily. “Just get me home, this was not the getaway I was planning.”
“Hair looks good though.” Rach harrumphed, crossing her arms she stared silently. You’re really lucky I love you.
They got to Rach’s house, which was surprisingly empty. Bobbie got Rach up to her bedroom, helped her with pillow placement and called Nick.
“I need to go, school tomorrow.” Bobbie reached in for an awkward hug. She kissed Rach’s forehead. There was a tension in the air; neither of them knew what to say. The late evening silence was thankfully ended by the loud entrance of the Camaro.
***
Bobbie ducked into the car and watched Rach’s bedroom light as they pulled away.
“So, how was your gig?” Nick asked, smiling goofily. “And what’s with the hair?”
Bobbie smiled. “Fine, Rach hurt her ankle. But the shoot was good, got a party to go to this week. How’s Bobbie?”
“She’s just great. We’ve been hanging out. Then she had that date with Tim…”
Bobbie whipped her head around. “What?”
“Yeah, it looks like they’re getting back together. It looks like he really loves her, y’know?’ Nick pulled into the driveway and cut the engine. What the fuck are you doing Faye? Tim? Son of a Bitch. The streetlights were passing by in rhythmic fashion. Bobbie sighed, looking out at the night. She dreaded going back to school. There was a slightly grey cast to the sidewalk from the rising moon. She considered not going briefly, but wanted to see what the world was like for Faye. That’s what the point of this is, isn’t it?
Wrestling her luggage out of the car, Bobbie got the roller bag into the house. It was late enough for some people to start dropping off and early enough for the late night parties to start up. Frowning and wishing she could be a part of it tonight, she made her way into Faye’s room. Inside, she saw her body sleeping peacefully. Bobbie began stripping off her clothes. It had become far more comfortable to sleep naked, especially with how she found her hands every morning. She smiled a sinister snarl.
“HEY!” Bobbie bounced her naked form on top of Faye, who was likewise naked. Faye scrambled to get the red sheets up over her body, Bobbie jerking them away at the last second. She swept her hand out to tweak a nipple. Faye’s face contorted into one of surprise.
“FUCK!...”Faye shrieked. “Bobbie.” She whispered.
Bobbie laughed and allowed Faye to gather the blankets. “And what did you do to my hair?”
“Part of the shoot, I like it. Decorating the walls, remember?” A hunger flashed behind the purple eyes. “Rach likes it, too.”
“Hmmm.” Faye said. Looking out of the blue eyes she was now comfortable with. “So, how was your shoot? Boring, I bet.”
Bobbie grinned broadly, “Not one bit. That was so fun. It was like I could see exactly what they wanted, so it went over well. Rach sprained her ankle pretty badly. I had to drive home.”
“Drive? You?” Faye showed considerable concern. “Rach? She okay?”
“Yeah.” Bobbie waved her hand dismissively. “Just high as hell on painkillers. She sprained her ankle on her snowboard; she can’t put any pressure on it.”
Faye pouted. “Oh, Rach.” Her look turned stern. “Anything else happen?”
Bobbie cut her off. “You wanna tell me about your date?” Bobbie’s face turned more stern.
Faye smiled, reminded of that magical evening. “Yeah. He loves you, you know? He’s better because of you. I can only imagine what everyone else is like simply because you showed up.”
“And…” Faye’s smile evaporated. “I spoke with Justice.”
Bobbie paled. “What?”
“I asked her how long this was going to go on.” Faye said as she pulled on Bobbie’s Depeche Mode shirt and looked for the blue panties she had worn to bed. “Something about ‘until you learn what you’re fighting against.’”
“Fuckin’ Justice, never could get a straight answer from her. Did you rip her eyes out?”
“No,” Faye said. “She wouldn’t let me.”
“Surprised that stopped you.” Bobbie wrinkled her nose. “Well, we better get some sleep. Ooh, tomorrow’s gonna be fun.”

“Yeah, gobs.” Faye grabbed a blanket and crawled back into bed. “Somehow, I’m always the one with the trashed reputation.”
“Room for one more?” Bobbie asked devilishly.
Faye rolled her eyes and prepared herself for a long night.
Chapter 51
School was starting again, and Beth was looking through her closet. The money from Cheepskates had scored her a few more outfits. She hadn’t seen Bobbie in days, nor anyone else since the failed intervention with Kim. Her ankle still hurt, the open wound replaced by an angry red gash that had scabbed over. Steve had been by a lot, rebandaging her wound and generally making sure that she was okay. He’s so sweet, she thought, grabbing the red dress that he liked so much. Tim had called her and told her that they’d be needed at the bakery today after school. He’d seen Bobbie, so she knew she’d see her friend at lunch today.
“Ready, Beth?” Roy called from the living room.
“Be right there, Daddy.”
***
Kim didn’t want to go to school. She felt terrible, there was a cough. There were aches and pains. She swallowed the last white pill and decided to go. Kurt’ll know where to get some more if I can’t find Roxx. She missed Roxx, but knew she’d see her today. She flipped open her phone to see the texts she had sent. They had all been answered with the same reply.
Still out of town, back by school. Miss ya.
Kim rolled out of bed and coughed all the way down the hallway and into the shower.
***
Roxx looked at the phone. She smiled when she saw all the texts Kim had sent. It was a shame she was so used up, it had been fun while it lasted. She had thought of moving on, but wanted to finish The Advocate… Bobbie… Robb.
Once she’s broken, it’ll all be mine for the taking.
She grinned, and checked her makeup for flaws before she shimmied out the door, excited to put an end to this Advocate nonsense.
Then I can set about the real work. Roxx fought the urge not to squeal with delight as she stepped out into the crisp morning.
***
Heather had totally ruined her makeup. Her eyeliner branching out in ragged, tiny lightning bolts where she had lost concentration. For some strange reason, she’d been lounging around the house for a week. The makeup error felt as if it was almost like she was out of practice or something. Little was said, due to her lack of company. Heather, like Kim, didn’t want to go to school. She had ignored her phone, and all of the related text messages, preferring to be alone. She missed Kim, Amber, and Bella as well. Scrubbing off the old makeup to start new, she smiled a little at the thought of how Beth and Steve had hit it off so well. At least someone was with the right person. Starting with the foundation again, she tried to perk up, although school was the farthest thing from her mind.
***
Faye had both pillows clamped over her head; Bobbie had been making unearthly noises followed by squishy sounds. And, to Faye’s ear there was some kind of discordant, screaming soul quality behind the cries of pleasure. Christ, is that what I sound like? Poor Nick. The noise stopped shortly before Bobbie sat up and stretched. Releasing the pillows and finally allowing herself to hear the real world without any kind of damper.
“Pleasant dreams?” Faye asked dryly. Bobbie cocked her head downward and curled up one side of her mouth into a twisted rictus.
“You would know,” Bobbie widened here eyes. “There’s worse ways to wake up. Think Nick made coffee?” Bobbie asked, shaking her head back and refastening her ponytail. Faye shot her a distasteful look.
“We’re gonna have to have a talk about the hair. And that color, what were you thinking?”Faye examined the longer hair she now sported. “If Nick made coffee, he made it for you. Well, who he thinks is you… you know what I mean. Dammit, this is complicated.”
“Yeah.” Bobbie said, stretching again. “What do you want to do for breakfast?”
It was Faye’s turn to grin. “You get the coffee, There’s quite a bit of pastry around here. I recommend the banana bread,” She smirked and jiggled her head proudly. “The bagels aren’t bad, either.”
During their makeshift breakfast, Bobbie saw her throwing random vegetables in a blender. She poured the spicy smelling concoction over a beef roast that sat atop onions in the suddenly popular crock pot. “Well, that’s dinner.” Faye declared. “We should get ready, don’t want to be late for your first day. Do you?” Bobbie rolled her eyes.
Watching each other get dressed, it could be seen from space that neither girl was happy with the other’s choices in clothing. Faye still upset about the emerald green streak that trailed too far down. Extensions? What the hell happened up there?
A tinny horn honked from outside. Bobbie knew that sound. “Date must have been something else for you to be all cuddly on the back of that thing.
With a dismissive gesture and a click of her tongue, Faye turned away from Bobbie long enough to hide the goofy grin she could feel starting. “That’s my ride. Nick’ll be up to take you in a minute. Just tell him that he has to buy cream cheese today.” Faye turned and walked out the door. Bobbie felt a twinge of disappointment as she watched Faye walk out the door and off to face the rest of the student body of Delacroix High.
***
Tim was again shocked by what Bobbie had chosen to wear. All that time with Faye had started to show, with the blue streak in her hair and now with the low rise jeans and the midriff baring top hanging off of one shoulder. He found himself staring at her navel. He’d seen it before, but only on video. He put that thought out of his mind as she walked up to him. He noticed the metallic blue film reel barrettes holding her hair over one of her tiny ears. A hug and a peck on the cheek greeted him as Faye accepted Bobbie’s helmet and boarded the Vespa, the young couple rolled off into the slightly breezy morning.
***
“Ah, young love.” Nick said, staring out the window. Bobbie jumped, startled. Her breasts jiggled inside the tight top as she spun to face him. Bobbie wrinkled Faye’s face as she realized that he must have done something to bowl Faye over so completely. Something insanely romantic. Jealous, she looked at Nick with narrowed gaze. She saw something different, his greens pulsating in time with his violets. His yellow flared as he noticed her looking. Jealous, horny… scared when he saw me looking. The color scheme of all the ribbons and rags she could see suddenly all made sense. He really needs to get laid. The violet overtook the yellow as it faded.
Bobbie had started to make sense of this crazy color spectrum while up on the mountain. She saw how she affected people, making both Mike and Luka’s otherworldly colors disappear. It had started to make sense lately, to the point of understanding the colors and what they meant, well some of it anyway.
“Like the world doesn’t have enough Stepford people.” Bobbie said, hoping she was nailing the patented Faye snark.
“Be nice, Faye.” Nick said, pouring coffee and grabbing a bagel. “She’s too sweet, and after everything that’s happened… She deserves it.”
Nick was looking for the cream cheese, fumbling through the cheap storage bowls. Bobbie stared after him, studying the colors. The green undertone to the blues and violets slid around hallucinatorily.
“Bobbie said you need cream cheese.”
“Yeah,” Nick admitted. “We kind of killed it yesterday after the bagels were done. Seriously, I never want to see those lousy ones they sell at the school again.”
Bobbie was annoyed with all this talk of bagels. Good, now she can do all the baking.
“So, that’s what you’re wearing? Dressing down a little?”
Bobbie looked down at herself. She had obviously been too conservative for Faye, just as she had shown more skin than Bobbie normally would. Bobbie looked down at the olive pencil skirt she’d found in Faye’s closet, and a plain white top.
“Hey.” Bobbie pointed at Nick. “Shut up. So, we out of here or what?”
“What.” Nick said. “Definitely what, I understand that you don’t want to park the EVO there, but this getting me out of bed is ridiculous. How did I become a parent while a still a virgin?”
Still a virgin? Geez.
Nick chewed the last bite of bagel and grabbed his keys. “Alright.” He sighed. “Let’s get your highness to school.
Bobbie wiggled her way out to the car and sat in the passenger seat, thankful that she didn’t have to drive.
***
Faye was sitting in English class, she decided to use this time as a preview of what lay ahead. Mr. Lesko was turning out to be exceedingly dull, monotonously expounding on verbosity and verisimilitude.
Algebra was similarly dull, mostly due to the teacher being a baseball coach. In fact, Faye had pretty much resigned herself to her senior year being just as dull as she remembered it being for Kane.
It was lunchtime when she finally went to take the final exam in Bobbie 101. They were all there; Amber, Bella, Beth, and Heather. Faye cataloged the look on their faces as she approached the table. Jesus, where’s Scooby?
Heather was the first to speak. “Bobbie? What the hell happened?”
Faye looked at Heather. “Decided to not and not look like Taylor Swift for a bit.”
Heather pouted. “I was going for Mamie Van Doren. Doesn’t matter,” She shook her head. “Where have you been? My phone was missing all week and I had this new outfit I was working on…” Heather lied; not wanting her calm, cool, and collected image to crack in front of her comrades.
Beth used this moment to interject. “Daddy told me that Sylvia threw you out? What happened?” Beth showed so much concern on her face; one might think her puppy was sick.
Faye opened her sandwich. “She found out about the video. It’s casual, I’ve been bunking with Faye.”
“It shows. Looks like she’s been dressing you, too.” Heather studied Faye’s outfit.
Bella had a different opinion. “Nice. Fuckin’ badass. Dig the hair color.”
Heather shot a look at Bella.
“So, that’s why you called me.” Amber said, polishing her glasses on her sleeve. “If you need a place, I’ve got room.”
“It’s fine. Faye’s nice, and you all met Nick. It’s been a learning experience.” Faye stated. You have no idea. There was some minor chatter, but Faye was surviving. She smiled, looking at the Scooby gang that she inherited.
It would be really cool to have a talking dog.
“Tim fuckin’ told me about Roxx.” Bella said. “Fuck her. I fuckin’ swear…”
“Yes.” Faye interrupted. “You do. A lot. But, yeah. Fuck her.”
Heather and Beth looked shocked.
“What? After everything she’s like, the last fuck I have to give.”
Beth and Amber laughed, Bella was stunned, and Heather seemed distant. When the bell rang, Faye walked away from Bobbie’s friends.
Nailed it!
***

Bobbie’s day was more eventful. Everyone stared at her, the world was a blur of colors. Knowing what they meant now, everything seemed different. Most of the classes Faye took were simple enough. But Geometry was killing her, she wanted to stab Mr. Agee with the point end of a compass and then slit her own wrists with a protractor.
“Miss Valentine!” Mr. Agee’s voice blew her back to reality like a cannonball.
“Hmmm.” Bobbie looked up, distracted.
“Would you like to share whatever is so interesting with the rest of the class?”
Bobbie looked at him, she could see that he’d been cute, probably in college. All of his colors had the slightest ochre hue behind them, some greens, and a new color that looked like a peachy orange. Scared and sad, probably just acts all superior just to feel important, probably a jock in another life. She remembered the jocks from Delacroix High 1.0
“Did it have to do with congruent triangles?” Mr. Agee’s face reddened.
“Maybe.” Bobbie grinned. “I’ll try any angle.” The class laughed, which served to irritate Mr. Agee more.
“Try any angle, huh?” The teacher barked, his slightly doughy face screwing into something approximating rage. “Well, then, In that case.” He walked over to his oversized desk. Here, in this room. I’m the Right Angle.” He grabbed a form from the top drawer and started scribbling on it.
“There, in that chair. You’re just being obtuse. That’s a detention for you. Now, would you like to join the rest of us?” He separated the copies and held it up, the class laughed again, louder this time. The three genius freshmen in the front row cackling. He ripped off the top copy and ceremoniously carried it to her.
Fucking great. More school. Bobbie shifted uncomfortably in her seat. This wasn’t the first altercation with a teacher. Robb had had many, and Bobbie felt all the old rage bubble up, her back tingling slightly.
Next time, Gadget… Next time! She looked at Mr. Agee. They’d talk again.
Count on it.
When the bell finally rang, Bobbie had finished the homework, and made damn sure to place it on Mr. Agee’s desk… with a smile.
Lunch had Bobbie sitting off to one side, wondering how best to dispose of a male math teacher. She stared out at the glow of the dining student body. Like a weather map colors conglomerated together, fading to a complimentary counterpart in another adjacent area.
A bobbing black hood approached her, the red interior of the hoodie she was wearing contrasting sharply against the black of its exterior. Both colors combined could barely contain the chaotic maelstrom of colors that remained ensconced inside. Zoe; not a Rachel fan. Faye’s best friend, the devil to Rach’s angel…angel. Bobbie started thinking about zombies just to get the pictures of angels and demons out of her head.
The hood snapped to the left in a moment of eerie prescience. “Faye?” Zoe was stunned as evidenced by the tone of her voice. “Like the hair.” Zoe pulled out one of the ever present headphones out of her ears, leaving it to dangle playfully in front of her plain shirt. “Fully joining the glambots this summer?” The tiny sound of drum and bass loops stopped as she tapped the player off.
“How was your week? I got stuck at my aunt’s house. Dad took my car after the last party I snuck out to.” She pulled the one headphone still in her ear. “So, were you going for punk secretary today? You know the war’s over, right?” She let it drop, the buds clicking together like a Newton’s Cradle.
Bobbie shrugged. “Oh, I had that shoot up at Forbes, Rach sprained her ankle pretty badly. And the war never against stupid never ends.”
“It just gets sexier.” Bobbie batted her lashes.
Zoe laughed a courtesy laugh. “Oh! Your friend?” She snapped her fingers three times rapidly. “Cupcake girl…”
Bobbie perked up. “Bobbie? What about her?”
Zoe’s subbass chortling continued, “I guess Stacy entered this costume contest at the theater. She lost. She tried to take it out on Bobbie and her boyfriend.” The chortling continued, raising an octave whenever Zoe started to speak. “She smartassed her way into making her back down. What I would have given to see that. Imagine shutting Stacy down without a single punch.”
Boyfriend? She was going to have to talk to Faye about that. That wasn’t her decision. Bobbie frowned into her sandwich. The bread was really good, and fresh. Looking, she noticed the irregularity of the edges. Faye made this.
“So, seeing Rach after school?”
Bobbie looked up from her sandwich and shook her head. “Got detention today. Agee’s an asshole.”
“Gotta agree there. Had him last year. He still using that Right Angle/ Obtuse thing?” Zoe said.
Bobbie turned Faye’s mouth into a tight, straight line. “Now it’s just less clever than I thought it was.”
“So, everything okay with Bobbie there?” Zoe finished her sandwich. “Poor girl’s been through the wringer lately.”
“Apart from drowning in frosting and butter? Yeah.”
The bell rang and Zoe said something about seeing her later and ran off down the hall. The rest of her day was spent daydreaming and thinking about how boring school was. It turned out that the later Zoe was talking about was detention. Bobbie’s jaw went slack. Zoe waved. “Was late to fifth period. Y’know, busy putting up graffiti in the girl’s room. Didn’t think you were gonna have to do this alone, did you?”
Bobbie smiled, Zoe truly is her friend. The hour passed quickly, with homework to do and clocks at which to stare. Faye had told her all about her weekend while Zoe seemed only mildly interested. The tomboyish girl perked up when she went into detail about Rach’s accident.
“Gravity is a harsh mistress.” Zoe tossed off the remark like a used tissue. Faye had told Bobbie how like oil and vinegar; they did not mix. With high emphasis on the not.
Heading away from the adolescent prison camp, Zoe’s phone vibrated. She looked at it quizzically. She slid the phone on and said a shaky hello.
“Bobbie? Hi.” She looked at Bobbie and knitted her eyebrows. “Yeah, I guess. Faye and I are headed there now.” She nodded at Bobbie in the negative. “Cool cool, later.” She plunged the phone back into her pocket. “Bobbie wants to talk to me, I guess? Weird, But I guess after that Stacy thing she might be itching for some payback. How did she get my number?”
“Hmmh. She must have gotten it from my phone.” Bobbie remembered Faye telling her the story of how Zoe got her number from Rach. She couldn’t imagine this being any more confusing, for anyone. If this whole thing ever shook out, there would be awkwardness on a level not seen since the last Ice Age. She shrugged the thought off while Zoe started to talk about some party that was happening at the cemetery sometime during the week.
The itch on her back was starting to bug her again. She kept wishing Zoe would stick her with a Gom Jabbar just to stop the itching, knowing that the poisoned needle would provide sweet relief from the hellacious itching that came in fits and starts. Bobbie noticed it more when she was bored.
But she couldn’t be bored, not with her world full of twisting rainbows and a constant endorphin rush that couldn’t seem to plateau. Bobbie remembered the first time she had worn a dress, she laughed to herself as she pictured herself stepping into the garment. This is your power armor now. The bakesale seemed like a lifetime ago, as did the simpler time when Sylvia had braided her hair.
But, everything was so exciting, so intense now. Rach, the modeling, Luka, even getting the better of Mr. Agee felt like chocolate coated, deep fried joy. Zoe was still talking about the party when they finally entered Zoe’s SUV.
“Party sounds like fun. Sure, I’ll go.” Bobbie said, scratching her back on the broken tortilla fragments that were permanently enmeshed in the fabric of the passenger seat.
***
“My God, Bobbie. Think you baked enough? You could probably just bake all the Girl Scout Cookies.” Zoe laughed, grabbing a slice of banana bread from one of the many plates that had a veritable smorgasbord of baked items. “All of them.” She repeated, this time sounding maniacal. “So, like I was telling Faye, there’s a party this week out at the cemetery, DJ Plugman is set to make a return. Should be a good time. Supposedly, if this one goes well and the cops don’t show up, they’ll hold the grad party there. They use one of those abandoned warehouses every year, and it’s just too hot in there. Cemetery’s far enough away and just cool enough to be a good idea.”
Faye was loving this idea, her blue eyes sparkled at the thought of a good wild party, looking at Zoe, she blurted out. “Hey, Zoe. I was wondering if you could do me a favor?”
“Bobbie,” Zoe said, her voice thick with banana bread. “Let me take some of this stuff home with me and you can have anything you want.”
“Good.” Faye said, looking past her blonde hair. “Think you can get me Stacy’s cheerleading uniform?” Zoe coughed, an errant chunk of walnut flew through the air to land on the carpet.
“What?” Both Zoe and the Bobbie inside of Faye snapped their heads up to look at the Faye inside of Bobbie. “I think I can pull off the outfit. And I owe her just a little.” She shrugged
“Bobbie.” Zoe said, grinning like a cat with a cornered mouse. “You’re one badass chick. Subtle, I like it. Shouldn’t be a problem.” Faye knew that Stacy would be at the party. Zoe had been regaling her with tales of how Stacy wasn’t adjusting to not being a big fish very well ever since her first semester saw her being just another person, the loss of her celebrity paining her.
Seeing her cheerleader outfit on the girl who got one over on her in public: Priceless.
Faye looked at everyone as thoughts of driving Stacy into a psychopathic rage usually reserved for victims of high level gamma exposure just made her day that much better. “So,” She said. “Who’s staying for dinner? I have barbacoa cooking, there’s tortillas, and everything else.”
Bobbie looked at the body she inhabited just a week ago, she studied her color scheme. It was all over the place, hard to get a bead on. Damn Sniper Wolf and her Diazepam… Burritos were rolled, some better than others. Everything was delicious. Bobbie was glad for once that she didn’t have to do it, further glad that it was just as good. The bodyswapped girl felt at home in this new skin oddly…
…if only that damn itching would stop once and for all.
Faye’s phone played the familiar dubstep tone that announced its usefulness. Bobbie looked at the screen and jumped, feeling suddenly excited.
“Hi, Luka.” Bobbie looked at the others enjoying their spicy repast nervously. “I need to take this, be are be.” Hey, what’s going on?” Her voice trailed off as she disappeared down the short hallway.
Luka? Need to take this? What the fuck is going on, Bobbie? Faye wondered what was going on with her, something was off. Since she and Rach came back from the shoot, there’s been an off kilterness about her. God, she just wanted to see Rach. More than that, she wanted to see her without it being weird. She looked down the hallway as she saw Bobbie stare back down the hallway, closing the door behind her, cutting off the rest of what she had to say.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XV

Author:

Chefness

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Fiction

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 52
Bobbie was taking a shower while Faye was looking through her email. She laughed at the irony of all the emails she got promising to make her penis bigger.
“Who in the hell is Mike Sobol?” She asked to the impassive screen. She clicked on the message because of the attachments and the familiarity that existed in the first line of the preview. She scrolled past the message and looked at the attachments. There were the pictures from the shoot. Bobbie stood there in poses that Faye had taught her, but then something happened.
Faye had been on an uncountable number of shoots, always the same; dull. But, the final product always looked the same. Very cheesecakey and swimsuit issue, these were different. There was a spellbinding magic to the shots. In the abstract, Faye was glad she didn’t have to do this shoot. Snow? Hell no…
…and that wolf outfit?? Ridiculous.
And yet, according to Bobbie, Rach had seemed to like it.
As she continued to flip through the pictures, she got more and more stunned. The clothes became less and less. Then, nothing at all. Bobbie! Faye raged. Allegra is going to kill me! I’ll never work again.
Justice, she better figure this out quickly.
Everyone had cleared out while Bobbie spent forever on the phone. Who the hell is she talking to in there? When Bobbie finally came out, there was an uncomfortable silence.
“So, princess.” Faye started, folding the laptop closed. “You want to explain those pictures? Oh yeah, forget about email?. No wonder you didn’t get bored. Fuck anybody while you were at it?” Her face hardened. “Who the hell are you? Are you trying to kill my career?”
Bobbie smiled. “Fuck anybody? Yes… Your girlfriend.” She raised her voice an octave and cocked a hip. “Had to ‘be Fay-fay for the weekend, remember?’”
SLAP! Faye’s hand connected with Bobbie’s face, stinging sharply. “You don’t get to say that!”
Bobbie rubbed her face. “If you wanted to touch me…” She pulled at the green streak. “All you had to do was ask.”
Faye screamed a girly scream and clenched her fists.
Bobbie forced an opening. “And what about you? Who told you to get all romantic with Tim? Riding the Vespa? When did you get all mushy?” She let out an exasperated sigh. “Getting back together? Dammit Faye, that’s not your call” Bobbie returned the animosity.
“Because.” Faye yelled. “You two are perfect for each other and Roxx is playing you. I don’t understand her connection in all this, but…” Bobbie’s phone vibrated in Faye’s pocket.
“You could just keep it in your front pocket and have them call you back.” Bobbie delivered in a sly, sexy tone.
Answering the device. “Yeah? Oh, hi. Almost ready. See ya soon.” Faye flipped the phone closed.
“To be continued.”
“Was that Tim?... Is your knight gonna come get you on his Shetland Pony?” Bobbie smiled plastically.
“You could put the food away before I get back. I made it, you ate it.” Faye pointed at Bobbie. God, this was such a mess. There was a stabbable tension in the air, lanced only by the sound of a tinny horn and a small engine.

****
Faye’s being such a bitch. Stealing my boyfriend, my life… aaaaah.
Isn’t she? A voice in Bobbie’s head… a voice not Bobbie’s
Faye’s voice. It was weird to hear someone else’s voice in her head.
I mean, Faye’s voice continued. Look at it this way, she would never have taken those shots. Hasn’t everything been so much…. More?
Yeah, it was. How did you not see that, Faye? You’re gonna be famous. I’m helping you you dumb bitch.
Hey, Faye’s inner voice barked. Be calm, she thinks she’s helping you.
Bobbie’s voice, Helping? By getting back with a cheating boy? How does that help me? Seriously?
Faye’s voice again, Maybe I’m jealous. I really like those shots, still think the green streak is crazy. But, trying to out Faye me will be one fight I won’t give up.
Bobbie looked into the mirror, staring at the swell of her breast. Detroit’s noise came up loud, then was gone. Nick entered the apartment with a thud as the door swung shut.
“Hello?” He called.
“In here.” Bobbie responded.
“All this stuff on the counter is dinner, right?”
“Yeah.”
Bobbie re entered the living room to see Nick holding a badly rolled burrito.
“Y’know? I was thinking we should just keep Bobbie.”
Bobbie shot him a nefarious look through a cannon. She saw the tightness of his colors, the burned so richly they seemed to leave an afterimage on her retinas when she closed her eyes.
“Put the food away, will ya?” Bobbie smoldered. The slam of her door was all the evidence Nick would ever need that the conversation had ended.
****
“I feel the need… The need for seeds.” Faye said, adding poppyseeds to the new lemon poppyseed cupcake. Tim facepalmed. “What’s next? The Terminator? Chocolate and blueberry? Still can’t believe you wanna call this the Ishtar.”
Faye smiled “Why not?”
“Yeah,” Beth chimed in. Looking up from the chocolate ribbons and frosting flowers. “Why not?”
Tim laughed. “No one saw Ishtar, not even the people who made it.”
“Well excuse me for trying to salvage it. It’s also the ancient Egyptian goddess of love, you know.”
Beth finished up the chocolate ribbons and started working with the fondant, sculpting it into tiny, purple tentacles. A small pile of white candy suction cups sat next to them. “What’s with these? Tentacles and eyes? The pretty ones are always, well… pretty.”
“I was talking to Mike over at the Revival. He’s showing a film series for the Lovecraft Appreciation Society.” Tim looked up from his homework. “Thought he could sell a few.” He pointed with his pen. “Tentacles were her idea.”
Beth dropped her head and shook it in the negative. “Sometimes, Bobbie.” She laughed. “I’ll bet Steve gets it.”
“How do you think I found out about the Lovecraft Society?” Tim smirked. Beth rolled her eyes and looked at Tim.
“Not surprised.” Beth returned to assembling the tiny tentacles. “Bobbie?”
“Hmmm.” Faye turned her head, her work braid slithering back over her shoulder.
“You got the paperwork together to get Prom Tickets, right?” Since he wasn’t a student anymore, he could only attend as Bobbie’s plus one.
“Well. “Faye started. “ I haven’t thought about it.” Because Bobbie’s gonna be back in here before then.
Tim was staring at his notebook. “Already taken care of. You don’t think I’d wanna cheat you out of that. Do you? Even asked Heather to help me pick out a new suit.”
“That has to be the most back asswards proposal I’ve ever heard.” Faye looked at Tim dryly.
Tim slowly and deliberately walked away from his schoolwork. He knelt to one knee, took Faye’s flour-coated hand.
“Would you like to go to the Prom with me?” Tim looked up into Faye’s big, blue eyes.
There’s that damn feeling again. I know Bobbie’s pissed about this. But she’ll see…
If this ever ends.
I thought you were done with me? Bobbie’ll see, she’s getting it… I think.
Yeah, the other voice snickered. Like that time she decided she was shooting for Penthouse.
Shut up! This is my moment. In the back of her mind, old files were called up. The occasional sincere guy had tried to talk his way into her affections. She’d always equipped quips and fired indiscriminately, collateral damage be damned.
This is Bobbie’s moment. Just a rental, remember?
Can we go back to the part where you’re done with me?
He’s asking her, moron. And since when are you interested in Prom, anyway?
Okay, that’s it. Now it is I who is done with you.
“Yes,” Faye said. She wanted to jump and sing and…. Oh, my God. You’ve gone native.
Shut the fuck up! “Of course.” Her eyes smiled. The echo of her own voice stabbed at her in a different way. Meh, whatever. Bobbie’s gonna figure this out before then anyway. Faye’s soul shriveled on a subatomic level when the attack landed.
The voice pressed. You know you’ve got it bad if you’re letting me get the last word.
Done with you, go drive over a puppy or whatever it is you do when we aren’t having these little talks.
“Okay, good.” Tim said, quickly getting up. Stealing a kiss as he stood, he looked over at the fondant station. “Now that that’s settled.”
“Let’s get these cupcakes together before the stars come right.”
Both Bobbie and Beth looked at Tim confused.
“…City of R’yleh? Really, Bobbie?” Tim’s surprise was plain on his face. “You of all people?”
Faye smiled. “Hey, I know Cthulu from the internet. Tentacles is all you need to know, right?”
“You have a point there.” Tim said, waiting for Bobbie to say something about being perfect. But the Faye inside completely passed it over into unheard oblivion.
The cupcakes were assembled, with their green tinged white cake, black cream cheese frosting and a carefully placed yellow eye flat in the center, surrounded by four purple fondant tentacles that reached from the netherrealm of deliciousness.
Faye and the crew started cleaning up the bakery, with her not thinking about pictures, or anything else but Tim.
Are my methods unsound?
Faye? You’re not listening at all, are you?
Faye?
***
Roxx saw Kim on Tuesday morning. The short girl nearly tripped over her own feet to fasten herself to the girl who defined so much of who she was these days.
“Missed you. Been a little sick lately, just a cold. But you know…” Kim was trying to play off the light sweat and fluttery stomach that had been plaguing her all morning. Roxx pulled out a small bottle from out of her purse and discreetly handed it to Kim.
“Missed you, too.” She ran her fingers over Kim’s scratchy scalp. I know you’re out… Sorry. The guy I normally go through got into some trouble with some Russians, so I had to find a new supplier. You’d think that in a town this size, that would be so much easier, but no.” She sighed, her breasts heaving against the pressure placed on her by Kim’s ivylike grip. “Gotta run to class.”
“See you at break, yeah?” Kim said, not letting go. She wanted to be near Roxx, but the call of withdrawal clawed at her, knowingly or not. The young girl couldn’t tell where the excitement of seeing Roxx ended.
And where the relief of simply having the pills in her possession began.
“Sure.” Roxx smiled. Kim disappeared into the corridor.
Almost Advocate, almost.
***
Bobbie was making those noises again, that could only mean one thing. She would be up soon, Faye was wondering how no one heard the ‘scream of a thousand souls’ but her. Nick was used to the sounds of Faye’s nocturnal activities to the point that they were just part of the ambient sound of the apartment. She was sipping coffee and finishing up her makeup, hoping to be finished when Bobbie finally woke.
Bobbie, Faye reflected. What the hell is going on with her… with me? Thoughts of slow dancing with Tim, and even working at the bakery made her smile. The red corners of her lips twitched upwards.
Bzzt Bzzt!
Faye glanced at the screen, indicating a text from Tim. She flipped it open and…
Be in soon.
“God, Bobbie needs to join us here in the future.” Faye snapped the phone closed. She looked at the machine. It had no touchscreen. Memory was practically nonexistent.
And the internet?? Geez, don’t get me started. Faye missed her Twitter account…
Faye was amazed that Tim got up an extra hour earlier to do extra prep for the day at the bakery… just to take her to school. And he was there right when she got out of her last class, using that time as his lunch break. She knew it was just another in a long line of endearing traits. The discordant moans of pleasure subsided. Knowing what that meant, out the front door she silently stole. Faye waited out front and watched the sun peek out above the horizon.
It was warm for this time of year, and the air smelled different. She didn’t know if it was the baking, but she seemed to smell everything differently. The appeal of joining the zombie horde made itself known to her, she could see the appeal. In a morning devoid of sound, Tim’s Vespa came around the corner. The headlight looming closer. She smiled again as he rolled to a stop.
She grabbed her helmet from the back bar and boarded the motored scooter. Better enjoy this while I can.
***
Bobbie looked for Faye when she woke up, the absurd normality of untying her hands from the vine of her womanly flower just another in the new facts of life. Only the empty scone plate told the tale of Faye’s early exit.
Raspberry scones with white chocolate chips? Cool. Bobbie grabbed one of the pastries and poured the coffee and contemplated how much had changed. Now she was the sexy one. She was the star of that shoot, promising to move Faye’s modeling career to the next level. She looked down somnolently.
And what had she done? Wrapped herself around Tim’s little finger? Biting into the scone, she realized that Faye had obviously inherited her cooking ability. And I get the senses of porno Wolverine. Snikt!
Seems like I’m getting the better end of this. What am I gonna learn here? She sipped the bitter coffee. Looking down, she realized that she was drinking it black. She thought better of eating anymore of the scone. Her bra was feeling a little tighter this morning. I guess Faye’s right. She hefted her breasts. She considered another scone for a second before thinking some new bras might be in order. Her boyfriend, my tits. She brought her arms together, squeezing them together lightly. She felt lightheaded as her nipples responded instantly, stiffening almost uncomfortably against the tightening undergarment. “Mmm… Definitely gonna need some new bras.” She mused.
Bobbie finished her coffee and completed her Pre-Nick routine. The scones did quite a bit to ease Nick’s general irritation over using the Camaro as a school bus.
***
Rach was leaning on the crutch, happy for the hundredth time that she saved them from the last injury. Getting dressed caused some winces, but nothing that the Vicodin couldn’t cure. She would be happy to be rid of the pills. The pain she could live with, just not right now. She heard the Camaro rumble to a stop. She crutched her way over to the door and went downstairs to see Faye.
She’s been acting so funny lately. I hope everything’s okay.
The ride to school was fraught with silence. Nick seemed chatty, with only the tan crumbs on the shirt depicting Rei Ayanami in a bikini and some unreadable Kanji that hung loosely over his chest.
***
Bobbie was tapping her foot, the straps of her boot flip flapping against the legs of the chair. She had to get out of there. One more word about J.D. Salinger was going to make her climb a water tower. She got up and made for the door.
“Miss Valentine.” Ms. Wolanczyk barked. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“The ladies’.” Bobbie barked back. “Wanna know why?”
Ms. Wolanczyk sensed why, but wouldn’t say. She sighed and acquiesced, waving her hand and continuing her lecture about Holden Caulfield’s skewed outlook on life. Bobbie heard the lecture end as the door closed, thankful that the dreaded literature mites would no longer be infesting her brain. She saw the bathroom and smelled it before she saw it. A cigarette.
Bobbie entered the bathroom and saw her there, Ferrari red hair, curves that wouldn’t quit and clothes that appeared to have been made from space age polymers.
Roxx… Her colors were curiously absent, completely content in who she was, what she was.
“Well, well, well, Faye. Nice to finally meet you. She's told me so much about you. She's kind of impressed, actually.” Roxx said extending her free hand. Bobbie couldn’t take her eyes off of the cigarette. Her voice sounded friendly, the maliciousness was gone.
“Where are my manners? Want a cigarette?” Roxx used the free hand to reach into her purse and pulled out a pack of Camels.
My old brand. Why not? Better enjoy it while I can.
“Sure.” Bobbie said, accepting the nicotine stick and placing it firmly between her lips. It felt normal, right… comfortable.
Clink! The flame slipped up from the fluid soaked wick as the striker wheel raised sparks from the flint. Bobbie puffed, then inhaled. It scorched her throat, a heavy cough followed by another. Then; finally, a breath. A moment later it stopped, Bobbie inhaled again. A few seconds later; her breathing settled, she inhaled on it again. It felt so good, the nicotine absorbed almost immediately after a long, luxurious exhalation, Bobbie turned and rested her luscious ass on the sink.
“Still trying to be a good girl?” Roxx dropped the purple stained butt into the toilet.
Bobbie could feel the nicotine building in her brain, doing its endorphin shifting sorcery.
“Definitely an E-Ticket ride. Every little thing I do is magic.” She winked, and rested her hind end on the sink next to Bobbie. Bobbie grabbed the cigarette with her thumb and forefinger, moving it over the sink.
“C’mon, girl. You know you feel it? The rush of… well, everything. You know they’re staring, you obviously like it. Can’t imagine anyone dressing like that if they didn’t.”
“You feel her, I know you do. Why are you fighting so hard? There’s absolutely no reason to.”
Bobbie looked at her. “If you say that we all float down here...” Bobbie trailed off like a Wilhelm scream. Kim… “Where’s your girlfriend?” Bobbie wondered about Kim. Since Sylvia threw her out, she knew nothing.
Roxx cut her off with a laugh. “Kim? She parties way too hard for even me, breaking it off.” The evil grin returned. “It’s all just sex and drugs with her.”
Bobbie inhaled on the cigarette one last time, she wanted to curl her hands into fists and pummel the girl, but stopped. Why am I fighting? Kim made her own choices. Like brother, like sister. She’s right…
…isn’t she?
Roxx smiled as Bobbie’s cigarette butt gained a companion in the toilet.
“Don’t forget to flush.” Roxx said walking away. Bobbie saw the Kanji on her back burning Ebony, twisting and like live Gakh. The sole sign that she was marked by Lust. She could see that now, through the slithery onyx.
“Lust,” Bobbie breathed, understanding Roxx at last. The wrong she had felt at the party, in this very bathroom. “Is it possible that this might be the right team?” Bobbie couldn’t shake the feeling for a long time, she stayed quiet during lunch. Just thinking and pondering, and for the first time…
Why are you fighting so hard?
Bobbie didn’t know.
***
Faye had excused herself from Mr. Lesko’s class, planning to meet Zoe in the bathroom. She fired off a quick text to her most rebellious friend. She smelled smoke when she entered the bathroom. Bobbie was standing there, looking a million miles away.
“Bobbie? What the fuck? Are you smoking? I swear, what the hell is going on with you?”
Bobbie looked at Faye from a distant star. “Roxx…she…” Bobbie looked worried. “I’ve got to go…”

Chapter 53
Zoe had gotten the DHS cheerleader uniform out of Stacy’s room with no problems. She had been eating coffee cake that morning, Bobbie had sent enough pastry to keep everyone snacking until Prom… Ugh, between the increased sugar intake from the coffee cake and the saccharine sickly sweet stamp of the students threatened her pancreas with permanent shutdown. She had made plans with Bobbie to ‘drop off the package’ in the restroom. Zoe had to laugh at the thought of Stacy blushing under that zombie makeup. Like still water, Bobbie ran deep. The plan was to hand off the outfit in the ladies during lunch. But her text had come early. She saw Faye leave the bathroom hurriedly.
“Faye,” She called, but was ignored. “Faye!” She called again, but was gone around the corner.
She’s been acting weird for a few days, I hope everything’s okay.
Zoe entered the bathroom and passed the bag to Bobbie, who thanked her and promised to get a picture of her sister’s face as she ran away. “Careful, Bobbie. She’s a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Don’t think your boyfriend will be much help.” She said.
Faye snickered. “Leave her to me.”
“Wasn’t Faye just in here?”
“Yeah…I…” Faye felt weird talking to Zoe about Faye. It’s me in here, dipshit.
“I’ve known Faye for a while, Bobbie.” Zoe put her hand reassuringly on Faye’s forearm. “The building may fall, but she always walks out in slow motion.” She smiled broadly. “It’s kind of her thing.”
Faye put a bright smile on Bobbie’s face. For all the things that had happened since the switch, she appreciated hearing what others thought of her. Nick, Zoe…
Rach… She missed Rach. Faye hadn’t seen her since she came to get Bobbie, and now with the injury…
Don’t get me wrong, Tim. You made me feel… special. But, in a different way. Faye really just wanted back to her own body, before Bobbie did some real damage. She reflected over the pictures, both naked and not. Smoothing things over with Allegra would be easy, provided nothing else happened.
Faye looked down at the cheerleader uniform and grinned. Stacy would rue the day she messed with Bobbie Sharpe.
Faye Valentine, dammit.
***
“Damn, Bobbie. I’m starting to like this badass streak of yours.” Amber was putting down her sandwich and pushing up her glasses while she addressed Faye.
“Bobbie.” Beth said with a sharp intake of breath. “You’re gonna ditch?” Her eyebrows vanished into her hair.
“Absolutely, Yes. Look, Beth. Tim needs a night off. He can’t do that without some prep. So, I’m helping.” Faye said. Beth smiled.
“We’ll cover ya.”
“Fuck yes.”
“Bully!” Heather said, raising a fist. Everyone else looked at her. “What?” She made a face. “You’re right. Too outdated, even for me.”
Faye looked at the Scooby gang and laughed through her nostrils. Here was an odd bunch; some musicians, a baker, a dressmaker. But there… between Amber and Beth, there was an empty space. Bobbie had told her enough about Kim to see that they all missed her. She could see it in all those assembled.
And now, Grrl Army was flying the missing man formation in honor of their comrade.
Gone, but not forgotten… safe passage until the sisterhood is reunited.
Faye broke from lunch early and drove Bobbie’s body out to where the fence that marked the school perimeter lay, uniform in hand.
***
Kim swallowed two of the pills with a handful of water from the sink. Just a couple to get through the rest of the day. She had noticed that these weren’t as good, hence the double dose. Kim was hoping to get in some quality time with Roxx. She was so much more fun than the plastics she used to hang around. More like Robb used to be.
Robb? How in the fuck had that happened? Robb, Bobbie… probably the biggest one eighty ever. And Bobbie? Jesus H. Christ, even Barbie with her pink sportscar and dreamhome couldn’t out good girl Bobbie. She thought of Roxx and smiled, life had been so much more fun since they met on that day in the field.
Kim coughed and spat in the sink. Her cough had gotten both better and worse, less coughing fits, but more severe coughing. Just a cold, wish it would just go away. She frowned; she wanted to make sure Roxx didn’t catch whatever this was. Kim wanted to cuddle and kiss her girl, now that they could share proximity again. She shrugged off and tripped over her foot slightly as she left the bathroom.
***
Roxx… Lust… That means she’s been a thrall the whole time…
Faye’s voice: Justice said ‘Until you learn what you’re fighting against’, right? Is this what she meant?
Maybe…I just don’t know. Can we talk about this later?
Bobbie couldn’t handle school anymore today, she was walking out by the perimeter fence where the…Ahh, still there. From time immemorial there had been a spot in the fence that had been cut open. However often it was fixed, it somehow always appeared again. Like a diabetic wound that just wouldn’t heal. Robb had been through this hole a few times, with Melanie waiting for him on the other side. Bobbie smiled at the memory, the thrill and flush of adrenalin that made his legs weak. A weakness Bobbie was feeling at that moment.
“Bobbie? What the hell are you doing here?” A voice jolted her to the here and now. Faye?
“I just can’t take anymore today.” Said Bobbie nervously, the conversation with Roxx still playing in her mind. She raised an eyebrow. “What about you?”
“Me neither, going to that party out at the cemetery.” Faye said nonchalantly. “You’re going, too. Right?”
Bobbie ignored the question as her eyes hardened. “You’re taking Tim, aren’t you?”
Faye shot back defiantly, “Yes. I. Am.” She pointed a blue nail at the other girl and began wagging her finger. “He needs a night off. All he does is homework and work the bakery. Why? Because of you. You fixed him without even trying. You should be doing this.”
“I told you already. That’s not your call, Faye.”
“Someone needs to do it. And it looks like I’m elected.”
“Well.” Bobbie put on a British accent. “I didn’t vote for you.”
“Y’know.” Faye said, smiling and laughing through her nose. “I see why you like him. He’s sweet. He loves you, and…”
A slight cracking sound in the distance made both girls jerk their heads in the same direction.
“Shit.” Bobbie said. Smiling, she darted for the fence. “Gotta go.” And with practiced motions and perfect muscle memory, she rolled under the hole and was gone. Faye followed suit with slightly less adroitness, but was also under quickly. Faye looked around, but saw her old body nowhere. Dammit. She looked down at the thin, white plastic bag that kept the uniform dirt free.
“Bobbie? What the hell is going on with you?” And then she looked down at the cheerleader outfit that she planned on wearing for Tim while she took him to an illegal party.
“What the hell is going on with me?”
***
Roxx was walking out to the perimeter fence. She could see them talking. Well, aren’t they all buddy buddy?
Crack! She brought her heel down on a fallen branch. Why was she calling her Faye? Roxx looked back to the campus.
“Well, that was easy.”
One to go.
***
Mary was leaving campus quickly. Everyone was talking about Prom, and she just couldn’t take another word. All of her friends seemed to be going, she moped. Maybe she’d been a little too forward with Bobbie. It’s just that she was so pretty, and smart, and…
It was almost love at first sight, she was standing there in the middle of the crowd. But Mary couldn’t see them clearly. Kim was playing the bass on stage; she twitched the corners of her mouth upward. Mary checked that she was at minimum safe distance before she pulled out a cigarette and lit it. She walked, feeling the world’s spin pulling her down into a vortex of sadness.
“Why so glum, tiger?”
“Huh?” Mary looked up, terrified.
Roxx laughed. “Hard to see such a pretty face frowning.”
Kim brought her eyelids down. “Where’s Kim? Aren’t you two still…”
Roxx laughed again. “Not so much. She’s always busy doing something now. Can’t imagine what. Want some company?”
Mary smiled a little. “Sure.”
“Got one of those for me, handsome?”
***
The door’s clatter shook Tim from his focus on the audiobook he was listening to while he pulled out the trays of candied bacon.
“Just a second!” He yelled, setting the hot tray on the cooling rack. He came out to the counter and saw Bobbie. “Hey, aren’t you supposed to be at school?” He smiled, suddenly looking less tired.
“Aren’t you?” Faye smiled. “Big Brother has Winston Smith killed just like he saw the dissidents from earlier in the book. There, you should have enough to write the report. Now, let me in there so you can get this stuff done.”
Faye almost pulled out Bobbie’s phone and snapped a picture, his face was absolutely irreproducible.
“You’re going out tonight. No buts. Now, where can I hang this?” She held up the opaque plastic bag.
***
Bobbie opened the door to find Nick gone. There was a quiet to the place she hadn’t noticed before. “Dammit.” She said, trying to scratch at the spot on her back that she just wished could pushed out the airlock. The itching grew to a fever pitch as she entered the room. Stripping off her clothes she bent slightly at the waist and rubbed her back against the corner of the doorjamb. She thought that she had scratched too hard as she felt the skin pull awkwardly. A couple minutes later, she leaned against the wall. Still itching, but wanting to refrain from making the surrounding skin any rawer.
She hadn’t told Faye, or Zoe for that matter, that she would be attending a different event. Faye would understand. It’s work, besides…
She’ll be busy with Tim. The thought of Tim and Faye partying out at the graveyard rankled her. You should be doing this.
“Fuck you, Faye.” Bobbie said looking at herself in the mirror. She took advantage of the time alone she had to get herself ready for Luka. There was some time spend in the cosplayer’s graveyard that was Faye’s closet. Who in the hell did she think she was anyway? She nearly sprained an elbow trying to get the bra’s last hooks fastened. The fishnets, skirt, and boots came together quickly enough. Bobbie had started to wear the style of clothing Faye wore regularly wore. Her mind flashed back to the girls Robb used to keep his desktop background company.
Once her makeup was done, it was a waiting game until she heard from Luka. Powering on the game unit, Bobbie fought with many digitized warriors. But her best combos were unleashed against the red headed opponent that the computer had selected for her.
Roxx couldn’t get out of her mind. Lust, she thought. Knowing that now, Bobbie resolved to learn as much as she could about her. As Faye, the information might be just that much easier to get.
***
Kim was walking through the field, she had decided to forgo the cigarette that was usually her accompaniment. There was some noise out and away by one of the rock piles that dotted the landscape. A laugh. Roxx?
From nowhere she appeared, her red hair announcing her presence.
With someone else. Kim couldn’t tell who it was.
Kim tried to delude herself into thinking there was a good reason for what she was seeing. But, seeing Roxx and the unknown newcomer kiss and grasp each other’s hands cemented the reality for her. A particle of nothingness expanded in the pit of her stomach. She felt her legs lose strength and tears begin to deluge from her eyes. But, why?
She watched them walk out of the distance through vision distorted by the salty tears that monsooned down her face.
Why?
***
Luka had the top down, Her Karmann Ghia roaring with acceleration as she changed lanes onto the Delacroix offramp. Patsy Cline was singing about walking after midnight, and Luka was thinking about the same thing. But, doing the walking with Faye. She’d never met anyone like her. She exuded confidence and sexiness in a way that her cornfed looks and willowy frame would not allow.
Luka stomped the gas with a pink leather cowgirl boot and glanced over at the empty seat that would soon be occupied by the one girl she’d met who was obviously comfortable in her own skin. The phone was telling her to turn off here and make a left at the light.
Okay, Faye. I’m on my way. Luka smiled.
***
Faye was chopping the candied bacon, while Tim was storing the batter and frosting. “This should buy you a couple of hours.”
“Bobbie, I gotta be honest. I’m not too sure about this.” Tim said. “I mean, I’m pretty far ahead on the schoolwork and everything, but…”
“Shh.” Faye put up a finger to his lips. “All work and no play…”
He looked at the door. “Why do I feel like I should be expecting your identical twin to come in here and join you in a chant of ‘Come and Play with us, Danny’?”
Faye laughed, “Forever and ever.” She realized that she was going to have to break down and watch some of this weird shit he keeps talking about. Only getting about ten percent of his references was like full contact Trivial Pursuit. “Let’s get cleaned up?”
“Sure.” Tim smiled. They turned to the cleaning duties, which were so practiced that they were done quickly.
“Okay.” Faye said, closing the broom closet. “Think I can take a shower and get changed?”
“Sure, I’ll be up in a minute.
Faye took the elevator up and entered the living room of the apartment. Myka was hunched over a key board.
“Hey, Bobbie.” Myka said without looking up. “You’re here early.”
“I’m making sure Tim goes out tonight. He’s going to turn into a cupcake if he spends anymore time down there.”
Myka laughed.
She held up the plasic bag. “Was just going to take a shower. That okay?”
Myka waved her hand. “Sure. Towels are in the cabinet.”
Faye entered the bathroom and splayed out her purse’s contents. She entered the shower and scrubbed the remnants of frosting and batter from her hands and face. She worked quickly and was done in a matter of minutes. Hair washed and towel dried, Faye looked at herself in the foggy mirror. The blue of her eyes showed through the condensation.
“Gimme an ‘A’.” She said as she looked closer at what she was doing. Top and panties, pleated skirt. Faye almost couldn’t believe she was wearing this thing, it wasn’t her first time in an outfit like this. The last time had seen her draped on the hood of a Trans Am, luckily that ad campaign had been scrapped.
It took her about an hour to finish up, and she emerged from the bathroom. Tim was mid sandwich and Myka was looking at him laughing. Upon seeing his very own cheerleader, he inhaled a mayonnaise coated slice of rye bread with some shreds of sauerkraut still clinging to it. Much coughing ensued as he turned to the sink.
“Bobbie!” Myka said. “You’re a cheerleader? Tim, why didn’t you tell me?”
Regaining composure. “Because she isn’t, Mom. Is it some kind of costume party?”
Faye straightened one of the two blue bows that secured her partial twin ponytails. “No. But, I’ve been your cheerleader for a while.” She smiled sweetly. “Thought I could dress the part for once.” She absently brushed at a red smear on her left shoulder.
Faye twitched her thumb behind her, towards the bathroom.“Your turn. Get ready. I’ll be waiting right here, doing my makeup.”
***
Nick finally came home to see Bobbie standing near the screen, screaming at it while doubled over.
“Eat fist, fucking bitch. Gonna rip that red hair out with my hands. Fucking slut.”
Huaaaaa!
“Aww.. Allergic to Poizn?”
“Whoooa ooh. Ooooooh. Nice shootin’ Tex.” Nick said.
Bobbie glared at Nick.
“Ditched out, huh? Bad day?” He said, looking at the counter. “Faye? Where’s the coffee cake?”
The crumb studded plate on the table gave him the answer. He sighed. “Fine.” He grabbed himself a cola from the refrigerator and sat down. “So you going to that party?”
Bobbie softened her face and looked at him. The yellow and green were so prevalent, the reds and purples imbuing them with a sickly taint. She smelled the detergent and milk again. “Nah, got a work thing. I can miss an illegal party now and again. Keeps me mysterious.”
Nick chuckled. “Yeah, I’m sure they’ll survive being deprived of your presence.”
Bobbie batted her eyelashes. “Wanna save Metro City? There’s not enough fist when I play alone.”
What the hell does that mean? Nick thought. He accepted the control pad and selected Lucia. Bobbie looked at him funny, but ignored it as the fists and feet of fury began to fly.
***
“Where the fuck is Faye?” Rach leaned on her crutch as she scanned the parking lot. No sign of her girlfriend or the Camaro. She saw the hoodie with the bobbing hood walking up the path and turned to face her. She caught Zoe’s shoulder clumsily. The other girl snatched her earbuds out and flopped down her hood.
“Zoe, have you seen Faye?”
Zoe sighed. “Yeah, she took off earlier. She looked like something was wrong.”
Concern crossed Zoe’s face. “Goddammit. She’s been acting funny for days. She say anything to you?”
“No. Seems okay to me. Dressing a little weird, just hanging out with Bobbie for too long. The green hair looks a little weird, but…”
Rach frowned. “Think I can get a ride?”
“She left you? That doesn’t sound like her at all. I suppose I can.” Zoe seemed slightly annoyed.
Leaving the campus. Rach looked at Zoe.
“Skipping the party tonight?”
“I heard about it, but with the ankle, no.”
“I’m sure we’ll get by.”
Zoe turned up the radio, and took the quick side trip that would rid her of Zoe for the night.
***
“I need that meat, you get the gems.” Nick said, jamming buttons in haphazard patterns.
“Got it.” Bobbie said. She had taken to bashing every single female target that appeared, Nick got the feeling that his roommate wasn’t talking about whatever it was that was bothering her. The opening of the door didn’t draw any attention as the button mashing continued.
“Hello.” Faye called through the door with Tim in tow. Bobbie turned her head and stared at Faye, her face full of both rage and worry.
“Oh, hey Bobbie.” Nick said. “I’d love to say that I loved the coffee cake. But, someone…” He jerked his thumb at Bobbie “…ate the whole thing.”
Faye scowled at Bobbie. “Faye, can I talk to you for a second?”
“Sure.” She said, swinging her posterior dangerously close to Nick’s face. She made it down the hall slowly. Once inside, she saw her old face as irritated as she had ever seen it.
“EVO keys, now. And what’s with the coffee cake?”
Bobbie handed over the jingling mass of keys. “I can’t believe you’re falling for this shit with him.” She hissed, wanting to keep her voice low.
“Roxx attacked him, I would say she has it out for you. How in the hell else did your mom get that picture?” Faye shot back.
“Well, seems to me that you’re the one she has it in for.” Bobbie said. “Have fun.”
“You’re not going?”
“Nah, got a work thing.”
“Work thing?” Faye cocked an eyebrow. “This is my career you’re talking about.”
“Hey, when this is over, you’re gonna be famous. You’re gonna thank me. Don’t leave loverboy waiting.” Bobbie turned on a booted heel and left the room.
“What the hell else can possibly happen?”
You asked. You sure you want the answer?
It wasn’t until Faye had the EVO out on the road, with a hand on Tim’s knee that she started to feel comfortable about the situation. The simple act of repositioning the seat and mirrors to accommodate her different mass and volume did a lot to shake her from the reverie. The graveyard beckoned, and Tim’s night off was a priority she couldn’t shake.
***
Nick answered the door to a strange knock. He blinked several times rapidly at the young woman at the door.
“Hi,” She drawled. “Is Faye here?”
“Yeah, one second.” He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. She had on a cowboy hat and boots. Torn, tight jeans, and a blue denim jacket that set off her deep cornflower blue eyes.
“Faye.” Nick called.
Bobbie came out to the door and looked at the rodeo queen that stood before her.
“Luka, hi.” Bobbie went forward and hugged her. A strange sight it was, the goth emo princess, and the bronco bustin’ beauty. “Let me get my purse and I’ll be out.” A quick retrieval of the handbag saw Bobbie leave so quickly that Nick could have sworn that he saw an afterimage of her long after she left.
Chapter 54
Kim sat in the living room and swallowed two more of the pills. She stared at the tv’s blank, black screen.
Why, Roxx? What did I do? Whatever it was, I’m sorry.
The high came on, and whatever was wrong with this batch of pills was suddenly gone. Kim was soon higher that she remembered being. It was as if warm water washed over her, removing tension and pain. Sweet, blissful detachment came over her. The screen played memories of her time with Roxx. Kim became ambivalent, she missed Roxx already. The way she felt when they were alone, the warmth of her cuddle, the raspberry taste of her lip gloss.
Raspberry, an unusual choice. Kim couldn’t feel anything at the moment, and that was just the way she wanted it.
She thought of Roxx as her eyelids became superdense and fell lower and lower. Her muscles relaxing, she sank into the couch and sleep.
…and the tomblike silence of oblivion.
***
Blue…..
Oh, so lonesome for you…
The radio was blaring, even still Bobbie had a hard time hearing it over the roar of the passing wind that blew from every direction. The Karmann-Ghia was every kind of agile as Luka deftly avoided every possible accident, although she may have caused a few.
It was just after leaving Delacroix proper that she pulled off of the freeway and found some desolate environ to stop and drink in some silence. She got out and looked at the horizon, the sun dipping into it’s prismatic ending show for the day. She pulled a joint from her purse and lit it.
“Gotta get my head right before I get there. These things are always so fake.”
“I’ve never been to one.”
“Oh, they’re all the same. Everyone comparing the work of the surgeon that gave them their personalities.” She inhaled deeply on the intoxicant and offered it to Bobbie.
Bobbie took the joint and studied it. So nice to have this again.
Soon the two girls were stoned, and laughing at the things guys said to girls in country songs. The faded convertible zipped back onto the freeway, ferrying Bobbie to a world as unfamiliar to her now as femininity had been when Bobbie was still learning what it meant to be what she was.
The Walden came into view soon after they stopped to grab some bottled water, the cottonmouth was unbearable. Slowing into the entrance, Luka got out and tossed the keys to a waiting valet.
“Take good care of her, sugar.” Luka drawled and touched the brim of her hat.
The valet winked and bowed his head.
“Shall we?” Luka offered her arm.
Bobbie smiled.
“We shall.” She linked her arm with the blonde girl and entered the lobby.
***
Tim was a little confused.
He had been running a low level erection since seeing Bobbie come out of the bathroom at home. It had been compounded by the fact that he could feel her grinding against him from the back of the Vespa. Now, here he sat in the passenger seat of Faye’s car. Her very nice car. Listening to a series of beeps, boops and throbbing bass.
“Doon-chicka-doon-doon. Chicka doon.” Faye was singing along to music that had no words. Hitting the steering wheel in time, she yelled. “DROP THE BASS!” As if on command, the bass and the surface tracks came together with the keyboard loop.
Bobbie was still Bobbie, but she had been acting funny since Spring Break. Tim figured that there was just a lot on her mind. But, she never screwed up a movie reference. Nor did she drive, or completely lose control whenever someone played dubstep. But the warmth of her hand kept feeding its kundalini into his left thigh.
“Don’t worry, Tim.” Faye yelled over the music. “We won’t break too many rules.” Tim smiled weakly.
“When did you start driving?”
“Faye let me borrow the car. She’s been teaching me.” Faye said, not liking the lie. Even though the flavor of truth was definitely on the menu.
The EVO made its way to the side mounted klieg lights and jury rigged sound equipment. Tim looked at the party. He remembered the parties he used to attend, the things he did there. It had been a good long while since Tim had been to one of these things. But, he trusted Bobbie.
So she was acting funny. Her whole life fell apart in a matter of weeks.
Tim felt the car roll to a stop. He exited the car, only to find Faye there. She tenderly grabbed his hand.
“C’mon, let’s get some fun in you.” Faye said as she led him into the pounding bass maelstrom.
***
Kim was still watching tv. Quirky little programs. Scenes of an all girl band played.
Flip.
Scenes of some girls running around a bakery.
Flip.
Two teenagers on a Vespa.
Flip.
The faces were all blurry, Kim either couldn’t or wouldn’t get up. She couldn’t figure out which.
A busty Asian girl walked up to the seat she was a part of, carrying a covered plate.
“Turkish Delight?” She said with a flourish, removing the cloche.
***
When Sylvia came home, her reaction was immediate. The nonreactivity of her daughter, the foam around her mouth. She’d been afraid of this, first with Robert, then with Kim. During the length of time it took for her to dial 911, she feared that she would have lost both of her children. She thought of Bobbie, and how none of this happened until she came around.
By the time the paramedics showed up, Sylvia was crying as she watched them bundle Kim onto a gurney and fitted with oxygen tubes. The EMT had told her that Kim’s labored breathing required oxygen. They asked her if there were any prescription medications in the house. Sylvia responded in the negative. She was mad at everything at that moment, busy clinging on to Kim’s hand, hoping and praying that her last link to Jeff would be okay. Thinking only of Kim, with fleeting touches of Robert… Robert. She wanted to scream, she wanted to hit something, but that would wait. She was terrified. She kept out of the EMT’s way while he watched and tried to make small talk to cheer up the hysterical woman. Kim’s breathing was stabilized by the time they reached Delacroix General.
And Sylvia was scared.
***
“C’mon. Dance with me.” Faye said to Tim, starting to swing her hips to the beat. She was brushing against his Gap jeans fleetingly. The party was impressive, DJ Plugman was laying it down. His new hardware making the beats tighter than she remembered from the last party he’d played. Tim tried to sway with her, but he seemed to be like Steve Martin in The Jerk, his rhythm always off by microseconds.
After a couple of hours, Tim started to loosen up. His dancing looked like an epileptic on fire coupled with someone trying to run away from his own arm. Faye laughed and tried to incorporate some of the spasmodic twitching into her own dancing.
“I…” Tim panted. “I need some water.” Faye could barely hear him over the music and the press of people jumping up and down. She led him out of the dance pit and found the coolers full of water. They each grabbed a bottle. Faye sipping hers, and Tim downing his in the time it took to tell a knock knock joke.
“Bobbie.” Tim said between ragged breaths. “How is it that you’re not sweating?”
“Magical cheerleader powers.” Faye took another measured sip. Tim tried to laugh, but his breathing wouldn’t let him.
***
Stacy was similarly out of breath and was searching for water. She was also feeling that Steve Martin feeling. She felt as if she had nothing in common with these kids. She saw one of the Blue Devil cheerleaders making out with a boy. She smiled, reminded of simpler times. When they separated, she looked at the girl.
It was the porn queen and the burnout. The slight red stain on the left shoulder told her everything she needed to know. When it had come back from the cleaners, they told her that the red stain from the makeup would never completely come out. That’s my… how in the fuck? Zoe, oooh! I’m gonna throw her out the window.
The memory of the theater suddenly fresh in her mind, she stomped towards the couple.
“You…”
***
Faye was giddy, making out with Tim had that effect on her. So, it was still a little strange. But it was strange in a wonderful and alien way.
“You… BITCH! Take it off.” Stacy screamed. Faye snapped her head up. Oh, shit.
“Why? I wear it better.” Faye said defiantly, she grabbed Tim’s hand. “Gotta go.” She whispered, pulling him away from the party and into the foresty night.
Chapter 54
“Two fingers of Bulleit, one of Chambord, splash of club soda and Angostino bitters.” Bobbie said confidently to the bartender. She looked at Luka. “Make it two.” With bottles spinning and liquors flying, the blonde girl with the gold vest presented the drinks quickly.
“Thanks.” Bobbie and Luka stereoed.
Luka sipped at the drink. She coughed after the first, test sip. “Really strong.”
Bobbie sipped and smiled. “Good though, right?”
The girls looked out at the sea of blonde hair and gold lame. Ears bobbed everywhere.
“We stand out a bit.” Luka said. “Don’t we?”
Bobbie looked closer at the room. She was the only brunette in the room with breasts. Confronted with reminders of her old body everywhere, she felt an odd alienation.
“Well,” Luka drawled. “We should mingle, too much going on to stand here and watch from a distance. Meet back here in an hour?”
“Sure.” Bobbie smiled distantly. Luka’s hat crested and troughed into the crowd.
We’re gonna need some bigger tits. Bobbie’s mind played the sound bite in Roy Scheider’s voice. She saw an opening in the crowd, and wriggled in. Just like the ski lift. She felt like a salmon swimming upstream, drink in hand and pushing past platinum blondes, dishwater blondes, and other shades that seemed to fade into each other. The room had an undertone of greens and yellows. Lots of fear. She downed the last of her drink.
“Sure is.” A seductive voice. “Take your glass?” Bobbie looked around into the face she’d grown increasingly too familiar with. Faye’s face, only this time with blonde hair.
“Yeah, sure.”
“You shouldn’t fight so hard. Maybe you’ll enjoy it.”
“Excuse me?” Bobbie said, puzzled.
“I’ve been to so many of these things over the years. Fighting just makes it harder to get out.”
“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in.” Bobbie set her glass on the tray.
The Asian girl laughed. “You have no idea.” And she was gone.
***
“What is it that you want?” Said the woman with the tray.
“For you to fuck off and leave me alone.” Kim flipped the channel again, this time showing a redhead dancing. Tears started to leak from her left eye.
“Oh, little one. You can still be together. I just need one thing from you.”
“Please tell me that you want me to tell you to fuck off.”
The Woman made her mouth a tight line. "It's not too late you know. Roxx only did what she did because it was for a greater good. I just need you to help her do one, last thing..." Kim thought of all the time she had spent with Roxx. The girl had made her feel special in a way no one else had. She learned about more things than she ever knew possible.
“And Bobbie…” She began, waving a hand to the left.
“Yeah, she can fuck off, too. Robb was more fun.” She trailed off, “When he was around.”
“Robb… yes, Bobbie.”
Kim looked at The Woman, stunned. “You know about that?”
“Of course I do. I also know that she’s hasn’t been quite herself lately.”
Kim looked a little scared. She realized that she didn’t know how long she’d been sitting there.
Setting down the tray, she continued. “Didn’t you notice anything funny about that? I mean, first he’s a girl. Then she starts baking cupcakes…”
Kim looked around. Why couldn’t she get up? Why couldn’t she recognize any of the shows on tv?
The Woman smiled. “Where did you think you were? Those pills of yours do a marvelous job of keeping one unconscious.”
Kim started to panic, she suddenly felt leaden. “What did you do?”
Again, the laugh. But now, it was malevolent. “Me? Nothing. This was all you.”
“And Robb.” Her voice deepened slightly.
“Robb…Bobbie? How?”
“If she hadn’t shown up, everything would have been simple. I’d love to tell you the whole story, but.” She patted her head gingerly. “It appears that time is something you don’t have a lot of.” The channel she was watching faded to snow, then a bright smurf blue.
Kim’s panic reached full velocity, “What do you want?”
***
Bobbie looked at the bartender. It was blonde Faye again. “What do you want?”
“I just don’t know anymore. I’m… I used to be such a loner. Just wanted everyone to leave me alone. I guess I got my wish.” Bobbie brushed her hair over a shoulder.
Blonde Faye smiled. “I meant to drink?”
“Oh, sorry. Scotch rocks?”
“You look like a single malt girl. Isley?” She blurred behind her and had a drink poured with inhuman grace. “Macallan 15.”
“Thanks.” Bobbie said curtly, casting her eyes down. She turned. Luka’s hat had disappeared some time ago, leaving her cut off and not knowing where to find her. Getting a drink let her view the carousel of yellow hair and bunny ears, hoping to catch the one face she knew in the crowd.
“You know,” The bartender said. “You can have whatever you want. You just need to let yourself go a little. Joan of Arc didn’t stand idly by.”
Bobbie turned back to blonde Faye, she gave a questioning look.
“Sorry, I just love history. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned at this job is that if you want something, you have to just take it. It’s not a party until something breaks.”
Bobbie sipped at her scotch, it burned peatily all the way down. Settling into her stomach she considered leaving, but thought…
Let’s try another lap.
***
Beth was getting ready for bed when the phone rang. She could hear her father talking in alternating tones of excitement and utter calm.
“Beth!” Roy yelled. He knocked and opened her door. “I’ve gotta go. Sylvia and Kim are at the hospital.”
“Hospital? Why, everyone OK?”
“No, Sylvia’s fine, but something’s wrong with Kim.”
Oh, no. Beth thought. She remembered their failed intervention. “Kim.” Beth started to feel her eyes burn and mist. Roy hugged his daughter.
“She’ll be fine, I’m sure. But I’ll be back, can you get to school tomorrow and everything?”
She wiped her eyes. “Yes, daddy. I’ll call Heather.”
Roy grabbed some things and hurriedly left. Beth immediately got on the phone to sort out the logistics of staying home alone. It almost never happened, when it did, it was usually a fun experience. But not tonight. Beth activated her phone and contacted Heather.
***
Bzzt Bzzt!
Heather was cleaning her face when the phone rang. Looking at the screen she saw a picture of Beth, smiling with Steve. Wearing a dress she made, the red one with the polka dots. The one Steve liked. She smiled and fingered the accept bar to the right.
The aftergrin from her laugh vaporized. “Sweet residence. Heather speaking.” She laughed. “Hi, Beth. What’s up?”
“It’s Kim.” Beth blurted anxiously. “She’s at the hospital. I think… I think…”
“I’ll be right there.” Heather was out the door in her sweatpants and baggy t-shirt so quickly that the filmy soap had dried before she arrived at Beth’s house.
Beth had the door open in time for Heather to enter the room. “Everything will be okay. I’m here.” Heather had said.
“Kim.” Beth sobbed into Heather’s bathrobe, hugging her.
“She’ll be okay.” Heather said.
“She didn’t listen to us.” Beth continued to cry. The intervention had left everyone worried about Kim, only to have their fears realizing right in front of them. Heather felt her eyes leak as well. She wanted to just scream, she thought of Roxx.
I’ll fucking kill her. Heather felt a rage she was unaware of building within her, as if Audrey Hepburn became the Hulk. Heather wiped her face as she pulled away. She rubbed the tears and filmy soap between her thumb and finger, she studied the streaky substance.
“Get dressed. We’re going.” Heather said. “Just let me wash my face.”
“But, School, and Daddy…” Beth wasn’t sure about this. Going out on a school night was similarly unusual.
And a decidedly unenjoyable experience this time.
“It’s Kim.” Heather said. Beth could see Heather’s upset face. “We’re going. Grrl Army leaves no one behind.”
The car was off with both girls. Beth calling Bella and Amber…
And everyone suddenly trying frantically to reach Bobbie.
***
The fabric of Faye’s seat vibrated. She’d left Bobbie’s phone there along with her purse. The uniform had no pockets, so she was unreachable. The rumbles and beeps went unnoticed as the voicemails and text messages started to pile up.
***
Stacy was tromping around the semi forest. There was anger over the full bottle of water that spilled on her, making it see through and clingy. “Hope you’re having fun blowing your pet burnout.”
Where is that bitch?
And how did Zoe get the uniform out of the house? She resolved to have some words with her sister when she got home…
Right after she spent some time doing some sparring practice with an unwilling opponent.
***
Faye was on top of Tim. Her breath smelled of peppermint, her blonde hair falling into his face and tickling his nose. They could hear Stacy stomping around out there, stringing random syllables together. Something about her being wet and ‘gonna kill her’, before finally fading off into the distance.
They lay, unmoving. Smiling and trying not to laugh as they looked into each other’s eyes. Faye’s laugh was the first to break the silence. How long had they been there? Time both stood still and was irrelevant. She bent forward and kissed Tim. His response was immediate, the moment overtaking him. Showing up at the bakery like that, making him go out and be a little irresponsible. He could feel how much she cared about him, the warm, soothing embrace and the shared heat of their bodies.
His arousal was at a fever pitch. Her sheer presence was doing something to him unlike anything else. His hand reached for a breast, he thought better of it and started to pull his hand away. Faye gripped his wrist and pulled it back, forcing him to squeeze.
“Mmmm.” Faye moaned, she felt his other hand slide down her thigh. It then doubled back to touch the lacy, sheer undergarment beneath.
Tim smiled. “Nice underwear.” He ran his finger along the inside of the lacy waistband, recording the tactile sensation of the sheer fabric.
“Shut up.” Faye said as she kissed him again. She felt the throbbing heat of him as she brought her hand closer to the button of his jeans. Tim hesitated.
“It won’t be like with Roxx, I promise.” Faye moved in again, feeling Tim relax under her. He sat up, klutzily trying to undo her bra strap with one hand and trying to move down Faye’s panties with the other. She found his clumsiness sweet, endearing. Practice had seen Faye become highly adept with Rach’s buttons. But Tim had on button fly jeans, which meant that she had to repeat the process five times. She watched him bite his bottom lip as her hand felt the rough cloth of his boxer briefs. Boxer briefs? Had him for a tighty whiteys kind of guy.
Tim was feeling like he just won the lottery, it wasn’t like their date. This place, this night, this moment. Hiding from Stacy, the adrenalin and endorphins coursing throughout his veins.
Faye gasped as Tim’s hand reached the inside of her thigh, a vapor trail of inflamed passion chalked its way into her skin. She hooked a finger around the elastic waistband and pulled down the maroon underwear. His erect penis pointed skyward. Faye grabbed it, gently sliding her hand along the shaft.
Faye, looking at the fleshy protrusion in her hand, stared at it. If you had told me just two years ago, this was gonna happen. I would have called you a fuckwich. Strangely, she remembered where all the nerve endings were and how best to control the activity. Just like riding a bike… with testicles. He sat up again, sliding the unfastened bra and the cheerleader top upward with his calloused hands. Tim twisted his hips to move Faye under him, she complied effortlessly. She felt him start to slide down the panties, Faye lifted her hips to grant the intimate item passage as they slid down the smooth, toned legs.
The part of Faye that she didn’t like to talk about at parties, while still done with her, looked on as Tim entered her. She gasped as she felt him invade a place that had never had contact like this. Faye felt her insides stiffen as her pussy gripped and clenched, throbbed in time with him. The peristaltic action brought him closer and closer to orgasm.
“Bobbie…” His bit back his moans and cries, lest Stacy come back and perform the kata of coitus interruptus. The pumping action slowed slightly. Faye took the opportunity to flip him back over quickly, allowing herself to be impaled on his erect manhood.
***
Faye took control. Keeping a thought straight was becoming increasingly difficult.
Hey there, Cinderella. What would Kane say?
Not now, busy.
What about Rach?
I will find you and have you removed from my brain. I don’t care if I can’t do math.
That’s the point, nitwit. Bobbie’s brain, boyfriend…
Her life.
Faye bit her lip as she felt Tim spasm his entire body. Still…ooh…st….
BUSY!
Faye felt herself glow from within, a light candy coating of perspiration washed over her like a tide. She laughed, collapsing onto him and rubbing her nose on the side of his neck. Tim’s arm came around to the small of her back, then further, to slither around her hip. He squeezed her close to him. Their eyes caught each other.
It wasn’t until they had both lost circulation in one of their hips before they decided to get up from their position. The disentangling of their bodies was a delicate dance of directionless moving and scant avoidance of being struck by an errant knee or elbow. Finally fully dressed and vertical, fingers again entwined, they headed back through the last stragglers of the party starting to clean the party zone. There were people cleaning up the streamers and empty cups. The kegs were long gone, DJ Plugman had removed his implements of doom. The sound of the bass and the sense memory of the rhythmic intimate dance they had just shared persisted in their heads as they reached the white EVO. Tim looked at the plate. He stifled a laugh at the license plate that hung proudly in the rear bumper’s center.
NT UR followed by a blue heart.
“Definitely Faye’s car. Not your Valentine. Ha.” Tim brought Faye in for a closer, more personal hug. “Bobbie.”
“Hmmm?” Faye said, feeling herself melt into Tim. Heightened senses left Faye with a lingering smell of leather and wood.
Tim was still grinning from ear to ear like a five year old with a dozen cookies. He looked into the eyes he’d been lost in so often, he’d started to find his way around in there. “You made me go out tonight.”
“I did.” She looked back in.
“You saved my dad’s dream, you fixed my mom you…you….”
“Bobbie Sharpe, I think I love you.”
Faye blinked.
I TRIED TO FUCKING WARN YOU.
“I…I love you, too.” Faye said. She thought back. His tears at the store, his drunken apology. That date. She swelled inside, being asked to the prom was special. This, on the other hand was something new, stratospheric. They entered the car and drove away into the twilight, taking one of the long roads back into Delacroix proper. The phone, devoid of charge lay silent and dormant under her seat. Tim couldn’t stop staring at Faye the whole way home, the repetitive music playing in their heads over the silence.
She heard a siren in the background.
No, no, no. The cherry red and raspberry blue lights came on and spun rapidly.
“Bobbie? You don’t have a license, do you?”
Faye smiled at him. “Uh, no. I don’t.”
“We’re gonna go to jail.” Tim hung his head.
“Don’t freak out yet.” Faye rolled the evo to a stop on the quiet road.
Faye kept her hands on the steering wheel as she saw the flashlights come up on both sides of the car. She rolled her window down.
“Do you know why I pulled you over?” A voice asked from a dark face above the flashlight’s bulb.
“Uh,” Faye began. “I was driving?” She smiled paralegically.
The officer laughed. Tim knew that laugh. “Officer Hudson?” He rolled down his window. “Officer Hobson?”
“Tim, what are you doing out here? We were checking some noise reports, but we didn’t find anything.”
“Yeah, We didn’t see anything.” Faye said quickly.
“So, this is Bobbie.”
The flashlight in the driver’s window dropped suddenly. “Nice to finally meet you. You’re right Tim. She’s gorgeous.” Faye blushed.
“Go on, get out of here. My wife would never forgive me if I wasn’t able to bring home any more of those maple bacon ones.” Officer Hudson said.
“Thanks.”
“No problem. And Bobbie?”
“Yes, officer?”
“Get Faye’s car back to her. You’re a better driver than she is, but she needs to fix that brake light.”
“Thank you.” Faye said, feeling odd since it was her car.
“You kids get home. It’s a school night.” Officers Hudson and Hobson turned and walked back to their cruiser. They watched them drive off. Faye slowly pulled out, driving back into the oddly angled grid of streets.
Tim’s phone vibrated, beeped and made some sound reminiscent of a videogame from the 70s. Looking at the screen, he suddenly yelled. “Oh, shit!”
“What? What?” Faye screamed, nearly applying the brake.
“Bobbie, get us to the hospital. Kim’s there.”
Faye nodded solemnly, the heady rush of feelings and the oxytocin dump from the sex faded instantly. With clarity, she turned back to the road. She turned on the blinker and drifted the EVO towards the hospital.
***
“Beth! What are you doing here.” Roy harshly whispered.
“Kim’s our friend, daddy.” Beth said defiantly.
“My fault, Mr. Rivers. But, she’s right. Kim’s our friend.” Heather said, readjusting the zipper of her hoodie.
Sylvia was holding Kim’s hand, staring off into space. The sounds of the oxygen and the beeping of the heart monitor standing out against the cold, antiseptic silence.
Heather looked with great fear at the young girl on the hospital bed. “Kim.” She whimpered, and the floodgates were open. Tears gushed as she threw herself on the bed. Beth was a model of composure, her surprise at Heather’s reaction holding back any serious emotive response.
Beth hugged her father and Heather held the hand that Sylvia didn’t have in a death grip. Faye and Tim entered abruptly, and the silence was scattered like insects after the sudden appearance of light.
Sylvia’s head snapped up. “What are you doing here? I thought I told you…”
Faye glared at Sylvia. “Told me what? To stay away from people I care about to…”
“Care about? You lied to me. To us.”
“No, I didn’t. I was Robb’s boyfriend, That picture is from when we met. I didn’t want to tell you that.”
“Yeah, Miss Pointe. We’ve all made mistakes. Me, her… you. Bobbie tells me that you kind of lost it after your husband died. So did my mom. You got better, but that took time.”
“He has a point, Sylvia.” Roy suddenly spoke up. “Bobbie helped Beth in a way no one ever did. Hell, she got us together.”
“My mom, remember her from Christmas? She talks now, she’s started doing the books for the bakery, taking deliveries.” A tear slid from one eye as he grabbed Faye’s hand. “She’s helped everyone in this room. Picture or no picture. That’s not who she is. I think she’s proved herself to everyone.”
Tim pointed at Sylvia. “Everyone except you.”
Beth looked at Bobbie’s mom. “Back when I first met Bobbie and Kim. I…” She made her round face smile. “I asked her if she was an angel. I knew it was a silly question. But, she helps everyone. Never has a bad word to say about anyone. Not even Roxx. And we all know that she has more to do with us all standing here now than Bobbie ever could.”
Faye let go of Tim’s hand and slowly walked toward Sylvia. “I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you everything.” She said, not really talking to Sylvia. “No mother wants to hear that.”
Sylvia stepped forward into Faye’s outstretching arms. She sobbed. “I just… just… wanted somebody to blame. Robert… Kim…”
“Jeff.”
Faye was lost somewhere else, remembering Kane’s parents. Christmases, graduation. The first few minutes of any visit, before things got awkward. Since becoming Faye, email had been the contact medium of choice. The maternal vibration to the hug brought back memories of cookies and tricycles. Sometimes you just want your mom, Faye thought. In the time it takes to squeeze a trigger, Faye, too was crying. The emotion of losing the person she was finally bubbling to the surface in a way that never could come out around Zoe or Nick.
Or Rach.
The two women hugged each other and cried. Tim didn’t cry, but smiled. Finally able to help Bobbie in such a profound way, made him feel as if he’d proven his worth. She believed in him, and he was starting to believe in the things she saw.
“Mom.” Faye sobbed, letting out an entire year and a half of outrageous fortune. The beep beep beep of the monitor kept pace along with the other heartbeats in the silent room.
***
Bobbie was laughing with the Barbie doll who studied astrophysics, a big step up from the sentences she shared with the competitive shopper and the ballerina. If I hear one more diet tip, I’m going to shower them with a bullemic double rainbow. How it was possible that this many identical looking people could coexist in the same room without violating some law of physics.
Begun, the clone wars have.
Idle chatter occupied her time, a slight buzz from the scotch and some of that itching feeling gone. Bobbie was having a semi good time, it felt an awful lot like work…
“Ooh, sorry.” Bobbie said, looking up into the face of…
“Luka, hey.”
“How you holdin’ up?”
“It’s kind of weird. Very Stepford Wives.”
“Stepford? Is that some kind of lingerie?”
Bobbie laughed. “No, it’s a movie.”
Luka looked blankly. “Oh. Come here. There’s someone I want you to meet.” The blonde led Bobbie to a couch that supported a man in his late thirties. He was impressive in his John Phillips suit, flanked by an army of fembots. The man had a laid back air, impassive behind mirrored shades. A dark brush cut that tailed down into a pencil thin beard. His dark hair and skin contrasted deeply against his light suit and crisp, white shirt. He sat up quickly.
“Faye Valentine, the star of Leets and Geeks. Mike told me about you. Loved the snowboard spread.” He shook her hand, there was so little color surrounding him. It was so muted, she was reminded of the darknesses she saw.
“Hi.” Bobbie said, gripping his hand tightly. His grip was firm, as was hers. “Any friend of Luka’s…”
“Leonard M. Last name’s Mireazian. Too hard for some to pronounce.” He released her hand. “Get you a drink?”
“Sure. Two fingers of Bulleit, one of Chambord, splash of club soda, splash of bitters.” Bobbie said to the fembot closest to the bar.
Leonard looked at her in surprise, “Make it two.” He said.
“Unusual drink,” He continued “I get the feeling that you’re just full of surprises.”
The drinks came and Leonard was impressed with its flavor.
Leonard studied this girl. Sure, she was a bit gothy, but that figure begged him to take pictures. Definitely a welcome change from the fembots and Barbie dolls he seemed to be continually shooting.
Bobbie got lost in conversation with Leonard, Luka had disappeared again. She couldn’t see the hat either. But the conversation had turned to Irving Klaw, Bunny Yeager and the Bettie Page days, and how laughable they were. What he would have given to work with the notorious Bettie Page. Bobbie’s thoughts drifted to the poster on that used to hand on Robb’s wall.
Somehow, Bobbie didn’t know how, had managed to convince Leonard that recreating that shoot in a modern style.
With Bobbie in the starring role.
“Look, I know they’ll go for it. Ready for the bigtime?” Leonard’s confidence was a golden wall, steadfast and resolute.
Bobbie’s back twitched as a smile crossed her face.
“Sure.”
“Great. I’m only in Delacroix for one more day. So, Tomorrow? Should be easy enough. I have more than enough support people I can call here.”
Just like that? Playboy? Bobbie’s mouth turned up. “You got it, Lenny.”
His smile dropped a little. “That’s Leonard.”
Bobbie politely extricated herself from the suddenly chilly exchange after accepting his card. Is that Bone? My God, it even has a watermark.
She thought back to the poster in Robb’s old room. She grabbed the front of her hair and thought for a second.
Bobbie was a million miles away as Luka drove her loud Volkswagen back into Delacroix Proper. She thought of Mike and the last shoot. Visualizing herself naked, hanging a Christmas ornament. Bobbie looked at Luka.
“Good luck on that shoot tomorrow. Thought you two would hit it off. I’m heading out tomorrow. Glad I met you Faye, you seem level headed.” Luka was full of reds and greens, which only made Bobbie keep thinking about Christmas.
***
“Well.” The attending physician said to Sylvia. “It looks like she took a mix of Fentanyl and Oxycontin. We’ve given her Narcan, but we’re gonna have to keep an eye on her, she might need another dose. And, she has a respiratory infection from the drugs. Opoids depress the respiratory system. We’ll keep her for observation. Other than that… we’ll just have to wait. It’s kind of touch and go at the moment.”
Sylvia was pale. “I…I didn’t know,” Faye hugged her again. “How could I let it happen again.” It wasn’t a question.
Faye looked at this mother surrogate and let her cry. Beth and Heather shared a glance. Tim looked at everyone. “Looks like we’re here for a while. I’ll find a coffee machine.”
He left the room, passing Beth and Heather. Beth saw him wipe his eyes as he left past the green curtain.
“Bobbie?” Heather said. “What’s with the Cheerleader uniform?”

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XVI

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Sex / Sexual Scenes

Audience Rating:

Restricted Audience (r)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Other Keywords:

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 55
Another channel had gone out. A little girl was playing with an older blonde girl. “Skipper likes bad boys.” The speaker wheezed through static, before fading into unexpected clarity and coherence while bathing the room in azure light. Kim wanted to be away from this television and this couch. The television’s channels disappeared one by one until only two were left, this and the other channel with the redhead. Last time Kim checked, she was robbing a liquor store with some bald guy.
The Woman was back, her dark eyes catching blue light. Kim was reminded of Bobbie’s eyes.
“Time’s wasting.” The woman said. “You know you want to get out of that bed.”
Kim sighed.
Flip…
The bald guy had been shot. Kim swiveled her head.
“Really? Everyone just leaves anyway.” Kim flipped again, only blue channels greeted her until she finally came around to the redhead again.
Flip…
***
Bobbie had been making out with Luka for about twenty minutes, the whole time of which she'd never been so aroused in her whole life. The fact that Luka had made a move on her caught Bobbie off guard; she had felt so out of place at the party.
But, Luka saved me. She reminded herself. And another shoot? A very strange evening.
Bobbie and Luka both found out that intimacy in a Karmann-Ghia was a logistical impossibility. As a result, getting back to the house was imperative. Yeah, it was rash and irresponsible: But, what the hell? It’s not a party until something breaks.
Right, Faye?
The house looked quiet as the couple approached the door. Luka was running her hand up the swell of her hip, teasing her with the promise of pleasures to come as Bobbie worked the lock. The door opened to a soft glow of the television.
Nick dropped his custom control stick and rose.
Bobbie silently cursed her luck, but hid it behind a charming smile “Uh, hi. Nick, this is Luka.” Luka stopped kissing Bobbie’s shoulder long enough to say an awkward hello.
“Faye, Bobbie’s at the hospital…” He froze, realizing that girl kissing Bobby wasn't Rachael.
Bobbie's face suddenly drained of all color “Is she...?”
“She’s fine. It’s her sister, Kim. I don’t know what happened to her. I can take you if you want to go." He paused, turning his attention back to Bobbie's suddenly unwelcome guest. "Oh, sorry. Is she a friend of yours, Faye?”
Luka looked at Bobbie nervously. “I guess I’ll just get going. I’ll call you. Thanks for the company. It was super fun.” Her grin still showed shadows of her arousal. Reds and violets formed a hue that enveloped her.
Bobbie bit her lip, disappointed.
“Bye, Faye.”
“Bye, Luka. We totally should do this again.”
“Sure.” And Luka was gone, the roar of her cars engine slowly fading as she pulled away.
Bobbie closed the door, pouting for a moment before turning her attention on Nick. She studied him and his twisted prism of green, yellow, red, and peuce.
“Kim?” Bobbie hadn’t thought about her lately, life had been interrupting everything for the last week. “The hospital?”
“Yeah, Bobbie texted me and told me not to wait up. I hope she’s gonna be okay.”
Bobbie felt tears well up in her eyes. She flung herself toward Nick and grabbed him. He returned the gesture awkwardly.
“Kim…” Bobbie sniffled for effect. She caught a whiff of the detergent and milk scent again, only this time it fed her lingering desire. Peeking one eye open, the colors seemed to have a more defined border.
This is a fair trade. He needs this, he accidentally ruined my plans. I’m horny.
As the awkward embrace continued, Bobbie managed to hook a foot around Nick’s leg. They spun on the couch with Nick flat on his back.
“Faye? What…Mmmmmph.” Bobbie had pressed her mouth on Nick’s with a force he’d never felt before. He felt her tongue move around unpredictably. She sat up, straddling him. A look of fear grew in his eyes, one mixed with longing.
“Faye.” He whispered. “This isn’t right.”
Bobbie put a finger to his lips. “It’s okay…”
What’s gotten into her? Nick’s thoughts went AWOL as Bobbie’s thinly veiled pussy ground against the fabric of Nick’s Dockers. He bit down and clenched his jaw. Bobbie slipped her hands underneath his ink stained "Air Gear" shirt, and felt his nipples harden into tiny stubs.
Just like a girl. She mused.
Sliding her hands down, she hooked her fingers inside the waistband of his pants. Two deft jerks of her thumb undid the button, and the zipper moved downward of its own accord. His briefs with their weak elastic followed the pants, offering no resistance. Nick couldn’t move, so the garments bunched up under the fleshy cheeks of his ass. Bobbie leaned down, kissing Nick softly, careful not to panic him like a wild animal. Strands of her hair were tickling his neck as she levered the offending clothing under his body, forcing them free. His rapidly stiffening cock betrayed any objections or protests he made.
“I know you want this, and have for a long time.” Bobbie whispered in his ear, the sound scantly above a breath, almost subliminal. She ended with a brief earlobe nibble.
“You need this as much as I do. You know you want to see everything.”
“Rach…” Nick gritted.
Bobbie cut him off. “Not the same. This can complete me in a way she can’t.” She reached down and took his swollen, throbbing dick in her hand. It felt alive with its own soul. She felt it pulse and twitch. His trembling hands touched her sides, moving up to the swollen mounds of flesh straining against his touch. Bobbie closed her eyes and moved her chin toward the ceiling, delighting in his sudden acquiescence.
“Achievement unlocked” She whispered breathlessly, stealing a glance at Nick, his colors suddenly gone. Replaced by a pinkish green glow. His eyes had a quality Bobbie hadn’t seen since Village of the Damned. The upturned ends of his lips gave signals so mixed they might as well have been overlapping bumper stickers.
Question flowers.
“Take it off.” Bobbie commanded, suddenly looking down. Bobbie lifted her arms skyward, allowing Nick to peel off her top, tossing it aside before his hands moved down toward her back. He had a thumb clumsily under the bra strap. Thwack! The years of learning intricate button combinations blended with a knowledge of how bra hooks work snapped open the support piece, allowing her engorged tits to hang free. Bobbie grinned wickedly, sliding the now useless garment from her shouders as Nick snaked his hands up to casually thumb a rigid nipple in his shaking hand. She moaned wantonly, biting her bottom lip.
“Oh, Nick. MMmmm.” Bobbie whispered as her other nipple was similarly teased. She relished the feel of her heavy, swollen tits having attention lavished upon them, the fact that his hands were barely big enough to contain them filled her with a sense of pride. Slowly, Bobbie moved her hands along the ‘thumper like beat of his shaft, his heartbeat playing tones of ubiquitous pleasure into her hands, arms and soul..
“Faye.” Nick whispered as she leaned forward. Never did he think that he’d be here, under her and half naked. He remembered the person his friend was for a second, before Bobbie let go of his slightly sticky rod. He'd forgotten about everything in that moment. He felt his cock go from steel to adamantium as it brushed against the nearly frictionless velvet, and the opening which promised to reveal the secrets of the universe.
Bobbie planted another suffocating kiss on him as she unzipped her skirt, before quickly removing her sheer, lacy panties. “I won’t hurt you...” She whispered in a breathy growl.
“...Unless you ask me to.”
Nick grunted as he felt himself delve into the whispery warm wetness that he dreamt about for longer than he could remember. Bobbie felt one delectable sensation after another, ser body singing with the delightful feeling the folds of her pussy being parted, every morsel of pleasure augmented by the fact she was now a Thrall. Bobbie gasped as she took his full length, moving up slightly, her breath ragged through clenched teeth. He too, began to move in a thrusting motion.
Bobbie felt like she was being inflated, threatening to burst at any given moment.
“Ahhhh.” She shrieked. “Nick!” Her voice had an almost unearthly intensity, even to her own ears.
There is no Dana, only Zuul.
Nick grunted, unable to form words.
Bobbie felt his cock go from adamantium to unobtanium, and slowed in response, grinding herself against him...trying to merge flesh, she felt the tightness of his balls brush against her ass.
“Faye.” Nick gasped, lost in a confused cloud of bioelectric particles that seemed to shimmer around everything. Grasping her hips, the rhythm further slowed. Bobbie taking the lead in this dance, rode him right up to the breaking point, pulling in more than his organ. Instinctively, the slowed movement held him right at the verge of release. Bobbie’s smile became hungry, silently vowing to drain every jizzworthy drop.
Nick’s stomach muscles tightened as he sat up slightly. The slick tightness writhed and moved, imbued with its own freewill. “Unhhh.” He grunted. The pumping action and the slithery squeezing brought him to climax. Bobbie felt a rush of accomplishment.
“OOooohhh, yeah. That’s it.” Bobbie focused on every feeling as Nick’s cock spasmed and jerked. The warmth of his spray filling her with a heat that shocked her, as if grabbing a hot pan.
Hot pan…
The pan was a flash of many thoughts, all of them pleasant in one way or another. It was different from Rach. Thoughts of being the Big Bad Wolf spinning through her mind. This is so different. Bobbie was rapt and enthralled as the world melted into a pot of joy fondue; warm, clingy, smooth. She was reminded of the happiness she used to feel when she was baking.
Nick suddenly grabbed her in an awkward bear hug that was obviously meant to be endearing, burying his face in between her mammoth mammaries. A chill spread where Nick's face had touched her. He made a squeak, followed by a shudder.
Another squeak.
Bobbie ran her hands through his sandy blond hair, pressing them further into her bosom. He’s crying. She remembered crying, both as Robb and as Bobbie that first time with Melanie. “It’s okay, Nick.” She smiled, trailing her hand down his neck.
They slipped apart, Bobbie slipping her shirt back on sans the bra. Nick dressing quickly, he zipped up his pants. She could see the low light of the television cast against the moist surfaces of his face.
“Uh… I guess the hospital’s out.” He laughed shakily. “Unless you still…”
Bobbie stepped forward, her bare, hairless crotch glistening in the same light. She threw her arms around him, still craving contact. Nick had one arm around her waist. It was different, closed off somehow. Looking at him, the green and yellow returned fiercely.
“I should probably go to bed, midterm tomorrow.” Nick said, releasing himself, before practically sprinting to his room and shutting the door.
“Oh, okay.” Bobbie said, her disappointment returning with a vengeance. “Good night.” She said to the closed door. Her mouth became a line as she strode toward Faye’s room, as she passed Nick’s door she heard the squeaking continue. Shutting Faye’s door behind her, she looked around and saw the Gir plushie that sat on a shelf. It’s face seemed to mock her.
DOOM! DOOM! DOOM!
Bobbie grabbed the stuffed toy and hugged it close. It made a cold surrogate, but gave some comfort where it was needed. She tried to hold on the glow that followed, but couldn’t. Frustration lost as exertion won out. Bobbie holding the tiny alien close as sleep claimed her.
***
Rach was feeling depressed. She knew that part of it was her body’s reaction to not having the pills. Her ankle still hurt, but she could get around on the crutch without experiencing and appaling about of pain. And Faye…
Fuck. She couldn’t figure out what was wrong with Faye...she’d been weird. Even Zoe agreed that she’d been acting funny. Rachael missed her terribly. Still, she couldn't put her finger on what was different about her: It was a lot of things, irritating being one of them. They’d been almost inseparable for so long that not having her around was like losing a limb, her favorite limb.
She pouted, feeling alone. Well, at least no one’s here to see this.
Rachael tried to think of better days and happier times, but it was difficult to find some that didn’t make her think of Faye. She thought of many things, eventually leading to her to sleep. She decided that maybe she should talk to Nick. After all, he saw her every day, so it made sense he’d know if something was wrong. She tried to assure herself that that would be enough.
***
Bobbie was up earlier than usual. Faye still wasn’t home from the hospital yet. It was 5:30 in the morning, and no word from either one of them. She looked down at her chest, blinking remnants of sleep away as she noticed the shirt she'd wort to bed was surprisingly tight across her breasts....she remembered that Faye had said something about how junk food caused her tits to grow. Well, I guess that makes sense...She mused, remembering all the tacos, burgers, and snacks she had consumed since the switch. Still, her mind was cast back to last night with Nick, and how amazing it had felt when he held her breasts in his hands, and the deliciously scandalous knowledge that he was finally getting what he had craved for so long from a girl he thought was unattainable. Smiling to herself, decided that bigger tits were exactly what she felt like having right now. Who doesn't like being the center of attention? Bobbie quickly slipped on some underwear and made her way to the kitchen, noting the counter was again packed with pastry.
I don’t like her bras anyway. She thought to herself.
Bobbie sat sipping black coffee and eating apple strudel with Gelato. The caramel apple scones were a memory, as was the chocolate ring cake with the caramel made from top shelf whiskey, leftovers from Faye's near-constant baking. Where the hell did she get the whiskey? She squeezed her tits together, feeling them impact each other and send nerves running for cover in the most achingly lascivious way.
She heard the EVO pull up as she was refilling the coffee. She peeked through the blinds in the kitchen and watched them kiss goodnight. Bobbie watched the tall boy that once held her affection board his uncool conveyance, She watched him affix his helmet and ride away. Faye slowly creept in, trying to avoid noise of any kind.
“Hey, do you know what time it is, young lady?” Bobbie said, using her tongue to remove a clump of cake from a tough to reach place. “Kim in the hospital, huh?”
“Yeah, and she’s under observation for a couple of days. You couldn’t be bothered to show up?”
“You had the car.” Bobbie turned to grab a small pastry chunk from a plate.”So, What happened?”
“They said it was some…” Faye struggled to remember what the near fatal mix was. “…stuff. Why weren’t you there?”
Bobbie ignored the question. Kim had turned her back on her. Zero fucks. “How was the party?”
Faye looked at Bobbie and saw the lack of concern on her face. She decided to let it slide, she was too tired to have any kind of meaningful conversation. What she had done with Tim gnawed at her. She knew she had to tell Bobbie.
“Oh, it was just great. Stacy wasn’t too happy to see me in this, but…” Faye trailed off. “I… I have to tell you something.”
“I…”
“Spit it out.” Bobbie said, reeling out her index finger like an imaginary film camera.
“I sort of had sex with him.” She said sheepishly.
“WHAT? YOU WHAT?” Bobbie wanted to grab Faye by that blonde hair of hers and try a different form of fisting.
“Quiet, you’ll wake Nick.” Faye whispered harshly.
Bobbie shifted gears effortlessly, moving from high anxiety to low blow. “Oh, I wouldn’t worry too much about that.” She wore a smile similar to a sated lioness. Her tongue movements reminding her of the large feline licking her chops.
“I kinda wore him out last night.” Bobbie continued, leaving the hollowness she had felt afterwards out of the story.
Bobbie watched Faye’s face turn scarlet as the anger of Zeus over took her countenance. She lunged.
“YOU WHAT?” Nervousness brought out that stabby feeling. She curled a fist and brought it back.
“What? He needed it, I needed it…” Bobbie shrugged as Faye grabbed the front of her collar, stretching it. Thud! Faye’s fist connected with Bobbie’s flat stomach. The hooks of the bra she'd just put on gave way, and her breasts bounced gleefully, free of their cotton prison. Bobbie was hurting, but refused to let it show.
“If you hurt Nick, I swear I’ll… You’re tits are bigger.” Faye said, openly gawing at Bobbies chest. Looking around she saw the empty plates and unfilled ice cream containers.
Bobbie grinned impsihly. “That’s right MY tits.” Bobbie said, poking a finger into Faye’s chest, as if to emphasize her lack of curves by comparison . “Enjoy YOUR boyfriend.”
“Bobbie…” Faye hissed, her jaw clenched.
“I’m not Bobbie anymore.” Faye’s face changed back to its original alabaster, her jaw unhinged.
“You are.” Bobbie whispered as if she was enjoying every nanosecond of this. Faye’s clenched hand loosened, restoring slack around Bobbie’s décolletage. “I need to get ready. See you at school.” Bobbie got up and shimmied her way to Faye’s room. Faye stared incredulously after her.
“Who are you?” Faye said evenly to her back.
Justice, what the fuck is happening here?
She looked at Nick’s door and felt sympathy for the previous night’s events.
Nick, I’m so sorry. If she did anything to hurt you, I’ll kill her myself.
Justice be damned, jail be damned.
Fuck you, Bobbie.
***
Heather and Beth had watched Bobbie and Tim leave, but stayed long enough to see Kim dip toward death again. The nurse, a lovely woman with a southern accent and red hair, streaked pink with who shooed them all out when they brought in the crash cart and gave her another dose of the Narcan.
“C’mon, Beth. Let’s try to get some sleep before going to school. I promised your dad I’d get you there. We’ll just swing by your place and get some stuff first.”
“Heather.” Roy said, holding Sylvia’s hand. “Thank you. Really, thank you.”
“Mr. Rivers. I’m like Bobbie in that respect: I help where I can.” She put out her fist, Roy bumped.
“Bye, Daddy. Miz Pointe… everything’s gonna be okay. Bobbie can help with anything. You’ll see.” She put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“Thanks, Beth.” Sylvia said weakly, distantly. “You too, Heather.”
“Miz Pointe… Sylvia.” Heather said. “You have no idea how much I care about Kim, I had to be here, and bringing Bobbie here was my idea. Forget that picture. Those thoughts about her aren’t worth having. We’re all here because of her. Would you rather have it any other way?”
Sylvia looked up and put her free hand on Heather’s forearm. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t tell me…” Heather said, gathering her purse and Beth.
“Tell her.” She said as she left, making a grand exit, as was her wont.
***
Kim was still watching the same channel, there was sex and violence in this channel, she wasn’t sure which.
Flip…
Some of the older channels had returned, bringing the other shows back. The Woman returned.
“Hmmm. Imagine that.” She said, looking at the television, watching a scene of The Woman riding a snowboard in some kind of wolf costume.
“I still want to help you.” She said to Kim.
“Take a number. Everyone wants to help me.” Kim replied, not wanting to admit that she was happy to have some conversation.
“True, but have you thought about what happens when the channels start going out again?” As if on command, the snowboarding wolf-princess faded into static before turning back to the smurf riot that signified a dead channel.
“All you have to do is one little thing. Just one. No one gets hurt, no one will even notice. It’s such a small thing…”
Flip… A scene of two naked girls, one tall and blonde and another copy of The Woman playing cards.
“I’m listening….”
***
Faye was laying in bed, too tired to sleep. She was worried about a lot of things; Bobbie, Nick, Kim, Rach… The list went on and on. Bobbie had gone off the deep end. Most of it was stuff she would have done anyway…
…But fucking Nick? That’s the last straw. As Bobbie, she made a pact with the other voice in her head, she’d try to smooth things over.
If it can be smoothed over. Faye wanted to cry. Many people have frustrated Faye and done things to hurt her. But, this was different. This was Nick.
Nick, who was Kane’s best friend in a world where best friends were rarer than roast beef.
Nick, who was there when Kane became lost in Hurricane Faye.
Nick, who supported her when there was no money.
Nick.
FUCK!
Chapter 56
Bobbie heard Zoe pull into the driveway and honk. The blast of the horn echoing through the cloudless morning, ringing in her ears. Bobbie walked out to the car and hopped into the large suburban tank. She wasn’t wearing a whole lot, the outfit showed flirtation. Mostly flirtation with the dress code. The lack of breeze made the outfit far more sensible than usual for this time of year. She opened the door to see Zoe, the friend who got detention for her. Just so she wouldn’t be alone. Bobbie smiled.
“Hey.” Bobbie said.
“Hey.” Zoe had the calm competence of the most decorated fighter aces from behind her mirrored shades.
“Thanks. Nick needs his sleep today.” Bobbie said, happy to have another human to talk to. Zim wasn’t much of a conversationalist.
“Hmmm.” Zoe hummed. She looked over at Bobbie, “Are you trying to get suspended?” The clothes she was wearing appeared to be somewhere between Japanese Schoolgirl and videogame villain. The green streak matched her top, and the pleated skirt was too short.
Or was it?
“I approve.” Zoe said, wrenching the vehicle into reverse and trundling off to school.
Bobbie looked at Zoe, the unzipped hoodie displaying her “HELLO MY NAME IS: Fuck You” shirt, the and "u" and "c" blacked out. Her breasts poking slightly through the "F" and the "K". Her scuffed shoes met her jeans tightly at the ankles. There was a rainbow… literally a rainbow within her. No one color taking precedence over another. The melted Astro Pop that was her psyche drew Bobbie in like a moth to a flame. The music did nothing to distract her. By the time they got to the school, Bobbie was enchanted.
“Okay, Faye.” Zoe said, pulling the keys from the ignition. “What are you staring at?”
“You.” Bobbie delivered the line casually. She reached out and touched at one of the locks of hair that obscured her ear. "You're cute."
"Really?" Zoe asked, looking past the purple eyes. "Come on, be honest. It's my elbows, right? Girls dig the elbows."
Bobbie chuckled, feeling a hunger that the previous evening's activities hadn't yet satisfied. She just wanted to be close to someone, anyone. The sensual delights that ruled Faye’s life were causing a disconnect. But the yawning hunger remained. It wouldn’t bother her if she had a distraction. She leaned in to kiss Zoe.
Have a snickers, Bobbie.
***
Why is Faye kissing me?
Zoe’s lips accepted Bobbie’s, tongues meeting. It was clinical, almost analytic. Let her have her fun for a second. God, what has gotten into her lately. First Rach, now this? At least she’s a good kisser. It wasn’t Zoe’s first time, probably wouldn’t be the last. Probably some of the fallout from hanging out with Faye for so long. The kiss parted, Zoe smiling at Bobbie.
"You're flattering yourself."
Bobbie looked at her curiously, licking her lips slowly. "How's that?"
"This? Us?" Zoe gave her a smile that could light up half a city. " You wouldn't last an hour with me."
"Aww." Bobbie pouted with mock indignation. "You really think so little of me?"
Zoe let her words hang in the air for just a moment. She wanted Faye to sweat a little.
"Just the opposite. I did say an hour."
Bobbie looked away, visibly disappointed. The sting of rejection after Nick's dissapearing act was a little too much to bear.
"Look Faye," Zoe said. "Rach and I go together like peanut butter and motor oil. But, this isn't happening. I love you and everything, but..." She slipped out the door, effectively ending the conversation without finishing that sentence.
“Knowledge awaits.” To Bobbie, the comment was far less snide than was originally intended.
"Knowledge is power. Power corrupts." Zoe said she began to walk towards the school entrance. "Study hard. Be Evil."
***
Rachel was sitting in Economics listening to Mr. Bauman try to be funny about the law of diminishing returns. Judging by the laughter of the class, he was succeeding. She was staring at a photo of herself with Faye. The picture had been ripped from a strip taken from one of the photo booths that Fresh! had. This snapshot had Rach smiling with crossed eyes, while Faye had her fingers in a ‘v’ and her tongue sticking through it. Rach missed those times, she remembered that day specifically.
Before she got her car, they had gone to the mall because Faye needed bras… again. Somehow, Faye had convinced her to take her on her bike all the way to the mall. They almost made it, Rach tiring out around a quarter of the way. Walking back took them well after dark, they talked and laughed all the way back.
Taking turns walking the bicycle, watching the sun set.
Laughter made her jump in her seat. Mr. Bauman had his charts out again, which usually amused her somewhat, but not now. The whole last week was strange, could it be Bobbie?
No, she’s way too nice.
Way too nice.
No, Bobbie was cool. But since the trip to the mountains Faye’d been aloof and spacy, not herself at all. Acting weird, missing a party. What the hell was going on? She hadn’t texted or called, checked on how she was doing…
Nothing. Almost like Faye had forgotten her. If only there was someone she could talk to about it…
***
Tim put down the kickstand and leaned the Vespa on it. It was strange parking it in the visitor’s parking lot, not being a student anymore caused him to enter the school as an adult. Not fearing campus cops and teachers emboldened him as he retrieved the prom paperwork from the storage compartment under the seat.
He entered the school just as the bell rang. Smiling, he saw the multicolored flash flood of flesh spill out into the hallways. A few of the kids said hi, knowing him from the bakery. A small misstep brought him in front of a tall boy with a Deicide beanie.
Kurt.
“Yo.” Kurt said. “Heard you dropped out, opened that bakery with that blonde girl who broke Carla Castillo’s nose.”
Tim looked up sheepishly. “Yeah.”
“Good on you, man.” Kurt nodded. “A girl, a job. Don’t fuck it up. My mom likes those cupcakes. One more year for me in this fuckin’ prison.” Kurt said, before turning away to enter one of the classrooms. “Not smokin’ anymore?”
“Nah, too busy. Besides, a girl like Bobbie can change you.”
Kurt smirked. “Have to get me one someday. “Later.” He said, closing the door behind him.
“Later.” Tim said to the classroom door.
He had met Kurt just before his dad had died. They were never really friends, but Tim needed someone to buy pot from. Pot. That seemed so long ago, now Kurt and the other members of Slacker’s Cove were part of a life that he had been watching like a movie..
“Tim!” A voice blasted Tim’s left ear.
Faye, Nick’s roommate. For the life of him, he couldn’t figure out how that happened.
She flung her arms around him, nearly dislodging the sheaf of papers that represented the evening he had planned for himself and Bobbie. Faye kissed his cheek and tried to circle around to the front of his face. He couldn’t remember Faye being quite so clingy. If anything, she was like that piece of candy on the very top shelf. Beautiful, wrapped in bright, shiny colors, completely untouchable. It was okay, however: He'd found the proper diet, sans the empty calories.
***
Bobbie felt Tim under her arms, squashing her breasts against him. A small part of her remembered the feeling of him against her. The wood and leather smell was there, but faint. But there was something else, a small vibration, almost undetectable. It felt familiar somehow. Okay Faye. Think this guy is perfect? See how fast he drops you...
Watch this.
“Hi, Faye.” Tim returned the hug, gently patting her back. “Bobbie come to school today?” He furrowed his eyebrows.
“No, you two got home too late. I heard you got all Lloyd Dobler on her.” Bobbie said, dropping a movie reference that he was sure to get. She could only imagine how Faye was faring there.
She pouted. “Why does she get all the attention?” She ran a hand over his recently flattened hair. “You’re so cute.” She squeezed tighter. Apart from a slight ochre aura there was no response.
None, even the spot that was rapidly becoming her favorite indicator.
Tim smiled, wanting to let her down easily. “Faye, I’m with…mmmmmph.”
Bobbie planted a kiss on his mouth, his lips did not part. She moved her head back, noticing that he didn’t budge.
“Faye, I don’t know what Bobbie told you. That thing with Roxx? Not my idea. It almost cost me the best thing in my life. It’s sweet that you like me and all.”
“But, I’m with Bobbie. She’s the Queen of the Netherlands.” He said distantly, looking past her. He kissed her forehead “I need to get these in.”
“I could be your Huckleberry,” Bobbie said coquettishly. “Pumpkin to your Honey Bunny?”
Tim looked at her. Huckleberry? Honey Bunny? Faye wouldn’t have seen those... maybe Pulp Fiction, but Tombstone? Looking into her eyes, there was a flicker of recognition.
He smiled. “Nice references, but not the same. I thought I had nothing, but I have everything.”
“I could be a hungry samurai, we can build a fence together.” Bobbie blurted desperately. She looked at Tim shocked, jaw slightly agape, eyes taking on that quality that deer have right before you hit them with your Peterbilt truck. Bobbie slithered away from Tim as he strode off toward Principal Michaelson’s office. The bell rang, the student body filing themselves away into their scheduled places. She stood there, staring after him, tears standing in her eyes, but not flowing.
Goddamit, Tim. It’s me in here. Are you so dumb that Faye fooled you? Why won’t anyone let me in?
“I’m not done with you yet, Tim Flaherty. You’re not getting off that easily.” Bobbie willed the tears back into her eyes and clenched her fists. I’ll make him want me, then drop him like a hot cookie sheet.
***
Faye was testing me, Tim thought. She’s thinking of Bobbie. He wanted to tear up, but didn’t. The crying happened less often now. Tim smiled, there she goes again.
“Hi, Sharon.” Tim said, a little nervous using her first name. “Just wanted to drop these off.”
“Oh, hi Tim. Hey. Do you guys do birthday cakes? Ms. Byers has a birthday coming up and we thought that if your cupcakes are that good, then a full size cake should be no problem.
“Sure.” He said with a jitter. “Um, stop by on your lunch break and we’ll get the order started. I’ll need a deposit, and to know what you want. When do you need it?”
“Oh,” Sharon said. “Couple of weeks. Her birthday isn’t until May.”
“Well, that gives me a couple of weeks. Shouldn’t be a problem. Just wanted to turn these in.” He landed the papers on her desk with a thud.
“Oh, she chuckled. “I’m sure we’ll have your pass when I stop by to put down our deposit. Everyone has different favorites, but you’ll figure something out. You guys are amazing. Keep it up and I’ll be watching you guys on the Cooking Network.”
He’d been selling cupcakes to various members of the faculty for weeks. “Thanks.” Tim said, finally believing the things that everyone had been saying. The dawning realization made him smile.
He knocked on the counter before turning to leave.
And it’s all because of you, Bobbie.
“See you in a couple of hours.” Sharon giggled, taking his papers from the counter and putting on her desk, instead of the in pile.
Chapter 57
Zoe was in the bathroom, checking on her earlier graffito. It wasn’t easy to walk around with spray paint in her bag. That time that the can had gone off and destroyed all of her schoolbooks? Not easy to write off as an art project. A loud smack that came from the door hitting the wall. She turned her attention away from the neon pink anarchy symbol with a circumscribed ‘Z’ to see Rach coming toward her on her crutch.
“Hey.”
“Hey.” Rach said, not turning to look her in the eye.
“You missed the party. Was a good one, gonna be one hell of a grad party.”
“I hope so.” Rach said distantly. She bent over to rub her ankle, it still hurt pretty bad; although it started to feel better lately. The pills were gone, and she was glad to be rid of them.
“Zoe.” Rach said, finally raising up to her full height so she could look up to Zoe comfortably.
“Yeah?” Zoe said, thinking that the paint job needed a little touchup.
“Does Faye seem okay to you?”
Zoe tried to push aside memories of their passionate kiss. "Beats me. Not really my business what she does.”
Rach raised an eyebrow.
No getting out of this with Veronica Mars on the case. "Okay, yeah. A little weird. What about Nick?”
“Oh,” Rach said. “He had a midterm, and…She called you?”
“Hey, she’s my friend, too.” Zoe shot back casually, her mouth a little dry. Of course I think she’s acting funny, she tried to suck the lips off my face..
But, the midget has a point.
“She hasn’t called or texted, nothing. It’s almost like she’s ignoring me.” Rach slumped.
Zoe had never seen Rach like this, desperate enough to open up to her. She breathed in a slight sigh. “C’mon.” She said. “There’s only one person to talk to.”
“We’re going to see Nick.”
“Now?”
“Yes, right now. Your gimpy ass won’t slow us down too much.” Zoe offered Rach a half smile, to which the blonde girl returned weakly.
***
Faye woke up, still feeling tired. Glancing at the clock she read the blazing LED numbers.
11:45
She rolled out of bed feeling somewhere firmly between nonchalant and ambivilent. Last night with Tim was one of those moments classified as ‘before this’ and ‘after this’. Being around him didn't match her initial expectations: She felt special. But, this thing with Bobbie and Nick portended bad things on the horizon.
Coffee.
Dressing and quickly tying her hair back, Faye went out into the kitchen, only to find Nick staring at the screen of his laptop, mug of coffee suspiciously not steaming. He put his hand to his face and pinched at his eyeballs, which were puffy and red
Hey, Bobbie. You two got in late last night. How’s Kim?”
Faye smiled at her friend. She knew that face, tired was only part of it. He’d been crying, of course. She was frustrated and confounded by what could have possessed Bobbie to…
It’s you, isn’t it?
Somehow, it’s you…
Lust.
“She’s stable, they’re going to keep here for a couple of days. Until then, just wait and see.” Faye said.
“Sorry.”
“How’d your midterm go?”
“Meh.” Nick shrugged, closing the laptop and sipping at his coffee. He looked at it and frowned at its temperature. “I passed for sure. Prof Millican really wants us to know that Jefferson was a slave owner.”
"Then why so glum?"
“Just tired… Faye…” He paused, sipping at the cold brew again to soothe his newly carpeted mouth. “Kept me up last night. She had a friend with her.”
“Friend? Who?”
“Luka, or something, tall girl with pink cowboy boots.”
Luka? What the fuck?
“I dunno. She left right after I told Faye about Kim.” He shrugged.
Faye knew what happened after that. Gonna strangle her with those extensions…
Her revenge fantasy was interrupted by the doorbell was having a seizure. Faye put out her hand and ran to the door. She opened it to see who it was. Zoe stood there, still ringing the doorbell. Rach looked downcast.
Faye could never stand to see her down like this. Reflexively, she reached out and hugged her close, kissing her without thinking. Tim was one thing, but he’d always occupy a different part of her heart. Maybe not the aorta like Rach, but definitely a ventricle. They’d been separated before, but never by so wide a gulf.
No matter how bad things were, or how long they were apart, just looking at Rach made her smile, to say nothing of kissing, touching… But strangely, none of those feelings blossomed now. Instead the embrace felt mechanical and empty. Faye slipped away, realizing what she’d done.
Confusion left Rach’s face contorted oddly. “Ummm, hi Bobbie?”
“What the hell is going on with everyone?” Nick said, looking at the trio in the doorway. “First Faye, then-”
“What’s going on with her?” Zoe said. Looking anxiously at Rach. “She acted weird this morning.”
“I don’t know.” Nick said, scrubbing his hair with his hand. “Ever since…”
“That trip.” Rachel interrupted. “She was fine at first. There was something about giant robots… We smoked a joint…”
“What?” Faye said.
“Yeah, and then after I got hurt and she decided not to answer her phone for like four hours. She took one of my Vicodin, we ate chicken and waffles.”
“Chicken and waffles? That sounds horrifying.” Nick said, grimacing.
“No, that was actually good. But, it’s like she’s been tired of me somehow.” Rach crumpled.
Faye wanted to hold her so badly, yet didn’t want to. This was so confusing...
Bobbie, I’m gonna kill you.
Seems fair, she’s killing you. Piece by piece.
“She’ll be fine.” Faye said, not meaning it, putting on a smile of pure vinyl. “Just got a lot on her mind. You’re graduating, Zoe. She’s not gonna have old Zoe to kick around anymore.”
Zoe smiled, but didn't seem completely convinced.
Faye looked at Nick, she could tell he wanted to say something. “I’m gonna…” He pointed at the door, slaloming his way through the girls on the way out.
“What’s with him?” Zoe asked.
“Midterms.” Faye lied, worried to death about her friend. “C’mon in. You can try the new recipe.”
“New recipe?” Zoe asked.
“The Sconut. The unholy union of a scone and a donut.” Faye replied.
There was talking over coffee and pastry. Faye managed to assuage everyone’s concern.
“It’s getting close to the age she was, graduation was a big deal the first time. She gets to have that again. Probably acting out a little, but totally normal.”
“She told you about that?” Both girls said in unison.
“Well, yeah. People tell me things. Just trustworthy, I guess.” Faye said quirkily. “I’ll talk to her, I think I know just what to say.”
After everyone had left, Faye noticed a small white square on the carpeted floor by the chair that recently held Rach in a way she only wished she could. Retrieving it, she flipped it over to see the picture from Fresh! Her bottom lip quivered slightly.
Faye stared at the door. She missed Rach so much, yet that kiss felt strange and too warm. It was odd to her, she knew she should have missed it. Times past playing in her head as she looked at that picture. That sunset was one of their best memories together. It took on new dimensions as she thought of what that day must mean to Rach now. Bobbie….godammit.
Deciding that she needed to refresh, Faye stripped off her clothes and stepped into the shower, washing off the grime of the previous evening. She toweled off the water that rolled from her body toward the brown bathroom rug on the ground. The drying didn’t take long. She planned to be at the bakery soon, Tim’s text had mentioned a big order, and that was always big news.
Faye stood in the mirror, adjusting her silken blonde hair as she looked at her modest curves, clad in bright blue underwear. It was strange to think that the reflection she saw in the mirror was starting to feel so painfully...normal. The truth was that even with everything happening, and Bobbie screwing up her life like it was an Olympic event, Faye...kinda liked who she was now. She didn't have to worry about modeling, or guys leering at her egregious curves every day in class. Cooking was so natural to her, so cathartic. She didn't need to be snarky just so that people would take her seriously. The list went on, and that was before she even thought about Tim...
Tim. Her heart fluttered just at the thought of him. His smile sent tingles racing through her skin. He was so sweet, thoughtful and kind, unlike almost every guy she ever met. They were only interested in her body, but Tim...he saw past all of that. Faye wondered what Tim would think of her later when they were alone at the bakery. What it would feel like once again to be caught up in his arms, resting her head against his chest to hear his heart beat...
Faye caught herself in a strange juxtaposition, her mind having wandered further than she'd ever intended. What the hell was she thinking...snuggling with a guy? Playing the doting, lovestruck girlfriend?
"Jesus." She muttered. "When did I turn into such a Bobbie?"

***
“So, you’ll have to show all of your work. The multiple choice will only count for half of the credit of… Miss Valentine? What is it that’s so important now, did a Kardashian have another abortion? Is the bird not flappy enough?” Mr. Agee was boarding the rage train again.
Bobbie stopped swiping, “No, but the bird could be flippy enough.”
Mr. Agee sighed. “Miss Valentine. If you don’t start paying attention. I’ll fail you.”
OOOOhhhhh! The class made a noise like lower pitched Beatles fans.
“Then you get to take my class again, we’ll be such good friends.” Sarcasm dripped from his voice like a washrag being wrung out..
Snap! Bobbie felt a sting across her back as one of her bra hooks snapped under pressure from her swelling breasts. Shit...why now? It was only one bag of M&M's. And a soda. Which was chasing down a hotdog...
Gotta get out of here. Bobbie got up and grabbed her purse.
Mr. Agee rolled his eyes. “Now what?”
Her breath was shallow, and had been getting worse since lunchtime. Her breasts continued to grow unabated, daring the bra to contain them, their sensitivity causing her pussy to flex and clench tightly, begging for attention.
"Unless you want to see Crimson Tide? Doesn’t look like you do submarine movies.” Faye headed to the door, holding up a tampon high as proof, like it would transform her into Ultraman.
Bobbie made haste to the bathroom. Hollow, a little down, and just really pissed off.
Smack! The door hit the tile wall with a sharp impact.
Bobbie inhaled and pushed, she felt the hooks bend slightly, only to have the empty space filled almost immediately. She exhaled and felt some of the stitching pop, strained past its ductile limits.
Click, click. Click, click. Clink.
“Hey, Faye. Whaddaya say?” Roxx lit her cigarette and held it away from her face.
“Hi, Roxx.” Bobbie said, staring at herself in the mirror, noticing that the support of her bra was suddenly less supportive. Dammit, she'd have to get a moment to herself and slip it off. “You got another one of those?”
“Of course.” She said, granting the favor.
“Kim’s in the hospital.”
“Girl never could handle her high. She’ll be fine.” Roxx studied Bobbie, seeing the conflicted look on her face.
“Huh?” Bobbie turned to look up at Roxx’s face. Handle her high? A mental flash of Faye’s body ripping out the kitchen sink and bashing her in the face, shattering her ethmoid bone.
Realization dawned on Roxx, she could see what Bobbie had done with Nick as surely as she’d been there herself. She knew that Bobbie hadn’t been sated.“You’re starting to fight it less, aren’t you?” Roxx stated cryptically.
Bobbie gave her a confused look.
“You started taking what you wanted. Didn’t it feel good?” Roxx inhaled on her cigarette.
“She told me you’d come around.” Roxx smiled. "Everybody does eventually."
Felt good while it was going on, Bobbie reflected. “Yeah, but it seems that I can’t quite get a hold on it. I just wanted that minute to last longer.” She frowned. “I tried to talk to Tim, but…”
“Tim?” Roxx laughed. “You can't break what's already broken. Maybe you should look for someone a little more challenging?” She sounded like an evil big sister.
Bobbie’s thoughts turned to Mr. Agee. No one picks on a girl that much without having a thing for her. He wants it… and fuck him. Best five minutes of his life, and that’s giving him a lot of credit.
“What we have? It's a gift” Roxx continued. “All you have to do is just let go and see where the currents take you. There's no limits, nobody who can resist you. It's freedom like you've never known. ”
Bobbie wondered what she meant by that as she smoked pensively. Maybe Nick was a mistake. Don’t shit where you eat. But, he’d needed it, and so had she.
She thought of Mr. Agee, asshole. A look of anger hardened Bobbie’s eyes, and turned her luscious lips into a mangled snarl.
Roxx smiled a little more as she dropped the half smoked butt into the toilet. “Already thought of someone, huh? Have fun.”
Bobbie stared at the kanji as she walked away.
“Fuck everybody.” Bobbie whispered to the empty room. The loneliness and emptiness threatening to pull her under.
But only threatening.
***
Flip…
The tv was showing a woman with short hair pulling cookies out of an oven, a baby was cradled in a dark haired man’s arms. A little boy sat at the table laughing…
Flip…
A funeral, many people all wearing black. All standing around a hole as a casket was lowered.
“Mommy.” Kim squeaked.
“I can get you out of here.” The Woman said, suddenly appearing. “You just have to do one thing.”
“Yeah.” Kim sniffed. “You keep saying that. Just tell me already.”
The Woman smiled. “All you had to do was ask. I love helping people.”
“Now you sound like Bobbie.”
The smile vanished.
Chapter 58
Heather looked at the bass guitar that sat on the stand in the corner next to the keytar. How could she have been so stupid? Now Kim was in the hospital. All because she let Roxx take Kim. If she wasn’t so afraid of people seeing past the perfectly painted mask of Heather Sweet, the pinup queen of Delacroix High... She looked at the box containing the dress she made for Sylvia at Bobbie’s behest. Heather would have swung by with it days ago. But, gosh… kind of a lot’s happened since then.
In a small way , she was glad that her mom was gone half a world away. She couldn’t imagine telling her the truth. Sure, it wasn’t a big deal anymore.
Heather liked girls; always had, hence the dresses and the makeup. She thought by drowning herself in femininity and playing hard to get would be enough to bullshit herself into some semblance of normalcy. She absently brushed some lint from the front of her green swing dress.
And her mother? Almost a stereotype, superlatively girly. Without saying it, she seemed to be pushing Heather into the exact same life she had. While she liked making clothes and playing music, Heather wanted to do things differently. Right now what she wanted was Kim.
She grabbed the box that had the dress in it and headed out for her car. She had to see Kim. If there wasn’t much time left…
Heather would tell Kim what she’d been aching to tell her for over a year, but never worked up the courage.
***
Bobbie stepped off of the bus about a block away from the tiny shopping center containing The Curious Cabinet and Shear Ecstasy. By the time she had arrived, half the bus was staring at the punky princess. Her arms crossed beneath her breasts and a stormy look showing on her visage. She was feeling a little better, the walk clearing her head somewhat. Bobbie was glad she had blown off school to get this thing done. She pulled at the hair that constantly fell in front of her eyes.
“Oh, hi. Faye. Those extensions still good?” Frankie asked.
“Oh, yeah. Still great. See.” Bobbie began. “I picked up this shoot this week, and I think a slight reshuffling of my look is in order. And Bobbie told me you’re the one to come to.”
There was explanation and chatting while Bobbie was caped and worked on. It didn’t take too long before Bobbie was on her way out. Paying and tipping, Bobbie felt a twinge of guilt.
I should see Kim.
Bobbie took a seat at the bus stop, waiting for the next arrival. Bored, she turned on the camera in the phone and snapped a couple of quick selfies. Her back started itching again, it was happening less frequently now and the intensity had fallen off. She looked at the pictures in her phone, coming out of her reverie just long enough to board the bus.
***
Heather set the box on the extra chair that normally held Sylvia. She looked at the unconscious girl. Her laberet piercing reflecting the harsh, prismatic light.
“Oh, Kim.” Heather sobbed. She touched Kim’s hand carefully, trying to avoid the IV tubes that ran into her arm. Heather’s head touched the bed next to Kim’s torso.
“When you first met me, you were so cute with your floppy ponytail and your bass guitar.. You always could make me smile.”Heather continued, black tracks running down her face. “I was so scared to tell you, and it was stupid. But…”
“I…” sniff. “I… love you Kim.”
Heather looked at her face, hoping for something….
A finger twitch.
An eye flutter…
Anything.
Kim gave no sign of life, the beeping being the only backbeat of her continued existence.
Heather was still staring at Kim when Faye came around the corner. She knitted her eyebrows together. A dark shape with green trim entered the room.
“Hi, uh…” Heather said, startled. It was that girl who was there when that blond guy designed the sign. “Faye, right?” She smiled wistfully as she thought of Kim with bacon in her nose. Heather studied the girl. She had shown some disdain, others had thought that it was because someone was challenging her for fairest of them all. But it was something else.
Heather thought that Faye was beautiful. Confident, sexy, and possessed of a tart tongued wit that could put most anyone in their place. She’d come to Delacroix out of nowhere, just like Bobbie. Heather had admired her from afar, a girl who was unattainable for someone like her. If only I wasn’t so scared to tell everyone.
***
Bobbie studied the map of the world that existed on Heather’s face. Yellows and blues, never mixing into greens, varnished over a core of red. A confused color scheme. Everyone’s color signature was unique at any given moment, and Bobbie was getting better at deciphering what each code meant. Why is it so different? She’s always a rock… She realized that she had never seen the girl so confused. She always knew what she wanted, and got it. Cost thrown to the wind.
She looked back at Kim, just laying there in the hospital bed, unconscious. “Kimster.” She breathed. Heather got up and quickly turned away, not wanting her slipping mask to reveal her dark and wormy thoughts.
“How’s she holding up?” Bobbie asked, not sure if her face was showing the appropriate level of concern. To her surprise, Heather practically jumped into her arms.
“Faye.” Heather cried into her shoulder. “I just don’t know…” The sobbing continued, Bobbie hugged her old friend. A familiar warming bloomed within her. Thinking of what Roxx had said, she saw what Heather needed. Bobbie brought her eyes to the friend who helped her when femininity was still new to her. Bobbie kissed Heather’s ruby lips, feeling the girl relax over her, her tensed shoulders sagging.
***
Heather couldn’t believe what was happening. Never in her wildest dreams did she ever think this could be a reality. Omygosh! She surrendered, closing her eyes. It was Fashion Week in Milan and an all you can eat buffet of Bobbie’s cupcakes all at once. Every fantasy seemed to enrobe her.
The kiss broke. Faye looked at her and smiled.
“Hey there, groovy chick.”
Heather’s shocked face displayed multiple emotions at once. She looked at Kim, then back at Faye. Torn. The green curtain was suddenly pulled back to reveal the same redheaded nurse with the pink streak.
“Hi, Heather. Y’know that skin cream you gave me is great stuff. Thanks.” She said, her accent giving away her Kentucky roots.
“No…no problem.” Heather whispered, pulling at her ponytail. “I’ve gotta go…Want a ride, Faye?” She practically squealed when Faye agreed.
The girl in the green dress seemed to be sleepwalking through the winding corridors all the way to the parking structure. Bobbie was by her side, velocities matched. They entered Heather’s car and closed the door. The silence was deafening, both girls ears ringing. Heather was looking at the bottom of the steering wheel.
Heather felt Faye’s hand touch hers. Heather couldn’t believe any of this was happening, the flush of blood to her head added another sensation to the tally of incredible feelings that just couldn’t plateau. Bobbie leaned in and put an arm around her old friend.
***
The slight buzz of Bobbie’s miffed mind subsided a little, surprised by Heather’s display. This morning’s failed attempts on top her altercation with Mr. Agee had weighed on her a little. And this moment was the helium that carried her mood back up. Heather. Bobbie smiled. Remembering the first time she’d worn a dress. How she matched her with Tim.
Tim? Well, he’s her problem now.
Bobbie recalled how Heather's mother lamented her daughters lack of a boyfriend. . Bobbie thought of her first meeting with Betty, standing in that dress that was to be Sylvia’s Christmas present. Wonder if she ever finished it… Heather leaned in clumsily and shakily brought her lips to Bobbie’s, nearly making contact with a nostril along the way. The heat coming from the other girl’s body, her scent of rosemary and cedar sharply invaded her nose.
Every thing is always so perfect, Bobbie thought, enjoying how these tactile delights kept finding their way into her path. Sure, the aftermath was never as good as the moment…
But, just using what I was given. More than you ever did, Faye.
…Or should I say Bobbie?
“Maybe I should drive?” Bobbie said, caressing Heather’s neck.
***
Heather sat in the passenger seat of her own car, dismayed. This whole episode was insane, every tiny piece of her struggled to stay in one position. She could see that Faye didn’t have quite the control of the vehicle that she would normally display. It didn’t bother her much, she knew what was going to happen. Unbridled excitement galloped all over Heather, runaway horses in the night.
They had pulled into the driveway askew, taking up both spaces . Heather had fought to stay still, feeling the turn of the Earth. Faye got out of the car and walked her confident walk to the door with Heather finally able to run and burn off some of the excitement of what the immediate future held.
Heather was struggling with trying to get the key into the keyhole. She laughed inwardly at the irony of it. The door swung open so hard that the knob collided with the door, cracking the plaster. She watched Faye close the door gingerly, before turning to Heather.
Happy wasn’t a word to use for this condition. Elated didn't work either.
There were no words or gestures. Heather kind of lost her grip on what was possible and real. She half froze.
Oh, how she has wished that something like this would happen. Now, here was this…
…this goddess, standing in front of her. Just waiting for her to let all the inhibitions go.
Heather cried havoc and let slip the dogs of war, running at near the speed of sound. She kept her eyes open this time, bringing her mouth down so hard on Faye’s mouth that she felt their teeth impact, her arms trembled as she brought up her hands to the swell of the ample bosom that shared close, close proximity. Heather’s nipples solidified as though freshly rinsed with liquid nitrogen. She felt Faye’s hands slide down the zipper.
“Made this one too long too, huh?”
Heather looked at her quizzically, passions on hold for a nanosecond. How could she know that? Unless she’s been admiring me as well. She swelled and smiled. One hand dropped as the other expertly unhooked the bra, allowing the bra and dress to pool on the floor in a puddle of emerald at Heather’s feet that threatened to pull the bra into its tide.
Flailing arms hooked at Faye’s outfit, with utter disregard for the integrity of the garments being pulled off. Feeling the bent hooks of her bra, Heather made a mental note to ask where she got stuff in her size. That thought went out the window as geysers of joy spouted all over her skin. Heather knew she was being touched, but couldn’t pinpoint where. The ripples of pleasure overlapped making her feel gloriously whole. All the years of repression, hiding who she was behind a brilliantly engineered façade. The dresses and the makeup welded and bonded into the gleaming Trojan Horse that the world saw when they saw Heather Sweet.
And as to what the world would think about the current situation?
Who cared?
Through the blur of lips, hands, and feelings, Heather was speechless. Lost in a world she suspected existed, but was finally confronted with the reality of experiencing it. When the overblissed senses subsided she was on a large bed. A moment of panic pulled her back into the palisade of the real. Mom’s bed? The panic turned to a thrill, her naked form bristling and puckering as she felt Faye’s tongue doing things to her that even would have made her daydreams blush.
The naked girls moved through positions that seemed to defy gravity and conventional angular momentum. Faye moved up along her stomach, light kisses keeping her aflutter. The painfully rigid stubs that were her nipples were moistened by a tongue as the wet velvet unpredictably and randomly moved across the tight surfaces that ached, hungered for more sensation. An invading pair of digits made her gasp and scream twice.
I can’t…
There was a tongue in her mouth, silencing her. The cries of nirvana gagged before they could form. She felt a hand under her knee, forcefully moving it…
***
Bobbie pushed Heather’s leg up by the knee and leaned back, swinging a leg underneath the lifted limb.. It was a game of twister with a broken spinner as her clit brushed up against Heather’s, the sensation as they ground into each other, sending Heather over the edge of carnal contentment.
“Aaahh…ahhhh…..AAAHH.” Heather screamed.
Bobbie marveled at this version of her old friend, out of control. The calm surface broken by a freak gravel rain. She grunted as the pressure promised to release all at once, falling into Brigadoon. She could feel the years of hiding, trying to box the feelings away behind a wall of chiffon, taffeta and lipstick. Behold! The queen without her robes! Heather began to scream again as she sprung upright, moving her hand sensually around to the small of her back.
Bobbie smiled to herself, thinking about what Faye might think if she knew what Bobbie was doing right now. Who cares, right? She’s enjoying her end of this, pawing at Tim like a lovesick puppy, Churning out goodies for the other castoffs, being the good-girl that everyone adored like a sister. Honestly, even if she couldn't admit it to herself, Bobbie was sure that Faye didn't want to go back to her old life: why would she? She was always an outsider, looking to fit in. This way, she can finally stop looking for people to accept her for who she really was. She has a place that she can be happy and belong.
Besides, even if Faye wasn't sure, Bobbie couldn’t imagine going back. Faye could never make use of the gifts that Lust had given her. But with her in charge of this body instead? There was no limit to the delights she could accomplish and savor. A world of parties, costumes and people staring at her, just wishing that she would only wave, or make eye contact. Bobbie moaned hotly as Heathers hands slid up to her enormous breasts, teasing turgid nipples between her fingertips. Bobbie revelled in the sensation, drinking it in, her whole body alive with pleasure, bristling with energy and purpose. Her tits had already swollen another cup size since the pastry binge from a day earlier, but Bobbie didn't mind one bit...this body, it was designed to be lusted after. Desired and craved by anyone who laid eyes on it. The ecstasy coursing through her entire body was all the reason she'd ever need to abandon any thought of returning to her former life... It just seemed like a huge step backward. No, whether she knew it or not, Faye was better off being Bobbie from now on. And she was -definitely- better off being Faye Valentine.
"If this is what my life is now…" She mused. "...Cool."

***
Heather’s nails rasped along the dry skin that clung to her lower back. She could feel the arid, crispy flakes dislodge under her scratching. She raked her fingers up Faye’s back as she felt the warmth seeping from her pussy and the cascading wetness mingling with perspiration. She kissed at Faye’s neck, giddy. She didn’t know where to begin. Each movement, touch or gesture so full of joy and contentment, it was a stroll through a garden of earthly delights. She could feel Faye tremble at her touch, acting as if her touch was the one thing she’d been waiting for.
With one release gone, Heather wanted another, No, needed. The orgasm led to longing for another. She redoubled her efforts, straining to reach the summit of Mt. OH! She could feel Faye coming closer and closer, her face screaming voicelessly to the ceiling. Her breath coming in sharp intakes of breath and sounds of varying pitches. Her entire personal reality began to glimmer with a liquidity that surpassed all beauty, surrounding her in zero gravity fire. A firestorm that burned away the years of built up desire, leaving Heather unarmored.
Exposed to the elements for the first time, shivering in the wind that followed.
***
Bobbie was having more fun now than she did with Rach, maybe it was because Heather had never done this before? Maybe it was because her nervousness had been unbelievably cute. Either way. This was somehow different from every other time ...The time with Rach just a warm blur, although she blamed that on the alcohol. Every feeling she had over the last week …
Why would she want anything else but this… this delightful confusion? How everything twisted into pleasure somehow. Accomplishment meant little, sarcasm its own reward… Then there was Nick. Well, maybe that was a bad example, but the twin strikeouts with Zoe and Tim had frustrated her. Luckily, Heather had been there.
“Oh, Faye.” Heather cried. Her timing synching up with Bobbie’s as both girls followed the path into the blinding contentment of orgasm. The postcoital light shone on both of them, Heather moving into a position that left Bobbie cradled in Heather’s arms.
It was a strange position. Heather kissed at the back of her neck. The tiny bit of intimacy was some respite. That spot on her back was burning, the tracks of Heather’s nail rakes smoldering with a slight subdermal heat. She lay there for a while, feeling happy for just one precious second. Heather had fallen asleep, her breathing tickling the small, fine hairs on the back of her neck.
She escaped the embrace of the sleeping girl. Deciding that the shower was calling her. She crept out to the door catlike. Bobbie closed the bedroom door behind her, smiling at Heathers lovely naked body, draped languidly over the sheets. and made her way toward the shower feeling a little more sated than she had with Nick. Bobbie stopped to admire herself in the full length mirror that adorned the wall by the door. Every curve, every muscle flexing pleasing the dark, almond shaped eyes she now used with aplomb.
When she first swapped with Faye, she'd done her best to try and play the game, try to play along while holding out hope that she might be able to return to her former life. But the truth was being a Thrall was everything she could ever want, and all that she would ever need. Her body was perfect in every way: It was a form designed for pleasure. To evoke desire in even the faintest of hearts. And the more she indulged it, the more power and control it gave her. Her chains were broken, and the girl she was always meant to be had been set free. As long as she had this body, she would never be a victim again.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XVII

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Sex / Sexual Scenes

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 59

Heather woke up feeling slightly constricted, arms on either side of her neck. The skin smelled of her water activated gel scrub. She also felt Faye’s breasts pressing into her back.

Faye??

Her eyes snapped open and looked around the room. Mom’s room…

Suddenly oriented in time and space, a surge of joy gushed directly into Heather’s head. Endorphins and hormones doing their dance in Heather’s brain, the beat still throbbing against her reticular activating system. The jitter and shake was returning, but different now. Changing from anticipation to the memory of what happened. She remembered holding Faye in her arms before relaxing away into sleep. The smell of the gel scrub told her what she needed to know.

Faye had disappeared while she slept and took a shower, that much was obvious. It felt good laying there, trapped in the arms of Faye Valentine. She saw the jumble of clothing that was left on the ground. A bent hook caught one of the rays of light that pierced the curtain in the day’s dying light.

God, she must be impossible to shop for. That bra is new, but it’s already seen better days.

She had lots of fabric left and some projects that she could shove around… Hell, she had some she could quickly repurpose. She got out of the smaller girl’s arms awkwardly and held the green dress with the too long zipper to her body. I really need to stop doing that. First thing she needed was a shower, the smell of the gel scrub enticing Heather to cover herself in its herbal embrace.

Definitely stronger thread, maybe more of a built in support… Hmmm, maybe leather…

Her mind was starting to click. She wondered off handedly if this was how Bobbie came up with those desserts. The ones that demanded to be eaten, calories and fat content not considered. She was in the shower and thinking and cleaning…

And still trying to reconcile reality with the way her afternoon opened. Spotting the bass guitar on the stand in the corner, Heather felt guilty. As if she had betrayed Kim somehow.

No, don’t be silly. She didn’t know.

Only because I never told her.

Sure, Heather hoped that Kim would be okay. But nothing had come of that…

Yet. She reminded herself. None of that mattered now, Faye was there in her mother’s bed right now. Right now… This interlude was certainly not on the to do list.

Green would set off her eyes. Hmmmm… gold, gotta get gold in there…

Heather turned off the shower nozzle

***

Tim could drive the Vespa all day with Bobbie on the back, he was always disappointed when they got to the bakery. Putting down the kickstand and removing his helmet, he turned to the girl that always made him smile.

“Beth should be here soon.” He said to her. “I wanted to tell you about this over the phone, but it seemed silly.”

“What?” Faye said. “You texted me. And then said nothing all the way here. Tell me, you shit.” She playfully slapped at his shoulder.

Tim looked at her strangely. “Come on in, you need to see this.”

Faye opened the door and waited for Tim to follow. She couldn’t remember opening a single door during her time with him. Funny how she hadn’t noticed it until now. She remembered Bobbie’s remark about his being a Knight on a Shetland Pony… That’s a backhanded way of putting it.

The lights came on in their familiar flickering pattern, causing the death of the scant darkness that coated the surfaces like so much fondant.

Tim bent under the counter and pulled out a blue deposit bag. He unzipped it and pulled out several hundred dollar bills. “The teachers got together and wanted to do a big cake for… well, the school. That big picnic at the end of the year, where everyone signs the yearbooks? It’s gonna be a big project. Not too sure how it’s gonna work, but that’s the profit from last month, and with the deposit from the school, that’s twelve hundred dollars!”

Faye paled. That was a good month modeling, and the baking was a lot more fun.

Tim flashed that winning grin. “Yeah, we did that. And this is after buying all the supplies and paying all the bills off. We’re gonna be okay.” He put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small box. “Just one more thing.” Tim said, hunched over and sounding like Columbo.

“Thought you might want this back.” He opened it, revealing the crossed spatula and whisk that she had returned to him at Freddie’s

Faye wanted to squee, she even started. The sound coming out as a squeak.

“I’ll help you put it on.”

Faye turned and allowed him to fasten the chain. Tim kissed at her neck lightly, hugging her from behind. She closed her eyes and let the feeling overtake her. His arms a far better, stronger cocoon than the finest spidersilk.

She turned and looked into his brown eyes. “You sure know how to treat a girl.”

“Only the special ones.”

Faye grabbed the back of his neck and kissed him.

“Um…hi?” A voice interrupted a perfect silence. It was Beth. “Door was unlocked, everything okay?”

“Yeah.” Tim said, still staring into Faye’s eyes. “Everything’s just great.”

“Now what’s the big news?” Beth said. She looked at the counter, seeing the blue bag and the small stack of bills. “And where did all that money come from?”

Tim chuckled. “That’s ours. We only need one cake. But it’s a big one…”

Beth looked at the couple. “How big? How many people are we feeding?”

Tim looked at her, stonefaced. He took a deep breath.

“Four hundred and sixty two.”

Beth’s face dropped. “Four…hundred?”

“Yeah. We’ve got work to do, still need to make the regular orders. Now that Daily Grind’s orders are back, we’re back to chuggin’ right along. And, I got most of the schoolwork done, I might even be done before you two.”

Beth nodded and went to the sink to wash her hands after tying on an apron.

“You know, Bobbie? I finished that report on Nineteen Eighty-Four. Thanks for giving away the ending.”

Faye chuckled and went to the sink and started the prep for the batters and frostings. Tim laying out the bacon and brown sugar.

Cake for the whole school? So many people, so many flavors….

She stopped what she was doing and walked to the big dry erase board that held the prep list. Beth had suggested it a couple of weeks prior. Going so far as to bring one from home, replete with pink stars and rainbows. Faye grabbed a marker and started making what at first appeared to be haphazard lines. Both Tim and Beth stopped their current tasks to watch.

“Bobbie?” Beth asked, she was quickly shushed by Tim. She looked over at him, puzzled.

“I love it when she does this.” He whispered sideways. “Pay attention, something’s about to happen.”

“Something wonderful.” He finished. Within minutes she had drawn a rough sketch of the school from a bird’s eye view. They heard her start mumbling.

Faye’s mind was running down avenues that were usually empty. White cake, chocolate. Lemon chiffon, different flavors of frosting. Little fondant sculptures of staff…

“The school! We make it look like the school.” Faye said, replacing the magnetized marker cap and reattaching it to the board.

“Told you it meant something.” Tim said.

Faye pointed to the main building. “Three layer cake, white with white frosting with crushed Macadamia nuts.”

The gym: “Two layer lemon cake with white frosting with pistachio dust.”

The small outlying buildings “Two layer chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. No nuts, allergies suck.”

Finally, the field that contained Slacker’s Cove. “ Single layer lemon cake with a plain frosting with candied lime zest.”

Faye felt a surge of pride. She had come up with this, it seemed like something Bobbie would come up with…

But she didn’t. Okay, maybe I’m not completely done with you. Bobbie seems to like where she is now, and as much as I hate to say it.

So do you. Gotta admit though, I’m impressed.

“Beth.” Faye began. “Those tentacles looked good, you up for a bunch of sculpting?”

“You know it. I can’t believe that you just… just came up with that.” Beth was smiling.

“Good, glad we got that figured out. Jeez, I swear that we’re so busy that we still haven’t done the grand opening yet.” Tim looked at the board. “You know this is gonna cake is gonna be huge, right?”

“Yep, we’re gonna need a bigger box.” Said Faye. Tim smirked, cocking his head.“And it’s high time we went online. They want a cake? They get one. And the whole internet will see Cheepskates doing what we do.” If I’m gonna do this, then I’m gonna do it right.

“Alright, c’mon. Let’s finish these orders. We can all discuss my awesomeness later.” Faye said, heading back to wash her hands again. “That bacon needs to come out, Tim.”

How in the hell does she do that? Tim thought.

***

“So, what’s the catch? Really?” Kim asked, annoyed by every legalese and evade The Woman was using.

She sighed. “Why do you keep asking that? It’s not like you have a lot of choice. I’ll just wait right here. You’re gonna agree eventually. Everyone does, even Bobbie’s going to. She just doesn’t know it yet.”

Flip…

The blue channels were starting to outnumber the ones that just kept getting stranger. A blond girl was standing out of the sunroof of a limo.

“Why won’t you just go away if you’re not going to tell me?” Kim said, panic gone. “You want me to eat babies or something? Listen to Nickelback?”

The Woman chuckled. “Just for you to live how you want. Happy are those that come to my feast.” There was a sweet malevolence to her voice, just begging Kim to agree.

And agree she will.

***

Scratch, scraaaaaaaatch.

Bobbie awoke, swearing that she heard some kind of mutant rodent. She jerked her hands away from their slumberly activity as she saw Heather, just sitting there. Darting her eyes between her and her sketchbook. Frantically scribbling.

“Don’t move.” Heather said. “I almost have it.”

Bobbie smiled. “Drawing me like one of your French girls?”

Heather chuckled. “Just a sketch.”

Bobbie held her position for as long as she could.

“Almost done.” Heather said. A few more scratches and…

“Finished.”

Bobbie went for her clothes and began dressing herself. The bra just wasn’t fitting right, extra breast spilling out from both cups. Bobbie was attempting Zen Archery with her bra hooks, that for some reason just wouldn’t align properly. Heather was there like a ninja, rehooking her bra. “My god, babe. Wherever you get these from, they’re not very well made. Cheap metal for the hooks. They probably use janky thread.”

Babe? Oh, Jesus.

“Janky? I would have just said fucked up.” Damn, why is everything so complicated? Bobbie thought, wondering how long it would take Faye to figure out what had just transpired.

“Yeah, I kick it old school, G” Heather responded.

“I have a bunch of homework to do. And I should probably be there to let Bobbie in.” ‘Faye’ smiled, knowing the truth.

Heather wilted slightly, she grabbed her from behind. Bobbie was reminded of how Tim did that. The taller girl ran her hands appreciatively up and down her sides, bottoming out at her thighs. These got a slight circle, the warmth of her hands trailing around her buttocks.

“It’s okay.” The taller girl whispered, reaching around to grasp her left breast. “I’ve got work to do.” She said slyly.

“A lot of work.”

As she let go, Bobbie felt Heather’s hands start to shake.

“Need a lift?”

“Sure.” Bobbie said, feeling Heather’s lips near the base of her neck. She quickly got the rest of her clothes on and looked over at the sketchbook. The lines were thick and black, but the green lines in her hair make the image come into sharp focus. It was her, the curved lines were unmistakable.

Heather returned with the keys. She looked over her sunglasses at Bobbie.

Oh, shit. Not again. Fuck me gently with a chainsaw. This was magical and everything, but if Faye finds out I was here, what we did. She's gonna beat the unholy crap out of me, twice. I don't think Playboy can shoot much when I'm nursing two black eyes.

***

Faye was hanging on to Tim, keeping herself close as she leaned with him into the turn. She was so lost in the feeling of being close to him that she didn’t notice their arrival. She may as well have been beamed there from an orbiting starship. She thought of the money and the cake and the…

This life was so much different, completely unlike what she had assumed. Never make an assumption. It makes an ass out of you and umption…

Beth had taken control of the radio while baking. A song had played that caused Tim to laugh, Faye never understood why it was so funny. Especially since it fit the day at the bakery so well.

And we can build this dream together
Standing strong forever
Nothing's gonna stop us now.

She had a project, it amazed her at how effortlessly it came. She could reason her way through the flavors and the designs. Faye looked inward while glowing with pride. This was all her, sure Bobbie had gotten the cookie rolling. But, given the current circumstances, it didn’t look like she would be restoring much of anything. How many gold medals is she up to now?

Tim caught Faye humming that song as they removed their helmets.

“Never figured you for a Starship fan.”

“Huh?” Faye tightened her face.

“Not important.” He said as he went for the hug. “See you tomorrow?”

“Aye-firmative.” She saluted. Hoping that a random reference would make up for all the ones she knew she missed. Tim is sweet and all, but not picking up on his quotes is driving me nuts.

They kissed, not briefly.

“Bye Bobbie. Can’t wait to see you again.”

Faye shot him a look. “It’s just tomorrow.”

“Seems like forever,” He shrugged, donning his helmet again. “It’s not long at all.”

Tim pushed the vehicle backwards and started the engine. He rode off into the night.

Faye watched him shrink to a dot, then turn away. She noticed that the light was on. Nick must be home. She felt sadness for her friend, she just hoped that she could keep that one, flawless friendship…

She put the key into the lock and turned.

***

Bobbie was sprawled on the couch, absently stroking her breasts, watching television.

“…this summer, the battle down under is going over the top! Nowhere is safe. Drop Bears 2, Up Over…” The TV droned on and on about the rating and release date.

“I can’t believe they made another one of those.” Bobbie said, finally turning to acknowledge Faye.

Faye looked at her and noticed the bangs that were identical to her own. “What the fuck, Bobbie? Haven’t rearranged my environment enough?” For the first time, she realized how little ‘Faye’ was left in the body she looked at.

Bobbie read the look on her face. There was no question what she meant. She twisted the short hairs covering her forehead. “Just flattering you, Bobbie. Imitation and all that.”

“Where’s Nick?”

“I don’t know. He’s been making excuses to be gone a lot.”

Faye flashed vermillion. “Well, what a fucking surprise. He’s all weirded out now.”

Bobbie turned sharply. “And that’s my fault?”

“Yes, you stupid bitch. It is.” Faye pointed, the afterglow of Tim’s contact suddenly gone. “He’s… fragile. Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”

“Yes, I fucked him. Most people would be happy about that.” Bobbie’s nonchalance was maddening.

Faye nearly rushed her, but decided against it. The earlier punch didn’t even make her feel better. Screw this, I need to get out of here. She stomped to her room and hastily stuffed various garments into a bag and continued mumbling.

“…wish I could just go to Rach’s.” She said under her breath, stuffing Bobbie’s shoes in atop the other clothes imprisoned in a bag.

Bag slung and possessed of a thousand yard stare, Faye came back out into the living room. “I’m leaving. I’m sure you’ll find something to do to pass the time.”

“Where are you going exactly?” Bobbie asked, shifting herself into a position that allowed her to sit up almost all the way.

Faye thought about it. Tim? Sylvia? No, Sylvia’s still dealing with Kim. She was still reeling from Kim’s sudden medical problems.

Well, that and the fact that she’s not your mother…

I’m gonna have to ask you to shut the fuck up… done?

Are you done?

She figured that Heather’s was as good a place as any. Extra space and everything. Hell, Tim might even be able to sleep in a little.

“There.” Faye screamed as she left, slamming the door so hard that it echoed.

Bobbie’s hands found her breasts again.

Now where was I?

***

Heather was using a blowtorch.

She reasoned that Faye’s bras always broke because they were cheaply made. Those hooks shouldn’t have bent that easily, and that underwire? Please.

There was some wire in her workshop that had far more rigidity in it than that cheap aircraft aluminum it was using. She knew she was going overboard on the green, and that girl had done at least 6 colors since she first saw her. But the green suited her.

Just like the blue suits Bobbie.

She dropped the newly bent hook assemblages into the jar of water to allow them to cool. “If these bend, then NASA couldn’t do any better.”

She wiped sweat from her face, her hair sticking in odd patterns. She saw the sparkle of one of her earlier creations. The deep forest green sequined fabric triggered a torrent of thought.

Just a bra? Come on, Heather. You know you can do better than that. The fabric was from a bolt left over from an earlier drama production of Once Upon a Leprechaun. She had never known what to do with it.

Until now…

She left the bra hooks in the water and removed her goggles. The bolt of sparkly green held her in its intangible grasp. Heather slowly smiled as the pieces came together in her mind. She touched the fabric, rubbing it between thumb and forefinger.

***

Faye was knocking on Heather’s door, surprised by the clatter that came from behind the brown door. When the door finally opened, Faye was reminded of a time traveling mad scientist

Great Scott! Sounds like something she’d say.

“Oh, hi. Bobbie, come in.” Heather said with the firing speed of a chaingun. Her movements weren’t the usual placid grace that she normally displayed. “Sorry, busy. Lots to do.” She spun, allowing Faye entrance.

Faye looked around. The place was a mess, there were four cans of coke scattered around the living room amongst scraps of fabric, toolboxes full of gear that she couldn’t even begin to figure out where they were. Torquemada meets Prada.

Heather grabbed a can of coke on the counter and guzzled. “What’s going on?” Her movements jerky, spasmodic.

“Just needed to get out, thought you could use some company.” Faye said, saying little. Watching Heather move across the room to begin sewing. She grabbed the can of coke on the end table and sipped from the straw that sat at an angle in the can.

“Okay.” She smiled, before quickly turning back to her sketchpad. “I just had this crazy day.” She got quiet, then picked up her notepad. The sewing was forgotten by her addled memory.

Scratch, scritchhhh.

Something was up, Faye hadn’t known Heather all that long. But she knew things about this girl. Her appearance showed meticulous attention to detail, and her take charge way of handling things showed the world exactly what she wanted.

And Heather Sweet always got what she wanted.

Cocking an eyebrow, Faye looked at the drawing girl. “What’s going on? Really?”

Heather looked calmly at Faye. “Just some new projects vying for my attention.” She said, changing magazines. “Oh, and your prom dress is almost ready.”

“Prom dress?”

Heather continued, her staccato pace continued unhindered. “Of course. Anything less than the best is a felony.”

Faye laughed. “What’s with all this… stuff?” She looked at the scraps of leather and other fabrics. Her sewing machine plastered with stickers, a large Paramore sticker covering the machine’s maker’s mark.

“Oh, you know me, always a new project. See, I met this…” Heather knew that Bobbie was staying with Faye, but maybe now wasn’t the time to bring it up. “Person. And we…”

“Person?” Person?

Faye looked around. She saw the pieces of leather that looked suspiciously like they would hold breasts, the green fabric. This stuff wasn’t meant for a guy. Taken aback for a moment, she looked back at Heather, she smiled. She’d seen that kind of hyper before. Faye’s mind clicked. “Smitten are we?”

“No.” Heather said immediately, her mask just far enough removed to allow Faye to see the pale skin behind. Faye frowned, for all the things that Heather was, she was a horrible liar. Her poker face was perfect for game of hopscotch.

“Been with a girl before, remember?” Faye tapped her temple. “I’ve seen this before.” She remembered her first time with Rach, back in those early days.

Heather smiled nervously. “Can’t get anything past you, can I?” She swallowed hard. “Yes. I like girls.” Heather finally had said out loud what she’d wanted to say for a couple of years.

“Nervous talking about this.” Heather said with a slight shaky grin. “I’ve never actually told anyone before, not even…”

Faye got up and went over to Bobbie’s friend. This whole helping people thing was still new to her. While it was nice to be able to help people in ways other than ones involving personal lubricant, this was one she could take care of.

Even as Faye.

Grabbing the colored pencils from Heather’s hands. Faye said, "Give me those."

Half grinning, Faye shook the drawing implements between their faces. "These are fucks, and you don't need them anymore." She dropped them, falling chaotically. Faye looked down at the scattered colored sticks and realized that somewhere along the way... She had somehow picked up a couple of fucks.

But, only a couple.

“So what? You like girls. You’re not the first.” Faye said, at last able to tread upon familiar ground. “And you kept it to yourself.”

“Congratulations, you are a human being.”

Heather opened her mouth.

“No buts. Love is where you find it. You are who you are.” Faye said, seeing the relief gush. Heather’s eyes looked different somehow, softer. The aloofness she usually displayed gone.

Delacroix’s resident fashion designer couldn’t hide the relief on her face. There was a sound…

Oh, god. Did Heather Sweet just squee?

Heather jumped up, project forgotten. Giving Faye a friendly hug. “I just wish I could tell my mom.”

“Why?” Faye started, “You think she won’t love you anymore? Think she’ll throw you out?”

You don’t know these people.

Shut up, I’ve got this one.

“Who you are. Not important. What you are, similarly so.”

“Being comfortable with who and what you are, the most important thing in the world.” Faye could almost hear Heather vibrating, she thought Heather would phase through the floor.

How much soda did she get through? “Let me make you something. You need to soak up some of that caffeine.” She turned to the kitchen and began a quest worthy of Dr. Jones in his search for the Ark of the Covenant.

Heather was blurring around the room, picking things up and making room for her night guest. Faye looked down at the heated oil and turned the frying chunks of chicken breast over. Potatoes were sliced into skinny strips. There was much chatter by Heather who just talked about fashion and the dress she was working on. A lot of it could have been the gibbering of a lunatic.

It wasn’t until dinner was served that Heather was finally able to calm down some. Faye watched her eat, using barbecue sauce to coat the nuggets and shoveling the side salad into her mouth with gusto.

Faye looked down and grabbed Heather’s open sketchpad. The latest image was indicative of the pictures that fashion designers drew, but this one was different. Curves that flared out more than seemed possible, Long black hair…

And that goddamn green streak.

“Son of a bitch.” Faye breathed.

“Huh?” Heather mumbled, her mouth full of romaine lettuce and blue cheese dressing.

“Nothing.” Faye said. The couch had been folded out and Heather had finally been convinced that she needed rest after the mega hyper ultra caffeine rush she had been riding all afternoon. Luckily for both of them the cocoa she had made was without any stimulant properties.

Great, another member of Faye’s fanclub.

“Goodnight, Bobbie. Thanks for coming over.” Heather yawned. She looked around at the scattered tools. “Gonna have to clean this up tomorrow. See you in the morning.”

“Good night.” Faye said, smiling at Heather. She felt some accomplishment, as well as some apprehension.

Chapter 60

Bobbie woke to the sounds of her phone vibrating, her hands separated themselves as she reached away from her legs to the tremoring device.

Hey, need a ride? H.

She started to answer in the negative, but Bobbie noticed Nick’s door open. His bed was unmade, with no sign of him to be found anywhere. And Faye still had the keys to the EVO. Bobbie considered the bus, but sighed heavily as she gave Heather the go ahead.

She’s bound to find out sooner or later, let’s just get this over with. With so little time left, showering was out of the question. A bowl of Cocoa Blasts doused with coffee made a quick repast while Bobbie trying to brush her hair. The new bangs didn’t quite sit like the blonde ones that served as her training wheels, and getting the green streak to be one solid piece was proving to be difficult today. Wonderful, and a bad hair day.

Don’taskdon’taskdon’task…

What else could…

Shit.

***

“Would you mind sitting in the back when we pick her up, Bobbie?” Heather asked. Faye had no problems saying yes, and everything was fine. Until the turns started getting more and more familiar. She giggled, “You two are gonna get along just great.”

An uneasy feeling settled into Faye’s stomach. No way… no way in hell… The last turn sealed it and the familiar crunching driveway greeted her hears through her closed eyes. It suddenly made sense. The fabric, the sketch, Heather’s absolutely insane living room blitzkrieg…When they pulled up to the old familiar homestead, Heather could swear that she heard a sound. The sound was reminiscent of tectonic plates shifting. Faye heard it.

It was her teeth.

She dutifully got out of the front seat and relocated while Heather swiftly walked. Part of her was boiling, and the other part was wondering which part of the car she could remove to stab Bobbie. When they reappeared holding hands, the killing thoughts stopped. Bobbie’s slightly terrified look told volumes. She noticed the absence of Nick’s car.

Dammit. Poor Nick, I wouldn’t wish me turned up to eleven on anyone. He had better be okay, Bobbie.

“See?” Heather started. “Knew you two would get along, especially since you’re already acquainted.”

“Hi.” Bobbie smiled broadly. “I’m Faye. Faye Valentine. You must be Bobbie. Heard so much about you.” Faye could feel the urge to take her face…off. And make her feel the full wrath and fury of Nicholas Cage. But seeing Heather’s face made her stop.

Look at her, she looks so happy. Faye smiled a little.

Yeah, and Bobbie couldn’t look more nervous. Not enough to fuck your girlfriend, she has to start on her…

Well, your friends now…right?

Faye smiled her most plastic smile and shook the offered hand. “Bobbie Sharpe, man. Who the hell are you?” She clawed her own nails into her palms as they got into the car and rolled off silently. Heather chatted haphazardly the whole way. When they rolled into the parking lot of doom, Heather skillfully parked the car and got out, speeding around the front to open the door for Bobbie.

Hmmm, just like Tim. Bobbie stepped out of the car, one booted heel at a time and was instantly being enfolded into Heather’s arms. What started as a kiss turned into a micro makeout session before a hand slid down Bobbie’s side and was surprised by a light smack on her rear.

Faye got out of the car on the driver’s side and closed the door in time to hear the double chirp of her alarm

“Catch ya later, toots.” Heather said, slowly backing away. She gnawed a slightly less colorful lip and winked as she removed her sunglasses.

Faye watched her leave.

“Bobbie? You wanna tell me what the fuck that was about?”

“I went to see Kim after I saw Frankie, and well, we…”

Faye held up a hand. “I don’t wanna hear the rest. I’ve got a good imagination. The only reason I’m not stabbing you multiple times with that little knife from Clue is that you may have done some good for once.”

“Look, it was a fling. I was just as surprised as you are.” Realization dawned.“So I guess that’s where you went?”

“Yeah.” Faye said. “Good thing too. Caffeine overload, I made her some chicken strips and… Why the fuck am I talking about food right now?”

Bobbie grinned, “She say anything about me?”

Faye laughed through her nose. “Maybe. She wasn’t making a whole lot of sense. She had stuff everywhere. I found that picture.”

Bobbie smiled coyly. “Admit it. I look good. I’m gonna be gone tonight. Work thing.” She turned and sauntered off. “Ta ta…”

Faye just stared, the cold metal of her necklace burned into her neck. Work thing? Again? Now what?

Justice, what are you doing?

***

Bella was telling Amber about her next dwelling place. Beth was listening, too. Bella was really excited about going off to Brown. So excited that it was sometimes easy to remember where she was going to. But, forget where she had been.

“Yeah.” Bella said. “It’s like a fucking different culture there. It’s gonna be fuckin’ cool.” She had already thought out some of the things she would need. Bobbie had shown her the importance of a crock pot. Heather had taught her how to put together a fuckin’ killer ensemble for the clubs. Amber helped her feel a sense of belonging with her ragtag bunch of recruits. She’d miss Beth, too. Since the intervention, Bella had come to think of her as the enforcer for their little gang.

Beth frowned. “You’re gonna come back to visit, right?” She finally had some friends, only to lose one after so short a time.

“Fuckin’ A right. Can’t stay away forever. I’m gonna fuckin’ miss you guys.” Bella pouted.

Bella knew she would miss everyone. She couldn’t wait for Kim to get better so they could all be together again. There was no doubt in her mind that Kim would be fine and back to her old self in no time.

***

Amber felt so happy for her friend. That perfect score on the SAT was a hell of an achievement. The best she could hope for was some third rate college. She had resigned herself to enrolling at DCC and transferring in as a junior at Delacroix U. Maybe find a nice guy and settle down, deep inside Amber wished that her soul mate didn’t live in Zimbabwe. She always knew she’d be a townie, Delacroix was her home. She couldn’t imagine living anywhere else, There was no real plans. Just a nice quiet life.

***

Beth was listening to Bella gush about the school she would be attending come fall. She thought it was so cool that she was going to be able to go off and go to school somewhere else. Herself? She hadn’t thought about life after school. Just having the bakery in her life…

She could do it forever. It was fun, so fun. Other people seemed to like it. She smiled everytime someone ate one of her precision cut leaves or savored a chocolate ribbon that she rolled. It brought a completeness to her life. Her friendships with Bobbie and Tim…

…and Steve and Heather. Why would she want to change anything when everything she ever wanted seemed to be what she was getting?

“And you know, we’ll be there to help feed you when you get back. How about a cupcake called the Effen Bella?”

The three girls laughed.

The clicking of boots made Beth turn around. “Oh, hi Faye. Where’s Bobbie?”

Piggybacking on the previous laughter, Bobbie chortled as she shrugged “On her way to class I guess?”, her smile came peeking out. “It’s so good to see you guys. How’s Kim?”

Amber pushed up her glasses, “She’s stable at least, the doctor said that the infection is improving. She’s been out for a long time. I thought if it was just an overdose, she’d be out of it by now. I guess there was more wrong than we thought.”

“Fuck that.” Bella said. “Kim’s a tough bitch, she’ll make it.” Her eyes softened noticeably. “She fuckin’ has to.”

“Daddy’s been going to the hospital with her mom.” Beth said, cocking her head at Bobbie. “And now we have this huge order to fill and…”

“Huge order?” Bobbie said, quirking her face. She had seen people eating cupcakes again, quite often accompanied by the familiar cup, clock, and saucer of Daily Grind.

“Yes.” Beth said, raising her chin. “And I’m sworn to secrecy. I have a big part to play here, and I think it would be better if you were just surprised.” She folded her arms.

Bobbie smiled. Beth was the complete opposite of the person she had originally met. It was nice to see people comfortable being good. It gave her all the leeway in the world to be bad.

There always has to be a balance somewhere.

Beth had decided to keep her part of the school cake project quiet. She was meeting with Steve later that day to get his sculpting tools. It was going to be difficult sculpting 515 fondant miniatures, but she knew she could do it. If there was one thing about Beth’s relationship with Bobbie, it was how she was constantly amazed by what she could accomplish. If Bobbie ever asked Beth to perform brain surgery, Beth would oblige.

And probably get it right.

This girl, Faye. She wasn’t like Bobbie at all. She was loud, brash, and showed a lot of skin. She always seemed to have a wall between herself and everyone else. Beth knew that feeling, Faye’s was different because she had built it.

While Beth’s had been built for her.

The bell rang, cutting the conversation short. Bobbie could see the old camaraderie, almost touch it. But, it remained elusive. The old bonds translucent, intangible.

“Well, we’ll tell Bobbie you’re looking for her.” Amber said, shouldering her bookbag.

And they were gone, leaving Bobbie alone.

Again.

***

Faye lucked out in English Class. In an attempt to be cool, Mr. Lesko had decided to show Romeo and Juliet. Somehow thinking that Leo and Claire would somehow stir an appreciation for iambic pentameter.

This thing with Heather was a double edged sword. On the on hand, Heather finally felt as though she could be set free.

On the other. When and if this whole mess ever ends, It’s gonna break her heart.

Pulling out her phone, she made sure to let Bobbie know that she knew.

Tap tap tap, swipe, swipe. Her fingers nimble created the message and swiped. Send. Faye sighed in a small relief as she pocketed the phone, just as Garbage began to play over the lousy speaker.

In another classroom on the other end of campus, Bobbie’s phone vibrated against her left breast. She’d been keeping it there lately, that cleavage trick coming in handy more than once. The tingling pleasure forced her to answer, she wasn’t really following Mr. Agee anyway.

You’re gonna break Heather’s heart, you know that? You better let her down gently. And, by the way. How’s Rach? Hmmm?

“Miss Valentine!” Mr. Agee’s voice boomed over his discussion of factoring polynomials.

“Hmmm.” Bobbie said, slowly raising her head to meet his gaze. Her eyes never left the phone screen.

“I’ve had enough.” Mr. Agee’s face became red. “Give me the phone. You can get it back after class.”

Mr. Agee’s colors were a mess, where Zoe’s had some kind of discernible order. Mr. Agee’s were a chaos fit for an epileptic Jackson Pollock. Bobbie stewed and thought, numbers and grouping symbols forgotten.

Okay, you wanna play rough?

Let’s play.

She had it planned in seconds, sort of. Some different paralelleties played out.

I could key his car…too small

I could order a bunch of pizzas in his name…seriously?

As if in response to these thoughts, one kept revolving back to the true north in her head. An insane dust devil of insanity that led her to one constant thought. The thought that was warming her loins at the sheer possibility of it.

Just do it, screw him.

Literally. Best thirty seconds he’ll ever have, and he’ll never want to talk to me again.

You’re welcome, Faye.

It was a bold plan, audacious even. Just its ludicrous randomness alone made her smile tightly. Bobbie entertained herself with all kinds of devious thoughts, all of which could be evenly divided by the amount of time until the lunch bell rang.

***

“You’re not really gonna fail me, are you?” Faye said to Mr. Agee as the door closed leaving them alone.

“Miss Valentine, your grades in here have never been more than average. Your vocabulary shows that you’re smarter than that.” He placed her confiscated phone on the desk and slid it towards her.

“Well,” Bobbie began, knowing that she would once and for all shut this guy up. She reached behind her back, up under her shirt. A slight pop gave its cry of surrender. “That’s because I was always better at English than I was at math.” Bobbie removed her top, her breasts released into the wild. “I can spell Algebra without the bra.”

Mr. Agee paled, turning white. Or was that green, turning sick? Bobbie crawled up onto his desk and buried his face in her cleavage. Every fiber of her being told her that what she was doing was wrong on levels a math teacher couldn’t calculate. Her knees tingled even as her nipples hardened, locked and loaded and ready for action.

The need that Bobbie was feeling was primal, she craved touch and pleasure. Well, that fiber part was told to just shut up and enjoy the ride. Need and Want was all there was as Bobbie leaned forward onto Mr. Agee’s desk, bring her eye level with his shocked face. He wasn’t looking at her eyes.

Buckle up, kids. It’s gonna get crazy.

***

James Agee was never good enough for AAA baseball. He was; however great in college. He’d finished his degree in education and didn’t coach because it hurt him to see and remember. The smell of the grass, the heat of the sun…

And the love of the game. The cheerleaders were nice, too. There was a time…

He’d married one, years ago. But, that had fallen apart about a year and a half prior. She didn’t want to live in Delacroix anymore. “Come on, it’ll be an adventure.” He’d had his dreams dashed one time too many to take that kind of risk. She wound up doing makeup on cruise ships in Australia, last he’d heard. Bitter? Oh, a tad.

He couldn’t tell when he’d gotten old, but girls didn’t dress like that when he was in school. And they didn’t get breast implants either, which Faye Valentine clearly had to have with her tits following such a perfect curve.

Tits? Wait, what?

Faye Valentine stood over the desk, bent over. Batting her eyes.

The last time he got laid he and his wife had drank a half a box of wine while listening to Concrete Blonde. There was an instant response, almost forgotten as he stiffened uncomfortably in his pants.

Mr. Agee cleared his throat and shook his head as he stood “Miss…mmmmph.” The tongue was in his mouth instantly, dancing with his.

“It’s okay, it’ll be our secret. I know your life didn’t pan out the way you wanted. But you can still take a risk once in a while…”

He was dumbfounded, couldn’t speak. Of course he looked at some of the girls, it was impossible not to. Faye wasn’t like the others; sure she was a pain in the ass, but she was smart. Too smart for her own good, like she’s been through all this already.

Something broke in Agee’s mind. He knew that this was a terrible idea, he didn’t want to be branded as a sex offender, but who would know? Or believe for that matter, he hadn’t been the only one who’d lost a verbal altercation in front of the class. It would have been fine, but her acerbic wit and precise timing often did it in ways so elegant that the student teacher relationship became skewed for a long, uncomfortable moment.

You want to play with the adults?

Play ball!

With some effort, Agee lifted Bobbie off the desk and spun her around, pressing her against the wall. He stooped to whisper into her ear. “You wanna be a grown up? Then fine.” Forcefully, he assaulted her neck and squeezed a naked breast. He unfastened her skirt and slid it to the floor in a smooth motion.

“Take ‘em off.” He said with an authority Bobbie hadn’t heard before.

***

Bobbie was reminded of Melanie, how she always took charge. This felt different by an order of magnitude. She unzipped his pants, flopping out his semi erect cock. It was different from Nick’s, rather than some ultrahard alloy, this one seemed more malleable.

“Suck it.” Agee said, pushing down on her shoulders. She acquiesced looking at it like an alien tentacle. Shrugging inside, I’ve done everything else. She ran her tongue along the underside. It was becoming more rigid, it was just taking a lot more work to do so.

“Don’t just lick it. Suck it.” He hissed, looking down at her. Eyes momentarily full of mad desire.

“Suck. My. Cock. It’s something your girlfriend can’t give you.” Bobbie took the tip into her mouth and the rest of the length followed.

This whole adventure was quickly becoming a misadventure.

***

He grunted with his eyes closed, it had been a long time since anyone else had touched him. His student had a hand wrapped around the base of his shaft, trying to drain him of his seed as if it were the Ambrosia of the Gods. Agee knew that if she kept this up, it would be over in seconds. He pulled her away and grinned malevolently down at her as he casually spun her around and bent her over the desk. He entered her easily, her arousal apparent. The rhythm of sex came back. His eyes closed, he drifted to a simpler time when sex was a regular occurrence.

Everybody knows the dice are loaded…

He remembered a midnight picnic Celeste had planned. They had drank Pinot Grigio, and ate olives and pate…

And had the wildest sex they ever had, right there under the stars.

He noticed the tattoo on her back. When did kids start getting tattoos? Especially ones this big. And why is it always Asian symbols and demon stuff? Dammit, when did I get old?

Agee grabbed at her quivering hips, forcing them to his rhythm.

***

He was moving her hips in a beat that kept her just out of control of her orgasm. After the first came on, Bobbie grabbed a ruler with her right hand and put it in her mouth, biting down hard. There was no way she was gonna let him hear her cry out. Part of the ruler had broken into splintering shards of polymer. It was a little humiliating, ending up bent over his desk. The building tension made her shake, her eyes squeezed shut so hard that an errant eyelash poked into her eye. Through it all, she remained silent.

I still win.

The second came faster, the third right on the heels. She could feel her own nectar rolling gelidly down her leg. His grunting made her wish that it would both stop and go on forever.

Alright, we’ll call it a draw.

***

Agee was close to exploding as the kung fu grip squeezed his cock from every angle. He kept pounding. This was so amazing, he swore he saw stars a few seconds before. Just a little longer…

Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed.

“Uhhh…. Celeste.” Agee felt himself explode inside her, her moisture mingling with his. He smacked her ass, hard enough to leave a red, angry handprint.

He exited her and repantsed himself. “You don’t know everything. Maybe you should get something pierced, or whatever it is you kids do.” The way he emphasized ‘kids’ sounded as if ‘meddling’ should have been out front.

“Just remember,” Agee continued. “I’m the teacher.”

Suddenly, Faye calling herself ‘The Professor’ seemed less amusing.

Bobbie was glad it was over, sort of. Part of her liked being a plaything. But when he’d called out someone else’s name…

Tawdry. The word had come up in English earlier that day. She couldn’t stop thinking about that word as she straightened herself out.

***

Heather faked a migraine and ditched school at lunch. She needed to take Tim to get his new suit and she wanted to get more work done on Faye’s dress. By the time she pulled up to Cheepskates, she knew she was going to have to tell him. She was glad she was doing it instead of Bobbie telling him. She smiled as she exited the car and confidently strode into the bakery.

“Oh, hey Heather. Were we doing that today?” Tim said, starting to empty the case of the few leftovers. There were less of them these days. Bobbie’s Baguettes and bread had disappeared quickly.

“I have some other errands to run and figured today was as good a day as any. What are those?” Heather asked.

“One of Bobbie’s ideas. Chocolate chip cookie shot glasses filled with a milky custard, so when… Wanna try one? They went pretty fast today.” He chuckled. “That girl of mine.”

Heather smiled. “Need some help? We can get this done earlier, then you can be back here.”

Tim put one of the new confections on a plate and put the rest of the leftovers into the walk in. “That’s really it. Be nice to have an excuse to keep her here a little longer. Go ahead and eat that and I’ll be ready in a minute.”. He disappeared into the back for some last minute cleanup while Heather contemplated the cookie thing on the plate. Picking it up and looking at the bottom, she expected it to leak. Biting into it, she was transported to the first time she ever had fresh cookies and milk. The silky texture of the custard and the chew of the cookie took her away from everything for a moment.

“…said are you ready?” Tim said.

Heather stopped chewing. “Oh, yeah. You guys are gonna make some mad skrilla with these.”

“And you think it’s confusing when Bobbie and I talk in movie references?” Tim delivered with a face of disinterested sarcasm.

***

Driving to the Gentlemen’s Quarter was usually easy, but freeway traffic stalled everything like mechanized cholesterol.

“I’d make a Barney Oldfield if I could.” Heather said, turning her attention to Tim.

“That means U Turn, right?” Tim laughed. “Thanks for doing this with me, you were such a big help last time. For which my mother thanks you, by the way. Never thought I’d be looking forward to the Prom. I got the limo, I even got a hotel room. Nice suite at The Shelton, got a good deal on it. They wanted an order of cupcakes for a wedding reception. Don’t tell Bobbie, I wanna surprise her.”

They moved forward. “Your secret’s safe with me.” Heather paused and turned to Tim. “Tim, I have something to tell you.” Heather’s lips became seriousness personified.

“Something Big.”

“The grand opening? I know, but if you guys can’t play, that’s cool. I just though…”

“No,” Heather laughed. “No no no no. I’m. Well…”

Tim looked on in suspense.

“I’m gay.”

“Oh.” Tim mockingly wiped fake sweat from his brow. “I thought it was something important.”

Heather looked over her sunglasses and raised an eyebrow.

Tim laughed. “No, I mean.” He threw up his hands “So? It doesn’t matter to me. I’m still gonna depend on you for fashion advice.” Heather echoed his laugh. The cars started to move again, Heather spinning up the engine.

“Look.” Tim began. “Without Bobbie, I wouldn’t have met you. Without you, I don’t think she’d be my girlfriend now. Gay, straight, republican, vegan… country music fan. I don’t care about any of that. You’re my friend, and that’s the only thing that matters between us. But one thing…” He held up a finger.

“What?” Heather asked, pulling into the parking lot.

“Don’t hit on Bobbie.” Tim looked at Heather, her face contorted into a sign reading ‘you asshole’. Tim grinned widely. “Don’t think I could compete with you.” Tim was out of the car, about to get Heather’s door, when Heather opened the door and exited unassisted.

“Well, let’s find you that perfect outfit for that perfect evening.” Heather said, smiling. It’s nice to just let it out. Arm in arm, they walked into the dwelling place of his future suit.

Since he only had the one suit, there were no worries about coordination. He was glad that the one pocket square and tie he owned just happened to be the color Bobbie wore constantly. Talk about dumb luck. Heather had him trying things on with such rapidity that he quickly lost count.

Heather had the earpiece of her sunglasses in her mouth as she contemplated one on the second tier. “The only thing about these warehouse places.” She grabbed a long hook and skillfully maneuvered down a black suit that had the blue 40 regular tag on it.

Looking at the price tag, Heather widened her eyes. There was no way it was that cheap. It was an Armani from three years prior. The price had been drastically reduced. I can take care of the tailoring.

And the inside lining was ice blue. Even Heather was stunned by the coincidence. She looked back at Tim. He’s a 34 waist, and so are these pants… She smiled, the necessary alterations would be easy.

“Tim. Put this one on.” She held it out to him.

Tim shrugged and swirled the coat on, it was like wearing a glove. Even the shoulders took to his like a second skin.

“Yeah.” Heather said. “We’re done here, let’s find you a tie then we can get you home. The world must have more pastry, or something. What’s this secret project, anyway?”

“Just some cake for the school.” Tim said calmly.

“That’s it?” Heather had obviously overstated it in her mind with all the importance Beth had put on it.

Tim grinned and shook his head. “Ah ah ah. It’s gonna be special. That’s all you need to know.”

Heather smiled. What a cool guy. She silently thanked Bobbie for helping them meet.

Paying for the suit, they made their way back to the car and headed out to return Tim to his house.

…And Bobbie.

***

Bobbie wasn’t sure what she was feeling at the moment. She should have been satisfied, should have gotten the upper hand. But wasn’t, didn’t. And Mr. Agee? Ugh, the fact that she was still a little excited by the thought of his old balls slapping against her ass again and again and again made her feel a tingling shame. An exciting one.

“Celeste.” She said, disgusted. Probably an ex or something. She looked down towards her navel. Maybe a navel

Smack…

Click, click. Click, click.

Roxx.

“So, the battle is over, huh?” Roxx stood there smiling like a cat with a mouse under its paw. “Well , all hail the conquering heroine. Told you, she’s never wrong.” She stooped, covering Bobbie’s shoulders with her arms.

“Welcome to the family.” Roxx moved forward and kissed Bobbie passionately.

Family? There was something familiar about the kiss, but she couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

Breaking the kiss, Roxx rose. Bobbie stood with her.

“Like I told you. What we have, it’s a gift.” Roxx said, pulling a pack of Camels out of her violet purse. She offered one to Bobbie.

Clink.

“So,” Bobbie said. “With great porno comes great responsibility? “ She exhaled.

Roxx threw back her head and laughed. “Look out there. You own them, they can’t say no to you. Don’t feel bad about it, revel in it. Can’t make an omelette…”

Bobbie rankled at the cooking reference.

You know she’s right. Apart from Nick, what did you do that didn’t make someone happy?

Inhaling on the cigarette, Bobbie finally confessed to herself that Roxx had been right all along. This whole episode had shown her the life that she had wanted way back when she had still been Robb. No one to hell him what he had to be or what needed to be done, just freedom in its purest sense.

You can’t take the sky from me.

Even Agee had shown her a little, the method was unorthodox, some of the Other pleasures she had yet to partake in. The tincture of domination was exciting, going all the way back to Melanie. Surrender held its own reward.

But don’t give yourself away.

“I think you’re getting it.” Roxx winked. Her phone rang, she answered .

“Yeah, babe? Oh, no problem. I’ll see ya soon. Muah.” She put the phone back into her purse. “Once they start eating out of your hand. No other food will do.”

“See ya around…”

“Tiger.”

***

Bobbie left the bathroom, thinking about what Roxx had to say. She was right as usual. To make people tremble at the mere thought of her, to exercise some modicum of control over others. Or bring out their innermost desires.

What had Justice done for her anyway? Showed her what a great life could be, just to rip it away and show her a way that was more fun.

A lot more fun.

In Mr. Green’s history class, she mused about how much he looked like Bob Ross.

Happy little revolutions.

Her vibrating phone showed a text from Leonard, he’d be sending a car and to be ready by 4 p.m. Sneaking out was easy, no one checked the hole in the fence between classes. She got home, one of the seniors who had the same idea picked her up and offered her a ride home.

“You’re gorgeous.”

“You have such lovely eyes.”

Bobbie wanted to puke. How many times had someone said something like that in a movie? It just amazed her that anyone ever said it in real life, let alone to ever expect it to work.

She promised to call them, although she knew she wouldn’t. And entered the house to find Nick still missing. After a quick snack of microwaved pizza, Bobbie got herself ready for what promised to be a one way ticket to fame.

Chapter 61

Mary hung up the phone and looked dazed around the room. The grubby, ash stained carped had burn marks all over it, and the new glass pane in the window looked characteristically out of place in the room. The weird brown stains on the wall of the shower creeped her out a little. Roxx explained it away as an old hair experiment that never came out, permanently staining the slightly cracked vinyl.

Roxx was always fun to hang out with, doing whatever. Usually while under the influence of one or more intoxicants. Alcohol seemed so mundane now. She had even found out that Cocaine was, indeed, a hell of a drug.

Mary looked around at the messy space and shrugged. She couldn’t quite remember the last time she’d been home. Surely it wasn’t that long ago.

Meh, doesn’t matter. Roxx is here, and, like Bobbie she’s also pretty and smart.

But, in a totally different way.

She began to bounce on the couch in anticipation of Roxx’s return.

***

Hey, Nick. Could you give me a ride? Tim’s so busy, I don’t want to take time out of his day. Bobbie.

Faye hated that she was lying to Nick this way, but she wanted to see him. Needed to check up on how he was doing. He’d never been gone this long before.

Bzzt! Bzzt!

Sure, lemme get moving. Be there soon.

Faye soon heard Detroit coming as the Camaro cruised into the parking lot. She caught a glimpse of his face as the car slowed.

Nick didn’t look well. He had about three days growth of beard in sparse patches, his eyes were red. Instead of having the proverbial dark cloud over him, it had infused itself into every part of his being. Must have, since his skin was pale and not grey in the least.

“Hey, Bobbie.” Nick croaked, clearing his throat.

Faye smiled weakly. “Hi, Nick.” Coming around the front and entering the vehicle. “Thanks for getting me. You look tired, studying too hard?” She knew he wasn’t studying, He hadn’t looked like that since playing Metal Gear Solid 2 for an entire weekend.

“Just busy.”

Seeing her opening, Faye blurted. “She won’t be home tonight. Looks like you need to eat something and grab a shower…”

“And some sleep.”

Nick opened his mouth to protest, but couldn’t find a single excuse that would work.

Faye let Nick concentrate on the driving, not wanting to distract him any more than he already was. It was a short trip, they both could have made the drive blindfolded if it wasn’t for the interference of other pesky humans. She looked at them as they passed. She knew that most of these people had eaten her baking, it was a connection she had with…well, everyone.

But, now, she needed to turn her attentions to Nick.

Getting home, she opened the door and viewed the mess left by…

Hurricane Bobbie.

“I’ll get started, you hit the shower, sir.” Faye mustered all the confidence she could.

Nick was in the bathroom, the largely unused fan making rickety sounds in the ceiling. They were soon stifled by the cheap door. While he was in the shower, Faye started making something simple.

Well, it started out that way. By the end there was a stuffed chicken breast in the oven and a potato next to it on the baking dish. She rankled at the flotsam and jetsam that littered the kitchen. Grimacing at the overflowing trash can, Faye started straightening up a little.

Nick seemed to take an inordinately long time in the shower. He took so long in fact, that both the chicken and potato were done when he came out.

He stood there in t shirt and loose fitting jeans, the shirt was covered by a mostly black button up shirt that looked like the symbol for Venom. but Closer inspection revealed it was made from tiny reproductions of comic book panels.

“Oh, good. You shaved. Thought you were trying to go for that mustache thing again.” Faye said, smiling .

“How do you know about that?” Nick said, visibly puzzled.

“Faye showed me pictures.” She quickly lied. “Sit down, eat something.”

Nick tore into the food, Faye wasn’t sure that he was tasting anything.

“I know that Faye’s been acting weird lately. There’s just a lot going on. Maybe it all just finally sunk in. I mean, back before…”

Nick swallowed hard. “I know what you’re saying, Bobbie. She was and will always be my friend. Just lately, she’s been so…”

“I know, Nick. I’m pretty sure this’ll get all sorted out soon.

Faye finally coaxed him into playing some Street Fighter, it took him a while, but soon Juri was unleashing one brutal combo after another. Faye couldn’t take the onslaught, and fought to only three ties in an hour. Finally resting the controller, Nick drifted off to sleep. Faye got his half dazed body to the bedroom.

C’mon, big guy. At least you’re not puking sake this time. She chuckled at the thought of that time they’d drank too much sake after a Ruroni Kenshin marathon. His light snoring silencing as she closed the door and went to clean up the kitchen and get ready to go to the bakery.

***

“So, I told them that since there’s been an uptick in this whole pinup thing, recreating those shots would be a good thing. And The Leets and Geekz shoot? Well, word got around fast.” Leonard was talking excitedly while sipping at his champagne. “You’re gonna start a bidding war with Van Der Haven after this.”

Bobbie was proud of herself. She had done that. Not Faye, Neo-Faye.

Leonard handed her a notebook filled with reproductions of the old Irving Klaw pictures, and some new masters made from the original Bunny Yeager negatives.

“I have hair and makeup people standing by. Craft services, well, nothing but the best. You will be well taken care of tonight. I try to keep it fun.”

“Don’t worry, Lenny. Fun’s my middle name.”

“That’s Leonard. My mother doesn’t even call me that.”

There were contracts. There was a moment of nervousness as Bobbie handed over Faye’s Driver’s license. Faye had assured that it had passed every test so far. Making sure to hand over the one that had her age set at Kane’s official 25, she crossed her toes and hoping that Nick was as good as Faye had promised.

“I have a paralegal waiting there for all the paperwork. Champagne?” Leonard offered her a flute and filled it with the bubble pale liquid.

Bobbie sipped at it. It was of good quality, easily a couple hundred a bottle. Well, I guess Playboy is all about the lifestyle. Sipping the beverage, Bobbie dug into the contracts without actually reading them. Just happy that someone wanted her around.

The limo continued on its way through the waning light of the afternoon.

***

Kim was getting really scared. The tv had gone to only one channel, but the shows kept shuffling through the shows she’d been watching in this…

Waiting room?

Taking those pills was stupid, she realized that now. She just wanted to see her mom again, Bobbie, her friends. The Woman’s reappearance was a respite, someone to talk to.

“Aww. You want to see your Mom, don’t you? Your friends?” She said, her black eyes somehow sympathetic. “Just let me help you.”

Kim started sobbing, she knew there wasn’t another way out.

“Mom…” She cried, feeling her head and shoulders being encircled by Lust.

Thank you, Roxx. Lust thought, happy that things were going according to plan for the first time in a long time.

A very long time.

***

Bobbie stepped out of the dark space of the limo, all the shades of dark colors had blended into a miasma of black. A miasma containing undercurrents of excitement. The lights inside the building were bright, and the carpet varying shades of orange. Bobbie stepped out of the world.

From manga to Marvel.

Leonard led the way, assuring her that Playboy’s deep pockets had spared no expense. Bobbie chuckled, hearing ‘spared no expense’ in Sir Richard Attenborough’s voice.

Welcome to Playmate Park.

When the door to the shooting location opened, she felt as if she had entered Wonka’s Tasting Room.. Bobbie looked around at the side mounted lights, and the Kilegs on the ceiling. There were backgrounds draping the walls. A medium height Christmas tree sat in one corner, a goofy looking kid who was obviously an intern frantically hanging ornaments on it.

“Through here, Michie will take care of your makeup and hair. If there’s anything you need, just ask. Someone will take care of it.” Leonard pointed at a portable wall that had sectioned off the makeup area.

Last boost before the shoot?

“Think there’s a chocolate milkshake here somewhere?”

Leonard smiled strangely, he pointed to a door that led to a small changing room. “Yeah, sure. And through here, is wardrobe. Just go through there and get changed into the first ensemble. Michie’ll be waiting.” He turned and left, the smell of his cologne lingering in the room.

She dutifully stripped and cast her clothes aside onto a folding chair that had been set up in the corner. The outfit labeled with a big one on it. It was a tight fitting confection of black lycra and complicated lacework that clipped to stockings that had a thick, black seam running down the back. The top was tighter than expected, but Bobbie knew she could handle it for a short time. She looked at the shoes that had been provided. They were taller than she had ever worn before, basic black with a red sole that had a picture of a skull embossed underneath. She strapped them on and wobbled for a second and took a couple of practice steps. Just as easy as the others. She remembered Kim making her walk around the house in the heels. Wonder how she’s doing? I haven’t heard anything. No news is good news, I guess.

She looked at the robe that had been provided, but had decided to eschew it. She walked into the makeup room and saw the chair that was obviously for her. it seemed like it had been built to withstand a shuttle launch. A young Asian woman came out and began blasting Japanese at Bobbie like a machine gun.

“Konbanwa, watashinonamaeha Akakura Michikodesu. Watashi wa anata ga nihonjin, soshite anata no namae wa fei· vu~arentainta koto o sa reta kiita toki, watashi wa chōdo anata o mitasu tame ni motte ita.” Hi, my name is Michiko Akakura. When I heard you were Japanese and that your name was Faye Valentine, I just had to meet you.

Bobbie looked at her in shock. “Umm… Wakarimasen Nihongo sukoshi desu.” I understand Japanese a little bit. She held her thumb and forefinger apart slightly. “Very sukoshi desu.” Bobbie extended her hand. “Nice to meet you, Michiko.”

Michiko shook her hand, pouting and deflating a little, she continued in Japanese flavored English. “Soddy, English…”

Bobbie smiled. “Sukoshi desu?”

“Hai. Chotto” She giggled, making the same hand gesture.

Attempts at conversation were stifled some when Leonard returned with a milkshake, as promised. “Here, you are.” Bobbie graciously accepted the drink and turned toward the chair.

“I didn’t know you had a tattoo.” Leonard said. “I guess Michie’ll have to cover it up.”

Tattoo? Careful to remain calm, Bobbie twisted and looked at her back in the mirror under the guise of checking out her hair. The itch was gone, she noticed, and hadn’t flared up in a while. The marks now laid bare for all to see. The kanji sat perfectly perpendicular to her coccyx, one character on either side in majestic black. She saw undertones of deep, deep blue, and the most ultra of violets. She wasn’t sure if they squirmed and writhed or if it was her. Magnificent tribal wings rose up from the outside edges of the characters, spiky feathers that declared functional decay. Just like Roxx’s, Bobbie thought, knowing now what exactly was meant by The Family.

Lust.

What the fuck did Justice ever do for us?

“…have a bit to do here. Glad I have interns.” Leonard laughed. The light from the sunglasses that hung from the pocket of his suit jacket, caught Bobbie’s eyes. “Anata wa Mitchī, ima hajimeru koto ga dekimasu.” Bobbie looked at Leonard.

“I was a military brat, we lived in Japan for four years when I was a kid.” Leonard smiled.

“Oh, looks like I’m not the only one full of surprises.” Bobbie said , taking her seat as Michie started spraying her hair with an odd smelling serum. “Thanks for the shake.”

“The interns are marking off the floor now, I’ll see you out there.”

Bobbie tried to make some conversation with Michie, but Bobbie’s lack of knowledge was evident, never extending past some movies and some of the more absurdly popular music. She remembered the shoot with Mike and how it was so different. There was a coziness about it, while this seemed more sanitized. The whole vibe of the room kind of had her off balance, or was it the heels? Her hair was styled and sprayed. Michiko’s fast and accurate work left her hair in vintage waves cascading down her back. Her bangs combed down and laying perfectly flat against her forehead, the green streak finally in a solid chunk. Where was that stuff this morning? Bobbie pointed her chin downward and watched the light reflect off of her hair, a harsh white horseshoe stood out starkly against the black and green. The green stripe boldly contrasting against her skin over her left eye.

Michie turned to her worktable and began the process of doing Bobbie’s makeup. She thought about how many times she had allowed someone to do her makeup. The brush strokes tickled slightly. She lost track of time thinking about the mark she now displayed, an old part of her brain fired to life.

It’s definitely hot.

“Ottawa, Faye.” Michie, said. Signaling for her to stand. Looking into the mirror as she leaned onto the table, she looked at her reflection. It was a stunning recreation of the style of makeup Bettie Page wore in her famous pictures. Her skin tone evened out to a flawless canvas, the colors enhancing the contours and shapes of her face. Bobbie winced slightly as she felt the cold foundation start to slimily coat the ‘tattoo’ that enticed her as much as it filled her with trepidation.

The studio was a hornet’s nest of five. The interns ran around checking things as if they were always about to fall over. Leonard had a camera tripod setup and a big SLR camera, it was pointing at the big Victorian Sofa. The wooden frame curving upward, then dipping and cresting again on the other side. An cushioned oval panel filled the gap, the fabric was made to appear as if the graffiti Olympics had been held nearby.

“God, you’re gorgeous.” Leonard said. Bobbie knew he meant it, his colors showed no evasion or dodge. “This shoot is going to be historical. Figuratively.” Bobbie laughed. “You’re gonna knock ‘em dead.”

Bobbie forgot about the Mark on her back; the pampering by Michiko this setting…

It’s all for me.

Bobbie giggled, everything going to her head at once. She strutted over to the sofa, carefully placing one foot in front of the other and rolling her hips seductively. As if trying it on for the first time.

***

Leonard watched the girl he thought of as Faye Valentine take her position on the mark. If Sobol had been right, this would be the easiest shoot of all time. He could be home by midnight, laughing all the way to the bank.

It was obvious to him that Faye had done her research, coming close to the poses already immortal. But, he didn’t need any research. Those old Klaw photos had everything a photo should, and the one thing that made it all work. Honesty.

Close.

“Arch your back a little more… bring your knee up some… Beautiful, just beautiful. Lean on the couch, now the other way. Put your hands up into your hair…”

***

Lenny was starting to get on her nerves. This was the worst game of Simon Says Bobbie had ever played. The lights seemed a little too hot, and the clicks of the shutter began sounding like dubstep played at a thousand times speed, she was thankful when it was over, Going to the craft services table, she threw together a hasty pastrami sandwich on rye. Glad they have brown mustard. Mid bite, Bobbie stopped and thought about the last time she cared about mustard. She shrugged it off.

Changing into the second ensemble was a little trickier. The leopard print top was tiny, she was barely able to get the tiny leopard triangles over her nipples and get both ends to meet and tie the sealing knot. She could only imagine someone watching would think of it as Harry Houdini in reverse.

Finally strapping on the leopard print shoes and grabbing the riding crop, she left the room to check back in with Michiko to get the makeup redone. All right, so it’s not always fun. She got back to the studio and found her second mark and waited for the shooting to begin.

“Beautiful skintone. Leopard suits you, let’s get a growl…” Leonard twisted the camera.

“…now bend the riding crop.”

“Bite down on it….”

“Now paw at the camera. Gorgeous, sexy…” The compliments were starting to sound like a scratched techno disc. But Bobbie kept at it.

***

The arch of her spine, the swell of her breasts. The curve of those magnificent hips… Leonard was lost in the stream of instructions and compliments. A detached part of him saw the rawness of the shots, showing the inexperience of her youth. There was something there, Leonard just hoped he could capture it the way Mike had.

Thoughts of making Faye making Playmate of the Month started playing out their little fantasies as He continued shooting.

Playmate of the month…

Or, dare he think it… The Year? The obvious modeling mistakes she was making were somehow endearing, allowing for a playfulness that was inherent in its unorthodox form. She wore the leopard print well, he mused as the clicking continued. God, how did those old guys do all this on film? He was already imagining what the residuals and bonus money would look like. Maybe that boat in the San Francisco Bay Marina might be a reality.

***

If Lenny said “Sexy, baby” one more time, Bobbie decided she’d start calling him Austin… Great, now all I can think about is Orange Sherbet. The lights seemed to be baking Michiko’s handiwork onto her face, feeling that adobe would be the makeup trend for next season. The posing continued, with Bobbie winking, smiling or growling at the camera, depending on her pose. The riding crop made for a great prop, whipping at the air or slapping at a thigh. Once Leonard called for a break, Bobbie started using it as a backscratcher. Some of the dark foundation covering her back was scraped away, allowing view of the dark, eldritch shapes beneath.

Bobbie heard Lenny sigh as she left to get into the last ensemble. Looking for a hanger with a big 3 on it proved to be difficult, but the box in the corner with the 3 on it proved to be too much of a coincidence. Opening the box, she saw the reason there was a Christmas tree out there. The Santa hat, and the white fur-trimmed elbow length gloves told her the whole story before she even saw the boots.

Well, I guess I’ve done almost all of the famous ones. Christmastime for me.

Michiko gave Bobbie’s body a once over, looking for blotches and marks. A cold makeup sponge assailed her in spots, making her squirm and giggle, which in turn made Michie giggle. She looked in the mirror and perused her naked body, putting a hand on the swell of her hip.

“Wait’ll they get a load of me.”

***

“Faye, this spread is gonna make you so famous… I mean it, there’s something raw and… and… untamed? I guess that would be the word. I think I know what people are gonna want in their stockings this year.” Leonard laughed at his own joke and gestured for Bobbie to take her place at the Christmas tree in the corner.

Bobbie looked at the ornaments and laughed. There was a great white shark, A Starfleet ship, some anime looking characters she didn’t recognize, but were obviously some form of Space Avenger from the looks of their weapons and poses.

“Mike told me you like nerdy things, thought this would make you more comfortable.”

Bobbie blushed, Leonard noticed the slight shift in skin tone.

“C’mon, Baby. One more good set. Hook the ornament, and give us a wink.” Leonard said, the smile in his voice showing. I smell a centerfold spot.”

“You’re gonna call me Baby, then put me in a corner?”

Hmmm… Faye Valentine: Miss July.

Turn-ons: video games and porn… Turn-offs: salads and good boys.

Bobbie spent some time decorating the tree, The Robbie the Robot ornament made her smile. The box of pop culture in front of her reminded her of her simpler life as Bobbie…

…and the even simpler one that was Robb’s

Yet, Bobbie continued to smile the plastic smile that she wore as the shutter shouted staccato sounds at her. When she held up the ornament that was Buckaroo Banzai’s jet car, her body sagged just a little in the memory of times long ago. I’ve become not one, but two different people since then. The feelings of those lives all played simultaneously in a cacophony of emotions and smells…

And memories…

***

Leonard saw it, the perfect shot. The perfection of her breast facing the camera, the glow of her smile, and the…

But that fraction of a second was lost to time as it had happened between one click of the shutter and the next. He didn’t let his agonized frustration show, but he knew that there was no way that shot would come again.

There were some more good shots as he let her pose freely about the room. One particularly good one had her stroking her legs seductively as she leaned back on the couch, toes pointed.

Stripping off the gloves and boots, Bobbie grabbed a parasol she saw propped up against the wall and opened it, covering the very thing everyone wanted to see. She put on her best come hither look with sultry eyes, daring the reader to enter the page

Leonard called a wrap, and the crew came out to congratulate her on what a great job she had done. Michie was happy that her job had been done well, and hugged Bobbie. Hugged her in that way that was too formal. She spread goo all over my naked ass, shouldn’t I at least expect a phone call?

Like you’d understand it anyway. Faye’s voice. You getting sick of this yet?

***

“…anything.” Kim whispered into The Woman’s ear. “I just wanna see my mom.”

Atari, Advocate.

“You will, child. You will.” Lust returned Kim’s hug, smiling. “In fact, you’ll see them all again.”

Kim filled with excitement, she wasn’t going to die. Her arms suddenly moving, she hugged Lust harder. “Thank you.” She sobbed.

“I told you, I like to help people.” Lust said into Kim’s ear. The voice lowered in a stage whisper. “I couldn’t stand to see you and your sister separated like this.”

Whispering lower, Lust murmured into her ear. “Bobbie is…”

Kim’s eyes widened as Lust imparted the information. She felt herself start to move. More lights flickered on as her limbs started to tingle with that pins and needles feeling that forced her to twitch some. She felt her body grow warm, her breathing became more rapid. While part of Kim wondered what she had gotten herself into, she knew that she’d see her mom again, her friends. The thought of just being alive shoving the confusion of what The Woman had said off to the side.

Bobbie? That couldn’t be right.

Could it?

***

Kim’s eyes sprung open and she dragged in a lungful of sweet, sweet oxygen. She was disoriented, not knowing where or when she was. There was a beeping and tiny colored lights all around her. Her head pounded, and she felt… swollen somehow.

The hospital? Kim knew in an instant what had happened. She half hoped that Roxx would be there, but she had woken up alone. Something that was becoming an irritating habit lately. There were tubes in her arms and one around her nose, pumping oxygen and dispensing potassium citrate and saline solution.

A slight burning made the skin of her left side feel taught. Twisting, Kim looked down under her arm, lifting it as much as the IV tubes would allow. It was harder than she remembered it. Even though she had been out of it for a while, she knew that her tits couldn’t have grown, Could they? They were at least a cup size bigger now, maybe two. As she wiggled to familiarize herself with the burning sensation she hoped that it wasn’t from some surgery.

The first thing she noticed was the kanji, Roxx. She had stared at that tattoo of hers for long enough to know those symbols from memory. Unlike hers; however, the symbols were stacked vertically. Horns adorned the tops of the lines the upper glyph, while wings sprouted their glorious ruin from its sides. The bottom glyph’s lower hooks became feet and a last line slithered down to a pointed tail.

What she did, she did for a greater good. She remembered The Woman.

The deal. It had an unusual clarity for a dream. The unfamiliarity of her body

“Well, glad to see you awake…” A southern tinted voice said from just beyond the curtain. “How are you feeling?” Kim could see the lines on her face from the years of long study.

“Hungry, thirsty.” She said, running a hand through her hair. Hair? How long was I out? It was longer now than when she took the pills. Longer than it had been in weeks. Lighter, too, the color of a cappuccino. She snapped her head towards the mirror across the room. It was her face; same eyes, same cheekbones. Her lips were fuller, her nose subtly sharper. She noticed that the hole in her lip had somehow relocated from the center to the left, the small stud in a place different to where she had it originally.

Part of the deal?

“Well, that’s a good sign. We’ll call your mother soon, and we’ll get the attending in here.” The nurse said. Another came in with a pitcher of water and a cup.

Kim drank most of the pitcher and waited for the doctor to come.

And her mom. She had a lot to talk to her about.

But, not as much as she would have to say to Bobbie.

It seemed like The Woman had been right about things, and only Bobbie could tell her if she had been right about the rest. And, if she was right? Kim and her ‘sister’ definitely had a lot to talk about.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XVIII

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Sex / Sexual Scenes

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 62

Tim seemed a little nervous, his permits for the Grand Opening had come through pretty fast. He was hoping that one week was long enough to get it all together. They were a go for next Friday as far as the city was concerned. There were flyers at the printers, and the prep schedule had gone into overdrive.

Thanks, Officers, he was sure that Hudson and Hobson had something to do with it. Of course, Tim’s promise that he’d be able to make his daughter a cake for her 13^th birthday probably greased the wheels some. He smiled, never thought there would be cops on my side. He glanced at Bobbie, she was pouring out measured portions of the milky custard that filled the shot glasses. He turned to see Beth engrossed in her work.

Beth had been sculpting for hours in her off time. She had finally figured out the process that would have made up all the tiny figures required. It was a good thing, too. Now, he was talking about having the Grand Opening the next week. Which meant Heather and the rest of Grrl Army would play again. She smiled, she missed hearing them play. It wasn’t always her kind of music, but it was obvious that they were having fun.

The day was shaping up to be an easy one. Beth’s progress report on the fondant figures had her ready to go at a moment’s notice. They were ready for the next day of operations, bacon was candied, chocolate ribbons were rolled out.

Bobbie had finished the shot glasses and gotten them into the walk in. It was, all in all, a fairly standard evening shift at Cheepskates.

***

Baby, you light up my world like nobody else…
The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed.

The phone vibrated in Faye’s pocket, startling her. Glancing at the screen, she saw the big black letters announced that ‘Mom’ was calling. There could only be one reason for such a call. She swallowed hard and hoped it was good news. She pushed the button and answered the call.

“Hello.”

“Bobbie, it’s Sylvia.” Faye noted the lack of alarm in her voice and her tension slipped away slightly, taking a moment to notice that older people still insist on announcing themselves despite the existence of caller ID.

“Kim’s awake.” Sylvia said, not giving Faye a chance to say anything. “I’m going to the hospital now. Thought if you wanted to see her…” And me. It was unspoken, but Faye heard it. “I could come get you.”

“Sure.” Faye said. She looked up at the other bakery occupants and knew they would want to be there as well. “Just let us finish up here.”

Hanging up the phone, Faye answered their anxious looks. “It’s Kim, she’s awake now. Mom’s coming to get me. You wanna meet us there?”

Beth’s face broke into a big smile. “I knew it.”

Tim smiled as well. “Yeah, I’ll give her a ride. You two should talk anyway.”

***

Sylvia had come to the bakery to get Bobbie quickly, not wanting to miss seeing Kim again. She also wanted to see Bobbie again. Heather had been right. She had, in fact, owed her an apology. Seeing that girl again, and everything happening with Kim. Sylvia made no excuses, and she was going to set things right.

Picture or no picture… She remembered Heather saying that. And, it was true. Since Bobbie came into her life things got better at first. Then this whole Roxx fiasco started. She’d met Roy, and Bobbie’s friends had made a go of that bakery. Pretty ambitious for teenagers.

She saw Bobbie standing out front of the bakery, holding Tim’s hand. Inwardly, she applauded Bobbie’s taste. Girls that looked like Bobbie tended to find comfort in the arms of some form of letterman jacket. Sylvia waved weakly and watched Tim get his kiss goodbye. She popped the lock on the passenger side and allowed the blond girl entrance.

***

“Hi, mom.” Faye said, it was like existing within Shrodinger’s Cat’s box, both comfortable and uncomfortable at the same time. She entered the vehicle and fastened her seat belt and waved at Tim and Beth, knowing she’d see them in an hour or two.

“Tim must be really special.” Sylvia said , wanting to break the ice.

“He is. Must be how he makes a living with frosting. Too sweet.”

Sylvia laughed. She put a hand on Faye’s knee. “I wanted to apologize to you. I’m so sorry. I didn’t meant to lose it like that.”

Faye put a hand on Sylvia’s. “It’s casual, it’s hard when people don’t talk.” She remembered how not talking had put Tim and Myka in that horrible, dark place.

“And… well… you can move back in. You didn’t deserve that. If something had happened to you, I doubt that I could forgive myself.”

Faye smiled. It was nice to have people care about you, she mused.

“I’d like that. But, I have some things to take care of at Faye’s. They need my help now.”

Sylvia looked disappointed. “It’s okay. If you’re not comfortable with…”

“Don’t be silly. That’s not it at all. Faye and her roommate Nick are going through some… stuff. They were there for me when I needed help. I couldn’t just leave them after all they’ve done for me.”

Sylvia smiled. She does help everyone. She was sure that Bobbie’s parents would be proud of her, whoever they were. Her loyalty to those who had helped her since blowing into Delacroix stung a little as she realized that just assumed the worst. Just like she always had with Robert.

“It’s okay.” She patted her hand on her leg. “I understand, room’s still open.”

The hospital loomed large in front of them as they struggled to find a parking space that didn’t have a handicapped symbol in it. When they eventually did, there was a walk of nearly a quarter mile to the entrance. The familiar labyrinth of halls and elevators passed them as they made their way to the room they all had walked into far too many times.

“Kim!” Sylvia said, too loudly, and rushed to hug her daughter. The burning tears behind her eyes tamping down the elation of seeing the girl awake and alert. Both her arms and her mother’s clamped down around each other. Faye smiled at this display of affection, it was nice to see families together. She held a perfect Kodak moment in her mind.

“Mom. I’m so sorry.” Kim sobbed into Sylvia’s left shoulder. The words were muffled, but the meaning was intact. “I didn’t…” More sobs racked her.

“It’s okay. What were you thinking? Especially after Robert. I can’t lose you, too.”

Kim eyed Faye nervously and smiled.

It took a few minutes to get everyone all cried out, Faye joined the hug. Part of her wished that ‘Faye’ had a family. Feeling it’s pull now after all this time haunted her slightly. The attending physician arrived, green stethoscope hanging from his neck. Sylvia quickly closed the distance between herself and the doctor. Faye backed away slightly.

“Hi, Miss Pointe. Nice to finally see you under happier circumstances. Her infection has cleared up. Still not sure what kept her under for so long, but I’m glad she’s awake now.” He put the earpieces in and pressed the business end on her chest.

***

The circle being pressed to her chest felt different from how it should have. Warmer, more sensual. Kim closed her eyes and breathed evenly, holding back a shudder from the overload of new sensation. His movement and placement of the stethoscope made her curl her toes inward.

He’s kinda cute, Kim thought through half-lidded eyes, noticing his dimples. She remembered episodes of that doctor show she watched with her mother. Although this doctor’s stubble looked more like the product of too many long shifts rather than some sense of male fashion. His tired face showed concern. Kim noticed the way his shoulders protruded from his scrubs. She could tell that they were strong. I bet he works out.

Where did that come from? She tried to ignore the thought, but she wanted to let this doctor continue to check her breathing for as long as he wanted.

***

Starting the car, Heather looked over at the box on the passenger seat. She was feeling accomplished. Not only had she finished the bra, but the dress was done. She was considering filing a patent for those bra hooks. The ad for the Sweet Bra flashed in her head, showing two elephants pulling one of the garments to capacity, displaying the strength of her special anchoring assembly.

The dress? Sheer sex, she couldn’t wait to see Faye in it. Or out of it again. Once she stopped the car, thankful for once that that old Camaro wasn’t in the driveway. Checking her makeup one last time, she studied the perfect lines and deep vermillion color of her lips.

She grabbed the box and fought to contain herself as she strode to the door.

Bobbie opened the door, wearing some short shorts, a ragged and holey Combichrist shirt lay draped over her enormous breasts, a fist seeming to rise up precisely from the line of her cleavage.

“Hey, lover. Wear that for me?” Heather said coyly. Bobbie chuckled.

“Maybe, didn’t figure you for…”

“What?” Heather interrupted. “Someone who appreciates sexy?” She pushed her way past Bobbie lightly. Setting the box down, she spun and grabbed Bobbie.

Bobbie’s head was suddenly at Heather’s chest. She felt her lips kiss her head.

“Brought you something.” She gestured to the box. “But first…”

Heather brought Bobbie’s face up to hers. A loud, staccato dubstep sound rang out with its accompanying vibration.

Bobbie had the phone in her hand and up to her ear quickly. “Hello?” After a tense moment of looking at Heather’s quirked eyebrows, she sighed. “Oh, good. Actually, Heather’s here now.”

The eyebrows moved closer together.

“It’s Kimst…Kim. She’s awake, we need to get there. Can we go?” Bobbie pleaded.

Color drained from Heather’s face. She hadn’t really thought about what would happen when Kim woke up. She felt wrong somehow, but she smiled a wrinkled smile and said…

“Sure.”

***

Beth felt strange wearing the helmet. She had come to think of it as Bobbie’s now. She held on to Tim. She kept thinking that maybe Steve should get a motorcycle, she giggled at the thought of them in black leather, him sporting an enormous beard. Some of the giggle; however came from the happiness of knowing that Kim had returned to the world of the living.

She leaned into the final turn with Tim and waited for him to stop. She dismounted the Vespa and handed Tim the helmet.

“C’mon.” Tim said. “Let’s go see how our girl is doing.”

Beth nodded and they began their march into the hospital.

***

It all happened quickly. Tim and Beth got there, Beth rushing to hug Kim immediately.

“I’m so happy you’re okay.” Beth grabbed Kim’s shoulders and held her at arm’s length. “But, that was crazy.” Kim watched her eye’s mist. “You’re my friend, I couldn’t stand to watch anything happen to you.” She cocked her head. “You know, your hair grows fast.”

Kim laughed and Beth hugged her again. The silence began to creep in when Heather and Bobbie entered the room. Heather hesitated for a second, her trademark restraint dissolving as she gave in and sprinted a whole two steps to her side. She clasped her head in her arms.

“You dumb bitch.” Heather said, her voice cracking, the tears leaking. “I…”

“I know.” Kim sighed, her face pained. She brought in one arm to hug her bandmate.

“At least you’re eating better here. Glad you gained some weight back.” Heather said, noticing that she had indeed gained some poundage during her long nap. “You were starting to look anorexic.”

Long nap? Hair? Gained Weight? Faye was glad Kim was awake, so was everyone else. Little things started to replay in her mind. Parts of this didn’t add up. It should have been heartwarming. Should have been. The warm, close hug she shared with Heather made her realize she was right, that fling with Bobbie had done her some good.

Faye had seen Kim before, but didn’t know her well. The shaved head and the baggy clothes was really all she knew of the recovering girl. This was definitely Kim, the face and voice were hers, of that there was no question.

But, those breasts were not. Her shirt was far less baggy than she remembered it ever being. Faye was also pretty sure that the jagged pixie Kim now sported wasn’t part of Kim’s standard ensemble, either.

I’ve got a bad feeling about this.

When Dr. MacStubble returned, he informed the newly formed group that they would have to come back when visiting hours started up the next day.

“Seriously?” Kim asked. “I was asleep for…days. I’m not tired.”

“There’s other patients here.”

“True,” Kim said smiling. “You’re the Doctor.”

“We’ll probably be able to release her tomorrow, she’ll need to see a couple more doctors before we can.”

Kim quirked an eyebrow.

“Okay. Just, Mom?”

“Yes, Kim?”

“Could you get me a Sprite on the way out?”

“Sure.” Sylvia smiled. Everyone shuffled out, assuring Kim that they’d see her the next day. Tim and Beth, Heather and Sylvia chatting lightly on the way out, floating on the elation of Kim’s well being.

“I’ll see you in the car, Faye.” Heather didn’t take her eyes off of Kim the whole time she backed away. The dark haired girl was left there alone with her real sister.

Bobbie ran to Kim and hugged her. Kim didn’t seem surprised.

“No matter where you go… there you are, huh?”

Bobbie snapped her head back. Kim smiled and pulled up the side of her hospital gown. The kanji’s characters boldly stood out. Bobbie recognized them immediately. She’d seen them on Roxx, on her own back, and now her little sister.

Kim let the gown fall, covering the mark again. “Your secret’s safe with me, sis. This is a better look for you.” She pulled lightly at the green streak in her bangs. “That good girl thing?” She laughed. “Totally not you, Robb.”

Bobbie swallowed hard. Shock opening her eyes to a capacity that’s possible, but not recommended.

“She told me all about it, says you’re doing a great job. This is gonna be more fun than making cupcakes. Now we can really be sisters.”

“Bobbie.”

Bobbie felt sick. No, not Kimster.

Sylvia came back with the sweating green can. The doctor returned and started to speak.

“I’m leaving.” Bobbie said, cutting him off as politely as she could. She pointed at Kim.

“To be continued.”

***

Heather and Bobbie were quiet the whole way back to Faye’s house. The dress forgotten, the planned rendezvous suddenly off the table. Both girls had a lot to think about.

Heather was unsure about how to handle this, Kim awake again. Faye sitting in the car next to her. She should have been elated, but wasn’t. Confused feelings ran riot.

Bobbie lamented the fact that this entire night had left her cold, and as if that wasn’t enough…

Kimster, she knows who I really am. And that mark??

Lust.

Now we can really be sisters.

No, Kimster. Not that way.

“Not that way.” Bobbie murmured.

“Huh?” Heather said.

Bobbie shook her head, “Never mind.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna….I’m gonna go.”

Bobbie nodded. She got out of the car and was inside before she noticed she had opened the lock. She turned to watch Heather drive away.

“Fuck, what a mess.” She said, making her way to Faye’s room. Bobbie grabbed for GIR and collapsed in a heap.

Sobbing.

***

Heather’s mask had slipped completely, tears were forming. She was so happy that Kim was back, but now she felt like she couldn’t tell the girl how she really felt. Now there were too many things to handle all at once.

She pulled into the driveway of her house and very calmly and demurely slammed her palm into the horn. Unleashing one of her patent screams at the same time.

Torn between Faye and Kim? How does one get themselves in such a fix as this?

Love makes fools of us all.

***

Faye heard the sobs behind the door, she couldn’t imagine what could possibly have Bobbie in such a state. Kim was okay, maybe they were tears of joy. She knocked and opened the door.

“What’s wrong?” Faye asked. Bobbie looked up, her eyes red.

“Kim…” She squeaked.

“She’s okay now, and…”

“She’s marked.”

Faye raised an eyebrow. “Marked?”

Slowly, Bobbie got up and hiked her top, showing the ‘tattoo’ that now sat there. Faye was stunned. She reached out and touched the darkened skin. “Where…?”

“That’s just it, I don’t know, and that’s not the worst part.”

“It gets worse?”

“She knows who I am. Like, really.” Bobbie said, finally releasing her top.

Faye watched her turn around.

“Just after you left with Mom, she told me. I….”

“I think it’s Lust. It’s the only thing that makes sense.” Bobbie wiped at her eyes.

“But she’s dead, gone…” Faye’s face showed fear.

“How do you know? She’s always been here, right? So has Justice. Now what do we do?”

“We? What’s this we shit, white woman? You wanted this.”

“Not Kim… not this way.” Bobbie continued sobbing.

Faye sighed, as much as she wanted to slug Bobbie again… She couldn’t do it while the girl was so vulnerable. She’s right about Kim, if it is Lust…

We’re all in for it.

Knowing that school was happening sooner than anyone wanted, the girls decided that trying to figure out a solution that night would be problematic. They slept, with Kim on their minds.

Bobbie ran out of tears and fell asleep, clutching GIR again. Wishing for the first time in a long time that Tim was there, holding her.

Chapter 63

Kim woke feeling refreshed and amazing. She thought it was a bit funny that she had a hand buried deep into her crotch, she knew what had happened by feel.

Weird, best alarm clock ever though.

Excited to be going home, she rang for the nurse and hoped for some juice. She knew that it would only be a few hours. Then she had some people to talk to.

And a lot to say.

***

Bobbie was trying to figure out how she was going to get to school. Heather wasn’t answering her phone, Nick still wasn’t around. She knew she was going to have to bite the bullet and ask Faye. Wrenching her hands from between her legs, she sighed. This whole thing was getting to be too much, Kim being the final straw. She rifled through the dirty laundry and looked for something clean. Need to do laundry.

She eventually found some capris and a top that was only just too tight. She looked at the mirror and decided that she needed to face Faye earlier, before Faye could find her.

***

Heather heard the ringing phone and ignored it, she hadn’t slept. She was counting spots on the ceiling for hours, throwing together a setlist for the Grand Opening. Maybe she drifted off, but couldn’t tell for sure. What do I do?

On the one hand, Faye. The secret crush that no one knew throws herself at her.

On the other? Kim. She wanted to go to the hospital right now and hold her and tell her how much she cared about her. She got up and looked in the mirror. The phone vibrated again. Heather looked at the mirror. Bobbie was right, she didn’t need those fucks anymore. Her armor now cracked, she had better things to do than go to school today.

Sorry, Faye. I’m gonna be selfish for once.

***

Faye was up and finishing the coffee when Bobbie came out. “Good morning.” She said.

“Feeling a little better?” Despite everything that Bobbie had done, Faye still felt tide of Bobbie’s sadness pull at her.

Bobbie nodded, the green streak undulating like a tide.

“I’ve been thinking. The Kim thing? We don’t know for sure. Let’s give it a bit before we freak out.” She offered Bobbie a mug of black coffee.

“I hope your right.” Bobbie said, blowing on the steaming mug.

Though her face didn’t show it, she hoped that Bobbie was right. Because that would mean one of them was convinced.

***

Kim was wearing the clothes Sylvia had brought from home. Her Pixies shirt fit oddly, her new proportions making it hang oddly. She sighed, more shopping. Shopping. She smiled as she thought of Heather. Seeing the rest of the band.

And Roxx. I understand now, wish you could have just told me.

A short, balding man entered with a clipboard.

“So, miss Pointe. I hear you had a little trouble.”

Kim put on a pouty, sheepish look. “Yes. I got stupid with that oxycontin. Never going near that stuff again.”

“Yes.” He continued. “It shows here…”

“I’m not doing that again.” Kim repeated. “Can we just call my mom? I really would like to get back to school. Forget this ever happened.”

“Look, Doc. I promise you won’t see me again. Just let me get out of here.”

“What do you want? Really?”

Kim sighed, exasperated. “I know that the right answer is that ‘I just want to get better’. But right now, I want a fresh pack of cigarettes, an order of fish and chips with tartar sauce, and large candy cane mocha. I’m fine, you want to help me? Just let me out of here.”

“In cases like yours, we put you on a 72 hour hold…”

“I was out for like…” She counted on her fingers. “Over 100. The other doctor checked me out. No withdrawal or anything. Just let me out.”

He looked at his clipboard, she was right. By all accounts, there was no reason to hold her. She seemed fine, no signs of depression. He shrugged as he signed the clipboard at the bottom.

***

Bobbie saw Rach sitting in her usual spot, unwrapping a sandwich. She breathed in deeply and started walking in her direction.

“Hey, stranger.”

Rach looked up. “Hey.” She said, blasé look on her face.

“Things are so crazy right now.”

“Yeah, right. You ran off to that party, then had another shoot. You’re working, I get that. But a text or two would be nice.”

“You’re right.” Bobbie hoped she could do this, she needed some contact so bad. “We could have dinner tonight?”

Rach harrumphed. “You gonna have money this time? Or are you gonna pay me back again?”

Bobbie smiled. “I think I can arrange dinner. How’s the leg?”

“Better.” Rach said. “You’ve been acting really funny, babe.” She put her hand on Bobbie reassuringly. “I just want you to be okay.”

“I’m always okay, and a few other letters, too.”

Rach’s smile suddenly appeared like Ebola. “There’s the Valentine wit. Dinner, for sure?”

“Yep. What sounds good?”

“Surprise me.” Rachel said, Making Bobbie suddenly feel like this was a test.

“I’ll make all this up to you. I promise.” Bobbie said, leaning in to kiss Rach on the cheek. Hope I can keep it…

***

Heather conceded to herself that she should have pulled out the black lace up jeans she was wearing long ago. Of course she wasn’t happy with the laces it came with, so she replaced them. Now instead of laces of ebony, They were replaced with a deep burgundy, crisscrossing itself as it wound up the sides of her legs. The same black and scarlet colors wound around her chest in a top with a slight scoop neck. Her high heeled sneakers rested on the pedals of her car as she looked up at the sign for Shear Ecstasy.

“Just a second.” Frankie called from the back. Heather smiled, Frankie didn’t know she was coming, but looked like she could take a walk in.

“Hi, can I help… Heather?” Frankie said with mock shock. This marked the first time Heather had been seen in jeans in… well, forever.

Heather’s smile continued. As she put together her outfit, she had the feeling that she was removing the walls and bars of her inner prison. Hanging up the dress she was wearing was like opening the door for the last time, starting the car like walking past the guard towers.

“Hi, Frankie. New project.” She grabbed at her ponytail.

“Me.”

Heather climbed into the chair and showed Frankie some pictures on her phone. She described exactly what it was she wanted, right down to a color swatch with mixing chart. Frankie seemed nonplussed, but Heather knew that she was shocked.

That’s Heather for you, always does her homework. Frankie thought, she remembered when Heather brought in that boy with her last year. She chuckled at the memory of the look on his face when Heather told Frankie what they would be doing.

“You’re sure about this?” Frankie said, grabbing some clips.

“Positive.” Heather said, not trying to contain her smile.

Frankie sectioned off Heather’s crown and twisted it into a misplaced topknot. Using a series of clips, she secured the bundle of hairs and let it rest on the top of her head. She turned to her tools and found the right one for the job.

Heather felt comfortable sitting there, inhaling the sweet scent of freedom. The cage was gone, replaced by an easiness she’d never felt before. It was a magnificent feeling, one she promised herself would become so commonplace that she’d likely never notice it again after this.

She drank it in while Frankie did her work, all the while looking forward to seeing Kim.

…And Faye.

***

Kim was drying her hair. The spiky pixie cut she now sported took a lot longer to dry, but she decided that she liked it a little, it brought out her lips. The relocation of her piercing was a little unnerving. But it was cute. The slight purple sparkle of the tiny gem glinted in the light.

Her jeans were tighter in the hips now, the bagginess gone. She wore the belt anyway, it hung off of her hip at a jaunty angle, the tiny seat belt clip dangled slightly askew after a couple of loosening tugs.

She fought down the urge to pleasure herself in the shower, chalking it up to having been unconscious for nearly a week. She looked at herself in the mirror, she noticed how her chest had increased. The nipples pinker, more delicate. her bra was way too tight. Switching it out with one of her sports bras, Kim realized that it wouldn’t quite do its job. It was a moot point now, but there was nothing she could do. The panties stretched past the point of containment as she slid them up her smooth legs. The jeans she once thought acceptably baggy now clung like Bobbie’s plastic wrap. Crazy Apple sure has a funny size scheme. She thumbed a nipple unconsciously. Tingles wrapped around her in every direction. Pulling up the jeans made her jump from the secondary sensation as the panties bit deliciously into it’s rightful resting place.

The medicine cabinet had her old gel still sitting there, she worked some through her hair. What do I do with this? It was cute and everything, but it was that frustrating inbetween length where it wouldn’t do much.

Kim knew she owed everyone a good groveling. Especially Heather, her little outburst at the hospital spoke of some underlying desire that she hadn’t been aware of. She’d never seen anything like it before. Feeling like she had to get to the bottom of it, she turned and left the bathroom to head downstairs.

Sylvia was there, with coffee. Kim sighed and decided that it would be better to get this over with.

“Sit.” Sylvia said. Kim pulled up a chair and sat.

“Mom.” Kim said, her mouth sounded dry. “Look I know what I did was stupid, and I never meant for it to go that far. But I am done.” She said with finality. The world felt more alive to her now, not less. Kim looked closer at her mother, there was a slight blue and yellow cast to her skin. Not the green of illness, but sheets of color sliding over each other.

Kim put her hand on Sylvia’s. “After Rob….ert. You’d think I would know better. I’d rather be awake. Dumbest thing ever.”

“And Roxx?” Sylvia looked serious as she sipped at the hot cup.

“Mom, I heard ‘toxic relationship’ on a talk show. I didn’t understand then, but I do now. Rushing to grow up… It was a huge mistake.” And now that I’ve grown up, Roxx won’t be quite the influence she was.

But I will see her again.

“I really just want to play my bass and get some cupcakes.” Part of her wondered if Faye’s cupcakes were as good as Bobbie’s. “I feel fine. I know that they told you to keep an eye on me in those pamphlets you brought home. Yes, I’ll go to NA if it’ll make you happy. But I have my head back. I have no desire to lose it again.” Besides, thanks to Roxx, Kim knew of many other ways to have fun. She’d rather be fully functional if she had any hope of actually enjoying any of it.

The conversation continued. There was some crying and some laughing. But in the end, Kim won out, convincing Sylvia that the old Kim was back and putting the whole addiction mess behind her.

There were more important things now, anyway.

***

Rucker’s was a small restaurant in a quiet corner of town. A quiet bistro that served Italian fusion cuisine. It wasn’t too loud, and they served wine.

And Bobbie felt like she needed a whole fucking bottle. The way most people had spurned her in one way or another made her feel like she needed to desperately cling on to this one relationship. The one that came with the body. The thought of dealing with Rach again made her nervous.

Hey, you pulled it off last time, right? Just be cool, and you’ll finally get that real hug you want so badly.

Hug. She thought of the one she got from Kim. That one was the opposite of therapeutic. Part of her chafed at being stuck in Faye’s body. She missed laughing with the other girls, thinking of new and interesting cupcakes…

Helping people… That was always nice, when they looked her in the eye and said thank you.

Bobbie looked at the menu and ordered the linguini with clam sauce, while Rach had the chicken Alfredo. When Bobbie ordered the Chardonnay, Rach looked at her with incredulity.

“What?” Bobbie smiled as the waiter left. “What good is having a fake ID if I can’t use it?”

Bobbie asked about the leg, and apologized about just disappearing. “…but that shoot was for Playboy. I just needed some time and, well…”

“I didn’t want you to get jealous.” Bobbie lied coyly.

Rachel dug into the bread and salad when it came while Bobbie blew on her Minestrone.

“So when does it come out?”

“Should be like three months. The shoot from the mountain? That should be out next month, or July… not too sure…”

Rach mentioned how not much had been going on. School coming to a close was making her think that there needed to be a little more work done on the grade front…

Unless she wound up the wife of a Playboy model, which she wouldn’t mind at all.

The pasta came and Bobbie was on her third glass and giggling more than she needed to.

“I’m so sorry.” Bobbie said, only half talking to Rach. “Things have been so screwy since that snowboard shoot. I care about you, you know?”

Rach smiled. They held hands and talked about what they would do over the summer. By the time they ordered a tiramisu to share, everything seemed right as rain.

Bobbie paid the check and left with Rach, back into the SUV. The chatter continued until they passed Cheepskates. She saw the lights were on.

“Rach… Can you let me out here?” Bobbie blurted.

“Why? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Bobbie said quickly, knowing it sounded like a lie. “Just wanted some cupcakes.”

“We just ate all that food, and… Bobbie’s living with you, aren’t there enough sweets in your house already?”

“Just, wanted some of the…”

“Fine, never mind. Enjoy your cupcakes.” Rach let Bobbie out and drove off.

Bobbie watched her leave.

I’m sorry, Faye. I can’t fake it with her. Maybe it was the wine, but she missed Tim. She thought back to the Winter Ball, standing out of the sunroof with him looking up and seeing Orion rise in the sky.

Hearing his heartbeat when they danced close.

Smelling that wood and leather scent while riding the Vespa.

Helping people like Beth.

This current world of parties and sex was a fun place to visit, but living there was more of a chore than it seemed like it would be. Sure the first few weeks were free.

But then you needed to start paying. And the card seemed drawn on the Karma Bank.

Buy now… pay forever.

***

Tim was looking at the figures for the School project on one window, while he had the Instagram and Facebook pages up on the others. The pictures that Bobbie insisted on taking were getting a lot of views, and their ‘likes’ were going up steadily. The Grand Opening had been announced. There was still a lot to do, but it didn’t look too hard.

The trick with eating an elephant is to do it one bite at a time.

Taptaptap…

He looked up and saw Faye standing there, she wasn’t standing straight and she looked a little concerned.

She’s gonna hit on me again, isn’t she?

He sighed and went to open the door.

“Tim. Hi.” She leapt forward and hugged him. He returned the hug as warmly as he could.

“Just wondered if you had any cupcakes left?

Tim smiled. “No, not today. Couple of the custard shot glasses though.”

Custard shot glasses?

The cookie concoction was brought out and Faye looked at it. “Shots? Finally a pastry I understand.”

Tim laughed as she ate it.

“Whaddaya think?”

“It’s fantastic.” Faye said. “Wish I’d thought of it.”

“Well that’s Bobbie for you.”

Faye’s eyes started to water. She grabbed for Tim again.

“Faye. I love Bobbie. You’re great and all.”

“But she’s my angel.”

Faye began crying. Tim accepted the hug a little more, feeling bad for the girl. The green streak trailed down her side and shook as she sagged into him, crying for what seemed like a long, long time. After finally regaining composure, she apologized to Tim. Promising that she wouldn’t bother him anymore, Faye began to leave.

Tim noticed a slight heave to her shoulders as she turned away. “Hold on, Faye. I can’t let you walk. Let me give you a ride.” He disappeared to the back and returned with the helmet that she had worn so many times. Putting it on was sort of like a homecoming.

To someone else’s house.

***

Riding the vehicle, Bobbie fell into a familiar pattern of clinging to him. The breasts that others lusted after only got in the way here. The ride was over so quickly that it hardly felt as if it had started.

As she dismounted, Bobbie looked at the boy that made her think of things differently. She saw how differently he looked at her now, she wanted that back again.

“Faye. If only you were around a year ago, this might be a very different conversation. But, we have a connection, Bobbie and I.”

Bobbie handed her helmet back to Tim, he secured it to the hook on the side.

“You’re a great girl, Faye. Don’t let anyone tell you different. I’ll see you at the Grand Opening, right?”

“Yeah.” Bobbie whispered.

Tim backed the moped out of the driveway and rolled away.

Bobbie let the tears go. She elected to stay outside, when Faye came running out.

“Bobbie.” Faye said, puzzled. “I thought I heard Tim…”

“He gave me a ride. I went to…”

“Bullshit, you tried to hit on him again, didn’t you?”

Bobbie flung herself forward and cried.

“I can’t take this anymore.” She sobbed.

“I just want my life back.” The words were nearly unintelligible. “They don’t talk to me the same way. They all just think I’m a bitch.”

“Well, you kind of have been, haven’t you?”

Bobbie looked as if she had been slapped.

“Let’s take a look at current events. To the world. ‘Bobbie’ has successfully been helping operate a bakery. While ‘Faye’ has alienated her girlfriend, cheated on her with at least two people, and shot a nude spread for not one but two magazines. One of which is Playboy. Did I miss anything? Inject heroin or club a seal?”

“If I could take it all back, I would. I just…” The crying continued.

Out of pity, Faye stayed up with her and made her cocoa. By the time Bobbie went to bed, it was late, and sleep was suddenly very important.

The fog of slumber overtook Faye as she fell into sleep.

***

CLANG!!

Faye knew that sound. Justice. Good, maybe we can finally get to the bottom of this mess.

"What do you think you're doing, Faye? I did not put you in Bobbie's body so you could spend your days making doe-eyes at Tim. There is work to be done."

Faye’s eyes burned. "Then put your pet back in here, I never asked for this."

Justice shot her a steely look. "Do you think I did this just to punish Bobbie? This was for your benefit as much as hers. You needed to see what your life could have been like if you didn't allow yourself to be dragged down by Lust. By your so-called friends. By your job. You have so much potential, but you squander it." She held Faye's gaze, making sure that she felt the impact and weight of what she was about to say.

"I will not allow that."

Faye laughed through her nose. “You two are exactly alike, you know that?”

A righteous fire roared to life around Justice, so intense and furious that Faye was forced to step back and shield herself from the heat. "We are nothing alike! Where I create, she destroys. Where I give love, she takes indulgence. When I save lives, she steals them. Do not ever try to compare us again, or when you wake up you will think you have always been Bobbie Sharpe, and Faye Valentine is some harlot that you are very soon never to speak to again."

Stymied, Faye thought... Would it be so bad? She had Bobbie's life now, and by all accounts it was a good life: She had a family now, friends she could depend on just as much as Rachael or Zoe, and a job that didn't involve wearing tiny bikinis or lingerie for money.

But most of all she had Tim. He...completed her. Somehow whenever she was in his arms, everything felt like it was going to be alright, no matter how bad the situation became. She didn't have to be tough, snarky or sexy around him...he wanted her for who she was inside. And inside, she was starting to feel a lot more like Bobbie and a lot less like Faye.

“It is nearly time, Faye.” Justice said, interrupting her train of thought.

“Oh, really? Well that’s just great, now that your lackey has put large chunks of my life in a blender and hit puree.”

“I would not complain too much, Faye. She has done things for you that you do not know about yet.”

“Yeah,” Faye interrupted. “She screwed up the two most important relationships in my life, warped my body into a caricature of itself, and now she’s in the middle of a total fucking mental breakdown.” She saw Justice wince at the use of the expletive.

“You will both be able to fix your problems soon enough.” Justice said, looking through Faye. “You will both be going back soon.”

“Just gonna wave your hand and…? So long Faye, thanks for the help.”

“As I said, Faye, you will be compensated. Besides you have bigger problems, as does Bobbie. The mark…”

“Yeah, I thought Lust was dead, what’s going on?” Faye was hoping to finally get a straight answer. “And why do I have that tattoo?”

“That is her Mark. She is gaining energy through The One Called Roxx. Bobbie can help once she is home. She will have to do the same with her sister. This Roxx is a formidable thrall.” Justice said with something approximating admiration.

“You only need do one thing to return to your old life.”

Time stretched like new taffy, some of her was happy. She’d be able to fix what’s wrong with Nick, Rach, and whoever else Bobbie screwed up along the way.

But, the larger part of her was so, so sad. Thoughts of the prom date with Tim that could have been were playing through her head alongside memories of their date and the party. She smiled as she thought of how Stacy helped to make those evenings memorable.

She thought of the gang of friends she had come to know, she liked them. Yeah, they were a little square and corny, but they fit together. A sitcom waiting to happen.

The way people reacted to her help when she offered it. How her ideas had helped the Bakery. My ideas, not hers.

Justice read the look on her face.

“You look vexed. You began to feel…comfortable did you not?”

Faye started to tear. The relationships she shared as ‘Bobbie’ were just as real to her as the ones she shared with Rach and Zoe…

And Nick…

Tim…God, there were guys like that out there. How many did she just dismiss out of hand? She had had sex with a guy now… No, a man. It wasn’t as bad or awkward as she thought it would be.

“You did.” Justice smiled. “But, just because this will end, it does not mean you cannot build similar relationships with others. Now you know what it feels like.”

“It will not be the same, but it will be better in some ways. You will see.”

Justice moved forward and hugged Faye.

“What.” Faye said between sobs. “What do I need to do?”

“Communicate with her.”

“I’ve tried that. Talking…”

“I did not say talk. I said communicate. There is only one way to truly communicate with her now.”

“How?”

Justice’s stony gaze remained unchanged.

Realization struck Faye. “You’ve gotta be kidding. You mean we have to…”

“Should not be a problem. You will know what to do.”

“That’s it?”

“You will see the opportunity when it arises. Again, thank you Faye.”

The hug broke and Justice’s environs began to fade as the CLANG overtook her hearing.

***

Sylvia was making pancakes. She hadn’t made them for Kim in a very long time. Wish I had Bobbie’s recipe. The one time she tried to add Ricotta cheese turned into a burnt mess. When Kim finally came downstairs, she had managed to keep the finished ones warm in the oven, sausage links with their smell of MSG and Vermont maple syrup alongside them in a glass baking dish.

“I’m taking you to school today. Just want to make sure you go.” Sylvia said, piling food onto a plate. Since Kim came out of her coma at the hospital, a few things struck her as odd. The sudden hair growth was one thing, and the lip piercing? That’s not where it was… was it?

Kim laughed. “No problem, Mom.” She poured syrup on both the pancakes and sausage, watching it pool up in one corner of the plate.

No arguments? Did those pamphlets get anything right? “No arguments?”

“Mom, look. I fucked up. You don’t wanna let me out of the house. I get it, I can’t argue. I just want to be able to pick up my bass after school.” She looked at her hands. “My calluses are gone.”

Sylvia was happy to hear her daughter talk about things so mundane as calluses and music again. Between her absence and the time she spent with Roy, things had been so out of balance. Her response was to agree.

The ride to school was filled with dirty jokes. The mother looked at the daughter and saw how much she had grown up. Her short stature didn’t tell the whole story anymore.

“No, mon. Mine says ‘Welcome to Jamaica, mon, have a nice day.” Kim looked over at her mom, who suddenly burst out laughing.

“I’m gonna have to tell Roy that…” That was funny, never thought I would miss dirty jokes.

“Ewww. Mom, don’t…”

“Uh uh. You don’t get to tell a dick joke and then get grossed out when I mention…”

Kim sighed. “Fine.” At least she didn’t roll her eyes this time.

The gravel crunched under the wheels as Sylvia pulled the car to a stop in front of the school’s main building. “I’ll meet you here after school, okay.”

Kim laughed through her nose. “Okay, mom. I’ll be here. I guess that’s the best apology I can give.” She brushed the nose length bangs out of her face, grabbed her backpack and turned away from the car. She was anxious to get back to school.

…and she needed to have a little talk with Roxx.

***

Brandon Jeffries was putting everything back into his locker. There were papers everywhere at haphazard angles. His filing method was far from foolproof, but he didn’t need it.

Looking to his left, he saw her.

Kim Pointe.

He had asked her to go to a dance with him back in seventh grade, she rejected him. That event had prevented him from ever asking another girl out in the time since. She looked different today, prettier than he remembered.

And Brandon remembered her pretty enough.

“Hi, Kim. Nice to see you back.”

“Brandon. Hi. Good to be back.” Kim was sure that it sounded fake, even though it was anything but.

***

Kim remembered Brandon. He was so sweet and nervous when he asked her out. She actually felt bad about it, but Kim knew what she was interested in by that point. Wishing she could embrace who she was, she politely refused and went about the slow process of dealing with her own raging internal changes.

“So, I heard that you died or something? That’s not true, is it?” Kim could see the a thin pallor of kool-aid reds and purples slithering about on Brandon’s face.

“Obviously not.” Kim said, brushing the hair from her face.

“Well, you look good.” He said nervously.

He still likes me? Wow, he must still have it bad. Suddenly, she remembered what that first kiss was like, how much it made her day.

Go on, kiss him.

What do you mean? Not my type.

Are you sure?

There was a strange logic in that. How did she know? There was a first for everything.

Why not?

“Brandon, you’re sweet. Thanks for asking about me.” She hugged him and kissed his neck. Brandon looked back at her, surprised.

Then she kissed him, her tongue entering his mouth. He’s a good kisser. When she pulled away, his eyes were still closed.

Opening them again, Brandon breathed. “You’re welcome.”

Kim giggled and walked down the hallway. Brandon noticed how her pants clung to her posterior, pressing it’s perfect heart shape against the rough denim.

It would have been an ordinary day at Delacroix High.

When did you start liking boys? Kim thought, but cut the thought short when she couldn’t come up with an answer.

It was halfway through her first class when she noticed that she was rubbing her thighs together.

Would have been.

***

Heather had gotten used to the surprised looks by lunch. No one had dared say anything, shock being the common first reaction. Running into Faye in the hallway, she registered the abrupt change in a different way.

“Heather!” Faye said, her eyes widening. “Wha…?” Nervousness shot through Heather as Faye approached. Faye snaked a hand out and stroked one of the buzzed sides of Heather’s head. It felt velvety to her touch. For a second, she seemed to study the earring she was wearing. Black and white masks of Comedy and Tragedy, with trailing hands that clapped as her head turned.

Heather smiled. “Like it?”

“Yeah.” Faye blurted. “Just so used to the dresses.” She stepped back to see all of her at once. What was left of Heather’s hair fell all to one side, it’s longest point coming just below her jawline and only got shorter at an angle heading back towards her neck. The colored chunks in her hair showed their brilliant scarlet as they reflected in the harsh, prismatic light of the corridor.

“Yeah, fuck it. Thought I deserved the Heather Sweet Treatment. You saw how well it’s worked out for everyone else.” She smiled. A laugh, followed by… “My mom’s gonna freak.”

Faye leaned in and kissed Heather, right there in front of everyone. A couple of passing students noticed.

Heather couldn’t help but notice that the initial energy from the hospital was gone. Had simply holding Kim in the way she wanted to changed how she perceived Faye?

Changing the subject. Heather asked, “Did you ever get a chance to open that box?”

Faye shrunk a little. “No, not yet.”

Heather smiled. “Well, I need to get to class. See you later?”

Faye smiled. “Sure.”

As Faye left, the happiness of freeing herself was overtaken by consternation. Picturing herself with Faye just didn’t seem as proper as it did with Kim.

Dammit, Heather. How can your first love triangle be this complicated?

She heard the round of applause made by the hands of her earrings as she turned and headed off to class.

***

Kim wondered why she had felt so aroused. There was so much warmth and color to everything that it made her head swim. Everything seemed to bend into a pleasurable thought or sensation. Even that paper cut she got in English class sang a joyful song for just a split second.

She tried to keep her breathing even, her breasts heaving. Their weight still unfamiliar to her.

SMACK!

Click, click. Click, click.

Kim knew that cadence anywhere.

“Kim!” Roxx exclaimed, her arms outstretched. “Let me see… gimme a spin.”

Kim’s face hardened. “Fuck you, Roxx. What’s up with Mary? I saw you two and then I went home and…”

“Hey.” Roxx said, pulling out a cigarette. “I just needed, to….” She held it away from her face, looking up to the left and obviously thinking of the right thing to say.

Clink. The Zippo opened, Roxx thumbing the wheel slowly, needing extra time.

“This is what she gave it to you for. Don’t you feel it? E-Ticket Ride.” She laughed quietly. “Brandon’s been walking on air all day, hasn’t he? She’s got faith in you.” Roxx winked as she inhaled. “I do, too.” Her voice became a breathy whisper.

“Now, come on.” Suddenly brightening. “Give us a spin?”

Kim turned around slowly. Roxx offered her the cigarette.

“You didn’t change as much as I did. I think it’s cute though.”

Kim inhaled the non menthol smoke. It tasted different, but the surge of pleasure was immediate. Didn’t change as much as I did?

What’s that supposed to mean?

“Change?” Kim exhaled and gave the cigarette back to Roxx. “You were someone else?”

Roxx shook her head, red hair tossing lightly. “It’s not important. But Mary? It’s part of what we are. You can spend the rest of your life with me…”

“But I can’t spend the rest of my life with just you when there’s so much out there to taste.”

Kim looked stunned.

“You’ll see.” Roxx continued as she tossed the butt into the toilet. “The craving is getting to you a little already, isn’t it?”

Kim shifted uncomfortably, Roxx smiled.

“Come by my place later, it would be nice to have you around again.” Roxx stroked Kim’s face. She turned on a heel and defiantly displayed her Mark, which swayed like ocean waves as she left.

Kim lifted her top and stared at her own Mark in the mirror. The arousal was still there, but lessened.

What did I get myself into? She wasn’t sure, but something about it made her feel queasy.

***

Faye was looking at the lunch table. The whole Army was reunited, she smiled as she took her place. Wait a minute, where’s Heather?

“Hey hey, the gang’s all here.” A voice said excitedly.

Beth gasped. “Heather”

Amber just sat there stunned, her glasses too far down on her nose. She made no move to correct their misplacement.

“What the fuck?” Bella said. “Fuck yeah, Heather. Lookin’ all rocker and shit.”

“Yes, I decided that I needed one of my makeovers. See, I had these fucks, and someone told me that I didn’t need them anymore. No big deal. We’ve got that gig on Friday.” She smiled at Kim. “Hey, Kim. You gonna be okay to play?” Faye smiled at Heather, and absorbed the shock of everyone else.

“Sure.” Kim smiled weakly, still thinking about that exchange with Roxx. “Just need to build up the calluses again. My bass still at your house? My mom was gonna bring me by to get it later.”

Heather brought up one side of her mouth in a grin. “You know it.”

“And, I like the hair. It’s cute. Better than the last time I saw you . The shaved head isn’t for you.”

“You should talk.” Kim said, indicating Heather’s new lack of the long ebony locks that were her trademark.

“Hey, it’s edgy. Thought you liked edgy.” Heather had enough sarcasm in her voice to fuel a hipster convention. “And, as much as I hate to say it. That lip piercing works better than the labret. It’s really cute.”

Kim grinned weakly as she bit into her sandwich, thinking about how ‘liking edgy’ had started so much of the sequence of events that led them to this point. Her unease drained away as Heather started discussions of the songs that they would play at the Grand Opening. Since it was likely to be the last Grrl Army show with the original lineup, they all decided that they would go out with a bang.

The talk of music and being surrounded with her friends masked how she felt about the things that Roxx had said. Life seemed almost normal again.

Almost.

Chapter 64

Sylvia was there, as promised to pick Kim up and take her to Heather’s. She was sure that playing the bass would be a good thing for her recovery. At least according to the pamphlets that had yet to be proved right.

The ride was quiet. Kim fidgeted in her seat nervously. She thought about that kiss all day, even with Roxx she didn’t think about sex this much. Her body burned and ached with want and need.

“You okay?”

“Yeah, mom. Just can’t wait to start playing again. We’re playing the bakery’s Grand Opening. I guess we’re gonna do some kids songs, and some cover. Be nice to get on stage again.”

When they arrived, Kim got out of the car quickly and bolted for the door. Heather opened it and waved from the door. Sylvia blinked for a second before finally recognizing the tall girl.

She’ll be fine… Heather’s okay.

***

Faye was looking at the amount of bananas that were piled on the counter. There was suddenly a fear of being overrun by roving bands of monkeys in the post banana apocalypse.

“Tim. Is there a reason that we have enough bananas to feed King Kong?” Yes, good reference.

“Bobbie. Look at the spreadsheet. We sell more banana bread in the mornings. We sell some at night, they’ll have some for the morning. Some new people will try it.” He laughed. “I got a Facebook message this morning saying that they came in one day and we were out. She proceeded to have the worst day. I told her to come in and grab a slice on the house. But, you were right. This social media stuff is helping. Birthday orders, parties, office meetings. We’re gonna be really busy.”

Faye felt accomplished. “So, we need a lot of banana bread?”

Tim’s eyes widened. “We need a lot of everything.”

“Y’know, I’ve been thinking. We should be able to do ice cream cakes.”

Tim knitted his brow. Ice cream? Would make us more versatile. “If we had a spinner, sure. But, too expensive right now. Maybe we can get a local dairy to help with that. We’ll have to think about it.” Tim still couldn’t understand how she could pick up a small detail like that when everything was already going so well.

“Got the frostings marked and dated, Tim.” Beth called.

“This is gonna be big. Gilda offered to set up a coffee station out front.”

Faye was going to be sad to let all this go. Justice was right, it was comfortable. Waiting for the right moment was going to make her insane with antici…….

…….pation.

All she could do was just roll on and hope that she would recognize the moment when it came.

“Everything okay with Kim?” Tim asked.

“Seems fine, she went to Heather’s to get her guitar and I guess hang out.”

“Yeah.” Beth said, suddenly speaking up. “Have you seen Heather?”

“Not since we got my suit, it’s all been over the phone, why?”

“She was wearing these jeans with laces up the sides, and…”

“Wait… back up. Jeans? Heather?”

“Yeah,” Beth continued. “And she cut her hair real short, and it’s just different.”

“Oh, okay.” Tim said. “Well, I guess I’ll see her soon enough. This is going to be a very crazy week. Hopefully, this all pans out.”

“Pans? I see what you did there.” Faye said. She surveyed the production area. I’m gonna miss this. She stared as they turned to work.

“What’s wrong, Bobbie?” Beth asked, looking up from the chocolate ribbons.

“Nothing.” Faye smiled.

“Nothing at all.”

***

Kim’s heart leapt when she saw the bass parked there next to Heather’s Keytar. The letters of her name now spelled out in multicolored glitter across the face of the guitar. She picked it up and gave a few test plucks. It hurt a little, but, she’d be back in no time.

“It’s still tuned. Thanks for the glitter.”

“Don’t mention it.” Heather smiled. “Kim.”

Kim looked up from the fretboard.

“I like you.”

“I like you, too. You’re my friend.”

“No.”

“ I like you like you.”

Realization dawned. Pink and purple swam in Kim’s vision. Heather came forward and kissed Kim with the same passion she had shown Brandon. The bass forgotten, Kim accepted the kiss.

It was like the first time she ever got high. The dizzy, spinning warmth that washed over her like the oxycontin. But it was better…

Because it’s real. The days of stoned somnolence over. New days and new beginnings.

With Heather apparently.

“We all hated seeing you with Roxx. But, especially me. We all saw it.”

“She didn’t care about you.”

Smiling at each other, Kim looked at Heather with dismay.

“But you’re not gay.” She said.

Heather laughed. “That gaydar of yours may be shit hot.” She said, slipping into fighter pilot slang.

“But I’m super stealth. I am ninja, hear me roar.” She let out a grrrr through her teeth.

Kim laughed.

She saw it now, the colors she saw making sense. Heather was lonely, the yellowish tinge that shot through the purples and pinks told her something was up. She let it go, asked for a Coke. Heather surprised her with a Sprite.

They talked. Kim learned so much about Heather. God, not being able to be who you are must be the saddest thing in the world.

It turned out that Heather had admired Kim from their meeting. Heather was jealous that she couldn’t just come out like that. And she’s hidden it since we formed the band. Wow.

Betty had been working as a costume designer when she decided to have Heather. She never knew her Dad. She was told young about how she had come about. So when these feelings surfaced five years ago, she just figured that she got it from her Dad.

Whoever he was.

Also, the ‘All I ever wanted was a little girl.’ That she often said didn’t help.

She considered coming out when her mom went to New Zealand, but didn’t. Just figured that after graduation would have been better.

Kim started flipping through her sketchbook, it wasn’t long before she noticed that her earlier drawings looked like Kim did. Near the middle there was another figure. One with incredible curves and a bright pink streak in her dark hair.

The last few pages reminded her of gothy Jessica Rabbit. Green dress with yellow gloves, and…

Long dark hair with a green streak?

Faye?

No, Bobbie.

Bobbie? What the fuck?

Heather saw Kim’s face fall. “Yeah, Faye and I sort of…”

The words were coming out rapid fire now. “You were in the hospital, she came to visit you… one thing led to another.”

“I have mentioned that I’m happy to see you still alive, right?”

Kim couldn’t blame her for that, she had been unavailable. Way too high to care about anything other than right now.

“I thought it meant something more, but…”

“I’m not sure.”

Kim smiled. “You? Not sure? Wow.”

Heather looked at her keytar. “It’s been a really crazy week.”

Kim laughed. “No shit.”

They held hands and listened to music and talked about how exciting it would be to be playing at the grand opening. How it would be the last time GRRL ARMY would deploy.

“Bella’s gonna miss those drums.” Heather lamented. “You think we could find a new drummer?”

“You guys really saw that? Her not caring.”

“Of course I did. I care.” She put her hand on a knee.

Kim was happy for the first time in a long time. When her mother came to get her, she sat in the car. Grinning like the Cheshire Cat the whole way home.

And occasionally rubbing her thighs together.

***

When Faye opened the door, she heard the sound of a movie permeating the air. Buckaroo Banzai? She was going to have to watch it eventually. Faye paused to wrinkle her cute features at the irony before slipping inside. Bobbie was sprawled out on the sofa, her face a picture of disinterest as the images flashed by onscreen.

“You okay, Bobbie?” Faye asked, curious about the pity party she clearly wasn't invited to.

“Yeah,” She muttered. She pressed a button on the remote, pausing the film. “I used to watch this with my dad. They never explain why there was a watermelon there.” She stood up, languidly tossing the remote onto the couch. “I’m just gonna go to bed.”

“That’s it? No how is everything? How's Kim?”

“Doesn’t matter.” She sighed. “I’m Faye now, remember?” Gone was the determination from earlier. It sounded forlorn, the last soldier at the farthest outpost.

Outnumbered and low on ammo. Going down with the ship.

"What's gotten into you?" Faye asked with an air of genuine concern.

"Nothing." She muttered, waving a hand dismissively as she sulked by. "I’d keep watching, Tim loves to quote this one, you should probably brush up since you're his girlfriend and all. You should know the difference between an oscillation overthruster and a Lectroid."

She went to the bedroom and closed the door.

Faye looked at the hallway. She wanted to feel sorry for Bobbie, and did.

A little.

Nick did finally roll into the house, looking a little better. “Hi, Bobbie.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Is she?”

Faye nodded..

“I need to destroy something. Up for some Saints Row?”

Faye smiled. It had been a while since they played that.

The destruction and carnage began, they were almost done robbing an armored convoy when Faye finally broke the silence.

“You okay? Faye told me what happ…”

“Shit.” Nick said, his character being repeatedly shot by a submachine gun.

“She’s sorry, you know.” Nick’s character flopped over, dead.

“Sorry?” Nick said, suddenly turning. “She… fuck.”

Faye threw an arm around Nick.

“She’s gone through a lot.”

“I know. I was there, remember?”

Faye did. “She didn’t want to hurt you.”

“That’s what she said.” He said dryly.

Faye wrinkled her nose in frustration. Her character flopped over dead.

“She won’t do it again. I think she feels badly.”

Nick rubbed at his eyes. “I’m just gonna go to bed. I love her, you know? Just not that way. You two are like sisters to me, and this whole thing just kills me. When she’s ready to talk, I’ll be here.”

Well, looks like I might be able to fix this one.

***

Sylvia kept hearing moans and silentish screams from Kim’s room all night.

She knew it wasn’t from nightmares. Sylvia had been a single woman long enough to know exactly what those sounds were. But there was another sound, like the sound of a low ‘b’ played on a pipe organ.

She let it go, figuring it was better than drugs.

So long as she didn’t get too loud.

***

Kim woke up the following morning with both hands buried deep in the delicate folds of flesh that resided between her legs. The novelty had worn off quickly, the arousal she felt constantly begging for someone, anyone to touch her. It was making her itch.

Feels like a withdrawal.

At least shows that the nerves are working.

Breakfast and the ride to school were pretty normal, she was able to keep herself in check.

It was World History in second period when it happened.

She suddenly bit her lip and screamed voicelessly. She quickly got into a bathroom stall. It was a long six minutes before it stopped. The sudden explosion of orgasm left her shaky and weak, covered in the thick, beady sweat that came afterward. Kim was able to get back into class and hold on until the bell rang. Everything seemed fine otherwise. Just a fluke.

Until it happened again at the beginning of fourth period’s Algebra class.

What’s happening to me?

The bathroom began to decay before her eyes. Rotten corruption enveloping everything. Ichor running up the walls and coating the floor slowly like a thick sludge.

There she stood in the epilepsy inducing flicker of the harsh, fluorescent light.

The Woman. She looked different this time. Her face bore a cruel smile. “You! What’s happening?” Kim said, fear breaking through the haze of orgasm.

“This is part of the deal. You get to see your mom again. In turn you help me.” She half dissolved, half melted into a shorter girl with a surprisingly similar figure. Kim was looking at her own face and body, matched curve for curve with a fearful symmetry. The dead, black eyes the only difference.

Her look became malicious, even her voice had changed to match Kim’s own. “And helping me gives you certain… perks.”

Kim looked at The Woman carefully. “What perks. I’m having wet dreams while I’m awake. If that’s all you have to offer…”

The Woman cut her off quickly. "what I'm offering you is power. Control. The strength to break your chains and be free of everything that ever held you back." Kim gave her twin a dubious look, her shift in appearance doing nothing to dispel her weariness about her. Some aspects of what she offered were certainly tempting, but you know what they say about strangers bearing candy…

“This is all some pitch, isn’t it? You must need me pretty badly.”

The doppelganger split her mouth into an impish grin. “Need? That’s a strong word. But I do want you, Kim. And more importantly, I know what you want.”

“Oh yeah?” Kim gave her an irreverent glance. “What do you have that I want?”

“Revenge.” Her words hung in the air like the sweet aroma of Bobbie’s cakes.

“W-what?” Kim tried to feign ignorance, but her voice sounded uncertain even to her own ears. The woman took a step closer, her seductive gave locked with Kim’s.

“My name is Lust. And I know a thing or two about dealing with desire. Needs. Wanting. And right now, your soul is screaming. Wailing in anguish and frustration at those who have done you wrong.” She leant in, close enough for Kim to recoil slightly out of fear. “Roxx hurt you badly, didn’t she?” Kim nodded hesitantly, unable to form words in her throat. “You and Roxx…” Her tone was overly sympathetic now, bordering on saccharine. “…perfect lovers, just like Bobbie and Tim? It’s not your fault Roxx left you. You and she are more alike than you know. She wanted revenge too, and I gave her the means to slate her thirst.” Kim gave her a confused look.

“Why would Roxx want revenge on me?”

“Not you,” Fading out, the ichor receded and left Kim frightened.

“Bobbie…”

And why would anyone want revenge on Bobbie?

***

Heather expected to see Kim at lunch. When she wasn’t there, concern colored her face.

“She’ll be fuckin’ fine.” Bella said. “No fuckin’ way she’s gonna do that stupid shit again.”

“Yeah, she’s the old Kim, Although looks like the puberty tree fell on her in the last couple of months.” Amber said, liking the new style, but confused by its sudden appearance.

“Maybe she just isn’t feeling well. Aren’t you supposed to be like, sick for a while?” Beth asked. “She just probably needs some rest.”

“Hope she’ll be okay to play on Friday. I have the setlist for the grand opening. We know all of these, just hope she’s not too far out of practice.” Heather said, handing out printed sheets of paper. It was nice to get the band back together.

Jesus Kim where are you?

Bella snorted. “Kids songs? Fuck yeah. I fuckin’ miss us playing together.”

Heather flipped out her phone and sent a quick text.

Just going home to rest, feel really tired.

“Guess she is tired.” Heather read from the screen. “I’ll see her later then. Anyway…”

***

Kim was looking for answers, and as much as she didn’t really want to…

She had to see Roxx. Kim knew that she would have at least some answer. Knocking on the familiar apartment door, she heard music and laughing. When the door opened, Roxx stood there one hand high up on the door jamb. Her high stockings reached well up her thighs. A leather jacket covered a purple tube top. She held a hip cocked at the perfect seductive angle.

“Hi, Kim.” She said with a smile. “Come in, sit down.”

Kim entered the apartment and looked at the couch. Mary sat there sprawled out, eyes red and heavy lidded. Geez, did I look like that? All that lost time came into focus. Spaced out, listening to music. Cuddling… Was that what it was? Everything too fuzzy to remember. Treating her friends and family like shit the only thing that stood out.

“Mary.” Kim breathed. She remembered the first time she had bummed a cigarette from her. This wasn’t the life for her, for anyone. She suddenly felt sad. Her colors read like a box of crayons had been run through a pizza oven. It looked like she barely knew where she was. The girl was drowning in sensation and narcotic bliss.

Kim’s knees weakened again. “What’s happening with me? Why am I…?”

Roxx lit a cigarette. “What’s happening?” She blew smoke on the cigarette’s glowing tip. “Perks of the job. You did fine with Brandon this morning. He’ll be dreaming about you blowing him all day.” She slinked across the living room.

“Want a hit?” Roxx used a blowtorch on a quartz nail. Once it glowed orange, she touched it to the waxy substance that was spread on the bowl. She inhaled hard on the large bong that sat in the middle of the floor, clearing the chamber of smoke, she smiled at Kim, baring her teeth.

“No.” Kim said with finality. Roxx shrugged. She remembered how just laying around seemed like a good idea at the time. She sat, hoping to contain the building pressure.

“You need to give in to it. Fighting just makes it harder.”

“I didn’t ask for this.”

Roxx ignored Kim’s protest “Sure you did. She offered you a deal, didn’t she? She’s holding up here end.”

“She did for me.”

Mary stirred slightly, she had gone to sleep. Light snoring took over the sound of her breathing.

“And what do you have against Bobbie?”

“She told you that, huh?” Roxx smiled “He abandoned me, just left me to twist in the wind. That’s what your brother did.”

Brother?

That means… oh, no.

The smile never left Roxx’s face. She saw Kim sliding in the last piece for a Tetris. The things she had wanted to say to her for three years all came into her mind at once.

Kim spat neurotoxin with her words. “You’re a whoreable person.” The two words coming out together.

“Fuck you, you little bitch.” The Cheshire grin seemed to broaden as Melanie looked at Robb’s little sister.

It was something about the shape of Roxx’s mouth. That was it, the light came on. Kim’s whole body drained of color. That Thanksgiving moment had been ingrained into her memory for years. Never forgotten, it still saddened her that things had turned out the way they had. She just wanted to be Melanie’s friend, so she could still be close to her brother. That line, that smile. She was that little girl again. The clues all matched up, there was only one possible meaning.

Melanie.

“Aww, what’s the matter pumpkin? You finally figured out that I’m not Red Riding Hood, just a big bad wolf?” Roxx asked with an egregious pout plastered across her face. Kim held her ground, glaring at the crimson-haired vixen, “Now that we’re all one big happy family. Would you really rather have it any other way? You finally get everything you want.”

Roxx smirked, giving Kim a dubious look. “I’m making the mother of all omelettes here, girlfriend. Too late for second thoughts now…you’re a Thrall. Same as me.”

“Same as Robb.”

The realization hit home. The Woman… Lust. The arousal, the unusual wakeup, the spontaneous orgasms.

The deal. There must have been a lot in the fine print. Kim had never even read a software license agreement all the way through. Just scroll to the end and… click. Lust knew just what to do and say to make her agree. She’d been played… again.

She had gotten to see everyone again, and now she had to live up to her part. The picture of the Mark blazed in her mind’s eye. Fear and frustration blended into a frothy mix, the pressure building again.

Looking at Mary, then at Roxx, Kim felt trapped, the odds. She turned and left running.

“You can’t hide.” Roxx called from the open window. “See you around…”

“Tiger.”

***

Roxx was Melanie all along. The world got blurrier as Kim ran towards home, leaking tears. It was about halfway home that she realized that was a bad idea. She got out her phone.

“Call Heather.”

Robb, Melanie, Bobbie. What are we gonna do?

Kim sank to her knees, with the beginnings of a cry.

When the shattering pleasure from her pelvis began in earnest.

***

Heather was in class waiting for the moment when she could just hand in the stupid homework already.

Bzzt! Bzzt!

Heather thumbed the phone on. “Hi, mom.”

“Mr. McCambly, I have to take this. It’s my mom in New Zealand. Here’s my homework.”

“Yes.” Heather said, walking out of the classroom.

“Kim, hang on.” She lowered her voice to a whisper.

“Please come get me.” Kim cried.

“What’s wrong? Where are you?”

Kim whimpered as orgasm overtook her again.

The phone went dead in Heather’s hand.

***

Does she feel this all the time, too? How does she stand it? She realized that the drugs probably helped. But there had to be another way.

Had to…

If Roxx was Melanie, then she was being used just as much as Kim was. Revenge just seemed stupid and pointless now.

Shit… Bobbie… Kim had to tell her.

Bobbie. In a small moment of coherence, she realized that she had come to accept ‘Robb’ as Bobbie. Bobbie was her own person, different from Robb. Not better, just different. Maybe there was hope for them yet.

***

Bobbie was staring at her phone, looking at Cheepskates’ Facebook page. The cupcakes with the tentacles made her sigh. As did the shot glasses, and the banana bread, and the…

Sigh. She remembered that life fondly. Sure, becoming Faye had been fun.

At first. Mike, Ailie, and Luka making it seem like Wonka’s tasting room

Come with me, and you’ll be in a world of pure masturbation…

Helping people.

Tim better now than ever, Beth doing well. She did that, not Faye.

But Faye helped Myka.

Shut up.

Being shut out of the life she built from nothing more irritating now than ever. She wanted to laugh with Heather again, listen to Bella put her two fucks into every sentence. She wanted to bake again, laughing with Beth as hot pastrified bliss came out of the ovens.

But most of all, she wanted to be caught up in Tim’s arms again. To be held close. Hear his heart, feel his breath in her hair.

Why is there a watermelon there?

He had laughed at that line, too. How had everything gone so wrong?

Roxx.

Well, a little. Let’s not push off all the blame. You did almost as much damage to Faye’s life as Roxx did to yours.

A text dinged at the top of the phone, but Bobbie thumbed it away without even looking at it.

“Miss Valentine.”

Crap, that’s right. I’m in Agee’s class.

“Not today, James.” Bobbie held up a hand and began walking out. “People are gonna think you have a crush on me or something the way you keep picking on me. You don’t wanna explain that to Celeste, do you?” Bobbie swished her way out of the room. Agee blustered a series of incoherent words as she left class.

***

Heather found Kim sitting at a bus stop, arms hugged around her knees. A look of concern crept across Heather’s visage. Kim shakily made it to the car and got in gingerly.

“What’s wrong?” Heather put a hand on Kim’s shoulder.

“Can we get to your house? I don’t wanna go home… I can’t see my mom like this.”

“Like what? You’re not high again, are you?”

“No.” Kim said. She could feel the heat coming from Heather. The whole process threatened to start again.

She smells so good. Kim thought, inhaling the pheromones that Heather was dumping. Hints of bacon and cinnamon. The traffic wasn’t bad, but sitting at a red light was non negotiable.

The yellow was plain on Heather’s face. Kim could pick up on her worry through all of her senses.

Kim leaned over and planted a kiss on Heather. The pressure relieved a little. She flung her arms around her, abandon casting out from her arms. A burst that relieved the tiniest amount of the squeezing. She knew they should stop, but couldn’t figure out why.

HONK HONK!!

The loud noise cut them apart sharply, allowing Heather to start moving again. Thoughts were a jumble as thoughts of what would happen at Heather’s started to fill her head.

***

Bobbie was noticing a double inverse logic occurring within her life. The more she was forced to be around people, the more alone she was. She remembered when she had first met Faye at the bakery. She was still trying to find out exactly who ‘Bobbie’ was.

The Winter Ball… Tim… hanging out with the band… Dammit. Is that who I really am? Another in a long list of reasons that proved she didn’t have the predisposition for any evilly aligned character class.

Bobbie just wasn’t sure of anything anymore. She remembered Robb, how becoming ‘Bobbie’ was so easy. Didn’t even fight a little. Stepped right into those heels, didn’t you? It was true. Hadn’t been three months before she was looking at Tim with different eyes. She smiled as she thought of Tim falling all over himself trying to talk to her. She thought with scorn about the things that Faye had done while they were out.

Oh, you just really wanted to see That Dawn of the Dead double feature.

Yeah, with him. Thoughts of being hand in buttery hand, close and cared for…

As the zombie horde crunched and slurped at the survivors’ internal organs.

And the sex? Well, she was gonna have to give Tim that one. Seems like Faye had pulled off the Bobbie act well enough. Must have just not cared about the missed references…

Yeah, she kept your life pretty much as you left it. And what did you do?

Bobbie sighed and continued walking. This just needed to end. She couldn’t imagine living this way anymore. She seemed unable to solve this labyrinth, and giving up seemed like the only reasonable move left.

And now Kim…

That was the final straw. There was no way that she could just let this one go. This aggression will not stand, man. All of Roxx’s well executed time bomb attacks shut one escape route after another until Faye’s body became her refuge.

Refuge, she snorted. Starting to feel like a prison.

She couldn’t hang out with anyone anymore. Bobbie was realizing that through a series of bad choices, she had slowly alienated everyone.

Just like Robb did.

It was odd, but she really did think of him as another person now. She couldn’t imagine him baking cupcakes, or doing much of anything. She saw that life as plainly as her new one…no, two.

Sitting on his bed, paperback of some adventure in his hand. Hours spent saving the universe from foes both technical and magical. Watching any of his countless DVDs.

He was so sad…I was, I was so sad.

Just like now.

She sighed and wished for a cigarette more than anything in the world.

***

Heather was laying next to Kim, sweaty. Kim was passed out, poor thing. She could have sworn that she heard dissonant low frequency harmonics. From someone who could hit and sustain an E below middle C, that deep, fuzzy sound was unmistakable.

See? This is what happens when you spend too many of your formative years next to an amp.

Looking at the small girl, she looked at the tattoo adorning her left side. Having that Reminder of Roxx was going to bother her. Matching tattoos? Really.

Come to think of it, didn’t Faye have a similar one? She laughed as she dismissed the notion of some strange sex cult operating in Delacroix. Holding Kim now, right here, was a singular moment in time. Everything she thought it would be, and more.

Things would be so different now, thoughts of her and Kim. The details would keep changing; they would be performing, or making clothes.

Or flipping burgers. The two stars staying close in their tight, binary orbit.

Heather heard Kim shift, the smaller girl’s hands sliding down her belly while she slept.

There’s that sound again. Heather slowly slid away, deciding to make an appointment to get her ears checked.

While in the shower, Heather heard something.

But, she’d be hard pressed to tell anyone what it was.

***

Sex dreams, the wrong type.

Kim was in a luxurious canopy bed in the middle of a field of black, red, and purple roses. Her partner was blurry, amorphous. Every sensation was an ocean of pleasure, so much to drink in…

And Kim was parched.

There was a penis…no, a vagina… no a breast…rock hard abs….slightly softer pecs.

Long, dark hair fell over a shoulder as she cried out. Suddenly she was ruffling shaggy hair that reminded her of Brandon’s, the hair disappeared all together. She raked her fingernails along the smooth scalp, only to have it become curly hair of a chestnut color…

Whatever was happening, Kim knew how to respond. She seemed privy to every desire, responding to each new contact appropriately. She managed to open her eyes for a second between ragged breaths.

She stood out, with a focus so sharp, that her reality was never in question. Her features sharp, the colors popped with extra contrast.

The Woman…

Lust…

She smiled, arms akimbo. Just watching. She seemed to be enjoying herself immensely.

It was at that moment the joy and pleasure of her surroundings lost all comfort.

She wanted to wake up, but couldn’t. Not so close to another orgasm. The pressure built, and built…

Kim woke up shaking. Finding her hands in the same place she always found them in now.

When Heather re-entered the room, Kim had gotten herself together again.

“What’s wrong, Kim?”

“Nothing.” Kim lied.

Lying again? Tsk Tsk. The sound of her own voice dripped sarcasm. Part of her wondered if it was her own subconscious…

Or was it Lust?

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XIX

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Not Work-Safe

Audience Rating:

Restricted Audience (r)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 65

Faye was home early from the bakery that night, with Bobbie and Nick nowhere to be found. She looked around at the empty place. The energy was so different now with all the tension between herself, Bobbie, and Nick.

She was cleaning up some dishes when Bobbie finally came in.

“Hey.” She said, sounding down. “I’m just gonna go to bed. Phone died.” There was a heavy sigh.

“Hmmm, goodnight.” Faye said, looking at Bobbie with a thinly veiled intensity.

Bobbie slowly walked down the hallway.

Faye stared after Bobbie. It’s getting worse. When’s this moment supposed to happen, Justice?

She continued cleaning for a few moments before deciding to turn in. Faye wanted to help Bobbie. Man, I’ve been in this body for too long.

And you’ve been enjoying it, haven’t you?

Shut up.

***

Sylvia had come to pick up Kim. When she emerged from the house, there was a huge surprise.

Kim was wearing a dress. And makeup, and Heather must have done her hair. She wanted to cry a little. Seeing her daughter dressed as a young lady for the first time did her heart good.

“Hi, mom.” Kim said, showing embarrassment on her face. “What’s wrong.”

Sylvia wiped away a single tear. “Nothing. You look beautiful.”

Kim blushed. “That’s what Heather said.”

“What’s going on with her?”

“She’s gay, mom.” Kim said.

“No.”

“Yeah.” Kim nodded. “I didn’t see it either. Turns out she’s been crushing on me for a while. Like since we met, she’s hidden it for a long time.”

Sylvia smiled. When Kim had first come out to her, she was convinced it was a phase. Now, two years later? She was convinced that it was not. Sylvia liked Heather.

“Well, I’m glad you two finally found each other.”

“Mom?”

“I just want you to be happy. If being with Heather is where you find it, then grab it and hold on.”

“Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. I learned that from your father.”

Kim was taken aback. Her mom never mentioned Jeff anymore.

As they pulled into the driveway of the Pointe home, Sylvia cut the engine.

“If you find someone to love that loves you, you hang on. No matter what, every time you get that feeling, grab on.”

“If,” Tears leaked a little more frequently. “You lose it, there’s no way to know if you’ll ever find it again.”

“I’m just happy to see you not with Roxx. Happy is good, healthy is more important.”

Kim smiled. “I love you, mom.”

Sylvia came in to hug. “I love you, too.”

***

Bobbie woke up quickly. Annoyed, she wrenched her hands from their nighttime home. She got her clothes together and turned her phone back on. The message from Kim was mostly unintelligible.

I’ll see her today.

She entered the living room to find Faye there, drinking coffee and doing her makeup.

“Morning, Bobbie.” Faye said, dragging an eye shadow brush across her left eye.

“Hey.” She said quietly, pouring coffee into a cup.

“You okay? You look like shit. Did you even sleep?”

Bobbie shrugged. “Maybe. I’m gonna walk to school today.”

“Huh?”

“Got a lot on my mind.”

Faye continued doing her makeup without showing concern. Don’t force it, Justice said you’ll know.

Bobbie quickly readied herself and left. Faye looked at the door after she left.

She just hoped that that moment would come soon.

***

Kim was sitting in her English Class. She could feel it starting again. Excusing herself, she got to the bathroom. She sat secreted in a stall as the waves of tingly pleasure overtook her.

Smack!

Click, click. Click, click.

She knew that sound. Roxx’s heels. Kim stood and opened the door.

To find Bobbie standing there, cigarette in her mouth. She was staring at the mirror, toying with her bangs. She lit the cigarette when she decided that there was nothing she could do.

“Bobbie?”

She turned around.

“Thought you were… We have to talk about Roxx.”

“I got your message.” Bobbie said, inhaling on the cylinder. “I couldn’t understand it, then my phone…”

“It’s Melanie.”

Bobbie’s skin became albinized.

“WHAT?”

Kim started to cry. “It was her all along. The drugs, the sex… everything. She has it out for you.”

“She told me. She became Roxx to get back at you. It was Lust.”

Suddenly everything made sense. The low voltage she had felt when they touched. The birthday card, Roberta? How did I not catch that?

Bobbie pressed her teeth together. There was sadness. None of this should have ever happened to Kim. And now that all three of them had been Marked, Bobbie was worried. She took a deep drag on the cigarette and offered it to Kim.

Kim accepted the smoke and tasted at it pensively.

“I wanted to be her friend when she was with you… Robb… you know what I mean.”

Bobbie turned to leave.

“Where are you going?”

“I need to have a talk with my ex girlfriend.”

“I’ll come…”

“No, you stay here at school. Mom doesn’t need to worry about you anymore…”

“I’ve got this.” Bobbie said. And, for the first time in days.

She believed what she was thinking.

***

Mary was so high.

She spent so much time hanging out with Roxx that anything else seemed an annoyance. She was just happy to have someone who wanted to have her around.

The loud knock on the door startled her.

She could hear the shower running, Roxx must be in there.

Mary stumbled her way to the door. Opening it, she saw Faye standing there. No smile, just a look of steely determination. Her eyes narrowed so far that it brought out the rest of her semi Asian features.

“Hi.” Mary giggled. “You’re cute.”

“Save it.” Bobbie put on her resting bitchface. “Where is she?”

“Roxx? Shower.” She pointed lazily.

Faye pushed her way in. “I’ll wait.”

“Wanna smoke a bowl?”

“No.” Faye said with finality.

Mary shrugged and made her preparations with the pipe and started breathing in the pungent smoke.

My god. Faye looked around. It’s almost exactly the same. How did I ever think that this was a good idea? There were some memories at the different places. The oven where she had burned a birthday cake so badly…

The couch they’d made love on countless times. The table where she had pierced his ear, then later did her makeup. That hole in the wall from when they tried to move the newer old couch in….

The reverie continued long enough for Faye to hear the water shut off.

Faye stood and stared down the hallway.

***

Roxx had wrung all the water out of her hair and had wrapped a towel around herself before exiting the bathroom. Entering the hall, she turned to see Faye. The girl rose and looked down the hallway, into forever. She grinned knowingly, reading the look on her face. The one that told her that the girl had finally put it all together.

For a moment, Bobbie saw the girl with the multicolored hair that had entranced Robb. But, she disappeared into the sharp curves and red hair that the world had come to know as Roxx.

“Melanie, you fucking bitch.” Faye started down the hallway. "Faye?" Roxx didn't falter, despite the burning resolve in her eyes. "If I'd known you wanted a threesome, I'd have run it by Mary." She, too started down the hallway. She scooped a cigarette and her zippo from the end table.

"Are you fucking kidding?" Bobbie hissed through clenched teeth.

"Well,” Roxx rolled her eyes up and to the left, as if picturing something. “I agree there's logistics to consider, I mean how are we all going to fit? How many times did we fall off the bed?" The cigarette bobbed up and down as she spoke.

"Save it." Bobbie sneered. "I know who you are. I know what you are."

Clink, clink, clink.

“Dammit.” Roxx said, shaking her Zippo by her ear. “Mary, honey?”

“Mmmm?” She coughed.

“Be a doll and get me some lighter fluid. Thought I’d make it until tomorrow, but...”

“Sure.” Mary grinned and walked a mostly straight line to the door. “Be right back.” She blew a kiss. Bobbie fought down an urge to gag. Once she was gone, Bobbie turned back to the redhead.

Clink. The wick caught fire, igniting her cigarette. “We can talk now.”

Bobbie watched her leave, when she turned back to Roxx… no, Melanie… A look of bemusement fall across her smoldering features. She shot Mel a disdainful look. "I knew you had no self respect when we were together...but this...this is a new low."

"Is that a fact?" Wisps of smoke rose between them, dancing among the dust motes.

"We did some horrible things. Things I regret, will regret forever. But that...that was nothing compared to this." Roxx remained calm, simply folding her arms beneath her breasts as she listened to Bobbie talk.

"Go on."

Bobbie moved closer to her, voice pained with emotion. "I died for you, don't you get that? I got shot trying to get money so we could score. My life, Robb’s life ended because of you!" The beginnings of tears glistened in her eyes. “I loved you, you were the only person who ever cared about me. At least I thought so. Now it just looks like you needed someone to be miserable with.”

Roxx's face dropped a little as Bobbie's words sank in. "So? Two Hail Marys?"

Bobbie pressed, steamrolling the quip. “You hurt Kim. Why? Just to get at me? All she ever wanted was to be your friend.

The rictus continued as the redhead interrupted. “Wasn’t I?”

Bobbie didn’t even pause to breathe. “My mom was right all along.” Bobbie shut her eyes tight and shook her head. "I was given an opportunity to turn things around.” Bobbie jabbed herself repeatedly in the chest with a thumb. “I took it, and ever since that day I've been helping people. I've been making people's lives better. But that's not enough for you is it?" Bobbie was standing in front of Roxx, daring her to react. "You just can't accept that I went and did something with my life while you just hid in the basement of the world, afraid of the light."

Roxx stubbed out the cigarette by way of response, and Bobbie took it as a sign that her words had struck a chord. She reared her shoulders back, holding her face inches from Roxx, summoning every bit of courage as she sought to deliver a message Roxx would not soon forget. "Don't you ever come near me, or my family again Mel. You get me? I've indulged this "gift" as much as you have, and if you cross me again, I swear by my little lace panties, I will end you." Roxx lowered her head completely, staring at the floor wordlessly. Bobbie took a step back, trembling slightly, but confident that her message had been received loud and clear.

Bobbie turned about, taking a deep breath to calm her nerves as she walked toward the door. She felt more accomplished than she had in a while. Roxx’s low , throaty laugh went unheard.

Coming here was risky, sure. But worth it just to get the message across to Ro…

Bobbie didn't get to finish that thought as a pair of hands with a steely grip threw her against the wall with a violent force so strong it knocked the wind out of her lungs and spun the world lazily sideways. Reeling, she tried to move but was devastated by a hand shooting out and wrapping around her throat, clenching so tightly she could barely choke down a mouthful of air. Roxx was holding her against the wall with a strength that seemed unreal for a girl her size. But all it took was one look in her eyes to see that the source of that power was a inferno of rage roaring to life inside of her. Those eyes showed no remorse. No compassion or regret. They betrayed nothing but contempt.

"That was a beautiful speech, Robb." Roxx said, deciding to drop all pretence of false personas. "But the truth is you're no threat to me. You're no threat to anyone anymore. Except maybe yourself." Bobbie could only struggle to breathe, fighting to try and remove Roxx's vice-like grip from her throat.

“Died for me?” She snorted, tossing her still wet locks. “Jesus much?”

"Do you want to know why I'm doing this to you?" Without waiting for an answer, she leant in, whispering into Bobbie's ear. "You're weak because you lack...hatred. That's why you can't protect anyone. Not even yourself..." She let go of Bobbie, who fell to the ground, coughing and cluttering as she fought to get her first breath of air in the last few minutes. Tears rolled down her cheeks as Roxx walked toward her bedroom, letting the towel drop to the floor. "You've always been weak, clinging to your beliefs and hopes for a better life." She looked Bobbie in the eyes, offering an expression of mock pity.

“Run away, Bobbie.” The way she said ‘Bobbie’ had a mocking tone. “Run until your throat is stripped bare and your lungs bleed. Mercy is for the weak.” She sucked hard at the filtered end of the cigarette as she relit it.

“And we do not train to be merciful here, remember?" Melanie said.

Bobbie got uneasily to her feet. She realized that Melanie… Roxx… whatever she was, she was right. She couldn’t help anyone anymore. She had failed to save Kim, Bobbie had seemingly dropped out of the world carrying an anvil.

“You should go. Don’t need you sucking all the fun out of everything.”

Dazed, Bobbie took one last look around and realized with finality that that really wasn’t who she was anymore.

She left and retreated into her mind on the walk home. School just seemed irrelevant. Everything did.

Roxx has been handing my ass to me since the beginning.

Now she’s handing me someone else’s ass.

FUCK!

***

Faye was passing through the gym, she needed to talk to Bella and let her know that the first sound check would be that night. She heard a thump from the bleachers. Looking over there was a glimpse of a tall, gawky Asian boy that Faye recognized as Rick Tan. His real name was Wu Fu, but a couple of years in American public schools put an end to that quickly.

There was another shape there. Stopping to look closer, she saw Kim. Making out with him like it was a hot, forbidden activity. Which it was, school conduct code prohibited such contact.

Didn’t Bobbie tell me she was gay?

It’s Lust, stupid.

Maybe she’s just experimenting?

Do you even know what you sound like?

Faye made a note to mention it to Bobbie and ambled off to see if her friend had any new uses for fuck to show her today.

***

Sylvia was ‘cleaning’ Kim’s room. At least that’s what she told herself. What she was really doing was looking for anything that could be considered paraphernalia. She was worried about Kim. The sounds coming from her room at night persisted. She would have chalked it up to hormones, but it was so frequent.

Sylvia eventually gave up. Nothing here. She wanted to believe that Kim was done with all that now. But previous experience with Robert had made her cautious.

Robert…

A thought struck her. Bobbie…

Sylvia pulled out her phone and selected Bobbie from her contacts.

The phone rang four times, then went to voicemail.

“Hi, Bobbie. It’s Sylvia. Uh… I was wondering if you could call me? Just want to make sure Kim is okay. Things have been, a little strange. I just want to make sure she’s alright.”

She looked at the Bettie Page poster that used to hang in Robert’s room.

Look, God. I don’t care if she’s gay. I just want her to be healthy and happy. Just let her be okay, please? I know we haven’t talked since Jeff died, but…

***

Faye was listening to Bella wax ecstatic about playing for people again.

“I fuckin’ miss playing. Really gonna fuckin’ miss my fuckin’ kit when I’m gone.”

Faye smiled, she liked Bella. She would miss her when this was over.

She would miss all of them. You could make friends with them, you know.

Faye did. But she knew they wouldn’t treat her the same way.

What must they think of me now that Bobbie’s been me?

Her phone vibrated in her pocket. Opening it, she saw the message from Sylvia.

The message played, her words combined with the event she had just seen. Something was wrong. You need to call Bobbie about this.

Bella continued talking about how much she’d fuckin’ miss fuckin’ Delacroix, while Faye let part of her mind wander. Whatever was going on with Kim, it portended bad things.

Lust, it portends Lust.

Dammit.

***

Kim had done it again… made out with a boy. Why had she done it? She wasn’t sure, but knew that it was a good idea at the time. The urges weren’t leaving her alone, if anything they only woke further. Running to the bathroom every couple of hours with her wallet in her mouth embarrassed her. She didn’t want to think about it.

Because in a weird way, it turned her on. Almost everything did, it was getting harder and harder to be careful. Like with Rick. Something about his smooth skin and bristly hair just called to her. She wanted to feel his warmth, live in his smell and taste.

Needed to.

Which begged the question of what would she should do about Brandon.

Or Heather…. She could not find out. Kim cared about Heather, a lot. If it wasn’t for her, she never would have been comfortable being who she was. A momentary smile allowed her to savor the irony, considering that she harbored the same secret. Given the recent radical change, Kim wondered if Heather had been living vicariously through her all this time. And what happened as soon as she had a chance?

She stuck me in a dress. That’s Heather.

Kim looked at the setlist that she had received earlier that day, the thought of playing music for people again was exciting…

Keep calm and rock on!

Unfortunately, Keeping calm was becoming the hardest thing in the world

Chapter 66

Why haven’t I done laundry yet? Bobbie looked at the piles that were separated in the manner a man would. This pile is dirty, that pile is funky…

And that pile… she stopped to sniff a random shirt.

“Okay to wear again.” She pulled the shirt on and slid the ponytail out of the back as she shrugged it on. School was becoming so tedious. At the end of the day, Bobbie just wanted an order of Fish and Chips with Tartar sauce, and some shitty horror film. Bobbie jumped as she felt the phone vibrate, she looked down at her phone. There were a couple messages waiting. What concerned her was one from Faye: “saw Kim making out with Rick Tan behind the bleachers. Mom is worried about her. CALL ME” Bobbie furrowed her brow. What had gotten into Kim lately? She’d really taken to being a Thrall much faster than Bobbie had…or at least it seemed that way. At the rate she was going, Kim’s behavior was going to outpace her own pretty quickly.

Well, Bobbie thought. At least I’m not the only one worried.

She sighed as she made the call.

“Yeah, you called?”

“It’s Kim. I just caught her…”

“I got the message.”

“I thought you said she was gay?”

“Yeah.”

“Then what’s going on?”

“I don’t know.”

“Could you talk to her?”

Bobbie was still feeling the negative effects of dealing with Roxx… Melanie.

“Yes.” Bobbie said, suddenly serious.

Just because she wasn’t able to protect Kim before…

Doesn’t mean I have to let this continue.

“I’ll call her now. And, Faye.”

“Hmmm?”

Bobbie’s voice wavered.

“I’ve got this.”

***

Kim was in the shower, which in retrospect was a mistake. She couldn’t keep her hands off of herself, all she could think of was that time she had heard Bobbie in the shower all those months ago.

By the time she had toweled off and dressed, it was nearly dinnertime. Entering the living room, Kim was surprised to see Faye.

No, Bobbie.

She had been talking to Sylvia, and doing some laughing.

“Kim,” Sylvia said, still smiling. “Faye’s here to see you.”

“Oh, hi…” Kim hesitated. “Faye.”

“Just wondered how you’re doing.”

Kim shrugged. “Breathing.”

Bobbie smiled.

“Mom, we’re gonna take off. I’ll be back.”

Sylvia looked at Kim cautiously.

“It’s okay, Mom. Faye’s a friend.”

“Alright, be back soon.”

“No probs, mom.”

***

Kim was lighting a cigarette as they walked. She drew deeply as if the nicotine was the antidote to the poison she just drank.

“Think I can get one of those?”

Kim smiled. “So, her body can handle it huh?”

Bobbie looked down. “Yeah.” She said quietly.

Bobbie accepted the cigarette and lit it. She puffed and inhaled.

“What’s going on, Kim? Faye told me you were making out with a boy?”

Kim’s face suddenly showed fear. “She saw that? Oh, god.”

“But…”

Kim held up a hand. “That’s just it. I don’t know. Yesterday it was Brandon, I could see these colors. I knew what they meant. Does that make sense to you?”

Bobbie nodded. “I see them, too.” The confession played some relief on Kim’s face.

“I just… needed to feel him. Does that make sense?”

It did. Bobbie had learned what the colors meant, mostly through trial and error.

Lots of error.

“It’s almost like I could see what he wanted.”

“This is scary, Bobbie.” Kim’s voice cracked. “I’ve been….. horny isn’t the right word. It just keeps happening. I don’t know what I’m gonna do.”

Bobbie dragged on the cigarette again. “Look, don’t do anything.”

“I don’t think She’ll let me do that.”

“Who?”

“Lust.”

Bobbie winced at the mention of the name.

“I can’t help it. If I don’t, then it just happens on its own.” She flung herself forward and embraced Bobbie.

Bobbie hugged back, she could both feel and hear Kim smelling her and absorbing her warmth.

“I’m scared, Bobbie. Like really scared. God, you smell so good.”Kim shook her head so hard, her neck popped. She jumped away like Bobbie was a hot stove.

I have to help her now. It’s my fault this all happened anyway. With all the simulations her mind could muster, Bobbie’s brain kept landing in the exact same place.

I need to see Melanie again. Her throat still a little sore from their last encounter

No more Mr. Nice Girl.

“Just try and keep it together. Go visit Heather or something.”

“I don’t think you can help me.” Kim admitted, stepping on her cigarette.

Bobbie inflated her chest and stated with mock arrogance.

“I can help anybody, and I won’t let this happen to you. I will fix this.”

“Somehow.”

Kim was near tears, from frustration and a million other things. “Bobbie?”

“I understand now, what happened with you. With Melanie.” She laughed through the beginnings of tears. “We both fell for the same girl.”

The crying started in earnest. ‘Choosing Melanie’ suddenly started playing in her head…

What’d that fucker do?
With his negligence?
Turned you into a victim
of your innocence

It was odd thinking about that song now. It seemed to take on new dimensions that she hadn’t noticed while writing it. I bet Heather noticed it.

And he’ll never know
‘Cause he don’t look back
He’ll never know…

Kim gasped. “Beth… her leg…” She put her forehead on her hand. “I feel so bad.”

“I’m so sorry, Bobbie. I fucked everyone’s life up a little, didn’t I?”

“We’re just happy that you’re getting better.”

“Am I?”Kim asked. Bobbie felt the heat from the burning tobacco on her fingers. She dropped the butt and ground it out with the Chuck Taylors she was wearing.

Bobbie didn’t have an answer.

***

Sylvia offered Bobbie dinner. Bobbie was thankful for it. It was nice to have dinner with her family again, even if she was only tangentially related. She offered to help with the dishes, Sylvia refused and thanked her for being concerned about Kim.

“Hey, we girls have to stick together.”

Sylvia laughed.

“I’ll see you later, Mo…Miss Pointe.”

Bobbie left and resigned herself to heading back into the lion’s den.

This time, I’ll have a chair and a whip.

Watch out, Melanie…

Fuckin’ Robb’s coming home.

Chapter 67

Tim and Beth were running around like headless chickens. There was so much work to do. Sound checks, making sure the inventory was up. Faye could see the bags under his eyes, he confessed that he hadn’t had much sleep.

“I’ll sleep on Saturday…after the bakery closes. This night has to be a success. I’m not too worried. We’ll be okay.”

Faye smiled. She had never seen dedication on this level. Nick’s defeat of Resident Evil with only a knife was the only thing that came close. Everything was coming together, Tim was worrying too much.

But that’s his thing. Faye smiled.

“So.” Tim started. “We have all the prep work done. Tomorrow is going to be hell, literally. All these ovens going?”

The thought of getting hot and sweaty with Tim was appealing to her. But, that would have to wait. As they finished for the night. Beth left with her dad, leaving Tim and Faye alone. He came up behind Faye and grabbed around her waist. Faye smiled as he kissed at her neck.

Tim and Faye looked out the window for a long time, enjoying each other’s warmth and silence.

She wondered how Bobbie was going to handle the Kim situation.

Hopefully better than everything else she’s done so far.

***

Bobbie was walking faster now, the determination making her bring her feet down harder. For the first time while walking like this, she had a destination in mind. Melanie may have won the battle.

But, I’m gonna win the war.

The apartments loomed closer. She laughed derisively. I guess you can’t go home again.

Bobbie looked up at the two story building. She imagined a movie poster of her staring at the structure, back to the camera. Yeah, the guy that turns into a teenaged baking genius that gets bodyswapped with sex demon in training. Sell that to Hollywood.

No Harry Gregson-Williams score. No John Williams symphony, nor Tangerine Dream’s heavily synthesized tones in the background. No sense of what was going to happen. But, one thing was certain.

She had had up to her left eyebrow with all of it. The sex, the drugs. Roxx, Melanie, and Kim. The bullshit. It just needed to end.

When she knocked on the door, she felt herself flush with adrenaline. Her legs became shaky.

Roxx opened the door. The surprise on her face was immediate. As she smiled and opened her mouth to speak.

That’s when Bobbie let her right fist fly. It was a fist of flesh, backed with the full faith and credit of Bobbie’s rage. It caught the redhead on her left cheekbone, making her cry out in surprise as she fell backwards. Bobbie screamed in anguish as she leapt forward, pinning the girl to the ground.

“I’ve fucking had it…” Bobbie readied to strike again.

Roxx cocked her head to the side, narrowly missing the second punch. She took the opportunity to knock Bobbie off while she was off balance. She got up and raised her fists. Bobbie got to her feet and did the same. There they stood, like two great samurai. They sensed each other’s energy, sizing each other up.

“You’re not mad at just me, are you?” Roxx smiled. “Punch all you want. Looks like everything you really wanna punch just can’t be punched.”

“Am I right?”

Bobbie lowered her fists slightly. Fuck, she needs to stop being right. “Come on Roxx, can’t you see we’re just hurting each other? All this fighting between us is meaningless.” Roxx’s eyes lit up, her resolve suddenly fuelled by a fire of raging indignation as she snarled at Bobbie. “Meaningless? What do you know about meaningless!?” Bobbie recoiled slightly, as if burnt by those flames.

“I just meant…”

“Watch your life crumble about you!”

“I did, remember?” Bobbie said, reminding Roxx that the girl before her that she once was her boyfriend.

Roxx’s mouth became a tight line. “Ever see the only man you ever loved disappear without a single fucking word?” She stepped forward, closing the gap. Roxx clenched her fist tightly, right in front of Bobbie’s face. “No? Then tell me, what could possibly hold more meaning than revenge?”

Bobbie saw what she had done in that moment.

While she had made her own life…

She had unmade Melanie’s. She thought about what was really happening when she was getting her ID from Frank. How she must have felt. When she was laughing with Bella, Heather and Amber, what was Melanie doing?

Or was she already Roxx?

Green fire burned at Bobbie as she continued.

"You don't know what I've been through. How I've suffered.” Her purple eyes became diamond hard, her fists dropped. “Imagine for a second that it was me. Then, you come out of the shower. Only to find me gone, disappeared. With all the money, just a big ‘Fuck you, Mel’.” Bobbie swore that her voice cracked ever so slightly, large chunks of permafrost separating under the immense weight of aeons of steady, unmoving existence. “You died for me?” She laughed condescendingly.

A flash of empathy. My god, she did love me. Confused way of showing it. What would Robb have done? Well, the webcam show would have been out. After everything that had happened between them. She felt that she had failed to save Melanie, both as Robb, and again as Bobbie.

There was Robb, feeling sorry for Melanie.

There was Bobbie, wanting to help her. Roxx saw the flash of compassion. It only made her smile even harder.

“From where I sit, you look miserable enough, Bobbie. Maybe watching you suffer like this is revenge enough. Scoring is so much easier now anyway.”

“Watching you squirm? Priceless.”

Bobbie screamed in confused frustration.

“Just go.” Roxx said, touching her slightly swollen cheek. It looked like this was as far as it would go

Bobbie looked at Roxx, she just saw the confused and scared girl that Melanie used to be. The fight left Bobbie all at once.

“I got what I wanted, I guess. There’s no reason to talk again.”

Bobbie agreed tacitly as she turned to leave.

“I did love you, Mel. I never meant for any of this to happen. I…”

“I’m sorry. I never meant for anything to happen to…” Melanie mocked. “Save it. Something did.” The exasperation was obvious in her voice.

“I don’t need this anymore. Go away.”

Bobbie turned and left silently. She could feel the tears starting. With all the help she had given people, those who had been closest to her seemed shielded from the assistance.

I hope something got through.

***

Faye was checking her bank account and paying bills. Well, that’s how it started. Logging into her bank account, her face went white. Somehow, there was over fifteen thousand dollars in her account. She spluttered coffee on the screen.

Where in the hell?

Bobbie. Those shoots. Faye had never made that much before. Her mind started filling with the things she needed to buy.

First thing’s first. Faye thought as she finished paying the cable, rent, and electricity.

Ice cream. Some Awww, Fudge sounded really good right now.

Continuing the check of her inbox yielded a message from Allegra. Faye’s face paled as the message was read. Allegra was very unhappy about her taking the magazine shoots. According to the message, she was no longer being represented by the agency.

Dammit, Bobbie.

***

Bobbie was walking home, lost in thought. This last encounter with Roxx was different. Especially now that he knew it was Melanie, her words echoed in Bobbie’s head. The only man I ever loved?

She did love me, she couldn’t express it very well, but still.

She thought about how Kim had suffered and was suffering.

And how it was all her fault.

Just like everything else.

While leaving Melanie was the right thing to do for herself, it only made her see that it was a horrible thing to do to the girl.

If I had only stayed…

Her phone vibrated. She looked at the number and answered the unfamiliar number.

“Hello?”

“Faye, baby. It’s Leonard. There’s another party on Tuesday, and some of the higher ups want to meet you. I’ll send a car for you. Say fourish?”

Oh, great. Another of those things. She distractedly wondered if she’d see Luka again.

“Sure, sounds great.” Bobbie said. She hoped that Leonard believed it.

Because she sure didn’t.

***

She waited in the space between the atoms. The molecules of interstellar hydrogen blew both past and through her. Living on the bare minimum of energy was irritating. None of her thralls had been performing up to standards.

Lust regretted not being able to finish Amy, and that trick that Faye pulled? It was unexpected to say the least.

Roxx, she had been performing better than all of the others. And now that Justice had dropped Bobbie in her lap…

A point of arousal flashed off to one side of her immense peripheral vision.

Kim…

***

Kim had fallen asleep early. She didn’t understand what was going on, she only hoped that Bobbie could help…

It was in the dream where things started to dim and decay.

Kim felt rather than saw the black ichor slithering over the sky, leaving the sun to burn in crimson ribbons.

Lust appeared before her, wearing a much more form fitting version of Kim’s outfit.

“Why are you doing this to me?” Kim cried, scared.

Not Kim smiled.

“To you? I’ve given you the ability to own whomever you want. They will fall at your feet. All you have to do is let go. Fighting just makes it stronger.”

“I don’t want this.”

Lust crossed over to Kim, she put an arm around her doppelganger.

“Really? Seems like you want this more than anything.”

“Look at Robb, look at what he became. Bobbie? He needed what Justice had to offer.” Lust looked to the darkened sky. “If only I could have got to him first…”

Kim looked at Lust. “And Melanie?”

“Melanie? Oh, right… her. She wanted to get back at him. Told you I like helping.”

“Then make it stop.” Kim hugged her arms around herself.

“Stop? Why? You’ll do fine. Just take what you want. No one will stop you.”

Kim suddenly felt calm, the waves of relaxation radiating out from where Lust touched her shoulder.

“All thralls are a little different.” Lust chuckled. “That body of Faye’s? She only gains weight in her curves…. And Roxx? You didn’t think that those drugs were naturally that strong, did you?”

Kim realized that she didn’t have a frame of reference. Roxx’s drugs were just drugs to her. Something to be taken or smoked, Roxx having something to do with its potency surprised Kim.

“You… well. I had to do something different. You’re going to make them better.”

“Who?”

“The other thralls, silly.”

“I know you’re a little scared. This is all new to you. Just trust me. Have I ever lied to you?”

Kim felt so good. Trust, sure. Trusting Lust seemed like the natural thing to do.

She hasn’t done me wrong yet.

“When you wake up, you’ll feel just fine.”

Kim looked within. She’s right you know? Maybe you should just enjoy it, resisting isn’t getting you anywhere.

She felt a new contentment as she rose through the levels of sleep.

***

The next day saw Bobbie wandering aimlessly at lunch. Tired of being by herself, she went to the one place she’d never really gone… except once.

Slacker’s Cove, to see Tim. She remembered his unkempt clothes and overgrown hair.

Bobbie thought back to Robb’s days at Delacroix. He was never cool enough to hang out down there. Even after getting together with Melanie, it just didn’t feel like a comfortable place.

There were looks, of course. The boys were all looking, with some of the girls smacking said boys for looking. She stopped and listened. There were so many conversations going on at once.

“No way, dude… Batman.”

“…fuckin’ failed that test.”

“Gonna have to talk to Kurt later.”

“…party tonight? I’m gonna get so wasted.”

Party? Bobbie heard, remembering how Faye had taken her to that party back before they swapped. She remembered that the music and general atmosphere had taken what was an incredibly shitty day into a decent one. She moved in the direction of the speaker.

“Did you say party?” Bobbie asked the boy, taking note of his Flogging Molly shirt.

“Um… yeah.” He stammered.

“Where?” Bobbie put on her best sweet smile.

“The Johnson place. Kathy’s birthday is today, so is her sister’s. The parents are gone, so big birthday bash.”

“Mmm. Sounds fun. Maybe I’ll see you there.” Bobbie’s voice was dripping seduction, She winked and kept walking.

Loud music and no stress sounded like a great evening to her.

***

Faye had gotten through the day and got to the bakery. Tim was right, it was way too hot in there. His green shirt was sticking to him, clinging in ways that would be impossible without the sweat. She propped open the door. “You’re gonna die of heatstroke in here.”

Tim smiled, his face shiny with perspiration. “Nah. Almost done. I’m gonna have to be back in here early.”

“I swear, you work too hard.”

“Yeah, well.” Tim shrugged. “You’re worth it.”

Faye blushed.

“I’ve got some stuff to do tonight. Gilda is offering to give us some coffee, I need to pick it up. And then…” He sighed. “Can’t wait for this to be over.”

Faye took in the sight of the bakery, and its smells. “I can help.”

Tim came to her and pressed his damp shirt against her as they hugged.

“It’s okay, Bobbie. I have to carry stuff on the Vespa. No room.” He pouted.

Faye mirrored the pout, causing them to both laugh.

They sat outside and shared a bottle of Coke while waiting for the symphony of dinging timers to start. His sweaty hand gripped hers.

Faye drank in the silence as easily as she sipped the dark, bubbly drink. Sitting here, with Tim…

She envied Bobbie, to have someone like Tim in your life was just…

Perfect.

When the dinging began, Tim was up and running first. Sounds like a Pink Floyd album in here. Getting all the trays out of all the ovens took a minute, but the work was simple. They almost made it look like a game of tag, or a messed up relay race. The baked goods were piled onto the tables and racks. After they were allowed to cool, plastic wrap was gingerly placed around each tray and put into the walk in.

“You should go to bed early tonight. Tomorrow’s gonna be a hell of a day.” Tim said, replacing the sentence’s period with a kiss.

Faye smiled. Whatever kind of day it was, she knew it would be better as long as Tim was there.

***

The loud music chased away Bobbie’s blues as she walked around. She looked down at the red Solo cup that held the mixture of juice and alcohol that she had been assured tasted like fruit punch.

It didn’t, well maybe if someone had mixed some NyQuil into it…

The music was pumping. Looking through the fist raising, jumping up and down crowd, she saw something.

Something that shouldn’t be there.

It was Kim.

Her top was so low cut that her cleavage seemed to point directly in front of her. There were boys and girls standing close to her. She had a smile so large, that it seemed like her head would split open. Her fist up in the air, pumping in time to the beat.

Confused, Bobbie moved closer. Dammit, the idea was to forget about all this. She sipped at the astringent beverage in the cup. The jumping stopped as the keyboard loops changed, and Bobbie lost sight of Kim. She studied the bottom of the cup. Refill, good god, refill.

When she got to the trash can that the ‘punch’ had been mixed in, she grabbed a ladle and started to fill the cup.

“Bro!” a voice boomed behind her.

“Kim? What are you doing here? What about…”

“Shhh. Don’t be a fuddy duddy.” Kim cautioned. “Jeez, did I really just say that? Hanging around Heather too long.” She laughed. “Mom thinks I’m asleep.”

“You snuck out?”

“Hey,” Kim began. “I had to. So much sexual energy here. Mmm. Don’t you feel it?”

She did, but she’d been trying to tune it out. Bobbie quirked an eyebrow and turned to Kim.

“You okay?” Kim’s voice had a different timbre now. The scared, confused girl she’d seen yesterday was gone. Replaced by…

Something else.

“Okay? Never been better. We had a little talk, and now I get it. It was so simple, don’t know why I didn’t get it before.”

Bobbie felt a sinking feeling of unnamable dread.

“We?”

“Yeah, Lust. Boy, did I read her wrong…”

Her stomach wrenched in half, Jack and Rose hanging on for dear life. Oh, no… Bobbie felt tears burn behind her eyes.

"Bobbie...why are you doing this to yourself?"

Bobbie wiped away the tears that were stinging her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Kim rolled her eyes lightly, finding the need to explain the blatantly obvious just a bit tedious.

"Why torture yourself? I'd have thought Roxx finally revealing the truth to you would have meant we could all be one happy family again. You get Melanie back, and everything goes back to… well, normal, I guess. But here you are, bawling your eyes out like a big girl, wondering why you can't have your old life back." Bobbie narrowed her eyes, looking at her sister with apprehension.

"How did you know all that?"

Kim's lips split into a beaming smile."Perks of the job. Every Thrall is a little different, right? You...well, at least your body has the most amazing reaction to junk food. Roxx can make even the most banal drugs trip like pure grade heroin. Me? I'm the new model. New and improved, fully loaded with everything from walnut neck to a mother of pearl inlay. Aren’t you enjoying this at least a little?”

“Robb would have.”

Bobbie bit back the sting of future tears. “I’m not Robb! I can't do this anymore, Kim. I...I've hurt too many people." Bobbie shook her head. "Can't you see what Lust has done to us?" Kim looked at Bobbie dubiously. "She's corrupted us! You, me...especially Roxx. We were good people before she fucked us up! " Bobbie choked back tears. "I never would have done anything like this...I've caused everyone so much pain because I was selfish." Kim stared at her sister, each moment before she spoke hanging in the air for what felt like an eternity.

"Do you honestly believe that?" Kim said sideways.

Bobbie scowled, defiance bubbling to the surface of her emotions. “You've only been a thrall for a little while. Give it a couple of weeks. It's like a cancer, corrupting every action that you take. Every thought that fills your pretty little head."

"That's where you're wrong." Kim’s mouth took on the same malevolent quality she had seen on Roxx’s face so many times.

Bobbie balked. "How the hell do you figure that?"

Kim smiled. "This gift, this power that we have. It's a tool. A means to an end. I mean, when someone gets shot, do you blame the gun, or the person who pulled the trigger?"

"that's not the sam…"

"It is the same." Kim cut her off smoothly. "Think about it: You and Roxx? You were not good people. You did drugs. You lied. You cheated. Hell, you died because you tried to rob a store just to get more drugs." Bobbie was speechless. "Someone like you needs Justice. You need the limitations she puts on your life. The constraints and borders that force you to become a better person. That's the truth. You can't handle the freedom to do anything else."

Bobbie opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. Kim was right, as much as she hated to admit it. She only stopped smoking and drinking because of what it did to her body. How long was it before you were doing it again? Hmmm?

Bobbie was taken aback by Kim's revelation. Was she a bad person? Was the only thing keeping her from sinking to darkness the stern hand of Justice's guidance? "No..." She muttered. "I refuse to believe that. It's not that simple."

Kim rolled her eyes dramatically. "You're hung up on the idea that this is some epic struggle between good and evil. That one must triumph in order for you to get any closure."

Bobbie's lip was trembling, finding herself on the verge of tears. How did Kim know all this about her? Had Lust been whispering in her ear, or was this one of those "quirks" she talked about in action?

"I just want things to go back to the way they were!" Bobbie clenched her hands at her sides, looking at her sister with a pained expression. "Nothing I do makes anything better now! All I do is fuck up people's lives, especially my own..." Bobbie felt tears roll down her cheeks, speaking her makeup. "...At least with Justice, I didn't have a choice but to help." Kim smiles softly, shaking her head.

"It doesn't have to be like that. You just made some mistakes. You let the power go to your head, like a newbie taking way too big a hit." Bobbie was so strung out, so exhausted, she would have believed anything at that point.

"No, you don't understand. I really tried...I really did!"

"Shhh..." Kim whispered soothingly. "I can help you. I promise. I know how to make all the pain go away. I know how to make all the problems disappear. We can be a family again. Isn't that what you want?" Bobbie nodded wordlessly, trying to control her choked sobs as Kim placed her hand to Bobbie's cheek, and she felt a warm, soft tingle spread out from her touch...

***

Bobbie’s smile would not go away. She looked at Kim’s face, both shared the same infectious grin as they bounced in time to the music. She couldn’t figure out what had vexed her so.

“Woooo!” Kim yelled, shimmying her body with her arms raised.

Bobbie was gyrating and moving when she saw a very familiar flat top haircut.

Tim?

Closer inspection proved that it wasn’t, this guy had glasses.

The music changed a few more times that night. Bobbie swore she had seen Tim a few times , each viewing rubbed off the giddy excited feeling that had started when Kim touched her cheek. She had seen Kim wander off with a random boy, only to see her emerge later with a random girl. Bobbie felt stirrings that she rebelled against. Every time she thought she saw Tim, the stirrings began anew, causing the cycle to repeat.

The giddy feeling was fading into slight drunkenness.

Morose feelings followed, Like a crash after a high. She mused.

As the party wound down, Kim had put in a beaming, smiling appearance to inform Bobbie that she’d be sneaking back into the house soon, and that she’d see Bobbie the next day.

Bobbie started to amble aimlessly, wanting to be alone with her thoughts. Kim on her mind, she wondered what had happened. She was so scared yesterday.

She knew it was Lust. Bobbie remembered her first meeting with Justice.

Nasty piece of work, indeed.

Bobbie’s sanity was being taken from her piece by piece, it was so frustrating to be unable to help people. Help people. Sure, going back would allow her that again, but what she wanted more than anything was to be in Tim’s arms again.

“Gorramit.” A voice called, followed by a slam.

Bobbie snapped her head up to the left. A hunched figure was slamming closed the hatch on…

…a Vespa.

Bobbie’s heart leapt. The dark, morose curtain fell. “Tim.” She cried, nearly tripping over her own feet.

He turned, surprised. Tim jumped to his feet.“Hi, Faye.” He looked down. “Don’t… don’t tell Bobbie I was here. Picked up some extra orders. Got a big night planned for her. Man, didn’t think Prom would be so expensive.”

Bobbie smiled wanly. She wanted to be his prom date.

More than anything; thoughts of being pressed against him while Alpahville sang about being Forever Young, standing out of the limo sunroof to see Orion in all its heavenly glory. Watching each other swing from such great heights.

Fuck it.

“So, what’s wrong?” Bobbie asked, pointing at the moped. “Voltage regulator again?” She said, remembering how it had rendered the bike.

Tim looked at her, puzzled. Then his expression changed. His mouth issued forth an explosion that was sure to register a seismic event. “Fuck, Faye. How many times do I have to tell you. Now you’re following me around? What the hell is it with you girls? Seriously. First Roxx is all up on my nuts, then you. Does Bobbie know you two are jealous? I swear you two are almost alike.”

“For the… ah, hell. I don’t know how many times. I love Bobbie. “ His voice got louder. “I don’t think anything can change that. She is an angel.” His colors shifted into a big ball of stress and lack of sleep.

He pointed a thumb at himself. “She’s my angel.”

Bobbie was stunned, she’d never heard him yell before. Anger looked strange on his face. To see him be so vociferous about his love for…

Me. Bobbie’s tears came closer to her eyes.

Her face crumpled into a sob. “It’s me, Tim.” Seeing the aggravated look on his face made Bobbie let the dam go. Scale sized gallons of tears rolled lazily down her face. “It’s Bobbie. I can’t take this anymore…” She flung herself to him. “I miss you.” She cried, fingers making purchase and wrinkling his shirt. Tim looked at Bobbie skeptically after they separated.

“’I’m sorry, Faye.” Tim surveyed the damage on her face. “Look, while it’s nice to have a girl throw herself at you. You can’t really expect me to believe that you’re my girlfriend? C’mon Faye…I know that you’ve been trying to steal me away, but this is laying it on a little thick.”

Bobbie rolled her eyes tediously. “Oh god, you’re really gonna make me do it, aren’t you?” She wiped tears away with a sarcastic chuckle.

“Make you do what?” Bobbie looked him straight in the eyes.

“Whenever this shit happens in a movie….”

“This isn’t a fucking movie, Faye. I almost lost her once.”

Bobbie continued, Tim unheard “What’s the first thing the hero does to test whether they’re lying or not?”

Tim slumped, realizing there would be no reasoning with her. Shrugged his shoulders. “Simple. Ask questions only Bobbie would know.” He sighed. Well, should be simple. Some cooking questions, some movie questions… There’s no way she can get that many right.

That’ll put an end to this.

“Bingo.” Bobbie smirked. “So let’s drop the foreplay and get on with it. Remember when the voltage regulator died? It was the same day that the pastry case got smashed.”

Tim raised an eyebrow. Even if Bobbie had told Faye, that level of detail was really good.

“Why is there a watermelon there?”

Bobbie sniffled. “They never say.”

“What’s in Egg Shen’s five demon bag?”

Bobbie wrinkled her nose, showing a tiny upturn to the corners of her mouth. “Six, trick questions won’t work.”

Tim smiled a little. “What kind of parsley did you use in the Christmas stuffing?”

Bobbie’s turn to smile. “None, cilantro.” Tim’s face softened imperceptibly.

Tim’s veritable onslaught of questions continued. He stood in silence, studying “Faye” quizzically. Sure she’s answered every one flawlessly. Even mentioning that she preferred slow zombies.

“Faye’s the one that likes the fast zombies. I’m a Romero girl.” She saw part of the solution click in Tim’s mind. He still wasn’t completely convinced it was Bobbie in there. It was just too much for a person to expect to handle at once. Tim shook his head.

“Look Faye, it was a hell of a pitch, and you had me going for a se…” Bobbie didn’t let him finish, instead she rushed in and planted her lips against his. But it wasn’t a kiss of passion or seduction, designed to tempt a man into bed like she had been used to so recently. It was one of longing and desperation, a need for her to be back in his arms once again, where she truly belonged.

Tim felt her tongue circle to the left, not the right like she had on their movie date. The familiarity of the kiss refocused his thoughts.

Finally Bobbie broke the kiss, the familiar taste of him still lingering on her lips as she looked up at him hopefully, praying to whatever deity that might listen that she’d somehow gotten through. Tim nodded slowly, pondering for a moment before reaching a conclusion.

“Oel ngati kameie.” Bobbie looked up into those brown eyes, the smile in her eyes mirroring his own.”

Tim broke into a wide grin. “I…I guess I see you, Bobbie. Which leaves the question of how? This isn’t like Freaky Friday… It’s that fucked up one with Judge Reinhold.”

Bobbie laughed. “Or Kirk Cameron.”

Tim laughed. “Oh, jeez. You have to be Bobbie. Only you could come up with a worse one. Well, I do need to get home. Huge day tomorrow. Oh, god. You don’t know. The Grand Opening is tomorrow.”

Bobbie had forgotten about it. Faye had been taking care of everything this last couple of weeks

“Walk with me?”

Bobbie smiled and jumped up and down. “YES!” All the feelings of dread and fear slipped away. When their hands touched, Bobbie felt electric. Like nothing happened.

“Ummm. I kinda need some help with these bags. Gilda gave us some coffee for tomorrow night.

The way he said us was like coming home. Us.

Leaving the Vespa shaped paperweight, they headed off into the night, sealed bags of Daily Grind’s special roast in one hand each. The last gasps of the waning light retreated to allow the night’s starry curtain to descend over Delacroix. He offered his hand, she took it so excitedly that he thought he’d have to learn to bake one handed.

Tim kept stealing glances at Bobbie. His colors were confused, red, pink, green, yellow, all in constant motion. He smiled, looking at Bobbie with a mixture of wonder and amazement as they began their slow descent down the hill toward town.

"Stop that." Bobbie blushed, looking away. "You keep giving me that look. What is it?"

"I just can't believe it's you in there."

Bobbie felt a smile curl her lips. "Took me a while to believe it, trust me."

"So are you going to tell me how it happened?"

Bobbie let out a dramatic moan. "Oh come on...can't we just enjoy the moment?"

"Are you kidding me?" Tim chuckled. "What would you do if the situation was reversed?"

"Does that mean I'd be you and you're the Asian sex-bomb? Pretty sure this situation is confusing enough, thanks."

Tim gave her a playful nudge. "You know what I mean.” His face drained of color. “Wait a minute. How long have you been…”

“Since a couple of days after the Roxx thing…”

His face turned whiter, his hand suddenly grew slack. “Oh shit. Then that means…”

“I know.” Bobbie said solemnly. “She told me.”

“I… I thought it was…” She could sense a multitude of clumsy apologies.

Bobbie shook her head. “I understand. How could you know?”

“I’m so sorry, Bobbie.” Flashes of Roxx invaded his thoughts

“Forget about it. We’ve all made mistakes. They’re not always completely our fault.”

The lights started coming on as the moon began its rise. The streetlights were first, followed by the first salvo of the interior lighting of individual domiciles. Tim’s hand felt so good in hers again. Just being there with him seemed to soothe her psyche.

“The grand opening? How’s that supposed to work?”

“I don’t know. If that’s Faye, girl can bake.”

“Don’t tell her I told you.”

“That’s gonna be awkward.”

“Look, Tim. I think she fell for you during this. No one ever treats her like that.” Bobbie smiled. “She’s spoiled now.”

And let you treat another girl like this? Bobbie’s…no, Faye’s words from their date echoed.

“Looks like you helped her.”

Tim smiled. “Hey, I learned from the best.”

They continued walking, Cheepskates loomed ahead of them.

“Wanna come in?” Tim said, dropping the sack of coffee.

“Angel.” That smile.

The webcam video no longer bothered her. Hell, she had done more and worse things since inheriting Faye’s Tits of Destruction. Tim entered the building and started flipping breakers.

Bobbie stood at the threshold and laughed. Sorry. “I just have this picture of you holding up a boombox and…”

“That was Faye, too, wasn’t it?”

“You’re kidding. You did that?”

Tim looked flock of sheepish. “I…Look, all my sweetness and romantic stuff I learned from watching movies. What else was I gonna do? I got drunk and…”

“Really? You went the full Dobler? You never go the full Dobler.” Tim gave a trepidatious look as he launched into the story of the meltdown with Faye. It got the treatment of an oral tradition, an epic tale of a spurned lover. Tragically separated by cruel fate. Shrinking away from his Sisyphean tasks. Telling her about his role in the deaths of his family members got a reaction of pity that he shrugged off.

“…and it was New Order, not Peter Gabriel. I mean it worked, she agreed to a date, and…”

“I heard about that. I was up in the mountains.” Bobbie interrupted. “You really got to her.

He pointed at her for a second. “Photo shoot right? You’re a model…er…Faye…”

“Yes. I did a snowboard ad, then…” She trailed off.

“One thing led to another and next thing I know I’m in a corset, then I’m naked covered in books.”

“Hot.” Tim put on a stoner accent, the unspoken dude heard as clearly as though he had spoken it.

Bobbie laughed.

“Hey, you read The Man Who Never Missed. Do you have any idea what finding out that you know that book did to me? Reading is sexy.” He smiled. “Just like you.”

“And the baking? And, well… everything. Bobbie, the last couple of weeks have been really crazy… and…”

She cut him off. “You slept with someone, I slept with someone.” He opened his mouth.

“Rach, had to… God it sounds crazy.”

Tim got quiet. “Rach? What was that like?”

“Shut up.” Bobbie grabbed a hand and spun herself into a minor variation of her favorite cuddle position, her back to him. She breathed it in, drank it in. That feeling of being guarded. Closing her eyes, she felt his arms tighten around her.

Faye’s body, my body. Home is here, Mr. Burton.

Tearing up for a completely different reason was cathartic. The breath on her ear wasn’t nearly as strong. But, close enough.

“I guess those movies had to get it from somewhere. Steve Martin isn’t in there with you, is he?”

The casual movie reference only made her smile further.

“As long as you come back to me, it just doesn’t matter.”

Letting the honesty continue. “I ummm… kinda did a shoot for Playboy, too.”

Tim’s arms slackened a little. “P…playboy?”

She turned to face him, then stretched open her top and looked into it.

“Wanna see what July looks like?” Bobbie teased.

Tim guffawed. “I can imagine the interview… Measurements: Unearthly. Turn ons, helping people, being amazing."

"Will you stop it?" Bobbie said, her blush starting to look like a light sunburn.

"What? You are the best thing to ever happen to a guy like me. I'm just sorry I didn't realize earlier."

"That makes two of us." Bobbie said softly, looking at Tim with silent adoration. “But how could you?”

Tim smiled; flush with confidence as he delved into a mock interview. "So, Miss Valentine-Sharpe...what would you say is your best feature?" He used his thumb as a microphone.

Without hesitation Bobbie flashed an impish smile. "My breasts."

Tim couldn't help but lower his eyes down to Bobbie's chest as she mentioned that. He'd been avoiding doing it the whole evening out of respect, but now that she'd opened the door, he couldn't help but stare at the enormous, pert and shapely orbs that alluringly swelled out from her chest. They were far too large for her tiny frame, but like Jessica Rabbit, seemed to look perfect all the same.

He blinked a few times, feeling that same flush of confidence drain away as the momentum clearly shifted in Bobbie's favor. She trailed her hands up her hips slowly, over her abdomen before finally coming to rest on her breasts, squeezing them together to emphasize their size.

"Ohh...yeah, it's kinda part of being Faye.” Bobbie wobbled the top half of her body, her breasts oscillating oppositely. “Her whole body seems made for pleasure...and for teasing that same pleasure out of others."

Tim's jaw now hung completely agape at the sight on display before him. "Are you serious...?"

"Mhmm..."Bobbie nodded. "I couldn’t make this shit up if I tried."

"And you like that...?"

“Hmmm?” Bobbie said dreamily, thinking about the things she could do to him.

"Being in that body..." He chuckled nervously. "I mean no offense, but it's kinda different from how I'm used to seeing you."

"Oh, right!" She blushed. "It's amazing...and terrifying all at the same time. Like being on a rollercoaster I can't get off." It took some getting used to, believe me." Bobbie purred, watching how Tim grew ever more mesmerized with each passing second. "But I have to admit, I'm kinda proud of my girls now; and they feel amazing to touch..." She arched her back towards him.

And just back like in the graveyard, Tim had to be encouraged to grab and squeeze.

The feeling of being fondled and caressed was familiar. But it took on another dimension; a dimension of fullness, one that had been heretofore unexplored.

Only because she had never explored it with Tim.

He stooped to kiss her. With his eyes closed, he felt her bend quickly from side to side. Bobbie abruptly broke the kiss.

“What?” Tim said.

Bobbie smiled, pulling her top over head. “Making up for lost time. Faye got to see under the hood.”

“It’s my turn.” The kissing became frenzied, hands probed and explored, Bobbie allowing herself to run a hand under his shirt, feeling the tight musculature underneath.

“Mmm… wait. Let’s go upstairs. I’m sure my mom’s asleep. With a hand trailing behind him, Tim led Bobbie up the stairwell. He was right. Myka had indeed gone to bed, leaving the apartment’s living room dark and quiet. Stealing away into his room, Bobbie had wrapped herself around Tim. It was awkward being this much shorter with him, but he bent down to accept her kisses with an almost practiced motion.

The kissing and petting grew heavier, past the intensity shown down in the bakery. Tim responding unlike he had during her other attempts. It really is me.

He loves me. For the first time since they had switched, Bobbie understood Justice’s reasoning.

Being free from Justice only made her realize the truth.

Bobbie was never jealous of Faye's freedom as a Thrall.

She was afraid to give herself completely to Tim. It seemed ridiculous now, but looking back on those first few months as Bobbie, everything he had done for her.

That fear, the fear to commit to that relationship fully was now gone. Standing across the bar, she saw that earlier version of herself hoisting a drink. She knew what she needed to do.

“I love you, Tim.” It was such a relief to say it, as if she’d known all along.

Tim’s heart leapt, just like it had at the graveyard. Only more so, having his true love back in his arms did him just as much good as it did her.

The blur of hands and lips continued as Bobbie goaded Tim into manic, frenzied lovemaking.

It wasn’t as romantic or slow tempo like the party had been. That had all been thrown out the window. It didn’t matter what was happening.

As long as Bobbie was there.

He held her, his warmth radiating into her. He began to sing softly. Bobbie was taken aback, she had never heard that before. His voice was clear and smooth.

If you had not have fallen
I would not have found you
Angel flying too close to the ground.

Bobbie turned her head to look at him, surprised.

“I used to smoke pot, Bobbie. Of course I know a Willie Nelson song.” He smiled as he hugged her closer. She fell asleep next to him, feeling his breath tickle the back of her neck. Her hands holding his arms close, not allowing him to let her go.

Ever.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XX

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

TG Themes:

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 68

“Roxx? What do you wanna do when you grow up?” Mary asked thickly. “Y’know, when school’s over?”

“Eh?” Roxx asked Mary, suddenly irritated by that question. Robb had asked her that once. More than once in fact. What bothered her was that she never seemed to have an answer. He was always going on and on about having a better life. Paying rent and bills were no fun. To the then Melanie, and now The One Who Is Roxx that the simplest, easiest way to accomplish that was always the best.

But now here it was again, rearing its ugly head like the beautiful swan amidst the ducklings.

“I mean. I always thought that being an architect would be cool. Paid to draw all day, figure things out. Secretary to bring you your lunch. I dunno.” She giggled. “Seems silly, but I’m not as beautiful as you are.”

Roxx smiled. What would she do? Now that Bobbie was in the same boat, she had achieved her original intent. She looked at Mary, reflected on Kim.

The one other girl that now shared their fate. Mary was another picture of innocence. Sure, she had to cast a wide net to get what she wanted.

But what to do with the beautiful dolphins caught among the tuna?

If Wile E. Coyote ever caught that fucking roadrunner, what would he do?

Roxx started to think about it. She was going to have to do something. Drugs and sexual favors could get you a lot for today.

But not much for tomorrow. Which didn’t used to be a problem, but…

She looked at Mary. What kind of life could I reasonably expect now? Roxx thought. She did what she had set out to do. Lust had nothing more to offer her. It should have been more satisfying than a refreshing drink from an ancient mountain spring.

But it had all the zest and joy of flat soda.

Roxx didn’t feel bad, they all had it coming. But, now she had to take care of herself. She remembered how hard that had been before Robb. She started to think about ways to keep herself alive. She was starting to run low on markers and favors. She’d need to find a new pool of resources to exploit.

What do you wanna be when you grow up?

Roxx didn’t know. She now realized that Melanie hadn’t either.

***

Bobbie had scrawled a quick note for Tim, she got dressed and out of there before she would have to explain to anyone why ‘Faye Valentine’ was sneaking out of Bobbie Sharpe’s boyfriend’s bedroom at four o’clock in the morning.

It was a longish walk back to the house. She wished she could help Tim with the Grand Opening, they needed to maintain that illusion just a little bit longer.

Bobbie felt good, uplifted for the first time in days. Looking at the past couple of weeks, she had gone from kicked while down to raging bitch. She had ruined so many lives. But, none of that mattered now. Not as long as Tim was there to catch her. Going home took less time than she thought it should. She unlocked the doorway and ninjaed in the night towards the bedroom. Being especially careful that Faye didn’t hear her.

***

It was early when Tim’s alarm went off, the horrible music from the non English station forced him to get up and cross the room to turn off the offending alarm. When he realized that Bobbie wasn’t there anymore, he deflated slightly. The note folded on the bed next to him sat there. He snatched it up.

Tim,

I snuck out because I want today to go smoothly. Don’t let Faye know that you know. Today’s too important to you, Beth, and the Bakery. I couldn’t stand it if I screwed that up too. I’ll be there tonight.

Didn’t think I would miss this, did you?

Love,

Bobbie

He smiled and got up and moving. Thoughts of a bagel sandwich flitted through his hungry brain, and thought about how important showering would be first. He entered the kitchen and spooned some of Gilda’s coffee that he had set aside for ‘testing purposes’ into the coffee filter and started the machine before going to perform the hygienic duty that would begin his day in earnest.

***

Bella and Amber were at Heather’s early, along with Kim. Faye had agreed to meet them all there in the morning. She knew that this was going to be one of those days. A day where breathing would me something no one had time for.

Beth got out of the car and waved goodbye to her dad. She was excited about how today would go. There were so many things to do, her energy was boundless as she thought about all those people who would be at the bakery tonight.

She just couldn’t wait.

***

Faye got to the bakery early. There were cupcakes to frost, loaves of banana bread to bake, and who knew all what else. They had worked so hard on everything, there was no way tonight wouldn’t be a success. She entered the bakery to see the friends she had come to know over the last couple weeks. Faye smiled. Tim smiled back and directed her to start frosting while he started counting tables and inventory.

***

Bobbie woke up late. So late, in fact, that it was lunchtime for Delacroix High.

Shit.

But even that bad news couldn’t bring her down. She’d gotten to be with Tim again. Just like Mickey and Mallory. She was aware of a mild pain in her cheeks, she knew it was from smiling. Those muscles hadn’t gotten too much of a workout lately. It’s just nice to smile again, smile because I want to.

Bobbie couldn’t shake the thought of being held by Tim. She was lost in the reverie for so long that the full pot of coffee she had brewed finished while she was standing there. He loves me and I love him. Bobbie thought. Robb had been right, back when she buried him in the dream. Giving up what little of him that had been left had put Bobbie on the road to being happy.

Bobbie sipped at her coffee and thought about what she would wear that night. Really should have done laundry.

She saw the box that Heather had dropped off. If I know Heather…

Bobbie allowed herself to be dazzled by an armada of green sequins as she opened the box.

It was a dress. Oh, Heather. It’s beautiful.

At the box’s bottom were some elbow length gloves in a shimmery gold. She knew that they were meant to compliment the dress. Damn, Heather. The time she spent on getting ready this afternoon was about to dwarf her preparations for the Winter Ball. Getting the dress on was simple, zipping it up, no so much. You could always tell a Heather Sweet original by not being able to reach the zipper, Bobbie mused.

The next few hours saw Bobbie going through the most elaborate costuming she had ever put herself through. She hoped that Tim would appreciate it.

No, she knew he would.

***

Roxx was out walking. It was something Robb had done when he needed to think. She had never tried it, and figured that once wouldn’t hurt. The revenge she wanted wasn’t as sweet as it should have been… Diet revenge? Even successfully ‘recruiting’ Kim did nothing for her. She could keep dealing, there was a product that sold itself.

Oh, God. This is it, isn’t it? That moment that you grow up? What the fuck did I do? Roxx stopped on the street. She looked around, saw some random people and thought about what they did. What is it that people do? She couldn’t just go on getting new thralls for Lust forever.

As she continued walking, the quickly eclipsing sun went unnoticed. She didn’t notice the stench in the air, nor the cracks appearing in the concrete. It wasn’t until she almost ran into…

Bobbie… No, Faye.

“You’re doing so well. Why the long face, Seabiscuit?” Lust said from behind white hair and black eyes. Roxx looked up, ready to attack. One look into those eyes allowed her to ascertain the speaker’s identity.

She stopped. Lust.

“I did it. I got them all.” Roxx said, dazed.

Lust smiled. “You did. Now you can really go to work. You’ve had enough time.”

Roxx looked puzzled. Lust fell into position next to her, they made a right turn.

“What? Didn’t think you were just gonna run off did you? Now that the Advocate is out of the way, I’m looking forward to getting lots of energy from you.” Roxx knew how this worked, but she thought it would be over by now. She got Bobbie, with Kim as a bonus. Surely they would be enough. As if reading her mind, Lust bore down on her with those terrible eyes. “It’s never enough. Surely you of all people would understand that.” They made another turn.

Roxx looked at her with an expression that crinkled the corners of her eyes.

“Your job is to feed me.” Her grin turned more terrible than her eyes. They turned again, this time to the right.

“And I’m always hungry.” The eyes and smile softened with frightening speed. Lust patted Roxx on the head.

She took on a Shakespearian air, “My gift is to cause passions to bloom. I need that passion, go and find it.” The eyes became hard again. “You got what you wanted, now is my turn. The Gift is meant to be shared with others.”

“But mostly with me. Awww, buyer’s remorse? Don’t worry, with me the party never ends. But, have trust in this… You don’t want to be on my bad side. I don’t like party poopers too much. Kudos on Bobbie, by the way. Advocates are rare catches, nice trap. Pity they don’t come around so often anymore.”

“Well? Feed me, Seymour.” Lust said chillingly, with promises and overtones that she would do indeed what she was told. The doppelganger of Bobbie stepped back and faded into nothingness. The sun slowly returned and the cracks in the concrete retreated to their invisible origins. The movie reference ground it in, she could never get rid of Robb completely.

The sun was starting its long descent behind the horizon, the clouds giving birth to dazzling prisms and defractions, all of which were lost on Roxx was as she continued to wander. The loud music sang its presence at her, rather than to her. Roxx had been walking without paying attention to where she was going. The encounter had left her uneasy, wondering for the first time exactly what it was she had gotten herself into. She looked up at the glow that had not yet become glaring in the last gasps of the evening’s dying light. Familiarity enveloped her as she crossed through a part of Delacroix she’d been to many times before. Usually to feed a vice different from the one she was now confronted with.

Vesuvius.

The local ‘Gentlemen’s Club’ promised a veritable rainbow of delights of the flesh, each one that could be legally displayed screaming in garish neon. Robb would have said that one would never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.

Many had owned the club over the years. Ownership usually changed hands when the current owner died or needed legal fees. Some Russians owned it now, which explained the dance music that sounded distinctly Euro. She’d known about the club forever. Robb once joked that she could have danced there. While it was sweet of him to say, she had never believed it.

Although I was Melanie then… Now I’m Roxx. Maybe Lust was right…

This could work.

At least it’s something.

Roxx straightened her face and sauntered in. They wouldn’t say no to her. She knew they wouldn’t

Nobody else had.

***

Beth was wrapping loaves of banana bread in pastel colored plastic wraps, while Faye was already working on the muffins. The cake slices sat prettily in their clear clamshell cases, while the walk in sat stacked with enough treats to induce diabetes on a small army.

“So, Bobbie.” Beth began. “I managed to get the little people figured out. I think I’m gonna get them done ahead of schedule.”

Faye smiled. She’s such a trooper. With the other girls checking sound equipment and assembling the stage, the Cheepskates crew had their work cut out for them. Tim was outside assembling the tables and fixtures that would showcase their wares. It was gonna be awesome. Faye beamed with pride. She had done all this, all the work, the planning.

Faye couldn’t remember a project this elaborate that came together so well. It usually evaporated into a million dark pieces before it was able to sustain itself. But here she was, helping to run a successful business was very rewarding and fulfilling. So different from the world of leers and pervs that constituted those that surrounded her modeling career.

***

Kim was plucking at the bass, trying really hard to not be distracted. She was getting to play in front of people again. That was the most important thing. She focused harder as sitting became uncomfortable. She had to get up, it started with pacing while playing. Moving up to the occasional kneel and the leg splitting jump. Kim’s focus on the fretboard became even more intense. Convinced that Kim, the bass guitar was tuned, she stopped to see the others standing around her, jaws agape.

“What the fuck was that, Fuckin’ Flea and shit. When did you start being all fuckin’ animated?” Amber said.

Bella looked at Amber with incredulity.

“Hey, you’re not the only one that can cuss.” Amber said.

Heather laughed hard. “The look…” She pointed at Bella. “that was beautiful.”

“Kim.” Heather continued. “You sure you’re up to this? I’ve got the keytar.”

“Look, there is no way I’m letting you guys play half that setlist without me.” She pushed down in a hard strum that hit all the strings.

“Ready to rock. Everybody’s mics work?”

“Fuck!” Bella.

“WAR!” Kim.

“Laaaaa.” Heather.

“Check check.” Amber.

“Okay. Looks like it.” Heather had everything set up, and it looked like some of the early birds were already here, hoping for a wormlike pastry.

Heather looked at the other girls. Kim, who captured her heart a long time ago. Bella, the potty mouthed percussionist with the hidden intellect, and Amber, the hopeless romantic.

She knew that this was one of those times she would remember with great fondness later.

“C’mon. Let’s give ‘em a show. Grrl Army… DEPLOY!”

***

Tim had the microphone in his hand and looked out at the crowd that had gathered.

“Wow. Thank you, Delacroix!” He raised his hands, a cheer went up.

“I’m Tim Flaherty, as some of you already know. I run this little shop here called Cheepskates.”

Another cheer went up.

“This is our grand opening. We’ve been here for a bit, but thought you deserved to see us a little bit differently. We’ve got great music, great coffee thanks to Gilda over at Daily Grind; Thanks Gilda.” Tim pointed out to the crowd’s general area. “Samples, plenty to sell. Fans of the banana bread? Get it tonight, I think we used all the bananas. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook and Instagram, and without further ado…Grrl Army!”

The girls took the stage. Heather in her tight black pants with the familiar crimson lace, Her hair sprayed up to give a Mohawk like effect, the black lines that radiated out from her eyes giving her a look that screamed glam.

“Hello, Delacroix!” Heather yelled into the mic. “I see we have some families out there tonight. Lemme hear just the kids.”

A few dozen children yelled as loudly as they could. Heather smiled at them. “Come on down front, bring your people.”

The children with some adults clutched in their tiny hands slalomed their way through the mass of people.

“Got a song for you guys first. I need your help with it, can you help me?”

The kids cheered again, louder now due to their proximity.

Kim started with the deep baseline, and Amber gingerly plucked the strings of her guitar.

To Bombay a travelling circus came,
they brought an intelligent elephant and Nellie was her name.
One dark night she slipped her iron chain
And off she ran to Hindustan
And was never seen again .

“Sing with me now, kids. Oooooooooooooooooooooooooo.”

The children obliged for what seemed a very long time, then Amber’s guitar crashed, Bella’s drums thundered, Kim’s bass hummed.

And Heather, performing for the first time in an outfit that allowed for more athletic expression smiled the smile of a maniac as she jumped with a twist, landing in a crouch at the edge of the medium sized stage near the conglomeration of children.

Nellie the elephant pack her trunk and said goodbye to the circus
Off she went with a trumpety trump trump trump trump
Now Nellie the elephant packed her trunk and trundled off to the jungle
Off she went with a trumpety trump trump trump trump

The little ones laughed and jumped while Heather sang into the microphone, enjoying the moment, that incredible high that performing for others gives. Never before had she felt it as acutely as she did now. Seeing the children enjoy the story of Nellie the Elephant.

While trumping around the stage, she looked at the other girls in turn, freezing that second in her memory forever. The joy on their faces, the music uniting them all in a place of absolute zen…

***

Beth looked at Bobbie. “Look at her, they love her.” She was handing out slices and loaves of bread and looking for the caramel apple muffins.

“Hmmm?” Faye said, counting change back.

“The kids, look.” Beth pointed with her chin. “Jumping and laughing. I didn’t even know they knew kids songs.”

Faye laughed. “Me neither.”

“I think we need to eighty six the carmapples.”

“Already?” Faye said shocked. “Okay, I’ll tell Tim. I need some change anyway.”

Faye turned to the next customer. “Be right back. Beth, can you help these people?” Faye ducked into the building with a fistful of twenties.

“Hey.”

“Hmmm?” Tim said, obviously a million parsecs away. “Oh, hey.”

Faye fell on Tim, arms above his shoulders.

“This is going great. “ She bent in to kiss him. “Out of the Carmapples.”

He accepted, but neither his heart or his tongue was into it.

Poor guy; all this stress, gonna have to help him relax again. She absently thought that the beach might be the answer.

She got the change from the drawer while Tim returned to his spot on the stool. The cupcakes would have to go out soon. Two more songs.

Kissing ‘Bobbie’ was almost marinated with guilt, now that he knew the truth. Don’t tell her, I must be stupid.

Yeah, stupid in love. A surprisingly similar voice to his ten year old self.

“Yeah.” He said looking at the blond girl outside laughing with Beth. The girl that wasn’t Bobbie.

“Stupid is right.”

***

Beth was enjoying herself, everyone was so excited. The inventory was disappearing at a staggering rate. She’d already had to refill the air pots full of Gilda’s coffee twice. She looked out at the smiles of the children and the adults listening to the band. She thought of how many things had changed since school had started. She turned to look at Bobbie, smiling. You helped me find my place. Beth was so happy that Bobbie was her friend. So many good things had happened, it was like life had given her all the bad things up front.

But now, thanks to her… friends, I have good friends. Beth was just about as happy as she could be.

“Thanks, come back and see us again.”

“Oh, I will. I didn’t believe that the banana bread was that good.”

“Next customer here, please.” Beth raised her hand to wave them over.

***

The band had played a spirited cover of John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt before launching into the Scooby Doo theme. Heather looked at the little ones at the front of the stage. They were all having such fun, dancing and jumping.

When Scooby ended, Heather looked at the crowd with sweat stinging her eyes.

“Well, alright. Looks like some people had fun so far. We’re gonna take a little break while the cupcakes come out.” Heather came closer to the edge of the stage. Putting out her hand, she spoke into the microphone one more time.

“Since you kids were so great, can I get a high five on the way out?” Each one of the children slapped at her hand. It filled Heather with happiness, all those happy children. She heard them trailing away. No words came through, save for the occasional ‘trump trump trump’.

***

Tim was moving like a cyclone as he set up the displays for the cupcakes. He only had ten minutes. The setup wasn’t complicated, and he was able to work fast. Casting a glance around, he looked for Bobbie. His heart sank when he didn’t find her. He looked back at the blond girl controlling her body.

The ‘Bobbie’ that he’d been with these last couple of weeks was almost indistinguishable from the Bobbie he knew. Some things made sense now, the driving, the dubstep, the slightly off movie references. Explains the Ishtar, he thought.

Beth hadn’t noticed, not one bit. Just two friends talking.

Finishing up the displays, Tim silently hoped that ‘Faye’ would be there soon.

***

Bobbie was on her way to the bakery. The green dress clung tightly to her body, the gloves hugging her forearms. She could hear the band playing. She must have been only a couple of blocks away. She couldn’t wait to see Tim.

And Kim. What has gotten into her? She’s taking this thrall thing a little too seriously. Given the experiences Bobbie had gained while gallivanting around. The worry and excitement mixed with the slight chill she felt on her legs where the dress’s thigh high slit opened her lower half to the elements.

***

Kim’s feet hadn’t touched the ground in something like five minutes. She was ‘in the groove’ so to speak, her playing driving the band with Bella’s percussion punctuating every heartbeat

“Okay, looks like we’re all adults here?” Heather said, the crowd cheering.

“Hey hey hey.” Kim said, causing Heather to turn.

“We may all be adults here, but what about the ones who refuse to grow up.” Kim plucked at the bass.

Heather smiled and looked at the band. “Well, you heard her.”

Bella’s drums started keeping rhythm as Amber sent a chord through the speakers. A small salvo of cheers and recognition was issued forth.

Heather’s voice deepened some as she grabbed the mic stand and looked down into it.

When I'm lyin' in my bed at nighnt
I don't wanna grow up
Nothing ever seems to turn out right
I don't wanna grow up…

Some of the crowd started singing along, their teenaged sons and daughter staring slack jawed at them, trying for just a second to imagine what they were like at their ages. Kim could feel their energy radiating from them as surely as a freshly detonated nuclear bomb. The kaleidoscope of colors coming from them seemed to feed her. Kim started moving around the stage like someone possessed, giving the crowd some enthusiasm back. Her playing was precise and focused with a newfound sense of rhythm.

Kim imagined what an antenna must feel like, receiving invisible and ethereal signals. She looked at Amber, who looked happier than she’d looked in a while. She felt a stab of hurt, knowing that she had taken the music from them.

Never again.

Bella’s on point tonight, too. She smiled, feeling the accomplishment of hitting the E string in such rapid succession after the G. To her ear it sounded almost like a single note, her busy mind unconsciously keeping the creeping craving at bay. Heather looked at her for a second, hearing the sudden uptick in tempo. Their eyes held a nanoconversation.

You okay, girl?

Never better. It was Kim; hanging in the void, cleaved and separate from the rest of the world.

She realized how much she, too, had missed the music and the camaraderie she had always felt being part of the Army. It really doesn’t get much better than this, does it?

Heather smiled at her in a way that Kim knew that it was for her alone.

The night was hers.

She owned it.

A breeze moved across her smile as her fingers did the work.

***

Kurt stayed behind after his mom took his little brother home. He was looking forward to smoking the joint he had in his pocket on the way home. He was also looking forward to the bag of cookies he had bought. While little Brian rocked out to Nellie the Elephant, Kurt noticed the redhead playing the guitar. Kurt though she was attractive, but it was her playing that made him take notice. His dealing activities managed to get him a guitar and amp, he played a lot in the long stretches between customers. He was okay, but nowhere as good as the bespectacled redhead on stage.

Who is she?

***

Tim sat on the stool and stared out the window, staring at what they all had created. He was reminded of that date with…Faye. Turnout was just as big here as it was at the Revival. He laughed at himself, all that effort and work… just to impress the wrong girl.

Only after apologizing to the wrong girl to get the right answer.

Thanks?

Beth blurred in and out again to replenish the cupcake stocks. Tim looked around and saw stacks of empty trays. There was not a whole lot of product left. He wished Bobbie could be here to enjoy this.

The real Bobbie. Tim had to admit to himself that Faye had done the same amount of work for this. Looking out the window, he saw Beth and Faye handling the line.

She deserves this, too.

***

Sweat was keeping Bella’s hair down as she brought the sticks down in the pattern she had memorized long ago. Alternating one beat of snare with two beats of the tom while stomping the bass pedal. Her left hand crashed the splash cymbal simultaneously with the snare.

She could hear Kim walking her fingers up and down the fretboard. Heather bent herself in half to begin singing. Time to go…

Leftrightleftrightleftrightleftrightleftrightleftright

Well we don't need no one to tell us what to do
Oh yes we're on our own
And there’s nothing you can do
So we don't need no one like you
To tell us what to do

Bella couldn’t fuckin’ remember the last time her fuckin’ ass touched the stool. Like Keith Moon. Of all the gigs they had played over the last two years, this was the one. It just felt right. Everyone was having a great time. It was moments like this she would miss while studying at Brown.

But it didn’t matter now, this now... It stretched out plasticly into an ocean of now.

A beautiful, constant now.

***

Kurt was listening to the music with incredulity. Brave song choice. Didn’t think too many people would get it, but even the most unlikely people were feeling the vibe.

But the redhead… That’s it, Amber. He’d seen her around school, but didn’t know she could play like that. He thought again about the joint in his pocket.

What else didn’t he know? The rapid tapping of her hands along the neck of her guitar would have looked more at home racking up kills in Call of Combat. Her hand slid up and down the neck expertly and with surgical accuracy.

Damn. That joint in his pocket was suddenly less important.

***

Bobbie had finally reached the crowd. It did her heart good to see Grrl Army playing again, especially with Kim joining them.

‘Cuz I’m a brat
And I know everything
And I talk back, ‘cuz I’m not listening
To anything you say…
And if you count to three.

“One, two three!” Grrl Army rang out as a single voice. Kim was attempting something between a rock concert and the modern Olympiad. Her motions nearly recursive, Bobbie wouldn’t have been surprised if she suddenly started shooting webs from her wrists.

Faye was clearing trays that had been emptied and starting to pack up the display tables, while Beth looked to be collecting enough money to send herself to college. Been a hell of a year, hasn’t it?

Where were you a year ago? She could hear Heather ask her on that chilly day just a few short months ago.

Drunk, high. Planning a robbery, you know, the usual. Bobbie realized how far she had come since Robb. How none of the sitting around amassing useless information had done anything. Old plans bubbled to the surface.

How’s that novel you were going to write?

Fuck you, Stewie.

Realizing that there was no way that she would do anything but stand out in that dress, she moved off to the side and see the wide ranging effects of Bobbie on Delacroix, it might have been blinding if the colors she saw came through with the same intensity as reality. It was almost the harsh glare of white light on white paper.

She moved through the periphery of the crowd. Bobbie’s eyes met Kim’s several times from many angles. People were talking and listening to the band kick out some great music.

Bobbie wanted to be a part of it again. The fireworks of the new year seemed so far back in her memory. She missed people. Sure, there had been plenty of humans around. But quality was seriously trumping quantity at the present.

You could keep the thousands.

I just want one.

Faye and Beth were closing down the tables, the stock depleted. Bobbie found it interesting that the trash cans were full, and the litter on the ground was minimal. The stupid things you notice. She could see Tim, grabbing airpots and display pieces, returning them to their resting place inside.

There was a feeling in the air… like Christmas. Bobbie tried to open herself to it, as much as she could she strained her fingers outward, hoping to get just a little more of that signal.

***

Amber began strumming while rocking on her heels, pumping her body up and down lightly with her knees. Kim recognized it as an extended intro.

“Well, that’s it for us. We hope you enjoyed your evening, and the desserts. We are Grrl Army.”

Cheers were issued forth, masking the couple isolated ‘Show us your tits’ comments that they invariably got.

“We’ve been through a lot together here in town, and at school.”

Amber continued to play, adding a slight jump. Kim was enthusiastically bobbing her head while she stroked and fondled the fretboard of her bass lovingly, playing imaginary notes to keep rhythm with Ambers quick strumming.

“None of us really know who we are yet. That’s what we’re supposed to find out. But don’t worry, parents.” Heater said with a slight out of breath undertone to her voice.

“We were born for this. Let’s go”

Bella began smashing the snare drum with precision as Kim started playing notes in earnest.

Amber switched to the main hook for the song as Heather looked to the night sky and pointed the microphone downward at her face.

“Delacroix!”

Whoa no, I just keep on falling.

“Back to the same old.” Bella, Amber, and Kim joined in.

***

Faye had gotten everything broken down and put away. It would be good to just listen to the band for a second. Kim was so animated on stage that Faye marveled at what she could do, having just been in a hospital bed a few days before. Although, after everything Bobbie had told her, she was sure that there was some other reason for the sudden radiance.

Bobbie hasn’t shown up yet.

Maybe that’s a good thing.

Opening a bottle of Coke she sat back and let the perspiration evaporate in wisps of stinging cool contrasted with the flush of her elevated heart rate.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Amber Rourke!!” Amber was at the front of the stage, one foot on one of the low woofers, strumming away. Allowing the wall of sound and heat to smash her in the face.

Right now you’re the only reason…

“I’m not letting go, oh!” The rest of the band joined their voices to Heather’s.

Enjoying the sting of drink on her tongue and the music in her ear, she reflected on how right Beth had been. It was a really cool evening. There was a party like atmosphere that was infectious. Even from this minor distance, she felt like she had been a part of something.

“Y’know Beth.” Faye said looking up at the girl as she walked up.

“Hmmm?” Beth said, opening her own bottle of root beer.

“This night was something, huh?” Faye offered her bottle, Beth clinked it sharply. They both drank.

“It sure was. The kids were happy. I saw one guy buying one for a girl. Later, they were holding hands. I know magic isn’t real, but if this is what it really means.”

“It’s just as good a word as any.” Beth smiled. She beamed, showing confidence and pride.

Faye, having seen real magic had to agree with Beth.

***

Bobbie was almost close enough to the stage that she would no longer be able to hide.

“We were born for WHAT?!” Heather bellowed, pointing the mic out to the crowd.

“We were born for this.” The audience chanted back.

Bella launched into a drum solo that utilized every drum and device added to her kit.

More cowbell. Bobbie thought as Bella struck the instrument in question several times before launching into a drum roll that went all the way up and down the scales that the young percussionist had available to her.

“Everybody sing. Like…” Heather pointed the mic to the crowd again.

It’s the last song you will ever sing
Tell me tell me can you feel the pressure now?

The crowd roared back.

Bobbie saw her chance and darted around the back of the stage and over the cables connecting the speakers to the mixer. She slid through the door in a waspy flash.

“Ma’am, we…” Tim started, transfixed by the dress and the magnificent body beneath.

When the green streak caught his attention, recognition dawned.

“Bo…” Tim quickly switched to a whisper.

“Bobbie. You came.” He moved in to grab her.

“With you, always.” She performed the docking maneuver and felt his excited embrace.

“Everything has been awesome. Bobbie… Faye… dammit.”

Bobbie chuckled.

“The band… I couldn’t have asked for more. We’re a hit. It’s all because of you…”

“Don’t be silly. She had just as much to do with this as I did.”

“Look, Tim. Is there somewhere I can hide while everyone gets out of here? I don’t wanna cause any shit tonight.”

“Well, my mom is upstairs, and… that’s right.”

“What?”

“Come on.”

He led her up the familiar stairs and opened the door.

Myka was hunched over the computer with a pencil above her ear.

“Mom.”

She turned to face them. “This is Faye. Think she can sit up here for a minute?”

Myka frowned. “What about Bobbie?”

“She’s… helping me with some stuff for Prom. Stuff I couldn’t tell her about. Like with Heather.” He stammered. “You know… a surprise.” Tim’s voice was getting shaky. Bobbie could see the yellow.

“Okay. Have a seat.” She turned to Tim. “You know your Facebook page has been really busy tonight.”

“I’ll have a look later, I need to wind this circus down and get some sleep.”

Tim ducked out of the apartment and was back downstairs.

“What are you helping him with?” Myka seemed to be studying this new girl.

“Helping him with the flowers and everything, Bobbie’s been staying with me since…”

“Oh, I know about that. I’m just glad Kim was okay.”

Bobbie was stunned. Here Myka was…. Talking. Faye, nice one.

“You wanna see?” Myka pointed to the monitor.

Bobbie got up smoothly and looked at the timeline. The computer sounded like a pinball machine trying to speak Bantu with all the dings and boops. Likes and shares were moving up very quickly.

Pictures and videos were appearing. Someone had gotten a good video of Heather jumping with the children. There were beautifully shot pictures of cupcakes and people enjoying coffee and banana bread. The couple feeding each other cookies. Bobbie wanted to cry. She had done it.

They had done it.

Together.

“And that’s not all, there’s a lot of order requests coming in. Looks like they’ll be busy.” Myka laughed.

Bobbie, still stunned by Myka’s return to the land of the living, said…

“I think they can handle it.”

“I think so, too.” Myka smiled at ‘Faye’. “Bobbie is something, isn’t she?”

***

“We were born for…”

THISSSSSSSSS!! Heather’s death scream washed over the crowd and provided many shocked faces.

“Thank you, Delacroix. It was a pleasure to play for you tonight. We’re glad you enjoyed yourselves.” Heather downed some water from a bottle and wiped some sweat from her forehead.

“Remember, We are Grrl Army, and this.’

“Is.”

“Cheepskates.”

The last round of applause given, the girls stared to strike their gear. Guitars were returned to cases, drumsticks sealed up.

The four girls stood on the stage.

“What do we do now?” Amber asked. She looked surprised that it was over.

Heather stood there with tears in her eyes. She hugged Bella, Amber and Kim joined.

“I’m gonna miss this.” Amber said.

“Fuckin’ right.” Bella sniffed. “But if this is our last show together.” The tears started as she flashed the devil horns with both hands.

“We fuckin’ rocked it.”

And then, the crying started.

“I fuckin’ love you guys.”

***

Faye and Beth had finished cleaning up the small amounts of debris that were on the ground, and saw the members of Grrl Army engaged in a group hug.

“I’m gonna call daddy. You want a ride home? Tim needs some sleep.”

Faye nodded. “Alright.” She knew that Beth was right, besides, she’d see him tomorrow.

What a night. She stood and went to find Tim.

***

Tim was back in the bakery, counting money and entering the day’s totals.

He didn’t believe it, but, according to the spreadsheet, they had cleared over eight hundred dollars for the evening. That’s almost as good as last month.

When Faye came in, Tim glanced up at her.

“How’d we do?” Tim looked at her face and saw Bobbie’s excitement, even though Faye was controlling her countenance.

Gametime… don’t let it slip.

Tim smiled. “Great. I can’t wait till tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

He laughed. “Sleep, I’ll have some by then.”

Faye’s turn to laugh was taken. “I’m gonna catch a ride with Beth, you get some rest.” She leaned in and kissed him.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

After she left, Tim texted Bobbie and told her that the coast was clear.

“Oh, my god. Bobbie. We made over eight hundred dollars today.”

Bobbie’s face dropped. “And that’s not all” Bobbie continued. “There’s orders for cakes and the facebook page is blowing up. I like your mom.”

Tim smiled. “It’s nice having her back. I have Faye to thank for that though, huh?”

Bobbie moved in for a hug, which Tim obliged. His hands sliding around her waist like docking arms, pulling her closer. They held each other for what seemed like weeks.

Ding!

The door chime had gone off and there was Faye. “Left my…” She was looking right at Tim and Bobbie.

“What?” Faye started, she felt her stomach in free fall.

“Faye.” Tim started. Faye’s eyes got even bigger.

“You told?” Faye nearly screamed. Bobbie’s face moved into defensive mode.

“I…I… had to. I can’t take this anymore.” Bobbie blurted, letting go of Tim.

Faye reached to her neck and pulled off the necklace. The delicate clasp snapping.

“Fine. You should keep this, too.” Faye threw the piece of jewelry at them.

“Faye, wait.” Tim started, but she was already gone.

“Fuck.” He said under his breath.

Bobbie smiled. “I can help you forget…”

Tim continued looking out the door.

Bobbie’s right here.

So why do I feel terrible?

***

Kurt was almost to that place in town where no one would notice him walking. That joint was seriously calling his name

“Amber, right?” Kurt said, finding the guitarist sitting on the sidewalk while looking out at the waning moon. There was a moment when Amber turned her head to look at him that he thought she was already smiling.

“Yeah. That’s me.”

“Great show.” You sound like a fucking idiot.

“Thanks.”

“You really nailed that solo… Prisoner of Society. I’m not that good.”

“Gotta practice.” Amber said. What the hell? “I’m gonna head home, we could walk there.” Stupid, you’re still pumped from the show.

So?

Kurt broke into a wide grin, “Sure.” He pulled the joint from his pocket. “This could make the walk a little better.”

Amber grimaced. She opened her mouth to speak.

Girl like Bobbie can change you.

‘Gotta have to get me one’ he had said. He saw that the joint had struck a chord, a very sour one. He dropped it like the police were coming.

“Or…or we could talk about music.” He ground the joint into the pavement. It’s just pot, can always get more…

If I want it.

“Hey,” He smiled again, the joint forgotten. “Only users lose drugs, right? Or is that the other way around? Cookie?” He held out the bad containing the triple chocolate cookies he got from Bobbie. Amber laughed, and they walked off together. She accepted the cookie and took an appreciative nibble.

Maybe he’s not in Zimbabwe. Amber thought fleetingly.

***

Faye managed to keep her cool on the ride home. Sitting in the back seat, was able to feign being a little tired. Beth was bubbling over with excitement. When they pulled up to the house, Roy offered his fist. Faye performed the fist bump and forced herself to smile as said goodbye to Beth.

She went to the door, turned to close it behind her.

And cried softly, the tears welling up and drizzling like sparse rain.

“Everything okay, Bobbie?” Nick’s voice issued forth through the air.

Her heart froze and her breath caught in her throat.

“Fine.” Faye lied. “Just gonna go to bed.”

“Oh,” He said, coming into the kitchen. “Thanks for making me come home the other day.”

Faye turned and smiled. She felt overwhelmed by everything, Faye hugged Nick.

“Whoa. What’s this for.” Nick gave her back a light pat.

“Everything, just everything. Thanks for coming home. Faye needs you.” I really do.

“Hrmm.” Nick said.

“Not that way. She does, though. You’re the most important person in the world to her.”

Bobbie grinned lopsidedly.

“That isn’t Faye.” She finished. Nick smiled

“I’m going to bed. I’ll see you tomorrow?”

“Sure.” Nick said, also heading to bed.

Faye got to the room and let the emotion go.

Why are you crying? He wasn’t yours to begin with.

I know. That’s what makes it worse.

Faye grabbed GIR and found it just as poor a surrogate as Bobbie had.

Chapter 69

Bobbie sat on a gurney, she swept a lock of green hair out of her eyes as she looked at Lust, who was perched atop an old wooden cabinet, it’s purple paint cracked and peeling. She didn’t look like her twin this time, instead opting to shape herself after Heather, albeit with black hair and raccoon eyeliner that made her features seemingly more bottomless.

“Why am I here?” Bobbie asked, not sure if that really needed an answer.

“This is your performance review.” Lust chided from where she sat, looking down at Bobbie. “Management is concerned that your current behavior is affecting your contribution to the company.”

Bobbie scowled. “Management? Gimme a break Lust, what’s this really about?” A hiss slipped out between her teeth as she hopped effortlessly from where she sat, landing next to Bobbie.

“Let me spell it out for you. This Tim guy? He’s no good to me. I need passion. Raw emotion. Excitement. Danger. Forbidden delights.”

“So what’s the problem?” Bobbie sneered. “Not that it’s your business, but sex won’t be in short supply.”

“That’s just it.” Her breath was hot enough to light a candle, burning Bobbie’s earlobe. “I can’t use the kind of energy you draw from him. He loves you, adores you, worships you.” Love, adore, and worship sounded incredibly mocking to Bobbie’s ears.

“That’s diesel when I need premium. Get the picture?”

“Forget it.” Bobbie mumbled, crossing her arms beneath her breasts. “Tim’s everything I’ve been missing. The kind of freedom you promised me didn’t help at all.” Lust clenched her fists at her sides.

“There’s more than one way to keep a Thrall in check, Bobbie. If you won’t do things the easy way, we’re going to have to do them the hard wa…” Lust stopped mid sentence as she’d been stung. There was a light that was flowing into the room now. But it was more than that…it seemed to draw the decay and entropy from the air itself and replace it with something vibrant, living. Peeling paint remolded itself into flawless hues, as cracks and fissures disappeared from healing stone. Life had returned to the hospital, or at least a part of it. And in the center of that radiance stood a single figure, her body clad in shimmering white robes.

“Perhaps I can offer a suggestion?” Justice asked smoothly. Lust bared her teeth, her eyes seeming more hollow than ever. She raised a hand, Lust’s face grew angrier as she pounded a fist against a wall that was both invisible and recently constructed.

“Now that we have a minute. You understand now, do you not?”

Bobbie nodded dutifully.

“Now you understand what you are fighting against.” Justice said.

“Isn’t it the same as what I’m fighting for?”

“No, child.” Justice reassured. “Fighting for is to prevent yourself from harm. Fighting against is to prevent others from coming to harm.”

And with that, it suddenly made sense. Now she understood. Justice must always be tempered with understanding. She absently thought that she should watch Les Miserables again…

…with Tim.

Strangely, the whole episode made an odd kind of sense. Bobbie looked at Robb through this new prism.

His loneliness had led him to Melanie, to drugs. Which I took part in quite enthusiastically.

He had allowed his choices to be closed off one by one, until…

It didn’t seem like he was making as many wrong choices at the time. How had they piled up so quickly?

So many people been consumed this way, only to be ground up by every other aspect of their lives.

Bobbie had walked a marathon in a curious combination of Chuck Taylors and six inch heels.

It hadn’t been pretty, either. She made a whole bunch of bad decisions. Again.

Bobbie had been overly promiscuous. You flashed a total stranger in an elevator. She had taken drugs again. Even managed to drag Rach down with you on that one… good job.

And I hurt people. She felt shitty about it now, but it felt so good at the time.

Justice looked down at Bobbie. “You must go to Faye. You two need to talk.”

CLANG!!

***

Bobbie felt complete with Tim’s arm draped over her, their legs bent at the same angle. The dream had left her tense, but the tension rapidly drained away as the guarded feeling washed over her.

She looked at the clock and figured that she had to leave. The looks Myka gave her implied something Bobbie didn’t like, and she wanted to give her no reason to confirm those suspicions.

One of the things Bobbie learned is what other people thought of her. They liked her, they really did. The one thing this whole last year had taught her was what the bonds of friendship felt like. There were so many things that her life as Robb had never provided. She liked the way her relationships had altered.

The big shock for her was the look on Faye’s face. Bobbie was positive that she had worn that look when…

Roxx.

Tim smacked his lips and turned over, he mumbled something. If she had to guess, it sounded like “No, mom. No potatoes till tomorrow.” The humorous moment was lost on her as something in her head moved, a large granite block slid into place.

I’m just like her. The thought slipped out easily enough, like the silence just before an explosion. You’re becoming Roxx, or at least another Melanie. If you stay like this, you’ll ruin him.

“No, I’m not like her.” The feeling of being reunited with Tim evaporated into a million tiny pieces of darkness. I need to find Faye.

Getting out seemed simple enough and it was. But she couldn’t shake that feeling; she had shared so many things in common with Roxx now. She saw it from the outside. Putting one foot in front of the other, Bobbie moved through the still dark morning. Walking always cleared Bobbie’s head. But, now it was too cluttered a place that simple walking would soothe. Bobbie wanted Tim to hold her forever, to be lost in that perfect feeling again. The interludes at the bakery just weren’t enough.

Bobbie cursed herself for jumping to conclusions when she had seen Roxx with him. Now she understood, it was her needs and desires that had brought her to that point, not his.

Somehow, she got back to the apartment. In the quiet darkness Bobbie made for the bedroom. Pausing only when she heard the squeak

“Faye?”

“Fuck you!”

“I’m coming in, okay?”

Bobbie let herself in and saw Faye clutching GIR. It was odd to see her so vulnerable. “It wasn’t enough that you tore apart everything I built?”

“You had to take him back too? He opened up to me. I helped him.” She put the stuffed animal down and looked at Bobbie, eyes steely and determined. “I think I did learn something here. About friendship, helping people; I always thought you plastics would be dull.”

“But you had to come in like a wrecking ball and….”

Bobbie couldn’t help it, she laughed. Faye caught both the laugh and what she had said.

Jesus, is this how it is with her? Faye thought. The sound of her laugh only served to make her think

“You know what. I know how to switch us back, and…”

Bobbie’s heart swelled. Finally this can be over. I can go back to…

"But, why should I tell you? It almost seems like a waste to put you back in here. God, Lust must love you. You’re giving her everything she wanted when she changed me. Hell, Amy too. Maybe I just should let Justice do it. She told me I’d wake up one day believing I was always Bobbie Sharpe and that Faye Valentine is a harlot I’d soon never speak to again.” Anger peppered her words with Jolokia intensity. Maybe I should take her up on it. Shit, I didn't ask for that life any more than I did this one. Since you'll steal from me no matter who I am, I say you can keep it!"

“But,” Bobbie started to plead. “You can go back and fix…” The thought of continuing on like this forever, trapped in a nightmare of eroticism and titillation.

"What do I have to go back to? You're gonna leave me with Nick afraid of me, Rach not wanting to see me, and Zoe thinking I’m some kind of freak. And that little field trip of yours? Allegra dropped me. I'm glad you got paid, because I'm gonna need that to live on you fucking cunt."

“Just get out, I’m sure loverboy is waiting. He’s gonna need help with all those orders.”

“You said that you’re Faye now?”

“You certainly are.” Faye did feel badly that Tim was going to catch so much fallout over this. It stabbed at her heart thinking of the other girls giving him the cold shoulder. It wasn’t his fault, Beth would take it the hardest. It that respect, it was like her friendships with Rach and Zoe. They stood by each other. She was pretty sure that it would effectively be the end of Cheepskates as well, and that would be a crime.

“I’m just gonna let you sit there and…” Her face became mocking. “Be Fay-Fay.”

With the thought of being back in the place she wanted to be more than anything dangling in front of her turning into a Sword of Damocles.

Her old life used as a weapon, a bargaining chip.

Bobbie was speechless. Unable to speak, her eyes threw up a veil of tears.

She didn’t close the door as she exited; the morning suddenly seemed more humid. Bobbie kept walking, tiredness creeping back into her bones.

Chapter 70

Roxx felt the slight chill in the air as it blew over her scantily clad body. Vesuvius seemed to be the answer. For now, anyway. There was four hundred dollars tucked into the left cup of her bra. The other girls seemed to have been there a while, one even remembering as far back as two owners ago.

Her trained eye told her that the current owners were the Russians she had heard so much about. Here was not only a place that could satisfy Lust’s needs, as well as her own monetary standing, but also allowed her access to the same party favors without the same amount of legwork.

She lit her cigarette and headed back. She got rid of Mary a couple days before, her schedule at Vesuvius didn’t give her enough time anyway. The club was quiet, the throbbing bass that usually characterized the club was gone, the neon flying at half mast, some of the tubes burnt out from overuse. The smoke tasted good, clean. After a night at Vesuvius, the famous smogs of Pittsburg would have been a welcome change.

It wasn’t too bad. Dancing, some lapdances. A little handjob action if the bouncers aren’t looking. The money was okay, it was a lot more than she ever made before. The real bonus being that it seemed to keep Lust off her back.

For now at least.

***

Bobbie was sitting on a chair in front of Daily Grind, more than a little cried out. She looked at the cigarette she had bought from the mini mart. Behind her sat the familiar cup, clock and saucer logo. The lights came on and her heart sank. She would have given anything to catch Tim making deliveries on that moped. Gilda opened the door and smiled.

Bobbie’s face was smudged from the evening’s exertions and activities. She smiled weakly. “Thanks for opening this early.”

Gilda looked at Bobbie. “You’re Faye, right? One of Bobbie and Tim’s friends, you okay?”

Bobbie imagined what her face looked like, she had obviously been crying.

“I’ll be fine, just a bad night is all. Just please tell me that there’s already coffee ready.”

Gilda smiled. “Of course.”

Bobbie was inside, sitting at one of the small tables. She had ordered a redeye, figuring that the higher caffeine level would help cancel out the sleep deprivation. The crying had been more out of frustration than anything. Seeing the thing she wanted most dangle in front of her.

With the chain being held by Faye.

She’s right, you know? A familiar voice, a male one…

Robb.

Last time I saw you, everything was looking up. What the hell happened? Now you’re doing shit I used to do.

It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Didn’t you learn anything last time? You’re gonna end up like Melanie if this keeps up, or worse, Roxx.

Bobbie ignored the voice and sipped at the bitter brew. Realizing that the drink needed sugar, she got up and added the sweetener to her coffee.

Ah, what the hell? Bobbie thought, adding the half and half until the dark beverage reached the desired color. Sipping at the drink, she remembered all the good things that came with being Bobbie. Crying would have been an option, if she hadn’t completely drained her tear ducts.

“Hope you have a better day.” Gilda said.

“Me, too.” Bobbie smiled weakly. “Thanks.”

Bobbie backed out the door with the coffee in her hand, she screwed the cigarette into her lips and lit it as she walked in the direction of Cheepskates.

***

Tim woke to the sound of the alarm. Fumbling for the phone, he thumbed off the annoying sound. His heart sank as he realized that Bobbie was gone, it was quickly followed by feeling bad for Faye. He pulled his pants on and headed for the shower. Opening the bakery wouldn’t be fun today, even though last night came off smoothly. By the time he got his coffee and headed downstairs to the bakery, he was running a little behind. Luckily, the inventory had been readied before the evening’s end.

When Faye walked in and… FUCK! The whole situation bothered him. It wasn’t his fault, everyone involved knew it. Either way, he felt terrible. Like it was his fault, he sat there on his stool lost in thought. He must have dozed off for a moment, only to be woken up by Bobbie standing inches in front of him. The door chimes didn’t even nudge him off of the platform of sleep. After a stumbling start, Tim jumped up and went to her, folding her into his arms.

“Am I glad to see you. Help with the display case?” He whispered into her ear.

“Sure.” Bobbie smiled. She started to put the lemon tarts on a shelf.

“No, not there. Bo…Faye figured out that we should keep those closer to the till. Fruit tarts go there, we sell less of those. Gets people out and on their way faster.”

Bobbie grimaced for a fraction of a second. Being here with Tim was supposed to help her forget Faye, and the thought of her joyride with him. Look at how he treats…

Not just you, unlike most of the guys you’ve met this last year, girls…

Women. It was never ‘baby’, or ‘honey’, or ‘sweetie’. It was always by name.

They continued to stock the case with the pastries separated by type and flavor. The door chime alerted them to the customers. Their dark blue uniforms drawing in the light of the room.

“Oh, good morning officers.” Tim said, instantly recognizing Hudson and Hobson. Hobson, the taller one, took a paper coffee cup from the cup holder and offered it to Tim.

“Thanks.” Tim said.

“Miss Valentine.” Hudson said. “Ever get that brake light fixed?”

“EVO’s not out front, detective…” Hobson was sarcastic.

Bobbie’s face showed anxiety. Tim chuckled at the buddy cop banter that seemed to come from them whenever he saw them together.

“She’s working on it. Got a friend of mine to do it, she’s taking the bus now.”

“Where’s Bobbie?” Hobson asked.

“She’s really tired after last night, told her to get some rest. Faye here’s gonna fill in today.”

“Last night was great. My daughter liked the band.” He laughed. “Now she wants to cut her hair like the singer.” The laugh continued. “Kids…”

Tim laughed as well. “Well, we’re kids, too.”

“You run a bakery that makes amazing things. You may look like a kid.” Hudson said.

“But you guys are all ‘old souls’.” Hobson finished.

Tim handed off a couple of loaves of Banana Bread to the officers.

“Thanks.” Hobson smiled. He turned to Hudson. “You gonna try to eat my half this time, too?”

Hudson looked back at his partner. “Hey, I lost that last piece when you jammed the brakes pulling over that drunk guy. You owe me.”

Hobson laughed louder. “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Bye officers.” Both Bobbie and Tim said in unison.

The day was slow, with all the regulars having stopped by the previous night to procure their treats for the next day. At ten o’clock, Bobbie had an idea. She went to the door and flipped the sign to ‘Sorry we missed you’ side.

“Bobbie, what are you doing?” Tim asked. Bobbie turned her head to look over her shoulder at him.

“Taking a break.” She had a hungry smile on her face. Bobbie turned and sauntered over to the walk in. Opening the door, she soon only had her head visible. “Be right back.” She said with a wink.

Tim stared after her as the door closed. When she reemerged from the metal box, she had a piping bag on one hand. And her dress and bra were both missing. She must have left them in the walk in.

Bobbie squeezed some frosting on her finger and licked it off orgasmically. Slowly and carefully, she made her way towards him. “This is great frosting for cupcakes.” She squeezed some on a nipple, the chill substance made it stiffen instantly. Tim bent as he grabbed the sweetened breast.

“But, it’s better in the original Klingon?” Tim laughed, his hot breath teasing her nipple.

His eyes opened as he bolted upward. The look on Faye’s face wasn’t one he wanted repeated on anybody. Not one but two girls had given the same look with the same face. The thought of adding a new face to the roster, especially a friend like Beth, moved carnal intent to the side long enough for Tim to prevent that particular happenstance.

“What?” Bobbie gasped, startled by the sudden lack of attention.

“Beth.” Tim said. “Don’t need her walking in on us.” Opening his phone, he made the call.

“Hi, Beth. Yeah, it’s totally dead. You don’t need to come in today. I’ve got it. Nah, she’s probably sleeping, too. ”

“Cool, see you tomorrow.” Tim closed the phone. “Now, where were we?”

“Ooh,” Bobbie said coquettishly, grasping his chin between her thumb and the side of her index finger. “So responsible.” Bobbie shook Tim’s head from side to side.

“Someone very important to me taught me how important responsibility is.”

“Shut up.” Bobbie said. She stood as tall as she could, to the very tip of her tippy toes. Tim could feel the vibrations of the underlying moaning that Bobbie was uttering as they kissed. They wound up on the fondant station. Groping and fondling each other, the cold marble surface

I’m going to have to bleach this whole area. Tim thought. But that thought went dormant as they tore into each other with wild abandon. Soon, Tim discovered that if properly mixed, the grit was soon gone. The cold icing left sticky tracks, finger patterns running through them haphazardly.

Tim was lost in a world of carnal delights…or was it caramel delights? He was doing some of the work, but not much. The video came to mind, how she went from being the angel to…

Not the angel?

He closed his eyes and bit his lip as he felt her fingertips rake their way down his stomach. He jumped as the pastry bag pushed some of its contents out onto his erect member.

Bobbie’s mouth provided the warm contrast to the chocolaty substance as she took her velvety tongue enveloped him.

“Bobbie…” He gasped. She reached her hand back up and stuck her frosting slick fingers in his mouth. The sweetness in his mouth and the heat and moisture of hers melted together into one. He could swear that he heard her growl as she seductively made her way up his body.

It was still a bit of a shock to see Bobbie like this. She was the sweetest girl he’d ever met, and now she was attacking him like a wild animal. The taste of the icing chased the thought away. There was a jarring slight pain that repeated like the beat of a scratched techno cd as his tailbone was slammed repeatedly into the marble surface. He didn’t even notice her turn around and move into the reverse cowgirl position. She screamed and he grunted, signifying the end of the act. Bobbie swung herself off of him and laid her head on his chest and enjoyed the closeness she had been chasing for longer than she wanted to.

Having her there was everything he wanted right then. Maybe I do need some time off. Tim thought, thinking that maybe the recipe called for just a dash of irresponsibility.

***

Faye woke up with drool coating the corner of her mouth. GIR had absorbed most of it in the night, leaving it feeling soggy. Despite the high from the success of the Grand Opening, she was at the bottom of a downward spiral.

Tim. She thought of their date, a glimmer of a smile played across her lips. She had felt like the most important girl in the world. It was a nice feeling, and with everything she had ever felt for Rach…

Rach had never made her feel that important. Important, sure; but Tim’s chivalry, sweetness, and easy going manner rolled it all together into a package that could have made a glittery vampire blush.

Not your boyfriend, remember dumbass?

I know, but…

If that’s what you’re looking for then go find it.

No, he’s with Bobbie. Faye realized. Even swapping bodies couldn’t change that. It was almost they were like two corresponding puzzle pieces carved from the same piece of wood.

Faye teared up at the thought, but had to realize the truth. No matter how comfortable she got, no matter how many people she helped. She would always be an impostor.

And Tim…

He never was yours. In fact, that date shouldn’t have happened, who’s idea was that date anyway?

Shut up.

In fact, I can’t believe you fell for him. Isn’t that like, against everything you said when this whole gender adventure started?

Shut up.

God, you really have gone native. What’s next? Gonna get baby hungry?

SHUT UP!

Faye got up and used her movements to shut the other voice out. Keeping her mind firmly on the acquisition of caffeine, Faye entered the kitchen and started the coffee. Slicing a couple of hunks of banana bread off of a loaf, she put them on a plate and poured the first cup as soon as there was enough of the dark liquid in the bottom of the carafe.

Nick came out and rubbed his face. He had gained some weight back, and the Samsonite luggage under his eyes had been lost by Sandman Air.

“Morning Bobbie. Faye come home last night?”

Faye looked at her cup. Great now even Nick can’t help me forget.

“No.”

“Hmm. I got up to use the bathroom, and the front door was wide open. That’s not like her.” Nick grabbed the coffee mug featuring the pixilated version of Juri.

Faye shrugged. “She hasn’t been herself lately.”

“Tell me about it. It’s gonna be weird seeing her again. We’ve probably avoided each other long enough. Still don’t know what she was thinking.” He shook his head as he stirred the coffee slowly.

“You got any plans today? I need to do laundry.” Nick sipped at the drink.

Faye stopped, she didn’t. Moping around the house wasn’t the answer, getting out and away from cupcakes and other Bobbie related accoutrements suddenly overtook other thoughts.

“Don’t think so.”

“Well, I was heading to the mall today. Thought I’d see what the other daywalkers are like today.” Nick took another sip.

“Sure.” Faye smiled. Well, that helps…

Some.

***

Tim had always enjoyed Vespa rides with Bobbie. After leaving Cheepskates, she had filled his tiny gas tank. The luck of the Seven Pillars of Gulu seemed to be with them as they noticed that Faye’s house was empty. Seeing the EVO there made her nervous, but further investigation proved that they had both left. Wonder where she went? A quick shower and change of clothes later, Bobbie and Tim were off on a joyride of a different sort. They rode through quiet streets and centers of traffic in a long, circuitous route that ended only when Tim noticed that the seat of his pants had lost all feeling.

Putting the kickstand down, he allowed Bobbie off first. Tim followed, stretching out his legs and making a couple of stiffly legged steps. “Hungry? If I see one more frozen burrito.”

Bobbie laughed. “Sure, whatever fine cuisine you can get at the mall.”

They were through the better part of a lap before Tim stopped.

“2 corn dogs, a large fry and a large lemonade?”

Bobbie looked at him. “Corn dogs?”

“Hey, these are really good. Archetypal American mall cuisine.”

They sat at a blue wire mesh chair in the food court, a small paper boat with a puddle of catsup and mustard between them. Bobbie was eating fries two at a time while listening Tim fill her in on the rest of the news that had happened to Faye.

“…then she stops, like she’s possessed, goes up to the board and designs the whole cake in like a minute or two. You should have seen it, it was just so, so… you.” He washed down the last bit of corn dog with a hard pull on the straw.

“Have you started it yet?”

“No. Don’t need it for three more weeks.” Tim’s face fell. “God, I hope we can do it now.” He suddenly looked concerned.

“Don’t worry. I’m sure that we can handle it.”

Tim smiled as he dipped a fry into the mustard catsup conglomeration. The smile was tinged with worry.

“Stop worrying. What can possibly go wrong?”

***

Thanks to Steve, Beth had learned more about sculpting than she ever wanted to. They stood in an aisle of The Decorette to look at the different colors Beth needed to complete her sugar paste figure task.

Steve played what he called a ‘tabletop miniatures wargame’, Beth called it ‘action figures with rules, dice, and a tape measure’. Either way, Beth was soon able to take a formless lump of sugar and water and make nearly anything with it.

“Just knives and stabbing weapons.” He chided. “We’ve got everything, right?” Steve said, holding up the bags.

“Yep. Ready to get out of here?”

“Sure.” Steve said, reaching out to take her hand. “Wanna grab lunch?”

Beth smiled. “Okay.”

***

Nick was in Captain Zany’s Gifts, the only store in the mall that carried t-shirts obscure enough for Nick. He did most of his shopping online, but, sometimes there was a certain appeal in going to an actual store. Finding the same shirt in another store would mean that either the shirt’s depiction had lost its culty nature, or that Captain Zany had made a mistake when filing his orders. Both had happened to the chagrin of many.

He had bought a couple of new shirts. “Been waiting to get a Kill La Kill shirt. Wish he’d get Black Lagoon in soon.”

Faye laughed. Same old Nick.

“I want some teriyaki. You in?”

Faye thought about her own stomach, she had skipped breakfast. “I suppose some food might help.”

They ordered from the young cashier. When Faye took out her money, Nick stopped her. “No.” Nick said with finality. “It’s the least I can do.”

When their bowls came, they took their seats at a red backed booth. Nick obliviously sat with his back to the main seating area. Faye, from her position, saw the green top and the green streak that announced Bobbie’s presence like the starting light at a funny car race.

He saw them laughing and talking. It would have been so perfect if she didn’t know what it was like.

“…like you and Tim.” Nick said, making sure there was broccoli on the fork along with the rice and thinly sliced beef. Faye stared over his shoulder.

Look at him, and her. They look so happy.

As happy as she would be to have Rach in her arms again, sharing a comfortable warmth. She thought about Tim and what that other life could have been. Dammit, she thought. Katy Fucking Perry had a point? That has to be one of the seven signs of the apocalypse.

Faye wanted to feel the softness of Rachael in her arms again. She wondered if the strange unfamiliarity of her curvaceous body pressed up against a form that was just as yielding and fragile would be odd after all this tie. She already missed the way she felt in Tim's arms...small, fragile and delicate like a glass rose. There was safety in those arms, contentment that as long as she was there, he would make sure nothing ever happened to her. Rachael was still gorgeous, but...they were the same, not opposites designed, no...destined to complement each other. She sighed softly and bit her lip, fighting back a Bobbiesque swell of emotion that threatened to envelop her.

Fuck you, Bobbie Sharpe. You don't deserve him.

“Or Faye and Rach.” He chuckled, missing the flash of emotion on her face. “I like her. Where were girls like her when I was in high school? And she loves Faye. That’s what makes this all so complicated.” He squirted a tiny amount of sriracha after seeing Faye do so. Nick had always been afraid of the bright red paste.

“I love her, you know? Have since…”

“Kane?”

Nick coughed, the spice catching the back of his throat, he gulped down some iced tea.

Faye put her hand on Nick’s. “Believe me, she’d never do anything to hurt you on purpose. I mean, can you imagine her stabbing herself?”

Nick laughed. “Funny picture.”

Faye smiled as she saw Tim and Bobbie get up and enter Fresh! She saw them enter the photo booth and remembered that long ago day with Rach.

“I’m gonna get a refill, you need one?” Nick asked, rattling the ice in his cup.

“Hmmm?” Faye asked, still preoccupied with the photobooth. “Oh, sure.”

***

Steve was ordering a burger, while Beth opted for a salad. “Need to stop eating my work. Worried about the prom dress.”

“You’ll look beautiful no matter what.” Steve said, opting for the smaller drink and apple slices instead of fries. Maybe she has a point. His culinary classes surrounded him with cream, butter and red meat every day. My cholesterol is probably high just from osmosis.

After paying and beginning the high level quest for a seat in the rapidly crowding mall, Steve stopped.

“Isn’t that Bobbie and Nick?”

“Yeah. Let’s go say hi.”

Nick was returning with the refills when Steve and Beth arrived.

“Hi, Bobbie.” Beth said excitedly.

Jumping, Faye looked over. “Oh, hey. Beth. Not at the bakery?”

“Tim called and told me to take the day off. Besides, needed stuff for the school cake. Need to start on that. Lot of work. Can’t wait to see it finished.”

Me neither. Faye thought.

“Well, I’ve gotta run. Nick’s my ride.”

“Looks like we got here just in time, then.” Steve said, happy to have slain the evil wizard and his seat devouring minions.

***

“You are hilarious.” Tim said, looking at the strip of pictures that dispensed from the booth.

Bobbie had mimicked the familiar ‘V’ gesture with tongue for the last one. She quickly ripped that one off of the strip and secured it in her bra.

“What?” Tim protested.

“I’ll explain later.” There was going to be some good to come out of this.

And, dammit. Hopefully I can help Faye a little here, too.

As they left, Bobbie swore she saw Steve and Beth on the far side of the food court.

“Just keep walking.” Bobbie said softly.

“Why?” Tim asked, matching her tone.

“Let’s just get out of here? Anyplace quiet?”

“Sure. I can feel my ass again.” He said.

“Let’s go.”

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XXI

Author:

Chefness

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 71

“That smells really good.”

“Dude.” Faye said, turning to Nick and rested her weight on one hip. “It’s bacon and onions. That’s it.”

“Still smells good.”

Faye had talked Nick into stopping at Freddie’s on the way home. She came out with a big bag of groceries in one hand and a long baguette of French Bread with the other. Nick knew better than to ask, just accepted that something awesome would follow.

Some more sounds in the kitchen clattered before Faye came out.

“What are you playing?”

“One of those Role Playing Games. Heard some good things about this one.”

Hmmm, Faye thought. I’ve done enough role playing.

Watching Tim at the mall made her realize that what she wanted more than him was just to see him happy. The same happy I saw at the mall.

It wasn’t the same happy he showed with me. The reflection was true. Granted, he thought he was showing ‘Bobbie’. But, the shower of attention was nice, especially with someone not accustomed to it.

She remembered how he looked staggering up the road drunkenly…

He only wanted you.

Telling her the horrible secret of his family.

So what if he thought it was her. He opened up to you. You helped his mom, too. So that’s like a double.

That tender moment in a tangled heap behind a large headstone.

We’ll always have the Graveyard.

Thanks, Stacy. An indirect assist from Stacy Keebler during a lesson in romance was another of those signs that Katy Perry must have been intimately acquainted with.

She knew that pouting like a child wouldn’t do anyone any good. It had to end.

For everyone’s sake, it had to end.

It was that moment that Faye knew what she was going to do. She pulled out her phone and sent a text to Bobbie.

Need to talk.

“Hey, Nick.”

“Yeah. I need to finish the chowder. Faye and I need to talk for a minute. She’s coming back here. You think maybe…”

Nick grimaced. “Yeah. Haven’t seen Richard in a few days. You know I hate this right?”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure things will be back to normal very soon.” Faye smiled. Very soon.

Maybe putting everything back together won’t be so bad. A grin formed as she imagined what the makeup sex with Rach would be like. She heard Nick leave for Experience Point.

Faye poured some milk into a pan and turned on the heat. She had a lot to say to Bobbie. And here was the opportunity

***

Tim was laughing when she told him about the Drop Bears sequel.

“Come on? You don’t want to see that? First one was hilarious. This should be better, hipsters dying well deserved deaths. How many jokes can you get out of Vegemite in a beard?”

Bobbie looked longingly at him. “We can watch the first one tomorrow.”

“or not.” She crept closer, sliding her hand over his tightened rear end.

“Tomorrow, I’ve got deliveries. Today was fun. One thing you two both tell me is that I work too hard. But, if we’re gonna be a success we can’t stop now.”

“Awww, it’s so hard to get you alone now.” She felt his erection through his pants. “Or just always hard.” The grin turned devilish again.

“Bobbie. I gotta ask.” Tim looked nervous.

“Do you really like it in there? I mean, I know it’s you and all. But it’s not you, you know.”

Bobbie wilted slightly. “Look, I’m a guy and sex is nice and everything. But that’s not what it’s about with us. I love you because…”

“Does just because count as an answer? Think about it. You are the one person in my life that has done the most, for me and my Mom.”

“I just want everything to go back to normal, too.” Bobbie said, suddenly feeling smaller.

“Just don’t feel like you have to throw yourself at me. If you love me, show it by laughing at my stupid jokes, or just being with me. I just hope that everyone understands.”

“Understands what?”

“Look at it from everyone else’s point of view. I dumped Bobbie and started dating Faye. God, Heather’s gonna hate me, and Beth. You’re gonna have to help me keep the bakery together.”

She thought of being alone with Tim in the bakery. The fondant station was just the beginning…

“Gotta bleach that fondant station. Can’t even imagine what my Mom will have to say about this.”

Smiling wanly, Tim looked down at her, he grabbed both of her hands in his. “I love you, no matter what.”

“But, was that you? The blonde girl who helps everyone? Or is that video how…?”

Bobbie jerked her head back, gasping. He had never mentioned it, not once in all the time they had known each other.

Tim let the sound die in this throat. “I… didn’t mean anything by it just…” He was backpedaling quickly.

Not you, too. She collapsed on him, listening to the elevated beat of his heart. “Is that what you think?”

“No.” Tim said defensively. “It’s just…. Do I need to get into shape? Read extra books on sex?”

Bobbie gave a weak laugh.

“If this is how it’s going to be, just tell me. And it’ll be okay.”

“Just hold me for a minute.” There was that goddamn video again. Gonna have to talk to Roxx about that. She found it funny that it was easier to think of her as Roxx now. Bobbie saw none of Melanie left in her anymore.

Tim clasped Bobbie to him, absorbing the awkward silence.

“I just want to be where you are, share things with you…”

“…my life. I mean we built a bakery from scratch. You saw it last night. Be part of it again. Faye’s references were off, now that I think about it. Did she tell you about the Ishtar?”

Bobbie looked at Tim, she saw worry and determination mix in the orange and yellow washed taut over his skin.

I want to, more than anything. “No one saw Ishtar. Not even the people who made it.”

“Right?” Tim said. His stomach rumbled to punctuate the remark. It had been hours since the corn dogs at the mall. The sun started to fall along its lazy arc and give way to the celestial curtain of night.

When the sun went down, Bobbie thought of Faye. In a way it had been wrong of her to tell Tim and to pop up at the bakery like that. Her own selfishness getting the better like so many of her other old habits.

Died harder than Bruce Willis.

“I know that it’s the sweet girl in there. Trapped in the body of a Playboy model.” Bobbie blushed.

“Always had a thing for Asian girls.”

Bobbie waved her hand dismissively. “Most people do, apparently.”

“I wonder what Faye’s real name is.”

Bobbie kinked an eyebrow.

“C’mon. Faye Valentine? Why do you think I learned to use chopsticks?”

“She tell you?”

Bobbie shrugged. “License says Valentine.”

Tim seemed satisfied with that answer. Bobbie leaned into him as he put his arm around her.

“You’re not gonna attack me again, are you?”

Bobbie nodded. “This is good. Just this.”

“Good.” Tim laughed “I think I’m fucked out. My back has been killing me all day. “If this is going to be a regular thing, never again on the fondant station.”

Bobbie reached down and rubbed the slightly swollen spot just above the waistband of his boxer briefs.

“Ow… ow… ooh.” Tim grunted, it was helping, but he knew that the ride home would only exacerbate the pain.

“Well.” Tim grimaced. “We should probably head back. Before my mom calls the National Guard.” The thought of Myka being present enough to do that made Bobbie realize just how many things had changed.

Bobbie insisted that he drop her off a few blocks from the house under the guise of not rattling Faye. The truth was Bobbie wanted to walk some, she wanted to collect her thoughts before confronting Faye.

Confrontation? Is that the right word?

Bobbie’s head was too cluttered a place that simply walking would soothe at the moment. Bobbie wanted Tim to hold her forever, to be lost in that perfect feeling again. The interludes at the bakery just weren’t enough.

Bobbie cursed herself for jumping to conclusions when she had seen Roxx with him. Now she understood, it was her needs and desires that had brought her to that point, not his. And I had what alcoholics refer to as a moment of clarity…

Not only can it be you… It will be you.

Yesss, my precious.

The fear started to fall away, and a new determination began to fill her.

“Gonna do it again.” She said through gritted teeth.

This aggression will not stand, man.

***

Faye sat on the couch, sipping cocoa. She told Nick that she’d call when she was done. The smell of the beef stew from the crock pot mingled with the chocolate, creating a very homey environment.

“Bobbie?”

“It’s me.” The full weight and force of Faye’s less than large voice. “Justice told me to find you.”

“We need to go back.”

“Damn, thought you would have had a Back to the Future reference in there.” Faye set down her mug. Bobbie’s face remained unchanged.

“I want to do it again. This isn’t me. I tried… I understand now, I really do. I spoke with Justice. She told me to find you. Lust is back. Please, can we just go back?”

Faye looked at Bobbie, seeing the clarity in those violet eyes.

“I know, as much as I tried to convince myself she was gone…” Faye sighed. “I spoke with Justice, too.”

“Not yet, we need to talk. Now.”

Bobbie sighed. “Okay, let’s get this over with. I’m sorry. When it all started, I just thought…” She thought she’d get through it, but everything hit her all at once. What she had done to nearly everyone in Faye’s immediate circle of friends weighed on her. She flung herself forward, hugging Faye. There were moans and Faye felt a creeping dampness on her shoulder.

Surprised, Faye genuinely hugged back. “It’s okay.” She consoled, anger and frustration taking a back seat. “You couldn’t know, couldn’t understand.”

Bobbie’s cries grew louder, alternating with muffled sobs. She tightened her grip on Faye.

“I’m sorry… so sorry.” The sobs made the cadence of her speech sound odd.

“Kim, Rach, Nick… you. Fuck.”

For the first time, Faye felt genuinely sorry for Bobbie. She hadn’t asked for this, neither of them had. The tides of Faye’s life battering the other girl until all she could do was drown.

Bobbie raised her head, looking up at Faye. Faye looked down, eyes showing concern. “I’ve had to rebuild everything before.”

“…and Tim.” The sobbing continued.

“Don’t worry about him. He’ll be fine.” Faye let go of Bobbie and stepped back “And, I…I wanted to say thanks.”

Bobbie snorted. “Thanks? For what? Ruining your life? And mine? Your sarcasm doesn’t work coming out of that mouth.”

Faye raised her voice an octave.“Well,” Faye teetered her head from side to side. “Not that. But, the money? Allegra will come to her senses, I’m too popular. But the money helps some. I wouldn’t have done those shoots.”

Bobbie shrugged. Whatever dollar amount it was, it couldn’t buy her what she wanted and needed more than anything. For all of her feelings at that moment, it was a nice bright spot that during this whole mess she was able to help someone.

***

Faye stared at Bobbie, she felt sorry for her now. The sensory overload that was a part of her everyday life had proved too much for Bobbie.

Just like it’s going to be so hard to let go of her life. Jesus, these last two weeks have been a real eye opener.

She laughed. Bobbie’s circle of friends was very different. Faye never saw herself as part of a crowd like this. If you ever told me you were gonna get all lovesick teenager, I would have told you to fuck right off.

She remembered those first tough weeks as Faye, Kane’s masculinity nothing more than a memory or whisper that carried little meaning now. That ‘little swim’ you had? Never thought it would leave you here, did you?

Godammit this is hard enough.

“That wolf costume was ridiculous.” Faye said. Bobbie laughed. “And it’s gonna take some time to smooth things over with Rach.”

“Nick, well. That’s another story. I may never forgive you for that one. Still can’t imagine what you were thinking.”

“I wasn’t.” Bobbie admitted.

“I think I can fix my shit. You have other problems. Roxx, Kim.”

“Those are my problems, you shouldn’t have had to deal with them.” Bobbie said, raising her head to look Faye in the eye.

“Thanks for fixing things with my mom.” She said.

“And… Myka. “ Bobbie gave a nod of approval. “You did something good.”

“And you did everything bad…”

“Badly.”

“Shut up. I’m trying to make a point here.” Faye noticed the look in Bobbie’s eyes. Instead of the aloofness she had seen previously, there was resolve. She knows.

What she’s fighting against…

“This whole thing hasn’t been easy on either of us, and it’s gonna be harder on me. But, it’s time we get back to our own lives. I don’t think I could survive you being in there too much longer.”

Bobbie’s gaze didn’t waver. “Gotta agree there.” She forced a laugh. “Isn’t this where one of gives the ‘we’re not all that different’ speech?

“Fuck, no. We’re as different as chocolate and vanilla.” Faye barked, ending with a smile. “But, you have a great sense of humor. And I see that you’re really important to your friends.”

“Like you are to yours.” Bobbie’s gaze softened.

“I am gonna miss Tim though. You’re really lucky. If I can’t smooth things over with Rach, I just might...”

“That won’t work, I tried.”

Faye bent slightly at the waist. “He believed me, remember? I’m original flavor. Sometimes Extra Crispy just won’t do.”

Ignoring the statement, Bobbie continued. “Tim’s always gonna love you just a little. I saw it when you caught us. He cares about you, too. You helped his mom, ran the bakery during my little vacation in Fuckupland, and designed that cake.”

“And that’s another thing, where did you come up with that?”

Faye shrugged. “Seemed appropriate.”

“Saw the plans, hope I can do it.” Worry stretched across her face momentarily like cling wrap.

“It’s not just you.” Faye said, stepping forward. “It’s them, us.”

“We.” She reached under Bobbie’s arms, feeling their breasts press together. Definitely going on a diet. Faye towered over Bobbie. The shorter girl raised her head, looking up at Faye. Faye looked down, eyes showing concern. Suddenly, Faye knew what had to be done. They had both seen behind the curtain, and found the exact opposite of what they expected to find. Bobbie moved back slightly as Faye moved closer.

Faye looked into Bobbie’s eyes, she blinked three times rapidly. It looked like something was in her eye. Looking closer, there was a point of light. Tiny, illuminated like a speck of dust floating in a shaft of light. She looked closer, Bobbie’s heat radiating from her in slow waves.

CLANG!!!

The sound jolted Faye. From the looks of it Bobbie hadn’t heard. The speck grew in size, her eye wanted to twitch, but somehow wouldn’t. She reached down and grabbed Bobbie’s neck, Faye crushing her mouth against Bobbie’s

***

Bobbie fought at first, but let it happen. She felt a twinge of guilt when she thought about Tim. Thoughts were scattered by hormones and a peculiar pulling feeling on the back of her neck

CLANG!!!

Bobbie heard that sound, it was still so welcome, even after all this time. She felt Faye’s hands slide up under her shirt to grasp the breasts she had cultivated over her time as Faye Valentine.

***

Faye felt the moan vibrate her lips as the kiss continued. An odd sensation was pulling at the back of her neck. Her eyes were forced open by the sensation, she was surprised to see Bobbie’s eyes open as well. She moved a hand downwards, under the waist of her panties.

Bobbie gasped as Faye sent her finger’s probing.

CLANG!!

***

Bobbie was feeling hot and flushed. Faye’s expert touch was teasing her out of control, the lack of carnal attention by Tim left a craving that was being fulfilled at that moment. The pulling grew stronger still as the kissing grew more frenetic. Their thoughts compressed together.

CLANG!!

***

Faye felt squeezed, like she was trying to fit inside a very small box. The electric fire she felt coursing over her threatened to engulf her in a burning tide of extraordinary magnitude.

Tim…

She felt as if she would burst from within, the tension threatening to release all at once as her loins quivered at the touch that was somehow both alien and not alien.

CLANG!!!

***

“Aaaahhh.” Faye screamed as she exploded, the pulling at such an intensity it threatened to pop her eyes out.

“Oh, fuck yeah.” Bobbie yelled as she shut her eyes tight, feeling the moisture wring out of them like a sponge.

Instantly, both girls felt the pull become a snap as they collapsed on each other. They lay there in an Escherlike pattern of tangled limbs and splayed hair.

Chapter 71

Bobbie gasped as she regained consciousness. Moving her hands didn’t produce the usual effect of not touching herself. Blonde and blue hairs tickled her face. When she sat up, the black and green hairs that were mixed in moved strangely. Physically moving the hairs pulled at her scalp.

Bobbie looked down. Gone were the mammoth breasts she had gotten used to, replaced by the more modest curves that belonged to ‘Bobbie’. I’m back. The smile threatened to touch her ears. She looked down at Faye, it was her hands that were buried in Bobbie’s crotch. It didn’t bother her one bit. I’ve done worse things….

Bobbie got up and ran to the bathroom. She needed to see it for herself. The large, blue eyes stared back at her. Her mouth broke into a grin. I’m me again.

Yes, you are. Now you know…

And knowing is half the battle.

…Understanding is the other half.

Not caring about her nudity, Bobbie woke Faye, the light snoring cute and hilarious. In her mind a plan formed.

In all the joy of the moment, Bobbie realized that the ratcheted up libido was gone. The siren song of the senses was muted, remixed to lower it to a safe background level. Her ability to think further than five minutes in the future restored.

Quietly, she grabbed Faye’s phone and took a quick video of the sleeping girl.

Okay, Bobbie smiled.

Let’s get dangerous.

***

Faye was dreaming about things that didn’t quite make sense. She was on a date with Rach and Tim, he opened the door for both of them and regarded them with equal attention. Rain suddenly began to fall, followed by a thunderclap.

“Faye.”

Her eyes blinked open to look at the blonde girl hovering above her.

“Bobbie, it’s…” Her eyes swung open and she sat up. Without wasting a second, she put her hands on her breasts.

“Mmmm.” Faye said, feeling the familiar oversaturated sensations return in full force.

“Welcome home.” She snapped her head up at Bobbie.

“Shut up.”

Bobbie’s smile disappeared. “Not saying anything. And not judging, either.”

“There’s nothing to judge. It’s nobody’s business.” Bobbie’s face wore a mask of serious unlike any Faye had seen before.

“Like Justice said. I know what I’m fighting against now.”

“I want a shower, You?”

Faye nodded.

“I’ll go first. It’s gonna be a long night.” Bobbie said, looking around.

Faye quirked an eyebrow as she pulled on a shirt.

“Look. I’ve fucked up enough shit.”

Faye’s eyes widened. “A fuck and a shit in the same sentence? Gonna sound like Bella, you keep it up.”

Bobbie turned to the bathroom. She unceremoniously flipped a middle finger up with her left hand and smiled over her shoulder turning her head to the right.

Faye stared after Bobbie. I really hope this wasn’t all for nothing.

Coffee was made and Bobbie was quick, her hair limp and still wet. Her Clash shirt hung off of one shoulder.

“Yeah,” I kind of modified the wardrobe a little. “Hey, I thought this was gonna be…”

“I like it.” Bobbie turned to her cup of elixir vitae. “I’ve got dinner, you gonna eat?”

Faye smiled. “Depends.”

Bobbie rolled her eyes. “Get in the shower.”

***

Bobbie checked the freezer and selected one of all the contents. The Barbacoa was pulled out and nuked free of its icy prison. Some vegetables were cut, and Bobbie heaved a huge sigh when she saw that there were still tortillas left.

There was a plate, artfully arranged, waiting for Faye when she emerged out of the shower.

“This is gonna take forever to dry. Can’t wait to get these things out.” Faye was rubbing a towel over the long extensions that were still woven into her hair.

“I’d wait.” Bobbie said, setting the Aperture Industries mug in front of her.

“Rach likes it. I’ve got a plan, I think.”

“Plan for what.”

“Faye.” Bobbie smiled. “If I learned anything, it’s that I need to be responsible for me. I will do what I can to help.”

“I’m not gonna screw up everything then just leave you to twist in the wind.”

“I’m listening.” Faye said, rolling shut her burrito.

“That dress is hanging up, put it on. Like I said, I think I can help. But you’re going to have to listen to me, okay?”

“Sure, listen to you.” Faye said, swallowing the chewed chunk. “What could possibly go wrong?”

“That’s not all.” Bobbie said, sitting down and biting into her own food. Reaching into her pocket, she slid a picture towards Faye. When she removed her hand, Faye was able to see the picture clearly.

It was her…Bobbie…. Whatever. Sitting on Tim’s lap, sticking her tongue through the ‘v’ made by her fingers.

“I thought you would want that one. Never forget, right?”

Faye chewed quietly and stared at the photo. She couldn’t tell if the burning behind her nose was from emotion or capsaicin.

Nick came in. and looked around nervously. Faye saw him cast his eyes downward quickly as he realized that Faye was sitting right there, eating.

“Nick.” Bobbie said. “Dinner’s right there.” Faye got up and left.

“Is she…” Nick gulped. “Here for a while?”

“Yeah. Everything’s fine. Eat.”

Nick laughed weakly. “That’s your answer for everything isn’t it?”

Faye walked into the room resplendent in the green dress, which wasn’t completely fastened.

Looking at the dress, Bobbie said. “Need help with the…”

Faye reached behind her back and… ZIP!

Bobbie’s blank stare trailed towards Faye. “How? I mean…” It was the first time she had seen anyone zip up an original Heather Sweet unassisted.

“What.” Faye said pulling on one of the gloves.

“I’m…” Bobbie began. “I’m just going to collect the laundry.” Bobbie left the room, leaving Nick and Faye alone to eat in silence.

Faye set down her burrito. She got up and walked around the table and threw her arms around Nick. She felt him tense up.

“I’m sorry, Nick. I don’t know what came over me. I just don’t. I was a little drunk, but…” I know exactly what came… Bobbie.

“I couldn’t imagine hurting my best friend in the history of always that way.”

“And you did it anyway.” Nick held the ends of his tortilla together. “Look, I’m not gonna say I’m mad, but you’ll forgive me if I keep my distance a little. It’s just this is a ‘before this’ and ‘after this’ moment. It’s still kind of fresh.”

Faye smiled, slowly backing away. Didn’t go as well as I hoped. “I understand. But don’t think that you’re gonna stay on top of the leaderboards for a while.”

Nick smiled. “Not too sure about that, Princess. Bobbie and I haven’t done too badly lately.”

Faye’s turn to smile. “I’m sure.”

“Easy, professor.” Nick said, taking a bite. “She’s easily as good as you are.”

Nick’s face grew confused as Faye started laughing loudly.

***

Bobbie was gathering all the laundry that she had accumulated. I’ve got a plan. She felt accomplished as the rest of tonight fell into place. She would help Faye piece back together the things that she broke.

It felt good to be doing something.

Okay, got the clothes together. Now just need to talk Faye into going out.

When she came back out into the living room, Faye was talking to Nick. The tension was still there, but at a much lower level than before. She saw Nick seemingly having a dark cloud over him.

Darkness. It had been so long since she had seen it, the colored ribbons present in the world as Faye saw it had been there screaming at her for so long, she had forgotten it. Looking closer, she could see things she didn’t remember seeing before. There were tiny spots and moving eddies within the ethereal shroud. There’s more wrong than she knows.

“Faye, you ready?” Faye had no darkness, as if Lust had perfected some kind of supernatural stealth.

“Yeah. Let’s get this over with.”

The girls lugged the bags full of soiled cotton and other fabrics out to the EVO and got the vehicle out onto the road.

“Okay, Bobbie. You wanna let me in on what it is we’re doing? And why I’m wearing this masterpiece of fabulosity?”

“You’re going to say goodbye to Tim. You deserve that much. Still wearing the necklace?”

Faye pulled the chain out, hooked around her thumb, the charm swinging indiscriminately.

“Good.” Bobbie said as she pulled out her phone. Jeez, this thing is slow.

She tapped out a message to Tim as they pulled into the Clothes Basket. Bobbie quickly went to the back seat and pulled out the two large bags full of clothing. They loaded the machines and headed back to the car.

Bobbie gave her the quick rundown of what her plan was. She also explained the need for haste, Faye listened cautiously as she adjusted the mirror again as she recalculated for the loss of height. She felt trepidation as she listened to Bobbie talk while the car wound its way through the streets of Delacroix.

***

Tim was sitting on the roof. Bobbie asked to meet him up here. He looked at the grill that still sat up there. How in the hell am I gonna get that thing down? The squeak of the door alerted him to see Bobbie standing there. He got up and briskly went to her. He caught her up in his arms.

“Bobbie, is everything okay?” She had never asked to meet like this.

As she sagged against him, Tim felt that completeness as somehow less complete. But, if this is Bobbie now…

***

Faye was on the verge of tears. Standing here in his arms, in her own body seemed like a cheap victory. The view of the grill, still stationary after their date, threatening to burn its image in her mind forever.

“What’s wrong, Bobbie?” Tim sounded concerned.

Jesus, Faye. You just let this go, now you need it back?

Okay. Last Warning, it is my brain now. Don’t care if I can’t do math, remember?

“Nothing.” She pursed her lips and looked up into those soulful brown eyes. They kissed, Tim noticing the direction of her tongue change again.

She backed up and looked at Tim, the one guy that had managed to get into her heart and infect it like a worm inside an apple. Faye decided that the worm belonged there, and who was she to muck about with such a fragile ecosystem? Her head swam, colors swam in her vision, Tim glowed slightly. A bright white with tiny, frail twisting rainbows that slid about like oil atop water.

The creak of the door got Tim’s attention like setting his pants on fire.

It was Faye. Oh, shit. Not again.

“Tim, I have to rethink my whole life because of you. Penis does not equal asshole. So many guys think that they have to be cool or funny or… whatever.” Faye saw realization dawning on his face.

“You and Bobbie belong together. You showed me what that looks like. Keep treating women that way and Bobbie there.” Faye twitched a thumb behind her. “Is gonna have a never ending battle to keep you.” She reached out and ruffled the short hairs at the top of his head. Gingerly kissing his cheek, she brought her hand down over his cheek. Tim felt the warmth seep through the satiny smooth gloves.

“We’ll always have the graveyard.”

“Here’s lookin’ at you, kid.” Faye wiggled away in the dress that stomped Godzilla sized holes in his heart. “Casablanca, right? That’s what YouTube said anyway.”

Tim smiled at Faye. It was the first time she noticed it,

The colors… Bobbie, you have better not have dropped acid. Worrying about flashbacks is not on my to do list.

Faye snapped her eyes around and saw no trace of them anywhere else. To her, it was akin to the status bars in the video games she played. Their different colors splaying about like a deep space dogfight.

Tim opened his mouth to speak. “Of all the references you got wrong. You got Casablanca?”

“Gonna miss movies with you, Tim.” Faye slithered out of his loosening grip. “You are almost too nice, you know that.” The left corner of Faye’s mouth twitched upwards.

“Don’t ever change.” She turned and walked towards Bobbie, removing the necklace as she did so. She dumped her cupped hand to Bobbie’s..

***

Bobbie turned to watch Faye leave.

Tim stared after her as she left. He looked at Bobbie, then at Faye, then Bobbie again. She grabbed Tim’s hand with her free one and swung it.

“It’s me, Tim.” Bobbie said, turning her attention to the confused young man. “I wanted to make sure she got to say goodbye. You got to her, you know? I mean, like, really got to her.” She flashed every facet of her champion smile at him. “Did I walk like that?”

She gave the necklace back to him. “It’s always better when you put it on.”

Tim was lost again. What is going on with these two? He rehooked the necklace and allowed Bobbie to turn around.

“I’m just so happy to be back. And yeah, definitely the Kirk Cameron one.”

“You didn’t sway as much.” Tim said. “C’mon in, be nice to have you around tonight.” Holding her just seemed right. Especially like this, fitting like matroyshka dolls. You can explain how it happened.

A tiny grin split her mouth. “That would be telling.” Then she sighed. “I can’t. I need to help with the laundry, I kinda let it pile up a little.”

“Oh.” Tim said not wanting to let her go so soon after getting the right combination of body and soul back in his arms again.

“I messed some things up for Faye, and…”

Tim smiled. “You need to help, right? You are just gonna have to embrace this angel thing.”

Bobbie placed her head on his chest heard the dubstep beat of his heart.

“I love you, Bobbie Sharpe.”

Her smile threatened to pop off her face. “Ditto.”

“See you later.” Tim said, swinging into a kiss. Okay, that’s Bobbie. The direction of the circling tongue lending more credence to her identity than the most obscure fact about the contents of Marcellus Wallace’s suitcase, Tim felt assured that he finally had his love in his arms again, only to have her ripped away as a honk sounded in the distance.

Bobbie broke the contact and turned to run down the stairwell. Stopping before turning to close the door.

“Oh, and you need to make me that Steak Diane. I’m a little jealous.” Her smile seemed to stay still, Cheshire style, after she left.

“I wouldn’t worry about that.” He said after her.

***

Roxx could feel a headache coming on, and all the coke in the world didn’t seem to be helping. The two shots of vodka that came from the ‘gentlemen’ at the end of the bar did little to soothe her queasy stomach. She didn’t want to go to work today, Ashley could have easily taken her shift. But she went, because sitting around seemed pointless.

The job was irritating. The other girls were all jealous; she currently led the tip lottery by giving the most lapdances by the end of any given night. Knowing what people wanted had its advantages, but it was like seeing the sausages made.

It left one not wanting to ever eat sausages again.

The monotony of her time on stage was frightfully blasé, she had taken to imagining arrows floating upwards through her vision. Dance Dance Revolution with a pole, she thought ironically. The parade of obese, generally disgusting men was interspersed with quiet, shy guys. The first group was a sort of a ‘hold your nose and shut your eyes’ kind of proposition. The quiet ones always told a story of kaleidoscopic sadness. Blues, greens, and yellows slapping around like an electrified swimming pool. She could almost feel their kindredship with Robb.

Why are you thinking about him?

Because he cared.

Ever since the confrontation with Bobbie, Roxx had started to question what it was she was doing. This whole game she was playing had stopped being fun. Lust seemed busy with Kim.

Kim. She thought back to the little girl with the pigtails she had first met.

Now it was back to the grind of keeping herself together.

Unless you meet another Robb.

Shut up, I don’t need another one.

Roxx remembered Robb showing up with a flower, leaving her little notes…

He threw that away, not you.

Still not listening.

Roxx was right, she didn’t need another Robb.

…but having another one wouldn’t hurt.

“You chose this, Mel.” The word tasted funny on her lips, or was that the smell in the dressing room?

Taking a final drag, she stepped on the butt with her booted heel.

“Wish I thought this through.”

***

Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding…

Faye was done ringing the doorbell, hoping Rach wasn’t in the kiln again. When the door opened it was obvious that she had been. There were ash smudges on her face, the old clothes and the bandana tied over her hair told the rest of the story. Yellow and purple mixed into a moving bruise.

“What? Finally finish those cupcakes?”

Faye took in the picture of her. The cute face marred by splotches of dark grey and white. Her Zeds Dead tour shirt had seen better days. You would know, you helped her ruin it in the bedroom.

It was too much to see her standing there, arms crossed, waifish face almost Dickensian. Faye stepped forward and threw her arms around Rach.

“Whoa whoa whoa… what the hell? I’m so over you right now.” Rach firmly pushed back.

Faye felt herself sink and wilt. “I know sorry won’t cut it. But I love you, Rach. I know I’ve been a bit of a bitch since Forbes. Just really haven’t been myself lately.”

Faye pouted. “Laughing at other people isn’t fun without you.”

“And what’s up with the dress? Another shoot?”

“No, knew I was coming here, thought you’d like to see it.” Faye cocked her head and gave Rach a sly wink. “Should I twirl?”

Rach smiled and laughed through her nose as Faye spun. She waited until the girl in green stopped. “You can come in, I’m almost done with the kiln.”

Faye sighed. “No, I need to get to the Laundromat, Bobbie’s there with the clothes. I can’t leave her there.”

“No, you can’t. Especially now that she’s part of the ‘Kane Klub’”

Faye raised an eyebrow.

“In all the time I’ve known you, you’ve told me, Zoe, and now Bobbie. When I asked you about it you gave me some half assed answer about giant robots. What makes her so special?”

“What? I can’t just trust someone?”

Rach smiled. “Well, you trusted me.”

“Look. I need to go. Dinner? Tomorrow?”

“Sure, but not Rucker’s.”

“Rucker’s?” Faye smiled. “That’s cute. Wear something fabulous. I should have this clean by tomorrow.”

Rach stepped forward, putting her arms around Faye.

Faye shut her eyes. It felt good to be back here, in Rach’s arms. There was a feeling of their bodies together, one of yielding as their soft anatomies pressed against each other like strata of rock. It wasn’t like the way she sank into Tim, his sharp corners and hard surfaces seemed complimentary compared to her squishy curves.

Gonna have to get used to this again.

“You’re lucky I love you.” Rach breathed, Faye felt a little closer to home in that moment.

Maybe it won’t take so long.

Faye smiled for no one…

As Rach’s eyes were still closed.

***

Bobbie put yet another quarter in the dryer, hoping that it would do to remove the final bits of dampness that clung to the various items. She turned back to the folding, the television playing a country music video. Bobbie looked at the women in the video, one wore a cowboy hat. I wonder how Luka’s doing?

The loud drum and bass sounds grew louder as headlights splayed into the big bay windows of the Laundromat. They swung to a stop as Faye got out, bags from Pam’s in one hand and a large cup in the other. She kicked the door shut, the resounding thud echoing through the deserted parking lot.

Bobbie ran to the door and opened it, allowing Faye inside.

“Okay, princess.” Faye began, taking a long pull from the straw. “I got a dinner with Rach. Yours is in the bag.” Bobbie reached in past the fat steak fries and pulled out the familiar yellow paper.

Bobbie looked inside the paper. “Ooh, double burger.”

“Yeah,” Faye said. “Tomorrow, I go on a diet, no thanks to you. Although I have to say, Heather makes some damn fine clothing. This thing fits like a glove.”

“I know, plenty of support in the ‘fingers’” Bobbie said, peering into the wrapper.

“It’ll be a shame to have her take it in when I get back to normal.” Faye hefted her breasts.

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” Bobbie took a bite of her burger. “She’s amazing. Zippers are always too long though.”

Faye shrugged while shoving a couple of fries into her mouth. “Seemed fine to me.” Faye’s burger shed its wrapper.

Bobbie laughed. “In movies like this, we’d probably be talking about ‘oh, we’re really the same.’”

“But we’re not.”

“Well, thank you Captain Obvious. Will the rest of the No Shit Squad be dining with us this evening?” Faye bit off a large chunk of burger.

“Seriously. I get it, what we are… sort of compatible.”

“But not really.” Faye said with her mouth full. “Look,” She continued, “You’ve got a really good thing going; the bakery, Tim, the band. But, the bad girl thing isn’t you.”

“I know. Even when I was… him, it wasn’t me. Tried like hell to make it work. What did it get me? A bullet, gallons of blood, and a pussy.”

Faye laughed, an unidentifiable conglomeration of chewed food sailed through the air.

“Don’t knock it, sis.”

Bobbie held up her burger as if to deflect the accusatory tone. “If I have learned one thing in the last year…”

“This is who I really am. Bobbie, the Advocate. Cupcake Girl.”

“Tim’s girl.”

That last one stung Faye just a little, having only been in his arms for the last time just hours before. It was still fresh, so fresh, that the even more recent contact with Rach hadn’t been able to completely remove the feeling of his quasi brawny arms around her, enveloping her.

“Cupcake Girl? Sounds like a bad comic book.” Faye swing her legs back and forth as she sat on the high folding table. “Still not too sure where I stand with this. I mean, I could have never imagined what all this could be like.” Faye’s attention turned outside where some people were crossing the street. They all had a yellow cast to them.

“Bobbie?”

“Hmmm?”

“I keep seeing these colors, did you maybe drop some acid or something?”

“No, wait. You didn’t see those? Y’know… before?”

“What?”

Bobbie’s face dropped. Setting her burger down, she ran to the window. There they were, each covered by a blob of shadow. Looking closer, she could see eddies of darkness alongside lighter ones. How did I miss that before? The darker stripes seemed to bear down on the lighter ones oppressively.

They’re scared.

“I haven’t told anyone about this. But I can see things in people. Like darkness. I sort of know what…”

Bobbie gasped and clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes darting.

“What? And what does this have to do with…”

As if giant tumblers finally lined up after a geologic age, Bobbie understood.

“Back when I met you, I kept seeing darkness around people. It’s how I met Tim, and when I help people, or they eat…”

She laughed in amazement. “Justice, you’re a sly one.”

“Are you going to tell me, or am I going to throw this burger at you?”

“Okay.” Bobbie began excitedly. “I saw darkness, right? Helping people, or people eating my cupcakes helps it… I see what people Need.” She looked at Faye to make sure she was still following.

“When I was…” She paused to search for words. “In there. It was all colors. I could kind of figure out what they meant, but…”

Faye wound her index finger in a circular motion.

“It was in color. Reds and blues, greens and purples, I could make them change by doing things. I figured it out at one of the shoots. You see what they Want.”

“Great.” Faye rolled her eyes. Looking up, she raised her voice. “Thanks a lot, Lust.”

Bobbie looked down, “There’s more. I’ve seen her.”

Faye stopped chewing.

“She’s still out there.”

Faye looked visibly shaken.

“She’s older than time, Faye. Seriously, think you were gonna banish her to the formless void of the eighth dimension?”

“But I got rid of her.” Faye seemed dazed.

“I don’t think that’s possible. She’s like porno Freddy.” Bobbie said. “Porno Freddy, Porno Wolverine. Damn, she likes fucking with people.”

“Tell me about it. And this tattoo? This mark?” Faye asked, trying to point her chin at her back.

Bobbie shrugged. “I don’t know. Seems like it makes bad choices seem like the best idea in the world. Like that one drunk friend who is convinced that he can totally make the pool from the roof.”

“It’s a great idea, until the ambulance gets called.”

“I don’t think she’s too concerned with you right now.”

“Really, Einstien? What makes you say that?”

“Because, I’ve been the target the whole time.” Bobbie turned back to look at the people in their fear encrusted darknesses. It was like a black and white version of the colors she had seen from Faye’s eyes, she had missed it before.

But, now? It was obvious, they were a grey rainbow. Their muted needs never playing as loudly as their wants.

“So now what do we do?” Faye asked, stuffing the last of her burger into her mouth.

“We don’t do anything.” Bobbie said, turning back to face Faye.

“I do.”

Faye’s drink gurgled as she sucked down the last of the soda, leaving nothing but syrup tainted ice. “Is that cinnamon I taste in there?”

Chapter 72

Waking up the next morning, Tim still had remnants of his dream in his head. He was naked with both Bobbie and Faye; the dream had a lot of detail. He couldn’t imagine Bobbie how wound up in Faye’s body; it didn’t make any sense at all. Now that everything was all sorted out, life could get back to normal.

Whatever the hell that is.

When he came out to start the coffee, he was surprised to see his mother still hunched over the computer.

“Heeeahs. Ptooi.” Myka turned her head and spit out the pen she had in her mouth.

“Here. I finally logged all the orders in one place.” She handed him a small stack of printed sheets. “Took me all night, coffee’s already done.” She laughed giddily from both too much caffeine, and too little sleep.

Tim started flipping throught the book. Wedding cakes, birthday cakes. The baby shower that wanted tequila lime cupcakes? Then

The Shelton? The swanky hotel in town had put in a request for several cakes, meant to be sold at the restaurant.

“Mom? Did you actually read these?” He shook some creamer into the cup.

“Saw The Shelton in there, huh? I guess their pastry guy is having surgery, and they couldn’t get anyone else in time. That’s just for one night.”

The giddiness disappeared for a second. “I have to say. I… I’m proud of you, son. I can’t even begin to think of what your father would say to all this.”

“I wanted to make his dream happen, even if he couldn’t be here to see it. I think that this is all Bobbie’s doing. She’s just…”

“I know.” Myka said. “Don’t mess it up. I don’t want to have to kick you out and move her in.”

“Mom.” Tim smirked and shook his head.

“Maybe we should have a girls night.”

“I think Bobbie would like that idea very much.”

Tim had the coffee in his cup and was thinking about how good it was to have Bobbie back.

The real Bobbie, the one he let in.

Thoughts of dubstep and cemeteries intruded for a moment. Maybe Faye got to me a little? He awkwardly wondered which Faye was the real one.

He didn’t care one iota. The coffee gently splashed its chemical romance into his central nervous system. Tim was just happy that all this nonsense was over, and that they could get back to work.

“And there’s a package coming tomorrow. Not sure what it is. Did you order anything?”

Tim looked puzzled as he swallowed the coffee in his mouth. “I dunno. It’s been so hectic with everything…”

“As long as you’re there, you need to sign for it.”

“Ok. Well, I need to jump in the shower if I have any hope of getting my amazing girlfriend to school on time.”

***

Bobbie was looking at herself in the mirror, sliding on the blue floral print sundress was very comfortable. She thought of all those scenes from movies…

Rambo lacing up his boots…

Ash building his hand…

Arnold Schwarzenegger sliding the magazine into his ridiculous weapon…

Sigourney Weaver: “Get away from her you bitch.”

She slid the comb through her bangs and closely eyed her face; the blue streak Faye had installed was a really good idea. She sighed lightly, wondering what the upkeep would be like.

You already see Frankie every month.

She found the film reel barrettes and clipped her hair back over one ear. Assuring herself that she was once again ready to assume social contact and hopefully pick up where she left off.

Faye abruptly opened the door, looking for all the world like she was going to die. She was coughing and sputtering. Bobbie adroitly stepped to the right, allowing Faye to spit out something into the sink.

“Jesus, Bobbie. How many packs did you get through? Feels like you got through an entire Turkish tobacco harvest. I think my liver hurts. She ran some water into her cupped hand and slapped it into her mouth. Swishing and spitting to get that taste out of her mouth.

Bobbie looked down. “Sorry. You know, there’s only so many times I can say that.”

“Then I’m just gonna apologize in advance for all the things I’m going to say while I figure out how to get everything back to slightly fucked up.”

Bobbie went out to the living room with Faye and looked at the state of the place. She would take care of it later, when she got home.

“I’m taking the EVO today. Wanna ride?”

Bobbie thought for a second about how the comfort of those bucket seats couldn’t compare to the back half of the Vespa’s seat cushion, snuggled up against him.

“Nah.” She smiled.

Faye returned the grin. “OK, I get it. See you at school?”

“Definitely.” Bobbie said as the tinny horn sounded. She ducked out the door into the bright, warm morning.

***

After Bobbie left, Faye went to the bathroom again and looked at herself. Goddammit,she pushed hair out of her face. She looked at the green streak. Well, you did give her the blue one. The extensions she had written off as part of the shoot, didn’t have to keep ‘em though.

Realizing that this sudden appearance change would cause her to rethink her makeup scheme, she looked forward to the day the extensions came out.

Again, semi fucked up.

She was fixing her coffee when Nick woke up.

“Hey.” He said, the yellows and greens looked almost polka dotted.

“Hey,” Faye said back, offering Nick her cup. He took it and she started fixing herself another one. She bit her lip as her forearm accidently brushed against one of the huge orgs that now hung in front of her, giving her a slightly forward list. “You didn’t have to get up. I’m… I’m gonna take the EVO today.”Nick looked surprised. “I figured you need time not ferrying my luscious ass around. Besides, Stacy graduated. She can’t key it.”

“Bobbie take off already?”

“Yeah, I’m probably gonna be late today. Got a lot to do, relax. I do plan to kick your ass later.”

“Never. Starting to play some other characters now. I’ve gotten pretty good with Juri.”

“Finally gave X-23 a rest?”

Nick shot Faye a knowing look, he shrugged. “Different game. Be water, my friend.”

Faye chortled. “I’m gonna go. But, I’ll be kicking your ass with Yun later.”

“Oh, you’re gonna tier whore me now? Not gonna make this easy are you?”

“Hey, I’m a mysterious woman.”

“No, you’re a funny girl.” Faye thought she heard a chuckle. She wrinkled her nose as she turned to leave. The door swung shut behind her. Nick heard the car start and the dubstep begin as Faye pulled her car onto the road.

***

Bobbie was holding on to Tim a little tighter today, the joy of just being Bobbie infusing every part of her being. The ride, Tim, being back where she belonged; it all went straight to her head.

Almost like being high, but in a good way.

The school seemed like a newer place today, full of promise. When Bobbie doffed the helmet, she set it on the seat and launched herself forward into Tim’s arms. He was feeling the squeeze as it constricted his midsection.

“We need to talk tonight. The order list is like… I don’t even know, and we have that cake. I mean. We have a lot to do. But not this weekend.”

Bobbie gave an uncomprehending look.

“Prom is this weekend, remember?”

Is it? Bobbie thought back and looked up to see the banner over the front double doors of the main building.

“No, I didn’t. Been a little busy with the whole…”

Tim interrupted her with a kiss. “I know. You should get moving. I’ll see you after school.”

“You sure will.” Bobbie came back with a kiss of her own. It turned into a little more of a makeout session than either one of them planned on.

“Mmph.” Tim vocalized as he withdrew his tongue. “Bye.” He said, sliding her slender arm through his loose grasp.

Bobbie confidently strode towards the building, passing through the doorway. She glanced over her shoulder to see Tim ride off.

Once inside the educational citadel, Bobbie looked around as if for the first time. People’s darknesses were everywhere. Their individual needs screaming at Bobbie as sure as the colored ribbons she had experienced as Faye had.

His parents are divorcing, her boyfriend is cheating on her, his grandmother is dying… Seeing it all in such a crowd was overwhelming. She figured that it was like eating an elephant; impossible to do all at once, but one bite at a time?

Delacroix was going to be a different place for a few weeks, now that Bobbie saw exactly what she needed to do.

***

Faye rolled into the parking lot late. Finding a dry cleaner that did same day service proved to be more difficult than the thought, but she knew it would be worth it. She was looking forward to seeing Rach tonight, the look on her face is going to be pic worthy. She got out of the car and made her way towards the entrance, knowing full well that today would be interesting. The colors given off by everyone, coupled with the heat from her loins that had only built higher while she was driving.

It was fourth period before interesting started to rear its ugly head, she hated her math class.

Mr. Agee was kind of a creep, smug in his own superiority. Faye was struggling to catch up, having forgotten most of the things they had done previously. Thoughts of lunch and the salads she would be eating for the next month took over while variables and polynomials translated into food equivelants.

It made an odd kind of sense. One half head of lettuce, half of a carrot, and two tomato wedges equals one salad…

God, I’m hungry. Faye thought, keeping to this diet was going to be difficult. Thoughts of salad and chicken stayed at the forefront of her mind as the bell rang.

“Miss Valentine, can I see you for a moment, please?”

Crap. As the other students filed out, Faye made her way to his desk.

“Miss Valentine, you seem distracted today.” Mr. Agee said, looking distantly at the door as the last student left.

“Hmmm?” She replied. “Oh, just another Monday.”

Agee rose and came around his desk. His body displaying a tangle of pinks and purples, flowing into each other like a broken lava lamp. As his arms came up to capture her, Faye felt a sense of dread.

“What are you doing?” Faye was suddenly disgusted.

“You know what I want, that little stunt you pulled last week…”

Little stunt? Bobbie, you’ve gotta be fucking kidding me.

As Agee brought his whole body forward, Faye backed away. Agee tripped forward in an explosion of yellow and purple, Faye took advantage of the situation and hightailed it out of the class. Bobbie, we need to talk about this. Anything else you wanna tell me? That salad seemed more important by the minute.

A quick text to Rach informed Faye that her girlfriend was being dutiful, skipping school to find that ‘something fabulous’ that she had asked for.

I finally get back to my spot and everything else has moved. The encounter with Agee colored her thoughts the way the colors played out in her sight. Purple must mean horny. Pervert. The spot on her back that displayed the mark burned, displeased.

***

Bobbie was sitting next to Beth, Kim seemed to be missing. No one had seen her today, not even Heather. Going to have to figure that out later. Off to the side, she saw Faye, picking her way around her salad. She seemed disconnected, out of it.

“Beth, let me up real quick?”

“Sure.” Beth moved herself away from the table for a moment as Bobbie went to speak to the salad eater.

“Faye?”

Faye looked up at Bobbie.

“Agee?”

“I… he wouldn’t stop picking on me, and I thought.” What she had done finally came home to roost as it set in.

“That you’d screw him? I feel like I need to take like a thousand showers.”

“Where’s Rach?”

“Off getting something for our date tonight.”

“Why don’t you come have lunch with us?” Bobbie smiled, hand on Faye’s forearm.

She looked over at the table she once occupied, that same glow was present.

Happy? This is weird.

“Are you kidding? Heather’s over there. Easy for you, she doesn’t know…”

“Yeah.” Bobbie agreed. “It is a little weird, as long as no one brings it up, who’s gonna say anything?”

“Like Kim said, better to rip that band aid off now.”

Faye grinned slyly. “Have to agree, though. She is cute. The pinup thing is cool, but that just seems more like her. And maybe a bit like me? Maybe I’ll keep it going.”

Bobbie would have been shocked, if she didn’t understand what life was like in the body of a Thrall.

"Aren't you mad?" Bobbie asked tentatively. "I mean...this is what Lust wants you to do. I wasn't strong enough to fight it, but...I figured you might be."

Faye rolled her eyes. "What, and just wind up as a nun in a South Pacific convent? Pass."

"Not exactly..." Bobbie looked away, still painfully aware that Faye was left with cleaning up her mess. "I just meant that if you go along with your...uhm...urges...you're just feeding Lust energy. Making her stronger."

Faye was unmoved. "So what? I've already dealt with her best shot and I'm still standing. Really, what’s she gonna do? Kill me? Turn me back into a guy? God, that would suck."

She sighed, the green quivering all the way to the tips. “Alright.” Faye gathered the plastic bowl that had the salad inside it and followed Bobbie to the table of assembled friends.

“Guys, you know Faye.”

Faye looked at each them in turn. Remember, you and Heather…

Faye had to admit, Heather’s new look was preferable to her old one.

“And Heather, that dress? Not the kind of thing I usually wear out. But, it definitely fits in all the right places.”

“Thanks.” Heather said quietly.

Bobbie watched Heather sink into the gloom, while Faye saw the yellow swirl brightly.

“Hi, Beth.” Faye said cheerfully.

“Hi, Faye.” Beth’s smiling face turned to the dark haired girl.

Beth scooted over on the bench to let Faye sit.

“So, how’s the secret project coming?” Faye whispered to Beth.

“Oh, just fine. Did Bobbie tell you?” Beth crunched a chip.

“Something like that.” Faye smiled.

“The fuckin’ green streak is fuckin’ sick.” Bella intoned, devil horns up.

“I dunno.” Faye said, tugging at the emerald streak. Heather looking her right into her stony violet eyes. “Thinking it might be time to go back to the fuckin’ pink, maybe a little fuckin’ purple.”

Heather snapped her head up. “Really?” The yellow awash with blue.

“Yeah, this green… Just a phase. It was fun for a while, but…”

Heather suddenly looked crushed. “But I like the green…” the sentence ended in a whisper.

“Setting down the forkful of salad, she put out her hand and rested it on top of Heather’s.”

“You keep making those dresses, you’ll get all the green you ever wanted.” Grabbing the ends of her hair extensions, studying the piney tips. “Trust me, that thing fits like nothing I’ve ever worn before.”

“And I’m a model.”

“Besides. Looks like you’ve got your hands full already.”

“Wait.” Amber said. “Are we still talking about hair?”

Beth, oblivious started laughing. Which spread to Bella. Bobbie gave a nervous titter, while Faye and Heather slowly slid apart.

Snapping back to the moment, the yellow fading. Heather looked around. “Oh, she has this dress. I made it. The green goes with the dress.” The yellow flared before fading slightly.

The first bell ended the conversation with Bella, Amber, and Beth scooting out after Faye rose.

“So, we’ll see ya later.”

“Yeah,” Heather said, distracted. Bobbie took the clue and got up to leave, casting a nervous glance over her shoulder. She looked back a couple of time, overemphasizing a laugh.”

What the hell is she doing?

***

“So, you like the dress, huh?” Heather said hopefully, she was conflicted. Good girls go to heaven, bad girls go everywhere.

Faye laughed quietly. “Look, I know what you’re thinking, and I’m flattered an all, really." She said, thinking of the green, sparkling dress that was engineered precisely to emulate Jessica Rabbit. With an obviousness that could be seen by surveillance satellites everywhere. "…but you didn't have to do all that. I have a closet full of clothes at home."

"But not a Heather Sweet. There isn't another one of these in the whole world."

Faye sighed patiently; all too aware that trying to dissuade Heather was like trying to catch water in a colander. "I know, but...most of my stuff fits normally, I swear. My boobs are just this big because I ate too many of Bobbie's cupcakes. It's the first place I put on weight...really. Just gimme a couple of weeks and I'll get my bras to fit again."

"Hold up. You mean that where I put on weight if I even look at a chocolate shake, you're telling me that the worst that happens to you from eating a box of Bobbie's cupcakes is you just get more sexy?"

Faye shrugged. “What can I say? I’m a freak.”

Heather giggled. “Well, duh.” The second bell rang and the hallway emptied of students, leaving them alone, the last survivors in the deafening silence left by the wake of the bell.

Faye was wondering what she was going to have to do. Reaching up and touching her cheek and darting her eyes left and right. Rach doesn’t need to see this.

“You know it was just a fling, right? I mean, I’m happy that you found yourself and everything. But, this can’t continue.” Faye watched Heather’s mouth dry out. The swirls of blue increased.

“You were definitely all that and a bag of chips, kid. Be fun to keep you around, but there’s no way Rach would agree.”

“Kid? I’m older than you.” Heather looked at Faye, more vexed now than ever. All that and a bag of chips?

“Shut up.” Faye said, returning to the kiss.

Faye bent in to kiss her, hoping that Rach wouldn’t see this.

Goddamit, why am I so turned on?

Because you’re a thrall now, dummy. Now shut up and kiss her… Faye could feel the mark burn with fever.

“You okay, Faye? You’re sweating.”

“I’m fine.” C’mon, you know you want more. “Lots of stuff going on. Got a Playboy party tomorrow. Mmmm, lots of girlflesh.” Faye felt tingles at the thought.

“Playboy?” Heather asked, now really confused.

“Yeah.” Faye said nonchalantly. “I’m Miss July, I’m gonna be so busy. Parties, hangin’ with the bunnies. And who knows where that’ll lead. Hope Rach isn’t too jealous.”

“I know it was one of the best days of your life. Being with me always is.”

“But for me it was Thursday.”

Heather looked flummoxed. Her yellow acquired a bluish hue, rather than the swirls. Her face fell with consternation, thoughts were out of balance, this was all happening at the wrong time. She couldn’t hurt Kim. Heather loved her first. Heather’s infatuation with Faye was just that, an infatuation. She couldn’t be yours.

She couldn’t really ever be anybody’s . She could only imagine what kind of handful Faye must be for Rach.

***

Faye wanted her, with a longing she hadn’t felt in a long time. Not gonna do it, you can shut the hell up right now. She liked Heather; they got along well as long as she wore Bobbie’s body. But now, Faye sensed that they could still talk, be friends. Faye stared at Heather’s apple shaped behind as she walked away. Damn, what an ass. She hoped that they could be friends in the future.

SMACK! Faye walked into the bathroom and grabbed a paper towel to dab at her face…

There was a smell, clinging, yet familiar. Cigarettes.

Faye looked up to see Kim standing there, Newport Light in her hand.

“Hey, Bobbie…”

Fuck, Faye thought. Out of the frying pan…

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XXII

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Language

Audience Rating:

Restricted Audience (r)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 73

Tim was laughing out loud like a maniac while doing the final cleanup for the day. There was some business, everything sold out. Spreadsheet added up,

It was 11:00 a.m.

“I’m going to sleep, eat lunch.” He had gotten a DVD of Drop Bears from the library. Whatever movie it was, with Bobbie leaning into him, it would be better.

Even Ishtar…

With the Prom coming up, and the big order coming up for the school… And all the others, damn are we gonna be busy.

A loud rapping moved his face upwards to look at the glass. Looking up, he saw the telltale brown uniform of the UPS driver.

“That’s right…” He had forgotten the package due today. I’ll just put it away… how big can it be?

The delivery guy was standing there with a large box lashed to a dolly.

“Hi. Tim Flaherty?”

“That’s me.” Tim said, still smiling.

“Just need you to sign here.” He held out the clipboard, Tim slid the stylus across the electronic screen.

“What is it?”

He gestured to the box. “Don’t know. Some kind of restaurant equipment.”

“I’d offer you some leftovers, but I’m sold out today.”

He smiled. “Wife got me some of the triple berry coffee cake. I’ll be back to buy some later this week.”

A laugh. “I’ll set one aside for you…?”

“Tony. Thanks. Where do you want it?”

Tim looked around and saw a spot that would work for now. “Right there by the fondant station.” He looked at the puzzled face.

“The marble counter over there.”

Tony wheeled the large box over to the assigned location and detached his dolly.

“Thanks, see ya soon.”

“No problem, you have a good day.” Tony backed his dolly out of the door and was gone. After locking the door behind him, Tim looked at the monolith of cardboard.

What the hell?

Using one of the keys on his keyring, he cut the tape at the seams. Soon the gleaming stainless steel surfaces made themselves known. Grabbing the small stapled together booklet, Tim realized what it was that he had.

“Son of a bitch.” He said, wondering who in the hell would spend the couple of thousand dollars on an ice cream spinner, just to donate it to a fledgling bakery run by a bunch of kids.

There were tears again, but these were tears of joy. He couldn’t wait to tell Bobbie.

***

“Bobbie, what’s up?”

Faye reached out and slapped the cigarette out of Kim’s mouth.

“What the fuck?” Kim said, more frightened than annoyed.

“Not Bobbie.” Faye moved her nose in as close to Kim’s as she could.

Kim crumpled away, disappointed. “Damn, she was fun.”

“Shut up and listen.” Faye said, turning around.

“I don’t know what the hell kind of shit you’re pulling, but I’m not gonna have it.”

“And who the hell are you?”

“Your other sister. I’ve got that damn mark, too. Which explains why I can’t see you.” Vocalizing her notice of the sudden absence of colors.

“Lust isn’t gonna be too happy.” Kim reached into her purse to pull out her pack of Newport Lights.

“Yeah?” Faye said. “Fuck her. I stood up to her before, I’m sure I’ll do it again.”

“We’re marked, and neither one of us is like Roxx.” Faye shot Kim a look of extreme disapproval. Kim lowered her hands back into the small bag.

“You’re stuck with me. You wanted a big sister? You got one.”

A girl came in, red and blue absorbing into each other. A tense silence came over both Kim and Faye as she entered and exited the stall.

“Boyfriend must have broke up with her.” Kim said.

“Pissed and sad.” Faye agreed. “Wait. You see them too?”

“Yeah.” Kim said. “I don’t know what they all mean though.”

“Hmmm. Well, looks like we can help each other.”

“What do you mean?”

“The urges, the wakeup.” Faye said, stepping back to get a better look at Kim.

“Best alarm clock I ever had.” Kim let a sly smile loose. Faye chuckled. “Getting better, just need to concentrate on what I’m doing. I noticed that on stage last week.” As long as she was focused on something the more lascivious thoughts were kept at bay. Always just deal with the next step

“I can…” Kim raised her hand, as if to touch Faye’s face.

“No, no no no.” Faye evaded the extremity. “She told me about that, too.” She thought of Heather. Jeez, thrall girlfriend no matter what. Hope she’s up for it.

“We’re both new to this. But I’m the one that dealt with Lust before. I will be damned if she’ll get the better of me.”

“What about Roxx?”

“She’s not my problem. She’s Bobbie’s problem. Not worried about her, but you… If Bobbie’s right, you need to get on top of this otherwise you’re gonna cause more problems for me. And that can’t happen, wakari masu ka?”

“Now, you wanna explain these colors to me?”

***

“Taste this.” Tim was thrusting a tasting spoon at her. The cold, creamy substance was almost too much, threatening frostbite of the upper palate.

It was sweet and smooth, with an incredible coffee flavor.

“Mmmph. That’s pretty good, where’d you get it?” Bobbie asked.

Tim pointed at the spinner in the corner. “Anonymous donation.”

Looking at the device. “Faye. Had to be.”

“That’s right. While you were… uh, her… We talked about ice cream cakes. This is big.”

Bobbie cocked her head and studied the machine from an angle. “Can I see the plans for the school cake? I kinda wanna look at it before Beth gets here.”

Tim frowned. “Can I get a kiss first?”

Bobbie chuckled. Their lips touched. Both Tim and Bobbie happy to exist in that space near the freezer the cold surfaces of their tongues gliding numbly along each other’s.

As requested, the plans for the school cake were pulled out and Bobbie gave them a quick glance. Macadamia nuts? Chocolate? Vanilla? Lemon?

… Candied Lime zest? Nice touch, Faye.

Bobbie took that moment to lament just how normal everything was again; standing there with Tim, looking at plans for a cake. Waiting for Beth, while the coffee maker gurgled it’s mating call.

“It’s like I never left.” Bobbie said.

Tim hugged her from behind. “You never really did.”

Bobbie turned around. “Yes, I did. Left all of this. Faye may have picked up the slack but, I have to live with that every time I look in the mirror.”

“But you’re back now.”

“I suppose. A little older, a little wiser…”

The door chime sounded and Beth entered the front door carrying a pink backpack. “Hi, guys. I wanted to show you something.”

Conversation forgotten, Bobbie went back to looking at the plans for the cake. Beth pulled out several printed color swatches.

“I’m gonna mix the fondant into these colors and make the figures, Everybody can get one.” Beth giggled. “It was a great idea, Bobbie. But it’s been a lot of work just figuring out how to do it.”

Bobbie smiled. Just like being an Advocate.

“But, I’ve got it now.”

“Of course it wasn’t easy.” Bobbie said distantly.

She echoed Justice’s words.

“Nothing worth having ever is.” Think I’ve got it now, too.

***

“I swear, you tell me to wear something fabulous, and then you show up looking like you had to leave Fashion Week in Milan in a hurry to get back here.” Rach was wearing an orange swing dress that was closer to a tube dress in the way it tightly gripped her. Her self-conscious feelings faded as she realized that Faye had on the Chucks that constituted sensible shoes.

Suddenly, Rach was less embarrassed of the Skechers she wore now.

“Well, one of us has to be the better dressed one.” Faye said, taking in the red varnish over the blue and purple and pink.

“Where did you get that anyway?”

Faye feigned nonchalance. “This old thing?”

Rach laughed. “I know you haven’t worn it before. This isn’t a first date, y’know?”

“Does that mean I have a chance at third base?”

“We’ll see.”

“Heather Sweet. She made this.”

“Heath… pinup girl?”

“Well, more riot girl than anything. But, yeah. She makes this stuff.”

“Well, it’s sexy as hell.”

“Thank you.”

The EVO moved through the side streets cautiously. Gotta fix that brake light.

They were moving into the downtown area. Delacroix Avenue wasn’t busy at peak traffic, but was desolate now.

“Where the hell are we going anyway? Neither one of us is dressed to kill our own food.” Rach stared out at the banks of trees that were becoming more frequent.

“Just trust me.”

“Where have I heard that before?”

Faye pulled the car over to the curb where a young man wearing a bowtie scurried around to the driver’s side. Rach stared on in disbelief as Faye handed the keys to him. Rach’s door was opened for her by another similarly bowtied individual.

Faye grabbed Rach’s hand with a squeeze of worry as they drove the EVO around the corner.

“Valet?”

“They don’t have regular parking. Just hope they don’t go joyriding.”

A ticket was produced, which Faye secreted in her purse. Together they walked towards the door. Rach taking a larger step and swinging the door open before stepping inside.

The door’s swing caught Faye on her left shoulder. Pain exploded as she let out an explosive cry. Rach swung around and rushed back to Faye.

“Oh, shit. You okay?”

“Yeah.” Faye reached up with a gloved hand and rubbed at the point of impact. Touching the spot made her realize in an instant what had happened.

Did going native make you forget what home was like. When together with Tim, Bobbie lived an almost sci fi existence. Doors opened, chairs pulled out, beverages prepared…

Rach’s worried face scattered those thoughts, pink and blue mixed like the decorations of paternal twins. And how could you not love that face?

Faye turned to her girlfriend and nodded with an overacted ‘Thank You’ as Rach held the door. Once inside, The Hostess stood there looking curiously at the two girls.

“Hi,” Faye said with a small wave. “Valentine, party of two?”

Looking down the list the hostess seemed to have a problem for a second.

“Babe.” Rach said, finally taking in her surroundings. She was reminded of the restaurants her father frequented. “What’s going on?”

“Oh, late reservation. Welcome to Maison Du La Terre, this way please.” The hostess led them through an elegant dining area with linens and…

Expensive silver… Rach noted. Faye would never think of coming to a place like this. She twisted the corner of her mouth up. Chicken and Waffles.

Faye moved forward and pulled a chair out. Maybe it works both ways. Rach stared at Faye for a moment, hesitant.

Gesturing with her eyes, Rach got the point and sat down. Faye pulled out her own chair and sat.

“Now.” Rach whispered. “What the hell are we doing here?” The business suits and expensive wine surprised her and made her more than a little nervous.

Faye softened her face. “I… I wanted to tell you I’m sorry. I know you’ve heard this before, but I really haven’t been myself lately.”

“You’re starting to sound like a skipped CD.” And Rach would know, how many ripped CDs had she scratched on purpose in an attempt to get an ‘organic remix’

“I know. But, seriously. Playboy? What the hell was I thinking? Now I have to deal with all these plastics and Kardashian wannabees. But, job’s a job.” Faye shrugged. “Money's money is all that's money.” Rach smiled at her. She was happy to hear the snark and quips she had grown so used to over the last year. Faye reached into her purse and pulled out a small slip of paper. Putting it on the table, she slid it across to Rach. “You left this at the house. That was a fun day.”

Rach put her other hand on top of Rach’s as she reached out for the photo.

“The Playboy shoot comes out in July. Graduation’s next year. Allegra dropped me over the whole Playboy thing.” Rach’s eyes widened.

“What? How can you afford…”

Faye waved off her comment. “I got paid a lot for that last shoot. I’ll be fine. She’ll come to her senses eventually Still can’t believe I’m gonna have to deal with it.”

Water glasses were filled and menus produced. Faye didn’t open hers.

“You’re not even gonna look? Place like this?”

Faye reached over and closed Rach’s menu forcefully.

“I know exactly what to order.”

***

Roxx inhaled hard through one nostril so the bullet could dispense the premeasured amount of cocaine contained in the loading scoop, she went back to teasing her hair. Yesterday, Ashley had remarked how she could tell how far into the work week they were by her hair. The partial quasi-beehive she wore throughout the week got bigger as she approached midweek, only to have it deflated again by Tuesday.

Ashley had been a bit of a party animal, always asking her to go and drink with the other girls after work. Eventually Roxx found out that it was because they liked her drugs better than the regular delivery guy’s product, which Roxx didn’t understand at all, considering they used the same supplier. With Kim, it was easy to understand her level of intoxication, it was obvious Kim wouldn’t be as high as Roxx was.

But these girls are hardened veterans. There was no way that she wasn’t getting the same effects. As much as everyone complimented her on her shit, it was never more than mid grade to her. The green bikini top with the bloodshot eyeballs on them needed to be adjusted. The matching thong sat perfectly nestled and tied in the back.

“Roxx,” Ashley called. “You’re up.”

Roxx sighed and thought about changing her name back. Felony Melanie? She boarded the platform and hit the green button.

Vesuvius had a large replica of the titular volcano behind the stage that had steps built into it out of brushed metal. The girls rose from the broken summit amidst red lights. The pounding industrial seeped into Roxx’s bones as her hip cocked rhythmically to the clanging beat. Hydraulics hissed as the platform rose. The patrons burst into multicolored confetti as their desires became as plain as the noses on their faces.

She gripped the pole and started her first lap, finally feeling the rhythm. Roxx climbed the pole all the way to the top. Using her thighs; she held herself as she arched backwards to grab with her hands overhead to catch the pole and complete the loop, her legs catching her momentum. A slow spiral descent completed her journey back to the floor, where the color signature of the crowd changed.

Crawling and gyrating along the tipping rail had various hands sliding sweaty pieces of paper into the thong, the tips that constituted most of her pay. The music neared the end of its play as Roxx made her way back to the pole for a final climb. From a sitting position, she let herself drop nearly to the floor, using her thighs once again to stop the fall. Their strength gripping the metal surface. Dismounting, she waved with a pasted on smile to the crowd and blew a kiss before disappearing.

Exit… stage left.

“Jenny, you’re up.” Roxx called as she made it back to the dressing room. She inhaled another measured dose of the cocaine as the world of color went back to a dull blue tinged monochrome.

***

The salad plates had been cleared. Faye watched Rach’s face as she stared at the skinny Maitre’d as he poured in the brandy with a practiced flourish. He gently shook the pan, allowing the flame from the gas burner to catch the alcohol rich liquid.

FWOOM!

Rach gave a delighted grin. Zoe would probably like this too, pyro that she is. When the cream and parsley were added, the plates were dressed. Faye and Rach watched eagerly as the plates were placed in front of them.

Faye had ordered the Steak Diane for two. She knew she didn’t have the knowhow to make the dish after switching back, all that information about food just elusive. Faye was sure she could still pull the information up, but not at the speed it required. Bet that fades in a few days, too.

The tiny fingerling potatoes gave off a scent of buttery rosemary, and the spring vegetable medley had an air of freshness that years of frozen broccoli and peas couldn’t reproduce.

Rach watched as the cart rolled away. “That was pretty cool.”

“Rach. I know it seems like I got bored or was ignoring you, Everything just kind of went to my head, and, well… reality had to make me its bitch to see it. I can’t keep saying I’m sorry, I know. But with everything going on…”

Rach saw a moment of vulnerability behind her irises.

“I don’t think I can do this without you. Those people aren’t my crowd, I don’t have a crowd.”

Faye reached a golden glove across the immaculate table. “I don’t want one, either. I want you.”

Rach didn’t know whether to cry or laugh. It was good to hear the feelings reaffirmed. Although, she felt that Faye still wasn’t herself. Where on Earth did she pick up such a corny line.

“You’ve been talking to Tim haven’t you? I heard you were at the bakery a couple of days ago.” She smiled as she finally cut into the sauce covered meat.

“This is really good.” Faye tasted hers. It was good, but there was a certain something missing. It was intangible, but the Dijon and Worcestershire seemed to be missing its zing. Everything was good, the service was impeccable. But she could tell that it could just have easily been Big Macs and Shakes.

“So.” Rach asked. “What are we doing for Prom? Finding an illegal party?”

Faye shrugged, “Maybe take in a movie? Just you and me? Quiet?”

“No booze, you get weird when you drink too much.” Rach admonished.

“No problem there.” Faye retorted.

***

Kim was wondering how in the hell Les Claypool could pull of some of the digital gymnastics required. Maybe I should go to a fretless bass. She had to keep herself busy. Idle hands are Lust’s workshop. She thought about the things Faye had said. God, things were confusing.

It’s like some fucked up adult cartoon. Body hopping, gender swaps, sex demons…

Sex demons. Was that what she was now? She remembered being out when Bobbie was still Faye… Before…

Before…

She wanted to sneak out again, but fought it back to a light hum. She could tell that Roxx was doing something, the energy flowing through her just long enough to let her know that it had been there.

Faye was somewhere else, dormant.

Maybe Faye had a point. This would be easier with someone else that understood. She pulled out her phone and sent a text to … Another new big sister… great. Just barely got used to the last one.

***

Faye ignored the vibrating phone as the same Maitre’d passed the flame over the newly sprinkled sugar over the Crème Brulee.

“What’s this?”

“Crème Brulee.” The Maitre’D announced proudly.

Faye looked at her. “Expensive Vanilla Pudding. With a crunch.” The Maitre’D looked at her with amusement as he gently placed the plates in front of them.

Rach decided that her girlfriend… Yeah, gotta forgive her. How can I not? Look at that face. But if she screws up again…

Faye was right. It was vanilla pudding. But it was great vanilla pudding.

“I love you, Rach.”

“I love you, too…”

“Fay-fay.”

After the dishes were cleared, Rach got a look at the check. She looked at Faye, wishing she could give the food back.

Faye put her bank card into the check presenter’s slot after writing in the tip.

“What’s 15 percent of…”

“Oh, screw it.” Faye said, scribbling a number that looked right.

The EVO took a long way home, devoid of Faye’s beloved dubstep. The sights and sounds made for new memories. Hopefully the first in a new chapter for both of them. They spoke of many things. Of shoes and snowboards, of mountains and molehills.

Rach did make Faye promise to have Chicken and Waffles again. As much as she was horrified by the idea, she would.

For Rach.

“One thing though.” Faye pulled at the extensions. “I need to get these out.”

“Not yet.” Rach said firmly. “I like the hair. You should grow it out some. Bangs are cute.”

Bangs. Faye realized that she would be dealing with the aftermath of this for weeks.

“Fine.” Faye rolled her eyes. “At least help me get this green shit out. I miss the pink. Frankie’s good, but the whole thing is more fun when we do it.”

They held each other and kissed goodnight in front of Rach’s house. Faye felt relieved. It wasn’t the same as being held by Tim. But it was so very close, that it would do. The warm evening was dark and silent as an ancient silence played between them, leaving them both feeling.

…loved.

***

“Right! Come and get me you pommy bastard!!” The man on the screen shouted while gripping a lit road flare. As if on command, a small grey blob dropped from the trees and rolled to its feet quickly. The low squelchy growl sounded as the creature bounded towards one of the few survivors.

He threw the flare down hard, turned and ran the opposite direction. When the Koalalike creature crossed the survivor’s old position, the flare ignited the lighter fluid, resulting in a tiny ball of flame.

The Drop Bear began to shriek. In the distance, he could hear the others. They were coming.

He pulled out the nearly empty jar of Vegemite and began frantically rubbing it on himself.

The Land Rover loomed ahead. Getting inside was all that mattered. The girl lay on the back seat, a towel sopping up the blood from her wounds.

“Not over yet, mate.” He said, gunning the engine to life and spitting sand, they sped away into the hot Outback sun.

Bobbie had availed herself of another handful of Tim’s latest creation. Maple Bacon Popcorn residue was still sticky on his hand, but Bobbie didn’t care. She was staring at the screen intently. Tim startling her at the occasional quiet moment just to make her jump.

There was a scream and some noise, but they missed it, they were deeply lost in each other by the time the survivors managed to get to the city and be safe. The kissing had started before the Land Rover even started its engine.

“Fine, gonna have to see the second one.” Bobbie admitted.

“See?” Tim said. “So no vegemite cupcakes, right?”

Bobbie laughed. “Blecch. Good God, no.”

Holding Tim and being held wiped away thoughts of Drop Bears and Thralls. Bobbie was just happy to be the girl she was supposed to be. The familiar smell of wood and leather stirred something inside Bobbie’s mind.

Everything’s going to be alright, it’s so good to be back.

Bobbie smiled at Tim. “I’ve got to get, school tomorrow.”

Tim looked down at her with a knowing look. “Can’t wait for Friday.”

“Friday?”

Tim rolled his eyes. “Prom, silly.”

“Right.” She laughed. “Keep forgetting.”

“C’mon.” Tim said. “Let’s get you home.”

Bobbie had to hold down the excitement that she felt whenever she anticipated a Vespa ride. Everything was going back to some semblance of normalcy, she just hoped it would hold.

Chapter 74

Kim was downing the last of her coffee when she heard the horn. Faye had agreed to giving her a ride. The tone of the message left little room for argument, she needed to be ready. She bolted out the door and made sure to secure the deadbolt behind her.

She must be doing okay if she’s driving that. Maybe I should listen to her.

“So, why so early?” Kim asked, swinging her leg into the vehicle. “Haven’t had breakfast yet. Just not together.”

Faye chirped the tires as the car stuttered to a start.“Figured we should talk. Especially now that we’re all back where we belong.” Faye took her hand from the steering wheel to hand Kim a white bag. “Figured it was early for you. Got breakfast.”

“Thanks.” Kim murmured, accepting the sandwich.

“Look, I know about you, and Bobbie.” Faye let the silence hang for a moment.

“And Robb…”

Kim nearly choked.

“Oh, yeah. I know all about it. We have a lot in common. I mean, we’re nothing alike…”

Kim furrowed her brow.

Faye shook her head from side to side. “Lust did this to me, too. Can’t say I totally hate it. But this really wasn’t in the plan.”

Interrupting, Kim said. “What was that trick you pulled that she keeps talking about?”

“I embraced it. I became. In the end, I found my road. You have to find yours.”

Faye shrugged as she continued. “I think we can help each other. One thing, though.”

“Hmmm?” Kim hummed, mouth still full of the morning cholesterol.

“I don’t want you doing that Vulcan mind meld shit with me.”

“Huh?” Kim said, a shred of Canadian Bacon hanging from her mouth.

“Whatever that calming touch thing is. I don’t want any part of it.” Faye swung the car to a stop about a block from the school.

They continued talking, mostly about the colors. Kim made it sound simple, innate.

Blue for sadness

Yellow for fear

Violet for lust

Pink for passion

Kim was sure there was also something about how the colors moved against each other, she hadn’t figured it all out yet. Faye found some pieces of information to be better than the ones she didn’t have yesterday.

While Faye was learning about whatever it was that made her see the hallucinatory patches of colors. Kim was getting the rundown on who Lust really was.

“I stopped her, thought she was dead. But…” Faye gestured to Kim. “Apparently not.”

“So why is Bobbie different?”

“Lust didn’t do her. Justice did. Don’t ask. Not too sure I understand it all either.”

"Look, if you need help, just gimme a call or something. Not sure what help I can give... But, I’m sure Lust is easier to face if you’re not alone.”

"Or something?" Kim asked, her mind in the gutter.

"Fuck, I dunno." Faye groaned. "Fire a signal flare. Develop telepathy and go full Charles Xavier."

"Why would I need that?" Kim asked curiously. "This isn't like one of Bobbie's werewolf movies, right?"

Faye rolled her eyes. this was just as awkward as she'd been expecting it to be. "There's just....fuck...ever since I got back to my body, half the day I've been so horny I could tear Nick’s clothes off with my teeth. And I'm pretty sure that wasn't a feature before this whole thrall bullshit with Bobbie. "

Kim felt a smile pull at her lips. Faye was honest to the point where it was comical, despite the gravity of the situation. "Ummm...yeah. Now I see where you're coming from."

"Thank god." Faye visibly relaxed a little.

"But what are we supposed to do if we're together and feeling all worked up?"

"I dunno..." Faye stared out the window, looking slightly dejected. "Start a tumblr blog?"

Kim exploded with laughter. Snickering, she pictured two barely dressed girls answering questions about cats.

“It’s been getting easier to get on top of. I just have to concentrate on something. Been using the bass, keeps me focused.”

“Well, that’s good. I play fighting games, so I see your point.” Faye looked at the screen of her phone. “Well, we best get the rest of the way there. Can’t be late today. Ditching at lunch. ”

Kim smiled. “Ditching? Now we’re talking.”

“Calm down. I’m ditching, I have a work thing tonight, no thanks to Bobbie.”

“Awww.”

“Go find your own ditching partner. I’d rather sit through Agee’s class than go to this thing.”

Faye found Kim spunky, a little closer to the girls that she had become familiar with. She knew she had to try to help Kim. Bobbie, being an Advocate didn’t give her all the tools she would need to do so.

Although I may be in a unique position to help. Faye laughed inwardly as she realized that there was some residual Bobbie left. Watching Kim walk off towards the campus proper, Faye was thankful that she felt a need to help.

Well, someone has to. She remembered telling Bobbie, “Any lesson I have to teach can’t be a good thing. I was just happy to able to get that green out. Glad I was able to get the pink back in. Fucking Bobbie. Now Rach wants me to keep the bangs…” She didn’t know why she was telling Kim all of this. Most messed up teacher/student relationship since… ever.

Faye suppressed a laugh as she thought about how, even now…

The Professor was teaching yet another class.

***

Bobbie had decided to take a day off from school and uncyclone the house. The two weeks Bobbie spent making one bad choice after another like it was a contest had built up a layer of dust, and a couple of clean spots where the laundry had been.

There, now I’ve gone and done it. Guess I’m gonna have to do the whole thing.

It was sweaty work, as Delacroix was moving into the warmer season. The vacuum was rumbling as the various debris and dust that was left embedded in the carpet. Finally stopping for a break, she set the coffee maker up with a double strong pot. She had the spoon resting in her mouth, still coated with the last of the sweetened condensed milk which she scooped out of the can, sure to get every last drop.

She refilled the two empty ice trays and waited for the brew.

Bedroom’s done. In hindsight, she was glad that Frankie had done the green. Bobbie couldn’t imagine cleaning up after that mess. Although it would hardly be noticeable, given Faye’s penchant for ‘Mood Hair’.

Nick came out in his underwear, before looking up and seeing Bobbie. Running back without touching the ground, he began stammering. “Shit. Sorry, Bobbie. Didn’t think…”

Bobbie laughed. “It’s casual. Just needed to clean up, get out of school for a minute.” She looked on as he straightened his shirt. She noticed that his darkness, while still tailored, was a little lighter today.

Bobbie poured the coffee into the pitcher and gave a stir with a long wooden spoon before pouring two glasses and bringing one to Nick. She was somewhat nervous, this being her first time alone with him…

Since…

“Thanks, Bobbie.” Nick said, taking a long swallow.

“So, how’s everything with Faye?”

“Well, I was nervous last night after she got home in that dress. But then she tier whored and teched my ass so thoroughly that you would have thought it was her job. She punched me in the arm, called me an asshole and went to bed.”

Bobbie took a measured sip. The tight darkness seemed almost plaid with its geometrical precision. I messed him up badly. She wanted to tell him, to explain…

But, what good would that do?

“She’s playing like it didn’t happen.” Nick said, setting down his glass. “I’ll be okay. After my arm heals. I swear, you two.”

Bobbie turned back to the kitchen.

Nick turned on his game console and waited for the game to load. “Gotta practice. Cannot let her just keep flinging me around like a rag doll.”

Bobbie was happy that Nick could go on making jokes and continuing to practice. Knowing the truth still tugged at her, she just hoped that Nick and Faye could be like peas and carrots again.

***

“The common European Toad is one of the amphibious species that mates through the act of amplexus.” Dr. Neary(It was always Doctor Neary.) was using his laser pointer to illustrate the act of mating amongst the toad population. The video continued, the smaller toad had climbed onto the larger one and tightened its grip on it.

Kim was having those feelings again. She could feel the warmth rising as she stared on while bufo bufo continued its mating. Thoughts of being tightly held during any kind of mating act was not doing wonders for her concentration. She raised her hand.

“Yes.” Dr. Neary said, looking a touch annoyed.

“I need to go to the bathroom.” Kim said, trying to keep the saliva in her mouth working long enough to form the words.

Dr. Neary shut off his laser pointer and sighed. “Fine.”

Kim got up and silently wished she carried a bigger purse for the first time in her life. Heather will have some idea, I’m sure.

It was in the hall that she splashed some water on her face, needing the shock for the matter of seconds she needed to get the last few feet to the restroom. She fumbled for her Newports, one lone soldier presented its white filter to her.

Shit.

Getting the cigarette out of the pack was simple. Getting the lighter to light was not. Finally, she ripped the metal cowling off of the gas nozzle to allow a tiny pinprick of flame, just enough to catch the dried tobacco and paper.

The door opened quietly and a timid looking girl entered, so full of blue she could have been Veruca Salt.

It was Mary.

She didn’t look well, tired and sad. Fucking Roxx.

“Mary.” Kim said carefully.

“Kim.” She said, sounding surprised. “You… you’re back?” She looked around nervously, yello flaring brightly.

Kim understood this one. “It’s casual. You and Roxx…”

Mary burst into tears immediately. Kim could see the withdrawal on her face.

Glad I slept through that.

“She just told me to go.” Mary said. “Never said why.”

Kim felt sorry for her, remembering lunches with her. Before Bobbie came along. She could smell Mary, feel the strange radiation of sadness that imbued every part of her.

SMACK!

“Damn, couldn’t wait?” Faye said, looking similarly sweaty.

Mary turned and looked scared. She hurried out of the room, leaving a blue vapor trail behind.

“What’s her problem?”

“I think she was at Roxx’s when Bobbie went there.”

“Oh.” Faye looked back. “She gonna be…?”

“I don’t know. She’s coming off Roxx’s drugs. Roxx makes them better somehow.”

“Lust no doubt.”

Kim looked at the place Mary had just vacated. “She’s so sad.”

“Yeah, whatever.” Faye said. “What’s up with you?”

“Doctor Neary was showing this video about toads and…”

Faye couldn’t help but laugh.

“Hey, it doesn’t look you’re dealing with this any better than I am. You still ditching at lunch?”

“I already told you, find your own ditching partner.”

“I don’t need a partner.” Kim looked at her cigarette. It had burned quite a way down. “I just need a ride. Anywhere is good. Just don’t wanna think about frog fucking all day.”

Faye laughed again.

“Fine, I’ll wait at the hole in the fence for a couple of minutes. Be there, I’m not waiting long.”

“Thanks.” Kim said, heading back to class for the last few minutes before the impossible mission of escaping Delacroix Junior Penitentiary would begin.

***

Bobbie was finally done with her cleaning, for the first time since she had arrived everything was hanging up. Feeling accomplished, she decided to make lunch, seeing all of Faye’s diet supplies in the refrigerator made her feel guilty.

She cooked some chicken breast and mixed the cut up pieces of meat with spinach, walnuts, and dried cranberries. A handful of blue cheese crumbles went into the bowl next, after a good and vigorous tossing with a raspberry vinaigrette, it was finished.

“Nick, hungry?”

Looking over from the game. “Huh? Oh, yeah.”

Nick looked at the salad strangely.

“Faye’s on a diet, thought I should help.”

“Usually if I see this much green in anything, it’s mold. There’s none of the stuff you found growing in there in this, is there?”

Bobbie laughed. “It’s good, trust me.”

Nick dug in, getting a little bit of everything in the first load. He nodded approval. Bobbie started on her salad as well.

Lunch was interrupted by the telltale tones of muffled dubstep and the sound of not one, but two car doors.

“Hey Nick.” Faye yelled, only to notice him at the table.

“Hey.” Nick yelled back.

“Oh, I’m home. Taking off tonight and I… what’s this?”

“Lunch.” Bobbie said. “I feel bad about you on that diet. Thought I could help.”

“Salad?” Faye said.

“It’s good.” Nick said.

Kim entered behind Faye unannounced.

“Kim?” Bobbie said.

“Yeah.” Faye said, trying the salad from the bowl. “She asked for a ride. This is good.” She finished, not waiting to finish chewing before speaking.

“Kim.” Bobbie said, acknowledging her. “Ditching again?”

“Yeah. Just couldn’t take class anymore today. Dr. Neary was….bothersome today.”

Faye scooped some of the salad into a smaller bowl and sat at the table.

“Kim?” Nick asked. “You’re Kim? Are you okay?”

“Yeah. I’m fine.” She waved her hand. “Just wanted a break.”

Bobbie eyed Kim suspiciously.

“I have that party tonight.” Faye looked right at Bobbie. “You know how it is.” Bobbie was positive that there was at least a quarter eyeroll in there.

“That I do.” Bobbie replied.

Faye finished her salad and put her bowl into the sink. “I’m gonna get ready, might take a bit.”

Nick stared into his salad. “Well, if I have any hope of using the bathroom, better do it now.”

Nick was up and down the hall in two long strides. Bobbie looked at Kim with narrowed gaze.

“What are you doing here?”

“Chill out. I just couldn’t take anymore of Neary’s frog fucking lecture. Dammit, is this how it’s always gonna be?”

“Probably, if Faye is any indication.” She looked down. “This is all my fault.”

“Stop blaming yourself. I took those pills. I fucked Roxx. I just fucked up. Now, I have to deal with it. Faye seems to be okay.”

“Great.” Bobbie said. “Good sis/Bad sis?”

Kim laughed. “Hey. I’ll take what I can get.”

Bobbie sighed.

Kim lowered her voice. “Who’s he? He’s kinda cute.”

Bobbie’s face hardened. “Don’t even think about it.” She looked back down the hall.

“What are you gonna do?” Kim was defiant.

“Not me. Faye. She’ll stab you into submission with something dull. I already fucked that up. Not my best moment.”

“Save it for Heather, and before you look at me like that. Remember, I’ve worn the mark too. I know what it can do.”

Nick re entered the room and took up his regular seat.

“Up for a match, Bobbie?”

“Sure.” She said. “Should probably teach Kim. I have a feeling you’re gonna be seeing more of her.”

“No problem. If she picks it up like you did, Faye’s gonna have a lot more dishes to do.”

***

Roxx was using a small measuring spoon to scoop the cocaine onto the piece of paper she had sitting on the scale. Remember, more half grams. These assholes don’t want any left when they go home. It was true, she had spent too long last night in the bathroom breaking her gram bags in two.

The Russians that owned the club had caught her trying to sell to the other girls. Boris and his partner Yevgeniy were not happy.

Until someone tried what she was selling. She had told them that that was the last from her old connection, they were gone now. Busted. Which was true, busted by his friend after he had spent some quality time with her. Who knew what some of these people thought?

Now, she had everything parceled out. These men didn’t look like the kind of people that could be easily distracted by a quick blowjob. The sex was much different now, born of necessity, rather than passion. Oh, the passion existed, but there was an artificalness to it. A plasticy, sickly sweet layer that was both cloying and superarousing.

Last one. Roxx curled the paper between her fingers and tapped it’s cargo into the tiny ziplock bag. She ran the paper along her tongue as one would a stamp and let the touch of numbness spread. She pulled the cigarette from behind her ear. She turned to the marijuana that she needed to separate into grams as well. Fuckers would give me two ounces, just so I have that extra gram to bag up.

Roxx idly wondered who’s brilliant idea it was to have ounces come out to 28 and a half grams?

Lukewarm… who’s Luke anyway? And why does he get to decide to tell us what warm is? Robb’s voice, telling yet another of his stupid and endearing jokes.

Are you sure she’s not getting revenge on you this way?

She looked down at the scale, she had overweighed. Glancing at the clock, she realized she needed to hurry if she wanted any more sleep before going to the club. The grind of being Roxx seemed to finally set in. Without a light at the end of the tunnel, the victory seemed hollow.

Sealing the bag, she also gave a random thought at how much she hated the music. The dryer at the Laundromat sang a repeating pattern that couldn’t help but sound like the hard, industrial techno that Vesuvius bumped through its massive sound system.

She crushed out her cigarette and went back to the tedious labor of perfectly weighing out a substance that didn’t understand the idea of perfect.

***

“Seriously?” Kim asked. Heather held out the short yellow dress.

“Look, she’s gonna expect somebody in a dress. C’mon?” Heather looked hopefully at Kim

Kim rolled her eyes. Just do it, you know she’ll wanna make it up to you later. “Fine, but only because you came to get me from Faye’s. Looked like you couldn’t wait to get out of there.”

“Just wanted to avoid the traffic.” Heather lied, yellow flaring again.

“Besides, you’re gonna look great. Have I ever steered you wrong?”

Kim sighed. She had known Heather too long to know that this was a ‘pick your battles’ moment.

Besides, an echo of the old Kim spoke submentally.

You kind of owe her.

Kim grudgingly took the dress and went to change.

***

Bobbie was looking for the wintergreen extract. The early batches of Root Beer cookies tasted good. But the dough tasted better. She figured that the wintergreen was evaporating out, so a couple of extra drops should work.

Tim was still playing with the ice cream maker. Not all the flavors had been winners. Some were downright strange. He was proudest of the Carrot Habanero, unfortunately finding a way to use it was problematic to say the least. He was convinced that The Shelton might pick it up, it was just avante garde enough without being pretentious.

…or so he said.

“These are gonna sell really well, especially when it gets hot. Glad Mom found such a good deal on Vanilla beans. This is killer vanilla. Those cookies will work.” Tim balled his fists and jumped up and down.

“Someone’s had too much sugar.” Beth looked at him, hoping he was right. She loved root beer floats. The idea of one that couldn’t spill fascinating to her.

“You’re probably right. The coffee hasn’t helped either.

“C’mon.” Bobbie said. “Put some of that energy to use and start crushing macadamia nuts.” She grabbed a nearby meat mallet and handed him the solid chunk of metal.

***

“Can’t believe Mom’s coming home today.”

Kim saw the yellow glow like it had been turbocharged.

“You gonna be okay?”

Heather reached out and took Kim’s hand.

“With you here? Yeah.”

Kim kissed at her hand. Heather smiled, the yellow dulled a little.

The rest of the ride to the airport was mostly quiet, luckily the flight was late enough for them to avoid most if not all of the last of the rush hour traffic. It seemed; however, that the traffic had all bunched up by the terminals.

“Figures that Qantas has the farthest terminal.” Heather said aloud as she fed some bills into the parking meter. “Getting inside isn’t gonna be fun.” The two girls looked at the throng of people, each waiting to be reunited with someone.

As much as she was looking forward to seeing her mother, she wasn’t. She had decided to tell her about her feelings, and it terrified her to no end.

Heather Sweet, the take charge girl that always knew and got what she wanted now let the frightened little girl closer to the fore than she normally did. Kim saw it, and knew what it was all about. She was just glad that she could be there with her friend… Girlfriend?

There was a wait that took seemingly forever before Betty Sweet strode towards them, luggage in tow.

“Heather!” Betty said, spreading her arms and letting the shoulder bag drop. The hug hung in the air for a second.

“What did you do to your hair?”

“I cut it.” Heather said dryly.

“Well, obviously.” Betty smiled. “It’s cute. I like it.”

Heather looked shocked. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Even though they had been separated for months, Mother could still see that something was amiss. When the embrace broke, Betty turned to Kim. “Kim? Hi.”

“Hi, Ms. Sweet.”

“Almost didn’t recognize you. Beautiful dress.”

“Thanks.” Kim said. She twitched a thumb at Heather.

“You made that?” Betty asked, smiling at Heather. “You’ve come a long way. C’mon, let’s get home.” Betty said, hugging her daughter again. “Don’t want you two missing school on my account.”

***

Faye was making her second lap when she heard her name.

“Faye!!” As she turned to the sound, the green dress rotated with her as if woven from living fibers.

Faye turned around to see red hair and a kind face. She raised the golden glove to wave.

“It’s me, Ailie? Ye remember me?”

“Yeah.” Faye lied. Some notes would have been nice, Bobbie. “Of course…”

“Ailie.” She chuckled. “Too many makeup artists to remember, aye? Come, I’m sure Mike would love to see ye.”

Mike? Faye remembered that email… Mike Sobol. Great, Bobbie treating me like a mushroom, kept in the dark and fed a bunch of shit.

“Hi.” Faye waved, a little surprised by being taken for a hug.

“Ye would have been nice to have ‘round last couple of shoots. Heerd you made Miss July? Fast rise, aye?”

“Aye.” Faye agreed, it seemed mocking as she said it, but it seemed to be a private joke between them as Ailie laughed.

I bet she was in the mountains…

The man who was obviously Mike appeared suddenly. The lightning bolts in his eyes disturbed her for a second before she realized that they had to be contacts.

Lust has that effect on people.

“Faye, jeez, almost feel like I should salute you now. The snowboard shoot? Billboards went up two days ago in key cities. Already a sales spike. They’re quite pleased. Hey, thought you’d like this.” He turned his head and raised his head. Waving over someone.

The pink cowboy hat and boots had needed no introduction.

Well well well… You must be Luka. Faye had to admit she was beautiful in that cornfed way of the large middle of the country. Probably gone on more than one hayride.

“Faye.” Luka squealed. “See? I told you that you should meet Leonard. Now, you’re a Playmate. I’m so proud of you.” Faye could barely focus on her, with the purple and pink mixing with a colorless manic energy.

Faye was locked into another hug. This one blended with a whispered, “I want you.” She wanted Luka, too. Her smell filled Faye’s nostrils. Against all logic, Faye wanted her, too.

Mike was proud of the L33ts and G33kz shoot. Especially now that he was booked up for the next three months. Advance sales of the magazine had started, and it looked like the first issue might be a collector’s item, especially now that it had a ‘before she was famous’ Playmate. Faye could see a diffuse white light surrounding him. At least Bobbie got something right.

C’mon. She got a few things right. Not many but…

Luka giggled. “Leonard’s here, too.” She turned to Mike. “Have you met him yet?” She craned her neck to look around. “He’s over there, I’ll get him.”

Faye made small talk as best as she could for the minute it Luka to retrieve Leonard.

“Faye, baby. How’s things? See you went back to pink.” Leonard indicated the newly installed pink streaks.

“Yeah. It’s my bullshit detector. Must be going off again.”

Mike and Ailie laughed, Leonard didn’t.

Faye took Luka up on her offer to mingle together, silently glad that there was only one person she didn’t know trying to talk to her instead of four. Luka kept starting conversations with the other attendants. Faye tried not to vomit while the other bunnies provided evidence that they were as smart as their namesakes.

“I’m gonna get a drink, you want one?”

Faye thought about. Yes, definitely some alcohol. Might soak up some of this stupid.

***

The sting of the straight vodka did nothing to calm Roxx’s nerves. Boris and Yevgeniy always made her toast when she came to re up. She had learned the word Nastrovya, stumbling over the rolled r. The third silent man, Nikolai, sat quietly using his clear eyes to survey the crowd. He drank club soda and said nothing.

She accepted the envelope and stashed it in her purse.

“Roxx.” Yevgeniy said. “You keep moving like this, get rich like Boris.” His accent heavy.

The redhead only wished she could agree. Roxx and Melanie had both learned their lesson the uneasy way. Get, bag, deal, collect, deliver…

Lather, Rinse, Repeat.

Roll, light, smoke.

Crush, chop, snort.

Such as it was in the Circle of Dark.

She looked around as she got to her feet. “Thanks.” Roxx varnished on a smile. “I’m probably gonna be back on Thursday. Just wanna be ready for the weekend.”

Boris spoke up. “Da, Krasny.” Another word she picked up… Red. “No problem. Ve see you later.” He motioned with his head. “You good dancer, strong.”

“Keeping people happy is what I do.” She looked at them, so hard to read. Only Nikolai seemed comfortable being what he was and seeing what he had seen.

“Is just job.” He had once said, in an uncharacteristic outburst. He had shown her pictures of his two black Scotties, Taras and Bulba. He insisted that she call him Nikki from then on. He had little to no color, as if he just was. Colors weren’t necessary to see that he had seen too much for far too long.

Getting to the back, Roxx knew she was going to lose probably all of the old supply and a little of the new, unless it was a slow week. If it wasn’t for the tips, she’d probably be in the unenviable position of … “Carrying negative ledger.” Yevgeniy called it.

“Hey, girl.” A voice came from her right, she had barely crossed the threshold into the faux bright colors that had faded over time into a dingy rainbow. The blues and greens made her feel as if she was drowning in an aquarium.

It was Ruby. Her dark features and raven hair danced as the light played on the glitter she had sprinkled liberally around her eyes. Her cheeks were a little sunken. Her everpresent bottle of green juice mixed with rum in her hand, and a hundred dollar bill in the other.

“Had a good night last night. Middle of the week is so boring. I swear, we only get the weirdoes.” She waved the bill. “Weirdoes tip good, though. At least someone thinks my feet are pretty.”

Roxx reached into her bag and pulled out three of the gram bags and handed them over discreetly.

“Thanks, sug.” Roxx inwardly hoped that Ruby would learn her name eventually. Taking her parcels, Ruby headed back to her makeup table.

She had divested herself of most of the already bagged product before getting to her makeup table. After dispensing a dose from the bullet, Roxx pulled out her makeup kit and started working of the blank canvas of her face.

Well? Melanie? Roxx? Who do you want to be today?

“Fuck.” Roxx sighed, if anything she felt as if she was just going through the motions. Waiting… just waiting…

Just waiting…

Waiting for what?

***

“Hmmm.” Betty said, setting down her burger. “It is different here, they use beetroot instead of pickles there. Tart, not tangy. Just don’t eat it while wearing white. So, how’s school?”

“Fine.” Heather said quietly as she sipped at her milkshake; while Kim was eating French fries two at a time. The nearly twenty hour flight had left Betty hungry. She wanted breakfast, still noting that her body was still on Wellington time.

“Mom.” Heather said, setting down the dairy drink. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Mentally, Heather gulped. She figured that it would be easier to avoid any scene that might happen while they were out in public. Here goes. She reached over and grabbed Kim’s greasy, salty, ketchup coated hand.

“You know how you’re always asking about me having a boyfriend?”

Betty held her mouthful still for a moment.

“What if I had a girlfriend?”

Betty swallowed and set down the sandwich.

“You mean that’s it? That’s all?” Betty laughed. “All this time I just thought you were playing hard to get.”

Kim nearly shot soda through her nose.

“So.” Betty turned to Kim. “Are your intentions toward my daughter honorable?”

Kim paled, she didn’t see anything other than Heather’s mom. She was glowing slightly with the same glow that content people had. She doesn’t care, Heather was worried for nothing. The color returned to her face as she started to laugh.

It was Heather’s turn to pale. Her dismayed face gave hay to a head-splitting smile. She rose and walked around the plastic table to hug her mom.

“So what if you like girls? I just care that you’re happy.”

Kim heard Heather start to sob quietly. “I love you, mom.”

“Okay, okay.” Betty laughed. “Let me finish eating, and we’ll get out of here.”

Heather smiled while looking down at her mother.

Kim felt the positivity at the table as she continued making the pile of fries disappear.

Looking at Heather, Kim felt happy for her friend. Especially now that the one thing she was stressed over was a moot point.

If it ever was a point.

***

Leonard had presented her with an early proof copy of July’s issue. Faye flipped to the middle immediately.

“Knew you wouldn’t be able to wait to see it. Everyone’s impatient their first time.”

Faye saw Bobbie. Well, at least she took my posing advice. She was draped seductively on the couch, the open smile inviting. “Age of Page” The title had declared in a classic art deco font. As expected, the prose was absurd. Designed for those that read lingerie catalogs one handed.

Turn ons: science fiction, cartoons?

She wanted to slap at her forehead. Fuck me running. Faye realized that her minor geekiness was now out and part of the world. I may have to actually start hiking now. The photography was good, the slick paper moved next to her fingertips. Faye looked at her own body in an alien way.

Luka arrived carrying two highball glasses. “Here ya go, Faye.” Luka handed the drink over. “Two fingers of Bulleit, one of Chambord, and a splash club soda, splash of bitters. See? I remember.” She smiled, sipping.

Faye sipped cautiously, the raspberry flame taking over for the vaporous bite of the bourbon. Luka’s lopsided grin had told the tale of at least one previous drink. Geez, Bobbie. Is it always complicated with you?

“Surprised they came out as well as they did.” Leonard said. He turned to Mike. “You had the Van Der Haven shoot, right?”

“Yeah. Faye stood in for one of the other models that was supposed to be there. Those came out great.” Mike swung his lightning colored gaze at Faye. “You got the email, right.”

“Yeah. I did.” Faye said, leaving Mike unsure if the taste of the alcohol or something else.

They continued talking. Faye found Mike more down to earth, while Leonard seemed douchebaggier-than-thou. Bet he has an Ed Hardy under that shiny dress shirt. Vapid conversation prevailed as she broke and wandered amongst the bunnies like a ravenous wolf, wishing to drain their precious bodily fluids. Bourbon wasn’t helping one bit, if anything, it only made the mark seem to burn hotter.

“Faye.” A harsh whisper alerted her to something at her right. Turning to more blonde hair, she had a hard time recognizing…

Right hand, pink cowboy hat… Luka.

“Let’s get out of here.”

Through the slight film of stupefying intoxication, Faye couldn’t understand how anyone in human history had ever had a better idea.

The two models bade farewell to Mike and Ailie, and Leonard. Faye wasn’t looking forward to having to deal with this level of people for the next year.

But Luka, I can deal with. Faye thought drunkenly as she was led out to the parking lot.

***

Kim had left the car and was walking back to her house. Betty noticed that Heather couldn’t stop staring at her.

“You really like her, don’t you?”

“Always did. She was just so cool, and funny, and cute. She’s just rad.”

“Rad?” Betty laughed, “Still with the old slang, huh?”

“Nothing’s changed.”

“Says you.” Betty quipped. “Seems weird to sit on this side with no steering wheel now.”

“I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

Heather put the car in gear and drove away slowly, she lowered her sunglasses.

The house was dark when they returned. Heather helped Betty move her luggage and helped get her comfortable. “Eighteen hours from Sydney. Slept through some of it. Fighting the urge to have tea. Still afternoon for me.”

“I’m gonna go to bed then.”

“Heather.” Betty said slowly.

“Yeah, mom?”

“You’re my daughter. I love you, who you are. You can tell me anything, you know that, right?”

“I know mom. Just wasn’t sure how to tell you this. Especially with you gone. I just…”

Betty laughed. “I never told you this, but your ‘aunt’?”

Heather put on a puzzled expression.

“She was my girlfriend.”

“What?”

Betty’s laughter continued. “I like girls, too. Oh, sure, I like guys, but…”

“You’re bi?” Heather exploded with dismay.

“Figured I’d tell you when you grew up. And you did.”

“Now, tell me about everything that’s happened since I’ve been gone. Sounds like you have a lot to tell.”

Heather smiled and sat down. The stories began with the day Kim brought Bobbie over.

***

Roxx slung her purse over her shoulder and waved goodbye to the other girls. Tuesdays suck. That was all she was thinking as she walked out of Vesuvius just in time to watch the tacky neon give its death rattle as the illumination died down. She lit a cigarette and started the walk home.

“Fucking bitch.” Roxx heard, before she could get her head around, pain exploded in her left jaw. She fell in a heap to the ground. “Thought I wouldn’t find you, huh? You go off and fuck Benny, leaving me to twist in the wind? Well fuck you.” Something flashed as light glinted off of his hand.

Knife. Panic rose in Roxx, the sight of the weapon made her begin to flail, hoping to get an arm or leg free to get a shot in. A small part of her demanded that she not fight. Just let it happen.

A wet, meaty thump jarred Roxx’s eyes open as the assailant fell over, carrying his weight with him.

Opening her eyes, Roxx saw the sweetest sight she’d ever seen.

Nikolai… No, Nikki. She saw him holster his gun.

Shakily, Roxx got to her feet. Pulling out another cigarette with trembling hands, she fumbled for her lighter. She saw the red mess spreading out slowly from where he had clubbed her former supplier.

“Roxx? Okay?” Nikki said.

“Yeah, thanks Nikki.” Roxx said, finally getting the lighter to light by using both hands.

“Need taxicab?” The big man asked.

Roxx thought of her own blood spreading out on the concrete and she shivered. She thought about the money and product she had on her person, she shivered a little more. “Yeah. Probably a good idea.”

Roxx remained shaky until she secured the deadbolt back at her apartment. Where she calmly put down her things.

And collapsed into a crying mess on her filthy couch.

***

Luka’s choice of music was getting on Faye’s nerves. Country’s bad enough, but old country? The violins and slide guitar sounded like fingernails on a chalkboard. Faye was wishing that she brought the EVO, while the limo was nice the general phoniness of the room eventually got to her. The blonde girl’s choice in music, coupled with her easy going nature, made her seem more genuine.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since… that guy…”

“His name’s Nick.”

“Right. Anyway…” Luka shifted the Karmann-Ghia into third gear as she pulled off the road and onto one of the many trails that wound through the rural areas outside of Delacroix proper.

The lights sat distant as their small geometetries giving ways to larger ones. Crosses, squares and circles competing in a mad dash for the center and getting hopelessly tangled along the way.

“Where are we going?” Faye asked suspiciously.

Luka smiled a wicked grin at Faye. “This time, no interruptions.” The Cessna-like rumble of the engine spooned a rapid thrum into her ears.

Faye had managed to hold it all back, knowing that holding out would finally work its way out in the night. A shameful series of thoughts made her think about how maybe Nick wouldn’t mind so much if only…

What the fuck is wrong with you, remember what happened last time?

Yeah, but if it was me instead of.

My god, can you even hear yourself?

Who? You? Yeah, piss off… I’m busty…..busy… busy, dammit.

And Rach?

Faye felt a twinge of guilt that threatened to become a full blown sprain of guilt

You two just got back together. Faye’s own voice took on a condescending tone.

Patsy Cline’s slide guitar faded out, and Hank Williams’ slide guitar started.

Hey, good lookin’

Whatcha got cookin’

Hows about cooking somethin’ up with me-eeeee

Luka was walking seductively towards Faye.

Godammit, Bobbie. The mark burned with focused intensity, arousal overtaking her in a blaze of...

…Damn, she’s cute. Faye was mesmerized by the way she moved, the wan cast of the car’s headlights.

She’ll never know. Thoughts of Rach drifted over the country music. Luka was closer

The music faded from Faye’s hearing as Luka’s lips came down hard on Faye’s. A hand slid down Faye’s side. The heat subsided from Faye’s skin just enough to justify continuing the kiss.

“I came prepared this time.” Her drawl promised something,

Something wonderful…

Faye led Luka around to the back of the car and open the trunk. Luka pulled out an odd folded bundle, which she threw on the ground. She quickly stooped and flipped a switch.

“No fair peeking.” Luka said, going back to the impromptu makeout session. Faye didn’t know how long had passed, but she looked down to see a squat, dark rectangle. Faye looked at Luka quizzically.

Luka smiled a smile as wide as country sunshine. “Told ya I came prepared. Air mattress. Back home, when I find someone I want to spend time with, this is how I do it.”

She pouted sexily. “Usually, there’s a campfire and s’mores.” She pulled out a limp joint. “This will just have to do.” Faye’s mind responded more to the thoughts of melted chocolate and gooey marshmallow clinging sensually to supple curves.

Faye shook her head as she smiled awkwardly. “I, uh… I quit. Contract thing.”

“Oh.” Luka said, disappointed.

The rising and fading burning of the mark made Faye moved closer to her and stroked her slender arm. “But that doesn’t mean…”

Just gonna go for it, huh? What’s Rach gonna say?

Nothing, who’s gonna tell her? You? The rationalization may have worked for the moment. Even while it was going on, she knew that there was going to be a price for this.

Fuck it, put it on the card. Rates can’t be that high.

Right?

“I was so excited to see you again, I Luka smilingly said. “You’re sexy and confident. I thought so from when we first met…”

“Shut up.” Faye hushed with a kiss as she pulled the country girl down to the inflatable cushion’s fuzzy surface.

Chapter 75

Bobbie woke to find Faye coming in late.

“How was the party?” Bobbie asked, genuinely wanting to know. She was pretty sure that Faye would enjoy it.

“Lifeless. Kind of like Ramen. Pretty packages…” Faye’s guilt was as plain as the nose on her face. “No substance. I did find Luka interesting.”

Bobbie snapped her head up. “You met Luka?”

“Yeah. She brought an air mattress this time?”

Bobbie suppressed a laugh. “Wait… you…?

“Faye looked down”“What? She’s cute. Apart from her horrible taste in music.”

Bobbie smiled quirkily. “Nothing wrong with a little Patsy Cline.”

Faye made a gagging motion with a finger. “I just…. Had to….”

Bobbie held up a hand. “I remember.” She pointed a finger towards Nick’s bedroom. “So does he.”

Faye moved hair over one shoulder. How long am I gonna have to keep these in? Guilt would make it longer. Damage control plus guilt…Mega Combo!!!

“Rach. Fuck.”

Bobbie looked at her sternly. “Look, I can’t be judgmental. I understand now.” She tapped her temple.

“And I think you do, too.”

“I do. I’m still gonna feel bad about it. It was just…. Geez, this kind of thing doesn’t happen with your friends.”

Faye grinned a little. “Your friends are too square.”

It was Bobbie’s return grin. “They kind of are, yeah. Back when I was…” She stopped.

“Voldemort?”

“Ha ha.” Bobbie mocked. “You know.”

“I just couldn’t connect with anyone, until Melanie.” Bobbie got wistful.

“You mean Roxx.”

Bobbie sighed. “I couldn’t save her. Couldn’t save myself.”

“But, I can try again. “ Bobbie’s face got very serious.

“I’ll get it right this time.”

Faye straightened. “Well, big bad Bobbie is in town.” She felt her heart tug as she heard the Vespa pull up to the apartment.

“And big bad Bobbie needs to get to school.”

“I don’t get it. You have the bakery and Tim. Why are you still doing this?”

Bobbie’s face softened.“School? Something I have to do. Something he didn’t finish.”

Faye nodded approval. “Fair enough. I… I didn’t know… him. But I know you. He’d be proud of you.”

Bobbie nodded.“I’ve gotta run, I’ll see ya. Taking another day off?” Bobbie said with smile that playfully judged.

“Yeah. Those parties can be tiring.”

“I know.” Bobbie said as she headed out the door.

***

Bobbie was finally thankful to have a day with nothing happening. All the talk was about the prom, and nobody seemed interested in doing anything. One of those lazy Spring days where even the teachers were phoning it in.

When she didn’t find Kim before first period she worried. A text assured her that she was fine and with Heather and her mom. With a fast ‘K call l8r’, she found Beth at her locker looking at photos.

“Beth.” Bobbie said laughing. What are you doing?”

“Oh.” Beth brightened immediately. “Well.” She lowered her voice. “I’m not supposed to tell you this, but Steve and I are working the bakery Friday night and Saturday morning. I have a lot of work to do still on the…. Well look…”

She swung her locker door open and invited Bobbie to see its contents. Pictures of the students were plastered all over the inside. Whoa, just a couple of candles away from a serial killer?

“I’m trying to make all the little figures different, This cake is gonna be so cool. We’re gonna need pictures and videos and…” She suddenly stopped.

“That’s right. You haven’t seen the videos from the Grand Opening, have you?”

“No, I have not.”

Beth got giddy, rocking on her heels. “So many people like us, orders, and Tim told me that he’s been able to go home and to bed by noon every day now.”

A half snorted laugh. “But he doesn’t, he spends time coming up with something new.”

Beth smiled. “You two…”

Lunch was a quiet affair without Kim and Heather. Bobbie made her promised call.

“Hey. Just didn’t wanna go today. Stayed back with Heather and Betty…”

Betty?

“Oh, okay…” Bobbie said, relieved.

***

Hanging up the phone, Kim continued to listen to Heather gush about Bobbie. She was just past the Grand Opening when she started showing videos of that night.

“You mean they really did it?”

“Mom. You’ll understand when you talk to her for a few minutes. The stuff that comes out of her kitchen…”

“Yeah.” Kim piped in. “If you don’t get diabetes from talking to her, she’ll give it to you with those cupcakes.”

“Or those shot glasses.” Heather concluded.

“Shots?”

“Cookies with custard.”

“Oh. Alright, thought you were drinking.”

“I think I did enough for both of us.” Kim said.

Betty laughed, not knowing the full extent of prior events. “Sounds like one fresh chick.”

Kim rolled her eyes. “I swear I need a dictionary and a time machine.”

Betty looked at Kim and raised her finger. “Illigimatae Nil Carborendum.”

Heather laughed. “Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

Kim joined the laughter.

***

The door chime went off. Hopefully for the last time today. The inventory was mostly gone, the almond butter chocolate cookies looked like the losers that day with four remaining in the case.

A tall, lanky form stood there. The Deicide beanie acting as automatic identification.

“Kurt?” Tim said. “Shit, what’s up, man?”

“Came for…” He looked down at the case. “The shot glasses are gone, aren’t they?”

“Yeah.”

“And, well.” Kurt turned red. “I was wondering…”

“I have a date, but didn’t get prom tickets. Where would you go?”

Tim looked closer at Kurt. His eyes were clear. “Who is she?”

“Amber. The guitar chick from the band.”

“You’re not smokin’ anymore either, are you?” Tim laughed. “Looks like the drug we really wanted was a girlfriend.”

“It’s not just that. My playing has gotten a lot better.”

Tim heaved a sigh of relief. “Good. Honestly every time you made me wait to weigh out my stuff to play Smoke On The Water again…”

“Hey, that’s the first song everyone learns.”

“Still wanted to strangle you with the E string.”

“Ha!.” Kurt said. “Joke’s on you. I had two Ds.”

“No wonder it sounded terrible.”

Kurt laughed. “Lemme get the rest of those cookies.”

Tim came around the counter and grabbed two of the imported Mexican Coke(Bobbie had been firm. No High Fructose Corn Syrup, period.) bottles and popped the tops with the old bottle opener his keychain held.

“Amber, huh? Let’s see. I don’t know, man. What worked for me might not work too well. I made her dinner and took her to a movie.”

“Be a gentleman, but be yourself.”

“God, now you sound like my fuckin’ mom.”

“I’m fuckin’ serious.” Tim felt odd using the word so casually. “Open doors, pull out chairs. Be a little corny.”

“Corny is good, shows them you care. Even if it backfires a little.”

Kurt thought about this new information. It had always just been hookups.

Usually because I was holding.

It was different with Amber. Guitar lessons, just talking.

Well I guess this is growing up.

Tim explained his dating philosophy, with Kurt listening intently.

“…and that’s really it. It was good seeing you, man. Keep in touch. I need to hit the hay before she gets here. Lots of prep to do. We’re taking a night off. Mom got us a room at the Shelton.”

Kurt’s eyes widened. “The Shelton? You guys are doing really well. Man, that’s…”

Tim held up his hands. “I know. It’s a little expensive. But she’s worth it.”

“You’ll know if she’s worth it.” Tim smiled.

“And you’ll do it without question.”

“Because the look on her face when she realizes you did it all for her….” Tim finished his Coke.

Kurt left, wondering what they could possibly do on a night that was guaranteed to be empty while the social event of the year went on just outside the city limits.

I’ll have to get me one one day. He had said to Tim.

Now that he had one. What do I do with her?

***

Faye was making a sandwich when her phone vibrated.

Hey, you home? The number looked familiar, but Faye couldn’t quite remember. Kim.

Yeah, why?

KNOCK KNOCK.

“Shit.” Faye said, setting down the half formed sandwich. She opened the door to see the smaller girl standing there.

“What are you doing here?”

“When I saw you weren’t at school, I thought I’d come by. I sort of wanted your help with something.”

“Forget it.” Faye turned back to the sandwich. “You can get in trouble all by yourself, don’t need my help.”

Kim laughed. “No. Nothing like that.”

“It’s Bobbie.” She finished.

“And…” Faye picked up the sandwich and took a bite.

“Prom’s next Friday, and I wanted to help her get ready for it.”

“Heather’s already got her dress, and I’m sure…”

Kim sighed. “Look, I’m sure mom wants to help, too. I already know Betty’s in…”

“Betty?”

“Heather’s mom. Anyway. I was thinking if we could help get her there.”

Faye nodded and swallowed. An idea came. “I think I can help.” Faye brought her phone to life and called the Bakery.

“Cheepskates, how can we help you today?” Faye sighed inside at the sound of Tim’s voice.

“Hi, Tim.”

“Faye?”

“Yeah. Can you connect me to your mom?”

“Sure, why?”

“You’re not cleared for that.”

“Huh?”

“I can either go down there, or start talking about tampons.”

Tim laughed on the other end of the line.

“Now, what’s it gonna be, Mister Pink?”

“Transferring now.”

Click.

“Cheepskates order line.”

“Ms. Flaherty. It’s Faye.”

“Oh, hi Faye.”

“I have Kim here, and we wanted to get your help.”

“My help?”

“Prom’s next Friday, and we want to make sure that Bobbie has a smooth day. Heather’s mom and Bobbie’s mom want to help, and…”

“Oh,” Myka’s voice suddenly got louder. “That sounds good, anything for her. When and where?”

“Not too sure yet, I’ll call you back.”

“I’ll be waiting. Been wanting to have a girls night for a while.”

“Cool, thanks.”

Faye hung up the phone and looked at Kim.

“Okay, now what?”

***

Beth and Steve stood at Cheepskates door early that afternoon, she was so excited to finally show Bobbie what the fondant figures would look like. She stood by the door and waited with Steve, Tim had asked him to come in to cover working the bakery while he and Bobbie were out for the Prom. Beth was just glad he was there to hold her hand. Beth had expressed her nervousness so often about how her figures would be received.

“She’ll think they’re great.” Steve reassured. “I think they’re great. Don’t panic. You worked really hard on these.” He kissed her cheek. “Now stop worrying.”

Most of the worrying had indeed stopped when the Vespa pulled up, she grabbed up her bag and tried to be patient. Knowing what Bobbie thought would ease the rest of the worrying. But the not knowing is killing me.

“Hey guys.” Tim said, shaking out the keyring that allowed them entrance. “Ready Steve? You know your way around a kitchen, just need to show you the specifics.”

Once inside, Beth had her bag on the fondant station. Steve standing at the register with Tim, looking at the register in an attempt to figure out the correct way to key in sales.

“Wait a minute, guys. I wanna show you.” Beth was gently reaching into her bag.

Bobbie and Tim came over to the fondant station to see what Beth was so excited about, Steve followed after a couple of seconds of staring at the keypad.

“I’ve been working on these for days. I finally have it. I can do them quickly now.” Beth pulled out three small Tupperware containers.

“Yeah,” Steve said. “If they keep raising the prices this year, she can just sculpt all of my Star Pixies.” Beth looked at him with semi shock

Opening the first one, it was a slim almost cylinder. Beth gave the container to Tim. “That one’s you.”

Tim looked at it closely. The shape was right, as were the shoes; even the hair was flat. The smiling expression he often wore when he was alone with Bobbie was literally etched into his face.

“This one’s you.” Beth handed another container to Bobbie.

Bobbie opened the tiny box and pulled out the sticky, delicate looking figurine.

Bobbie couldn’t hold it back. “Awwwwwww.”

The tiny sculpture was clad in a blue dress, the alabaster skin contrasting perfectly. But, it was the hair that made her notice.

It was white, well sort of. Obviously there was some color mixing involved, but matching Bobbie’s just off-white shade must have taken some work. Turning it over in her hands, Bobbie had nothing but admiration for the skill that was displayed before her.

“Wow, Beth. That’s… just incredible.” Bobbie said.

Beth took the figures back and stood them together on the marble of the fondant station. With a thumb and forefinger, she pressed their hands together. Standing there, joined, they looked like cake toppers at a casual wedding.

“Let’s see the other one.” Tim said. Steve snickered, covering his mouth.

Beth blushed. “No, they were just together. I didn’t mean to…”

Bobbie whipped out a hand and grabbed the box.

“Hey.” Beth said.

Bobbie smiled as she opened the box. “I can’t awww at this, it’s just not enough.”

Tim looked confused, he turned his attention away from his tiny simulacrum.

Bobbie pulled out the contents and set them next to the couple on the marble surface.

It was Beth and Steve. Holding hands in the same poses.

Tim laughed while Beth got redder.

“Guys.” Beth said, looking embarrassed.

Bobbie looked at Beth and said. “No reason to be embarrassed, these are incredible.”

“That’s what I told her.” Steve coming closer to the crowd. “I know that some of the guys in my gaming group would love a cake with stuff like this. And the winner could eat the losers.”

Beth stood straighter. “It’s all thanks to you, Bobbie. I mean, I wouldn’t have thought of this on my own. I just figured that if you thought I could do it.” Beth folded her arms.

“Then I could and would.”

Wow, Faye. Talk about unintended consequences. Faye had given her that assignment. Bobbie laughed nasally.

“Beth.” Bobbie said with a smile. “You rose to the occasion beautifully.”

The praise made Beth launch towards Bobbie. “I’m glad you like them. Gonna have to start making them for the cake soon.”

Tim and Bobbie both looked at Beth and in unison began to speak.

“These aren’t them?”

“No.” Beth said with an expression of of course not. “They’ll get all hard and nasty by then. I have to do them all in like two days.”

Bobbie paled, leaving her skin even closer to the color of her diabetic voodoo doll. That’s too much, there’s no way…

Beth waved her hand, identically to the way Faye did. “Not worried. It’s so easy now.”

“Beth,” Tim said. “You are awesome.”

“Of course I am. Bobbie obviously thinks so.”

“Glad you finally agree. Now…”

“Let’s cook.”

Tim looked at Bobbie.

“What was…”

Beth laughed. “Steve has me watching movies in the background while I do the sculpting. Although it’s been tv shows all week… Plus looking at people helps me keep the proportions right.”

“Proportions?”

“Yeah,” Beth chattered “Steve was explaining it to me, it explains why I could never draw. It’s so hard to make a face look right.”

“You know.” Steve looked up. “Getting the eyes the right distance apart, where the nose is….”

Bobbie looked at the figure again. “The pictures in your locker…”

“Yeah.” Beth said. “and that’s where movies come in. Always faces to look at.”

Bobbie understood. Hell, that’s been my life for the last nine months…

Ten? How long had it been? Maybe losing track is a gift. No darkness anywhere today.

Thoughts of Antarctica, where days can last months. Nice contrast to all the darkness lately.

You’d think that the date you died would stick in your mind a little. But it didn’t. It was time she stopped watching. She glanced over at Tim. He was crouching, staring at the two small couples standing on the marble. She could see that he wanted to pick them up and play with them like action figures. Boys. The prom was coming up, and that was never a consideration. How thoroughly she had become Bobbie since then. She also thought about the Winter Ball, and how Tim tended to overdo things, and…

God, you sound like such a girl.

Because I am.

Bobbie smiled even broader as she looked around at the Bakery that had become her second home. The figures still stood there, holding hands.

She looked down at her hand, only to find life imitating art with Tim’s hand in hers.

“C’mon guys.” Beth said. “We’ve got a lot to do.”

“Let’s get to it.” Steve said. But Bobbie didn’t hear.

Thoughts of Prom danced in her head. Dancing…

Tim…

Bobbie washed her hands and turned to the root beer cookies, while Tim had the Nutella croissants. It turned into a blur of activity.

The figures stood watch while their real life counterparts ran around the kitchen.

***

With Tim convinced that Beth and Steve could run the bakery for a whole day. They left in Steve’s car, leaving Bobbie and Tim to finish cleaning.

Bobbie looked up at Tim. She was smiling as she saw him, his face was strangely serious.

“What?” She had noticed him staring off and on all night. “I was wondering if you were ever gonna tell me what happened?”

“I told you everything.”

“Not everything." Tim felt a hint of irritation creep into his voice. "There's a lot of gaps, even you have to admit that."

"Have you ever considered you might not want to know? I didn’t ask you about the party, did I? I do believe that someone bearing a striking resemblance to myself said that you slept with somebody, I slept with somebody."

"Oh come on." Tim folded his arms, the broomhandle cracked sharply against the floor, he winced when it made more noise when he wanted. "Seriously?"

"Seriously." Bobbie held his gaze. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“What if I wanna be hurt?” Tim slumped his shoulders a little. "Bobbie...Prom is just a few days away. This is the biggest day of our lives...how am I supposed to enjoy it if I feel like I can't trust you?"

"You'll just have to trust me." She said evenly. Hoping that the quip would produce at least a smirk.

No such luck. What had started as a reasonably pleasant conversation was quickly reaching a tipping point.

"Not good enough." Tim's voice was firm with unusual resolve. "We need to be open and honest. This is the first time you've ever hidden anything from me."

Bobbie put her hands on her hips. "Then it pleases me to be the first."

"Fine, play it your way." Tim stooped to pick up the broom and returned to sweeping.

There was silence as they finished their tasks. The ride home had an unusual pallor that hung over it like a light storm cloud. There was a perfunctory hug and kiss as Bobbie dismounted the moped and walked to the apartment with her head hung low. Tim put his feet down at the end of the block and shot a quick text to Faye, asking her to meet him on the rooftop. If he was fast enough, he could beat her there.

If Bobbie won’t tell me… Maybe Faye will.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XXIX(a)

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Language

Audience Rating:

Restricted Audience (r)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Sweet / Sentimental

TG Elements:

Fancy Dress / Prom / Evening Gown

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 87

Rach had an ache in her side, like she had laid down wrong on something. Uhh, what a…

The pain in her side was explained away as the misshapen lump of blue clay, Rach looked at it and…

Wait a minute, that dream. Her eyes fluttered open to a beautiful shade of blue; when she moved to get up, the blue moved with her. A quick glance at the mirror over her dresser confirmed her suspicions.

Fucking magic shit. Rach sighed as she remembered everything else.

Rach was blonde yesterday, but today her hair was a bright blue. Goddamit, I liked being blonde.

She got up and regarded the lump in her hand, it was vaguely human shaped. There was some finishing touches in that needed to be done, but Rach could clearly see the chubby human form within. Putting it on the counter, she looked into the mirror closely.

Her cheekbones had shifted, emphasizing her eyes just a little more. Pulling the hair away from her face, she looked inside. Whatever… what was her name?

Justice?

Whatever she had done, it looked to Rach like the color was permanent. A closer look revealed natural looking highlights and lowlights, unheard of in the outrageous shade that now crowned her.

“It’s way too early for this.”

Find Bobbie. Justice’s voice was so loud in Rach’s head, that she knew that she just had to do as she was told.

She was dressed and munching on a couple of toaster pastries while staring at the blue semifigure. Had to come from Justice.

Wiping the crumbs from her hands, she started to work the blue lump. Making it look like the figure in her head became a necessity…

A moral imperative. Something she had to do.

Like a stripper needs a dollar, or a junkie needs a vein.

She had to do this. Right now.

It was a pleasure to work the clay, feel it smoosh under her hands, its plasticized reality completely in her control. When she finished there was a vague familiarity to it. If it wasn’t for the tiny dimple lower down on one of the legs, it could have been anyone.

Because you love Faye. Rach quirked a smile.

It was true. And hey, the blue hair looks good. It was something Rach never would have done on her own; so much for the impulsivity of youth.

Rach was out the door with the figure in her hand, forgoing the coffee that morning.

First, she had to find Bobbie.

***

Tim woke up with a head full of cotton candy.

Candy floss?

It wasn’t like the wet cement that he had to deal with while Timmi.

God, that sounds so schizophrenic.

But it wasn’t. Bobbie understood, she always understood.

She understood everything.

He took a deep breath and looked under the covers, just to prove that Timmi was gone. A quick glance to the left revealed Bobbie, mouth wide open, and head tilted back. A smile formed as he glanced downward. She hadn’t changed. He could see her panties. Huh, those are cute. An old stiffness cut through the fog with a lightsaber made of hot, buttered Bobbie.

Timidly, he got up and headed for the shower…

But not before covering his best friend.

The girl that he loved.

Faye crept into his thoughts, not in the way they would have not long ago. There were thoughts of sorrow. The whole last week , everything that Timmi was.

It was his fault. If only he hadn’t tried to find out what she had done. Now he knew.

And I can’t unknow.

While the torrent of water washed off the dirt and grime of Vesuvius away, along with the last vestiges of Timmi’s makeup. He could only imagine what he must have looked like standing there in clothing that would have made him look twice not too long ago.

Standing there in the shower, Tim noticed that he was relaxed. He further noticed that he hadn’t thought about the bakery once. He knew that prom was the next day, and suddenly all of his plans caught up with him so fast that it made the blood rush in his ears.

I’m Tim Flaherty. I run a popular bakery. I have the best girlfriend in the world.

He smiled as he thought of Bobbie. The girl that changed him. In every way possible.

“Few impossible ones, too.”

Those memories would always be there, but it put things in perspective. He would always owe Faye for that.

I know how I made you feel, Bobbie. God, this kind of understanding was like ancient wisdom, handed down by mysterious rites and oral tradition.

…and he couldn’t tell anyone.

Oh, I understand girl things. See there was this time a boy was really nice to me when I was a girl…

“And then I fucked myself?” Yeah, that’ll fly.

“Jeez, Bobbie. If I didn’t love you…” So much… love you so much.

The last vestiges of cotton candy were gone in an instant when Tim remembered something important.

Prom.

More of his life beyond the past week hit him.

“The cake.”

“The hotel room.”

“Oh, shit.” Tim hurriedly scrubbed himself and got out of the shower and looked at his face in the mirror.

Timmi, the beautiful half Asian blonde bombshell was gone, leaving Tim’s face where it should have been.

“Hmmm. I guess I am cute.” He rubbed a hand over his jaw, it was completely smooth. God, that was a weird thought; but, he understood where it came from.

Pulling a shirt over his head, he reached for the gel he usually used. It was gone, replaced by some pink goop that seemed to be wax based.

Faye.

He gasped. “Faye.”

Timmi wasn’t gone, Faye carried on where she left off.

Tim deflated. Faye was like Timmi was. Gone was the snark and the most amazingly endearing put-downs, left with a fashion obsessed…

Bimbo.

He straightened. “Alright.” He said to the mirror.

“Nothing is fucked here, dude.”

“Woman up.”

***

Bobbie was warm, but her back ached slightly. A warmth on her forehead woke her, eyes fluttering open.

“Hey, you okay?”

Ignoring the pain, she sprung up and grabbed him.

“Tim!”

Bobbie’s tongue was in Tim’s mouth before any other words could come out. She pulled him onto her, cling on to him tightly.

“Mmmmphmmmm.”

Bobbie smiled and laughed as she released his mouth and nothing else.

“I’m so glad you’re back.”

“Me, too.” Tim slid away as she let go of the rest of him.

“But.” The smile faded. “Faye…”

She sighed. “I know. I’m not done yet.” Her smile went the way of his.

Tim knitted his eyebrows.

Bobbie grew solemn. “We have a lot to talk about, and…”

Tim held up a finger. “Later. You’ll be late for school. You missed enough this last week. Bakery’s due for a deep cleaning anyway.” He kissed her again.

“You can explain later.” Tim smiled. “I trust you.”

“You’re always looking out for me.” Tim chuckled as he disappeared out of the room and Bobbie removed the blanket, it smelled like him.

Bobbie regarded the outfit she had worn the previous night.

“Meh, screw it.” Bobbie went into the bathroom; she could get away with that outfit again.

It wasn’t like everyone hadn’t seen it already.

A quick rinse and… Bobbie caught her reflection in the mirror. Something had changed, the blue streak had grown into a blue patch, overtaking the right side of her head and stretching into the right half of her bangs.

“What the…?” She grabbed at it and looked closer. Some strands were darker, some lighter.

“Well, saves from Frankie having to do it.” Pulling at her bangs, she realized that Kim was right, she was overdue for a trim. Especially with prom tomorrow…

Bobbie regarded the new color scheme and wondered how many of her fashion choices were truly hers. She shrugged it off and got dressed, feeling the need to get to school. It was sudden, right along with wondering how Rach was doing.

Rach, Bobbie thought. I still have to tell her.

“Bobbie.” Myka said. Bobbie looked at her stunned. She was wearing a solid colored top and jeans, both new. Her hair had been cut into a stylish choppy bob, and her skin appeared to be healthy and radiant. The blonde highlights made her think of Faye.

“Tim said you were here. There’s coffee, and…”

Bobbie smiled. “Betty, right?”

Myka laughed. “Yeah. It’s been nice to have adult company. C’mon, sit. I’ll give you a ride.”

Bobbie got the coffee and sat with Tim’s mom.

“Thought it was a good time for us to talk. He can get all sweaty.”

Bobbie smiled as she took that first sip. She closed her eyes for a moment.

Myka sipped. “Bobbie. I know that prom is tomorrow night.” She shook her head as she set the mug down. “Such an important night.”

“I remember when Jack asked me.”

Bobbie’s face fell.

“Yeah, we were high school sweethearts. Just like you two.”

“He really loves you. I can see it so clearly.”

“I love him too, Myka.”

“He’s a part of me.”

Myka reached out to take Bobbie’s hand.

“He’s a part of me, too.”

“I guess what I’m trying to say is…”

“Thank you.”

Bobbie tried to speak, but Myka was having none of it.

“You’re something else.” She sipped again while Bobbie listened. “Whatever it was you did to us… Tim, me…”

“Everyone you meet, you fix.”

“Not everyone.” Bobbie whispered, Faye still fresh in her mind.

“Oh, Bobbie.” She smiled. Myka’s demeanor changed. “Everyone fails; it’s what you learn from it.”

“But that won’t matter tonight.” She finished.

“Huh?”

Tim popped back in through the door. “Forgot my charger.”

“Girl’s night.” Myka continued “Everyone’s meeting here and…”

“I… I don’t understand.” Said Bobbie.

Tim stopped mid movement and laughed loudly.

Neither woman in the room understood what was so funny.

***

Rach hadn’t seen Bobbie yet. Girl has to be unpredictable now? It wasn’t until Lunch that she could be found. The new hair color seemed to be popular, garnering a few compliments. Seeing Bobbie was like seeing a beacon.

She sighed. “Let’s do this.”

Rach made her way to the table and took a breath. As she approached, she heard the standard chatter. From the conversation, it seemed that Bobbie’s hair had gotten a similar case of the blues. Just not as long a song.

“Hi.” She waved.

“Rach.” Bobbie said, happy that that nagging feeling was gone, yet dumbfounded over the sudden explosion of blue.

“Yeah. New color. Think we can talk?”

“Sure.” Rach waited for Bobbie to scoot out of the circular booth. “I’ll be right back.”

They were away.

“Rach, I needed to…”

“Justice.”

Bobbie gasped.

She pointed at her hair. “Didn’t think it an odd coincidence?”

Bobbie pointed at her own new azure growth. “Bit of a surprise here, too. Everyone’s back where they belong, but…”

“I know, she told me. I can live with it, it’s still her.”

“I love her,” Rach shrugged. “Just like you and Tim. He’ll put up with this bullshit just like I will.”

“But there’s more. She said you can explain.” She folded her arms.

“So explain.”

***

Bobbie was taken aback, but if Justice trusted her, then…

Begin at the beginning.

“Hi.” Bobbie extended her hand.

“My name was Robb.”

Rach looked at her quizzically. “Wha… huh? You too?”

Bobbie nodded. “I was a dumbass, got killed doing something really stupid.” Bobbie’s mouth was dry, telling someone else was always going to be traumatic. “Met Justice…”

Tim, I’m going to have to tell him at some point.

“Woke up like this. And an urge to bake.”

“Well, that explains this.” Rach fished out the blue statue. It was a little lumpy, but Bobbie could see its intent.

“I have no idea what this is for. I woke up with it.”

“Along with some weird shadowy stuff. Probably need my eyes checked.”

“No, that’s part of the whole Advocate thing. You’re seeing what people need, you’ll learn to read it, I did. Then you just…”

“Help.”

“That’s it?”

“It isn’t always easy. Sometimes you fail. I couldn’t save Kim in time, and Faye’s… well, I haven’t stopped the playback on that one yet.” Bobbie trailed off.

“Other than that? I don’t know, really. Travel around, get into adventures. Like Kane in Kung Fu.”

“Good.” Rach said. “Clear as mud. And that kiss of hers?”

Bobbie shrugged. “That… I just don’t know. It doesn’t affect us.”

“Anymore.” Rach said. “Remember, I got the full monty.”

Bobbie laughed. “What’s so funny?” Rach asked.”

“Movie thing.”

Blue hair moved, “Someday I’m gonna get it, right? Don’t laugh too hard. You got it, too. So I heard.”

“Yeah. It didn’t affect Luka, not sure why that…” Bobbie gasped. “Zoe. I can talk to her later and…”

“I’ll do it.” Rach sighed. “Faye’s my girlfriend. I’m the one that’s gonna have to deal with this. First official act?

Bobbie laughed as she turned to walk back. “Want to come sit with us? Apparently the moms have gotten together for a girls night.”

“Girl’s night?” Rach laughed. “Knowing that you used to be…”

Bobbie shrugged as they made their way back to the table. “A lot changed, but it turned out that I didn’t really like who I was anyway. I got to put it behind me, not many get a chance like this. Who am I to argue with Justice?” That shining smile played out again.

They got back to the table, Rach still holding the blue figure. Bobbie opted to sit next to Rach at the end.

“Oh, Wow.” Beth said. “It’s like a big one.”

“You made that? The ones I’ve been doing are tiny.” It was a little featureless, but getting the proportions right with something that size... “Can I see?”

“Yeah.” Rach chuckled. “It’s terrible, did it in a hurry, still working on it when…”

Beth picked it up and looked at it, she saw the small discoloration. A few seconds later, it began to fall apart. Moments later gray crumbles littered the table.

“Oh, oh… I… I’m sorry, Rach. I…” Beth stammered.

“It’s okay. Not too sure what it was anyway.” Rach turned to her chips.

“What are you guys doing for prom?” Rach asked, wondering what it was they talked about besides pastry.

“Kim and I are going, Bobbie and Tim are going…” Heather bit into the pickle spear.

“Steve’s taking me out.” Beth blushed. “Dinner and, I think he said a show.”

Beth’s eye twinkled slightly. “He really likes me.”

“He does.” Heather’s face went serious. “He talks about you a lot now. I’m happy about it, he hasn’t mentioned Dungeons and Dragons in months.” She waved a hand at Beth.

“Trust me, setting you two up may be the best thing I ever did.” She smiled, pleased with herself.

“I’m going out with Kurt, says he has a big night planned.” Amber giggled.

“I’m fucking taking the fucking coolest person.” Bella intoned. “Me.”

“How about you?” Bobbie asked.

She smiled. “I’m going with Faye.”

Rach ran a hand through her blue hair.

“What?” Rach leveled her gaze. “I’m worth it.”

Rach enjoyed eating with what she had come to think of as Bobbie’s Brigade.

Looks like I just joined up, too.

***

When the final bell rang, Rach was waiting for Bobbie.

“Need a ride?” Rach asked.

“Sure. Got anything planned?”

Rach flipped down the visor and studied herself in the mirror.

“Just heading to see Faye. She stay home?”

“Yeah.” Bobbie said. “After last night…”

Rach nodded, smirking. “Bitch, please. Like she needs an excuse to play hooky.” Rach started the engine and the speakers screamed their onslaught of dubstep madness. The SUV swung out of the parking lot and headed for the quiet section that housed Faye and Bobbie. They got to the door and entered quietly, noticing the emptiness of the living room.

It was odd for that time of the day. Both were surprised to see Faye backing out of Nick’s room quietly. Bobbie and Rach looked at each other with strange expressions.

Turning to see them Faye put a finger to her lips while the other hand moved her disheveled blonde hair to one side.

“He’s asleep.” Faye whispered; Bobbie cringed.

“What?” She said, raising her voice a little. “He keeps winning. At least it’ll keep me from being stuck with all the dishes, Miss ‘I have to dirty all the pans to boil water.’” Faye giggled.

“I’m gonna hit the shower. Bee Are Bee.” Rach studied Faye as she walked away.

“Unbelievable.” Bobbie said.

“Yeah, I know.” Rach said without taking her eyes off the hallway. “I didn’t think that her ass could get any better.”

“Now it’s spectacular.”

“I meant Nick.”

“Oh.” Rach stood to face Bobbie.

“From what you’ve told me, she can’t help it. Just means I’ll have to be close to her all the time. I mean, can’t let him…” She pointed to the bedroom door.

“… have all the fun.”

“I’ll get to have sex more,” she shrugged. “Works for me.”

Bobbie brought her eyebrows together.

“Hey, you have Tim, I have Faye. Great sex is the perk. I’ll just have to keep fucking Miss July.” She brought her fist down, snapping her fingers. “Darn.”

“Ha.”

“So, what?” Rach sat down. “I just help people?”

“Yeah, and you don’t even have to go out of your way to find them; they just kind of come to you. We just need to figure out what your thing is.”

“My thing?”

“Yeah. I bake, you…” Bobbie held out her hand as she drew out the last word.

“That statue thing was there when I woke up. I didn’t go to sleep with it. I don’t know what happened when… when…” Rach looked up and left trying to remember her name.

“Beth.”

“Yeah. It just fell apart. It was mostly dry. There’s no way it would just go to pieces like that.”

“Hmmm. I don’t know. We’ll have to figure it out.”

“But not today. Prom’s tomorrow.” Bobbie reminded.

Bobbie couldn’t suppress the smile. She was going, and she was going with Tim. Not Timmi and Bobbie, nor Tim with Bobbie in Faye’s body.

But Tim and Bobbie, finally in the right bodies and everything? The thought of him holding her close as he stumbled over his own feet made her lose presence for a second.

Rach caught the wistful look and broke into a laugh.

“Are you sure you were a dude?”

Bobbie shrugged. “A lot of things have happened since then. Honestly. If Justice ever came back to me and said she could make me Robb again…”

She shook her head. “Not a chance in the world.”

“Well, I asked Faye…. Well, Timmi… Fuck it. I asked her to the prom. At least I can get to the sex earlier.”

Bobbie laughed. Rach suddenly stopped.

“The things we put up with and do for love, right?”

“Yeah.” Bobbie snorted. “You have no idea.”

“I have no idea?” Rach snorted back.

Bobbie had to laugh louder.

The door made noise several times sharply and Bobbie turned her attention to the noise.

“Open the door. We’re here to kidnap you dammit.” Bobbie recognized that voice.

Heather.

“Yeah, sis. We’ve got shit to do. Grab your stuff and let’s go.” That was Kim’s voice.

Bobbie opened the door.

“I know about his, you didn’t need to come get me…”

“Screw that.” Heather flopped out a hand. “This is an Army thing.”

“Go on.” Rachael said, developing a devious smile of her own. “We’re gonna get ready for prom our way. You deserve a break anyway. I get her back in the ultra girly flavor I originally ordered. Let’s see if ‘be careful what you wish for’ works in this case.”

Bobbie grabbed her things and wished Rachael luck.

“I needed a shower anyway, and with the water shortage and everything…”

“Have fun.” Bobbie said as she grabbed her overnight bag.

***

Sylvia sat with Myka and Betty, happy to finally get a chance to do this. A huge, crazy year of ups and downs. Meeting Bobbie, and by extension Roy and Beth, Betty, and… Well, nearly everyone in her life now. She still felt badly for kicking Bobbie out, part of her blamed herself for the things that had happened to Kim. But, Kim had snapped out of it; in fact, she had made a dramatic reversal. Sylvia knew in her heart of hearts that Bobbie had something to do with it.

When Heather and Kim arrived with Bobbie, there were warm hugs of greeting all around. The noise brought Tim out of his bedroom.

“Oh, good.” Heather said. “Get your stuff and come on. You can’t see this.”

Tim ran a hand over his face. “What? It’s not like we’re getting married. That doesn’t work for prom.”

“I don’t believe I gave you a choice, mister.” Heather pointed as her eyes narrowed.

Tim laughed. “Fine.” He left again, vanishing into his room one more time.

They soon left, leaving Bobbie alone with all the moms. It was oddly comfortable now, feeling like she was part of some ancient circle of wise women.

“Alright, Bobbie. I guess I get to practice with you.” Sylvia smiled. “I have a year or so before I’m gonna have to do this for Kim.”

“Mom.” Kim shook her head.

“You’re still my little girl.”

Kim’s pale skin flushed red.

“Okay.” Tim had pulled a different shirt on and had a garment bag hooked by a finger and resting on his back. “I’m … uh… totes ready.”

Kim shot an alarmed look at him, only to see him smiling. “Asshole.” She mouthed at him.

“Heather.” Betty said.

“Yeah, mom?”

“Go easy on him.”

“I could say the same to you, although it wouldn’t matter much. I taught Bobbie well.”

Bobbie opened her mouth to speak, but Heather cut her off. “Hey, that blue streak wasn’t my idea. And quite frankly, I’m a little angry at myself for not thinking of it.” She ran a hand through the scarlet bit that she had recently acquired. “And I approve of the nose ring. See? even I can learn something sometimes, I guess.”

Kim grabbed Tim and began to forcefully push him out of the room while Tim laughed louder.

“Alright, alright. I’m going, I’m going.”

Tim and the two girls left, leaving Bobbie with a group of mothers.

This is the most parenting I’ve seen in one room… well, ever.

“Bobbie.” Myka began. “This was my idea. I can’t ever say thanks enough. For Tim, the bakery.”

“…for me.”

“Or me. Bobbie…” Sylvia interrupted. “I really wish you would come back.”

“If I have to eat one more frozen pot pie.”

Sylvia’s darkness snapped into focus as Bobbie swept her sight across the room. Myka’s darkness had subsided to what could be considered regular backscatter. Betty was similarly dull, despite her brightly colored clothing.

But Sylvia’s? Well, that told a different story. Bobbie could see that she blamed herself for so much. Coming home would mean so much to her, but can I?

The whole situation with Faye was just… unworkable.

But she didn’t feel that she could just leave them to stew.

It’s a small town, not like you can’t just stop by. Something in Sylvia’s darkness caught her eye, the way one shade of gray erupted into a hue of grey.

I don’t even see the symbols anymore. I just see.. blonde, brunette, redhead…

Sylvia wanted her to come home, needed her to come home.

Bobbie went to her mother and hugged her. “Of course I’ll come back.”

Bobbie stayed quiet; not by choice, but because the Sylvia’s hug threatened to crush her ribcage.

“Saturday okay?”

“Sure, no problem.” Sylvia’s stunned darkness had adjusted itself, evening out into tiny ripples like those of a zen garden.

“Alright, you two.” Betty’s voice cut through the haze of emotion. “We’re here to make sure she’s ready for tomorrow.”

“Heather made me a dress, and…”

“I know.” Betty continued. “It’s hanging in the back. Just a few finishing touches.” She pointed to her laptop.”

“I have an appointment with Frankie tomorrow.” Bobbie offered, her she was, people fussing over her again.

“Bobbie, if I can make costumes for a thousand trolluks, then I can damn well make sure those pictures last forever.”

Wow, Heather is her mother’s daughter.

“I’ve got dinner. Who’s up for Chinese?”

There was a general murmur of approval as Betty fired up her laptop, and Myka made the call. Sylvia sat next to Bobbie, feeling more positive about having her around than ever.

***

Tim sat in the back of the car, feeling a little giddy. That feeling Timmi had when she went shopping.

“Prom’s tomorrow, and you two are gonna do this right. Kim and I talked about it, and there’s no way anyone’s outdressing you two tomorrow.”

She turned around and looked over her sunglasses.

“Anyone. Not even us.”

“Speak for yourself.” Kim said, earning a laugh from everyone in the car.

Heather made Tim enter Shear Esctasy. When Heather had reshuffled Tim from stoner grunge to his current clean cut appearance it was at a normal barbershop. He had protested at first, but memories of Timmi made him acquiesce. Besides, Heather made one hell of a compelling case.

“I don’t have time to take care of everyone this time.” She turned to Kim. “I just wanna get ready with my best girl.”

“Jake.” Kim said, rolling her eyes heavily beneath her sculpted eyebrows.

“Frankie takes care of weddings and stuff all the time, you’re in good hands.”

Tim shrugged, Maybe it’ll still be relaxing. There was a chuckle as he thought of the two of the having a spa day.

Spa day? Why not? He made a mental note to set that up someday. The life of Timmi had shown him the truth of what everyone kept telling him.

You work too hard. Tim didn’t think so, working hard was what was necessary. He’d spent too long not working hard.

Working hard or hardly working?

And then there was Bobbie. It had become just as much about her as him, them…

…everyone.

It wasn’t like it was a chore, either. Seriously, hang out with awesome people and churn out fantastic edible art. But, not taking a break to appreciate what he was building would eventually take its toll.

All work and no play make Tim something something something…

***

“I never could get the hang of these damn things.” Betty said, prompting an odd look from Bobbie.

“Me neither.” Myka said, laughing as she rose to get forks.

The containers of Chicken and Bamboo shoots and Kung Pao shrimp sat next to the Lo Mein and the fried rice. The Mongolian Beef and the Moo Goo Gai Pan sat off to the side, next to the stack of paper plates. Some magazines sat next to Betty’s laptop, displaying the top prom looks of the last half century.

Bobbie deftly moved the chopsticks towards her mouth, carrying its precious cargo of rice and vegetables.

“So, see anything you like?” Betty asked, noodles dangling from her fork. “When I was in high school, the contest seemed to be to dress as slutty as you could with hair that took up the rest of the picture. God, my first driver’s license…” She laughed before finally emptying the tines of their contents.

“Now I see where Heather gets it from.” Sylvia said, crunching into a combination of peanut and hot pepper.

Bobbie set her chopsticks down and looked at the magazine. “I… “ She knitted her brows.

“Never really thought about it. Prom was never really something I thought about.”

Myka snorted. “Like Tim was gonna let you get off that easily. His dad was the same way. He took me to dinner at the restaurant he got hired on in. He was so nervous.” Her eyes got distant.

“Until he saw that the flambé was being overdone.” She started to laugh. “He got up, and calmly took it from the intern he had doing it.”

Bobbie pictured Tim doing such a thing. He’d probably make some funny Backdraft reference and move on.

“He made a Towering Inferno reference and did one real quick. Then he came back and sat with an apology.”

“Then he looked at me lovingly and calmly said. ‘Don’t order the Bananas Foster.”

Bobbie laughed harder than the rest. Food may be universal, but not everyone ‘gets it’.

“Bobbie.” Betty reassured. “You’re gonna remember this night forever. From what Myka tells me and…” She waved her had around. “Everyone else says. You deserve a night.”

“This looks cute.” Sylvia offered, pointing to a picture of a redhead whose hair had been twisted…braided…woven…? Into an opened flower, sitting just so off to one side of the model’s head.

“I think this style for the eyes, your eyes are just so blue. And the way you work blue into your everyday…”

“Heather.” Bobbie said.

“Figures.” Betty said.

***

Tim was completely relaxed, nearly every muscle relaxed as the custom mixed shaving foam was scraped away from his throat. When the chair was raised, he snapped to.

How long was I in there? Tim noticed that being in his head had that timeless quality, no way to know how long it had been.

“All done.”

Tim looked at his face in the mirror. The vague rumblings of the mustache Faye had left him with were gone, his face smooth from every angle.

“Wow, can’t ever get that close.”

“It’s better if someone else does it anyway.” Frankie said. “Now, I’m gonna see your girlfriend tomorrow right?” Her face twisted into one of mock horror.

“She’s not trimming her own bangs now, is she?” Frankie looked over her shoulder at Heather.

“No,” Heather said. “But I think she’s doing the color herself. Streak’s a little bigger, but it almost looks natural. I think you’d be proud.”

“She’ll be here tomorrow. Minimum day. Prep’s gonna take hours. You know how prom is.” Kim screwed a cigarette into the holder before heading outside to watch this week’s exciting episode of Dipshit Skate Punks as they fell all over themselves trying to impress anyone unlucky enough to be passing by. She could see the fearful flush of their pheromones from there. She shook her head as she donned her sunglasses.

Careful what you wish for, boys. Kim touched the flame to the end of her cigarette.

Tim came outside and squinted against the bright afternoon.

“Wow.” Kim said, looking at Heather through the window. “Just barely get your dick back and you’re in the salon already?”

Tim looked down. “I remember everything, you know? I… I wanted to say thanks.”

Kim exhaled. “For what? That whole…”

Tim looked up sharply. “No.” His voice was louder. Was it deeper too?

“Jesus. First Bobbie saves me, then watches over me like…”

Kimster Dragstrip cut that shit off immediately. “Like she loves you?” Arms spread, mouth open. “Did the stupid stay?”

“And you all went back to see Roxx.”

Kim stuck the end of the cigarette holder in her mouth. “It’s just Roxx. They have history. We both do.”

“Huh? History?”

Kim shook her head as she raised the sunglasses. She knew that his curiosity was what triggered the events that brought Timmi into the world.

“Leave this one alone, huh? I don’t wanna do that again”

Tim ran his hand over his face, the smoothness was familiar… echoes of Timmi.

“Can it just be enough that you two found each other? Seriously. Look at it this way. You found your purpose and your partner at what? Sixteen, seventeen?”

“Eighteen in July.”

“There you go.” Kim reached forward and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Do you have any idea how lucky you are? So there was some weird bullshit in there.”

“Weird?” Tim exploded.“I was a girl…” He looked around and lowered his voice. “I sucked my own dick.”

Kim laughed. “And they say that you’d never leave the house.”

Kim waved a hand. “So what? Roxx ate me out, I ate Heather out… Circle of life and shit. You could walk away from everything. You could, and I wouldn’t fault you. Hell, I’d take you out for a spin.”

Tim blushed. Jeez, is this the same girl from last summer?

“Point is, whatever it is that happens. You two have each other, and the bakery. You’ve proved to each other and the fucking universe that you’re in this for the long haul. There could be something better out there.”

“But you don’t know,” Kim removed the cigarette from its holder and ground it out under her heel. “And you can’t know.”

“It’s up to you.” She inhaled hard.

Heather joined them and studied Tim in the light for the first time.

“Hands.” She demanded.

Tim stuck his hands out. Heather’s eyes popped up to meet his. “You had a manicure?”

“Uh…. Yeah. Butter, sugar, chocolate….” He stammered.

“Well, saves us a stop. My house. Final fitting on that suit, Tie check. And the corsage…”

“Ordered one.” Tim said, looking as puzzled as Timmi often did. Kim noticed and laughed.

“Cancel it. Got you covered. Trust me.”

Tim smiled as he reached the car. “How can I not?”

***

“I can’t believe how clear your skin is, Bobbie.” Betty was helping with the herb mint facial mask. She had already exfoliated and was resigned to listening to a reggae arrangement of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.

In another life, I would have been so baked. The relaxation and the presence of mind together beat being blitzed on one or more mind altering substances.

I really don’t need it anymore.

Face it, doll. You don’t want it, either. Robb’s voice flitted in and out like an old AM station.

Do you?

“Everything groovy, Bobbie?” Betty asked. “I’m sure you’ve had more entertaining evenings than hanging around a bunch of moms.”

Bobbie couldn’t see anything through the cucumber slices, but was prescient enough to feel all the positivity in the room. No pastry, no Advocate abilities.

Just true appreciation.

“I think it’s time to grab the ice cream.” Sylvia said. As Betty helped Myka with her masque removal.

Bobbie wiped away the watery remnants of the cucumber slices and peeled away the vellum like substance.

“Got four flavors here. Hoped I was able to get something for everyone. There’s Monkey Madness; Aww, Fudge, Chunky Charlie, and Peppermint Passion.”

“Ooh.” Bobbie perked up. “Peppermint Passion.”

“That was Robert’s favorite. Good god, why couldn’t he meet you instead of that… that…”

“Really?” Bobbie played it off, “That’s weird.”

Bobbie took a spoon and dug in. The first taste had a familiarity, like it was the one thing that hadn’t changed. It was grounding somehow, both lives seemed to overlap as she crunched candy pieces between her teeth.

There was a file folder filled with pictures and diagrams. The dress had a final fitting, which was unchanged. Every aspect about the various pieces of Bobbie’s prom look had been compiled into a stack that looked like Steve Austin was about to become the bionic woman.

We have the tools, we have the technology.

Betty flopped the folder closed. “You are going to have to tell me how in the hell you keep that figure. Don’t you eat some of the profits?”

Bobbie laughed through a mouthful of pink, minty bliss.

“Tim’s just so lucky to have you.” Sylvia said, spooning the Chunky Charlie into her mouth, crunching a pretzel piece.

“Everyone is.” Myka said, swallowing a fudgy spoonful.

She laughed. “My son went from getting baked, to baking. We’re all glad you came along.”

“Only thing. I do have a request for the bakery. I was looking at the menu, and there’s one thing missing.”

“What’s that?”

Myka looked at Bobbie and shook her head with a knowing look.

“Angel food.”

Bobbie laughed loudly, the laugh died to a giggle that resurfaced off and on for the rest of the night. When she got back to Faye’s house, it was quiet. She somehow knew that Faye was with Rach, Nick’s absence was easily explained away with finals looming large in his mind on top of all kinds of other magical related things.

***

Tim entered the living room to see his mom sitting there, waiting for him.

“It was a good night. You look sharp.”

“Thanks.”

“Glad you finally got rid of the… well, calling it a mustache is giving it a lot of credit.”

“You look good, too.”

“Yeah. Like mother, like daughter I guess.”

Tim laughed. “That’s the Sweet women for you.”

“Big night tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” Kim’s words bounced off the inside of his skull. Whatever happens, Bobbie’s worth it.

“Look at you, all grown up.” Myka smiled. “You better get to bed. Tomorrow you’re gonna spend all this time getting ready.” The smile became a laugh.

“Tell her how you feel.” The laugh died down. “Tell her everything.”

“I know, mom.” Tim’s face looked wizened despite its youthful appearance.

“She’ll never wonder.”

“Ever.” Let’s see how long this long haul is.

Chapter 87

Mary hadn’t slept, not like that was anything new. She liked how she didn’t need to sleep or eat. She hated how it burned when she snorted it.

The house she and her small band of daylight avoiders had been rebuilt several times. Right now it was impossible to travel from the kitchen to the bathroom without going outside. The owner had hung the drywall over the door jamb. There was also the dutched window and the manual pull drain in the tub made from fishing twine and a ball of epoxy putty and duct tape.

They can fix anything, can’t they.

She liked the way it let her be creative, even there was nothing to work with.

Ever since Roxx left her… Fuck her anyway, snobby bitch. Dumping her for no good reason, then just locking her out of the life she had.

It had been the end of the world.

No, strike that, the end of the known world. She just walked away.

If she can do it, then I can do it too.

Her mom was yelling about things, but Mary didn’t care. She just wanted the next hit.

She had found it in the form of a few parties she had wandered into. Mary had some money, but she had burned through that after a couple of weeks.

The group she found herself with was full of cool people, she couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. They cared enough to ask how she was doing, the other girls were also nice.

She liked having a shoulder to cry on.

Her hair was a little greasy, as was her skin. She was looking forward to the shower.

If that shitty hot water heater ever gets hot again after that last shower.

***

Rach was on her second cup of coffee. She got up early, having dropped Faye off late. The lump of modeling clay in her hands was blue. Which was odd, considering that she could have sworn that it had been grey when she started. This figure was thinner, it was riddled with discolorations. How had those gotten in there?

She could see the shapes hidden in the clay, but this one wasn’t as clear as the other one had been. Sure the shape had been simpler this time, but it was just so hard to get right. Looking at her phone, she realized that she wouldn’t make any more progress today. The figure had to back on her shelf. There would be time to figure it out later.

But not today. Today was Prom, and she was going with Faye.

Faye was still Faye, and she still loved Rach.

And for all the stupidity required…

Rach loved Faye back.

Rach never had gone in for the stereotypical girl thing, but Prom held all sorts of romantic visions in her head. She smiled.

It’s not the time you have, but who you spend it with.

***

Beth woke to an itch on her ankle. It had been doing that off and on all night. Realizing that she had to get up for school, she swung her legs to the ground and started scratching.

And scratching.

She felt crisp flesh pull away and lodge its irregular shape beneath her nails. Her gaze jerked downward, expecting to see a bloody scratch surrounded by ragged bits of jerky.

But it wasn’t.

The scar tissue left behind from Kim’s failed intervention… had it really failed? It was gone, like completely. I guess it worked. Heather always knew stuff like that. It was this moment, added to many others that made her appreciate her life more and more. It seemed like all the hard times were paying off. Such a small thing to be so happy about, but it seemed like it was all that was left.

She selected the red dress with the polka dots and started to get ready for the short day at school, followed by the long night making little fondant figures of the students with Steve. It was to be a good day.

***

Kurt was looking at the paper that had all of his plans for his evening with Amber. Here he was, a little nervous. Putting dealing behind him seemed easy. People still called him looking for shit, but he shunted them off to everyone else. The guitar lessons had been coming along, his focus had sharpened.

It was weird how he didn’t miss it all that much. He was sure he’d do it again. Like at a party or something.

He just hoped that Tim had given good advice. It was weird, he never thought Tim would be giving him advice.

But hey; he managed to get with Bobbie , open a bakery…

…not bad for a high school dropout.

“Not bad at all.” He grabbed his keys and took a deep breath. Just another day, stop being nervous.

Christ, he smiled as he left.

Now you sound like Tim.

***

Faye got up late, she knew Bobbie got home later. Figuring that she found another party to suck all the fun out of, she got up and showered. She exited only to find Bobbie smiling in front of the stove. Steaming mug in one hand and freehand flipping pancakes with the other.

“Figured breakfast would be good. Big day today.” That smile was too bright by an order of magnitude. “Rach is going to be by to pick you up later?” Bobbie had plated up some breakfast and had the coffee poured before Faye sat down.

Faye shrugged. “I’m only going because Timmi said she would. Doesn’t seem fair.”

That malevolent grin came back, “But I’m getting laid tonight. You?” Faye drowned her pancakes with maple syrup.

Bobbie caught the last pancake in the pan and flashed a different sort of smile.

One that belied evil thoughts, but not too evil.

“Maybe.”

“Good. You need it. Besides it’ll be the first time with him in the right bodies and stuff, right?”

Bobbie’s smile didn’t fade as it disappeared behind a coffee mug, one that had a hand proudly displaying an extended middle finger.

Faye laughed out loud, pancake and sausage visible.

“What.” Bobbie said, lowering the mug.

With a hand over her mouth, Faye used her fork to point downwards. Bobbie lifted the cup and saw the bottom graphic at the first time, and offered a surprise laugh.

Faye shook her head in the negative. “You can’t even be a smartass right.”

Bobbie shrugged. Nick appeared, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Hi, Nick.” Faye said sexily as she ate the last of her sausage seductively.

“Morning, Faye.”

A honking horn broke Faye away from her empty plate. She downed her coffee and was out the door.

“See ya soon. Don’t wait up, though. Rach and I are gonna have fun tonight.”

“Byeee, Niiick.” Faye said over a shoulder as she wiggled away.

After the door had closed. Nick looked up at Bobbie with eyes that carried a small sadness a long way.

“Bobbie?”

She could see the darkness that surrounded him. He carried so much. His love for his friend, whatever form she took was and always would be her friend.

“She slept in there, you know?” Nick asked, eyes red. He hadn’t slept much. Bobbie paled, remembering what her little interlude with him had done. How much worse it must be now.

A weak smile tinged with sadness illuminated his face slightly. “Always dreamed of having a night with a Playmate.”

He looked into his Aperture Industries mug.

“The cake is a lie.” He whispered.

“She’s going to get better.” Bobbie said, sliding a plate his way. “I promise that I won’t stop trying until…” She trailed off.

“Me neither.” He said solemnly.

“I’m going to be moving back in at home.”

Nick looked up, his sort of sad expression blew into a full blown look of hurt. He stood and gave her a brotherly hug.

“I’m glad you stayed with us this long, the stuff that happens around here…” His voice dopplered away as the sound slowly died.

Bobbie hugged back. “Hey, I’m not going off to another planet. It’s not like you won’t see me again.”

“I know. Just…” Nick looked down. “Things are weird around here.”

“You are an island of reality in an ocean of diarrhea.”

Bobbie’s laughter was loud and infectious, claiming Nick.

“So, prom’s tonight?”

“Yeah.”

“Have a good night, really.”

“I made some…”

“I’ll figure it out.” Nick said, sitting to his plate. “I’ll get the dishes.”

“She finally beat you?” Bobbie’s face displayed shock.

The sad face returned. “In a manner of speaking.”

***

The lack of education happening that day would have been appalling.

But, it was prom. The biggest day on the Delacroix social calendar.

Everyone breezed through the day, sitting through shortened classes. Teachers reading essays and book reports, waiting for the bell to ring just like the students they used to be. Chairs were fidgeted in, doodles were made.

The lunch bell finally rang, and Rach got up and went to find Faye.

The blonde hair and the pink clothes made her easy to spot. The staring boys made it easier to see where she had gone. Finding her way to Mr. Agee’s math class, Rach found her.

Faye was leaving the classroom, running a hand through her hair and wearing a smile.

“Hey, babe.” Rach started. “What’s up?”

“Oh, nothing.” Faye said nonchalantly. “Just guaranteeing my grade in math.”

Rach didn’t know why, but it sounded ominous.

“Alright.” The smile came out, shining against her blue hair.

“Let’s blow this pop stand.”

Rach sighed. You’re lucky I love you.

“C’mon, Faye-fay. I wanna keep that kiss of yours for myself.

Faye giggled. “I thought you didn’t like it?”

“It was a little weird.” Rach waved some. “I looked like…”

“Like what?” Faye stopped walking while Rach was ahead, her expression the perfect balance of angry pout and sexy smolder.

Fuck. “Sexy?”

“That’s better.”

“

***

Bobbie was out at the parking lot with her group of friends. Happy talking and laughing, stories about their plans for the evening. So much had led to this, it felt like the beginning of something big. Much like everything else had.

Everything Bobbie had gone through since the previous summer. Learning how to be who she was now. Meeting all her new friends.

And Tim.

The joy she got from helping people was just as enjoyable as any high she had ever had as Robb.

And being with Tim? Why couldn’t I have met Timmi back then?

Seemed to Bobbie that the universe liked everybody just where they were now.

“Beth.” Heather started. “You haven’t worn that dress in a while. What’s….?”

Beth’s head split into a broad grin. “That stuff worked, I guess. “ Beth presented an ankle.

Her scar was gone. Completely, like it had never been.

“Never seen it work that well.” Heather studied the ankle.

“Well, I for one am glad that it helped. Scar was my fault anyway.”

Beth shook her head, hair bouncing to one side than the other. “Doesn’t matter. We’re all just glad you’re okay.”

Kim smiled in a way that Bobbie could see the little girl that had been Robb’s sister.

“Thanks, Beth.” Kim’s face was suddenly flooded with the innocence, making it look all the more seductive.

“I guess that’s it.” Heather said. “Ready, Bobbie?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

“Yeah. The Winter Ball doesn’t require the kind of preparations that prom does.”

“But we’ll all look great. Right, Heather?” Amber spoke up.

“Don’t we always?”

Heather entered her car, signaling the others to split off into their individual traveling groups. “My house, hour and a half. Once we get back from Frankie’s.” She rapped the side panel of the driver’s door hard a couple of times before engaging the transmission.

***

“Hi, Bobbie.”Frankie said. “Been a while.”

“Yeah. Busy, busy.”

“Well, you have that big cake coming up, graduation.” Frankie smiled warmly. Bobbie looked at her confused.

“Tim, he was here last night.”

Bobbie heard ‘Timmi was here last night’ and her legs nearly gave way. Kim rushed in.

“Yeah.” Kim said, making sure that gravity didn’t finish its evil work. “We brought him last night.” The subtle emphasis was lost on both Heather and Frankie as Bobbie righted herself.

Bobbie was thankful to get into the chair. Heather stopped her.

“Hey, space cadet. Put this on first.” Heather had the garment bag in her hands, holding it out.

Bobbie accepted the item and heard the rustle of fabric inside it.

Weird glands fluttered serotonin and dopamine into her body as she swelled and filled.

It was happening. Right here…

Right now.

Bobbie was in the bathroom, undressing and looking inside the package.

That’s not supposed to be in here.

It was… Lingerie?

A piece of paper was stuck to the top of the hanger.

New designs, lemme know how it is… H.

There was the prom dress in all its glory. Of course it was blue, Bobbie mused. It was beautiful. Classical, elegant style given a modern touch. Spiky spirals of white stretched across the top of the bodice and made a ninety degree angle that followed the seam all the way to the bottom of the hem.

Sliding into it like Excalibur into the stone, Bobbie felt connected.

Where were you a year ago?

It was always Heather, her guru to all things feminine.

And Kim…

And… well… everyone. Spaced out, high. Who said there are no second chances?

Thanks, Justice.

With the dress on, Bobbie looked into the mirror. Like everything Heather made, it was beautiful and the quality could be experienced rather than seen.

It was here, it was finally here. And she was going to share it with Tim, so many things in the way.

But not tonight; Kim was okay, Tim was himself.

There was still the Faye conundrum, but she was confident that she would figure it out with the help of her new…

Helper, friend, sidekick? Whatever Rach was to be to Bobbie, she was just glad that Justice saw that it was more than a one girl job.

Girl…

Abso-fucking-lutely. The giddy thrill of seeing herself in that dress, Tim tripping all over himself and her… God, he’s a terrible dancer.

Those questions would wait for another time as Bobbie left the bathroom and walked towards the three occupants of the room.

“Damn.” Kim said.

Heather looked at her girlfriend. “You just saw it last night.”

“Yeah, and it’s still impressive. Take the compliment, bitch.” Kim laughed as she bumped her hip against Heather’s. Laughter erupted to envy Betty and Wilma.

Bobbie smoothed the dress under her legs as she got into the chair. The trim of her bangs only took a couple of minutes. Frankie’s reaction to Bobbie’s expanded blue peek-a-boo was unexpected.

“Who did this? You, Heather?”

Heather pointed at herself. “Me? No. I wish. Looks good.” Heather straightened. “I’m the style expert here, honey.”

“It’s just that it looks natural. It goes all the way to the roots, and there’s natural looking highlights and lowlights in there, and it….”

“It’s fantastic work. Who did it? I’ve gotta know.”

“Just a friend of mine. She left this morning.” Bobbie smiled at Kim, who smiled back.

“Well, tell her she’s got a job here. Incredible work.”

Heather had the file out and was going over the pictures with Frankie while Bobbie just relaxed.

Bobbie retreated into her mind, letting the whirl of reality die down just a little. It was amazing and unbelievable. She had never thought this far ahead, yet here she was.

Prom.

All those days in boring classes, those times she had to see Kim so fucked up that she needed Roxx to hold her up.

Watching Tim shed the pain of his past to become someone… better.

Dealing with what Melanie had become.

None of those things mattered. This was the night, she could forget about everything else and just be Bobbie. Something she hadn’t done too much of lately.

She couldn’t wait to see Tim as the jittery excitement began to overtake her whole being.

***

Tim was almost dressed. The tank top undershirt was bundled in his hand as he came out of the bathroom, only to be confronted by his mother. A high pitched squeak came out as he brought up the shirt to cover his nipples.

Myka laughed and snapped a picture with her phone.

“Mom.” Tim dropped his face into an ‘are you serious’ look.

“What.” The laughter continued. “The look on your face…”

Tim laughed nervously as he pulled the garment on.

Myka’s laugh disappeared. “You look like your father, I really wish they could have met Bobbie.”

“Me, too mom. Me too.” He said nervously.

“You’re gonna be just fine.” Myka straightened, the smile returning.

“Finish up, kiddo. Gonna be a hell of a night, huh?”

Tim felt his smooth face and looked around the room.

“God, a lot’s changed.” It was as if Tim was seeing this room for the first time in decades.

Myka nodded. “It has.”

“Mostly you.”

Tim looked with a single raised eyebrow.

“You’re a man now, son.” Myka hugged Tim.

“Thanks, mom.”

“Now go get finished so I can get you to Heather’s. I’ve got plans tonight, too.”

***

Heather was fussing over Kim’s victory rolls. Both Bobbie and Kim were surprised when she came out in a dress. The color matched the scarlet patch in her hair exactly; it was a frilly affair, backless. The lower hem of the dress had orange and yellow in pixels of varying sizes. that gave the impression of computerized flames. Bobbie had never seen such a style on an elegant dress, and she’s been waiting a year to wear it? She had a feeling that pixilated would be the fashion buzzword in a year or two.

“What? Still like ‘em. Just thought I’d change it up a little. But tonight is Prom, been waiting to wear this dress for a year now.”

“That’s jake.” Kim said, Bobbie laughed loudly as she grabbed another coke from the refrigerator.

“Hey, that’s my schtick.” Heather looked to Bobbie. “What is it with you two?”

Bobbie laughed and looked in the mirror; between Frankie, Betty and the rest of the people that made Bobbie feel like a part of the world….

My friends… no.

My families…

Both of them.

Robb, so disconnected could never have imagined sitting there.

But Bobbie could.

Kim and Heather looked happy. Heather beaming and having way too good a time, her darkness was gone. Not being able to read Kim made for an interesting room, the classic formal dress with some modern flourishes. The sunflower yellow color brought out her pale skin tone.

All dressed up and no one to read. It made for a strange silence. A silence shattered by Bobbie, “Hey, Heather. I think your princess is in another castle.”

“Hell no. Warp zone.” Heather whistled a familiar tune, one that would open the way through the Lost Woods.

“Link wears green.” Bobbie stated deadpan.

The first knock at the door proved to be Amber, wearing a green top with her jeans with the artful wear and stringy tear. Her confusion at the room’s laughter only made the laughter louder.

By the time Bella showed up with Beth, the living room was awash in varied darknesses.

“There’s Princess Peach.” Kim pointed an unlit cigarette at the new arrivals.

“Fuck you, Kim.” Bella laughed. “That’s Queen fucking Peach.”

Amber’s, nervous. Bobbie could see that the redhead was apprehensive about her bad boy attraction. Having seen Kurt, Bobbie wasn’t worried one bit. He’s really a nice guy. It seemed that there were an awful lot of hookers with hearts of gold in Delacroix.

Beth, just happy to have someone to be out with. Proudly wearing the red polka dot dress of which she was so fond. Looking forward to spending a night with Steve.

Bella was darkness free, as per usual. God, she should hang around with Zoe…

On second thought, maybe not. Bobbie decided that Bella’s ‘fucks’ and Zoe’s ‘none given’ would make them the most dangerous double act since Riggs and Murtaugh.

Selfies, other pictures, and beaming smiles, funny faces, and cold drinks rounded out the rest of the afternoon. It was a lot to take in, as if the Winter Ball was merely a prelude. Bobbie was giddy, disoriented in a good way. Waiting for Tim…

Tim…

My first true love. Bobbie smiled at the crowd as she took a measured sip.

“Easy on the beverage.” Heather called out over the din of five girls getting ready.

“Don’t wanna have to retouch those lips before the pictures.”

***

Myka dropped Tim off at Heather’s.

“Don’t forget your box.” She handed him the package that had been delivered earlier.

Heather’s corsage. Tim thought. No, Bobbie’s corsage…

No, Heather’s corsage for Bobbie. Tim blinked the confusion away as he bent down and kissed Myka’s cheek.

“Have fun.”

“With Bobbie? Always.”

Myka turned her attention to the road and drove away, leaving Tim in his black Armani suit, dressed to the hilt…

And ready for what promised to be the most incredible night of his young life.

Timmi was left behind him. Faye with all the bodyswapping insanity that had typified the last month. But it was all over tonight. It didn’t matter, nothing did.

Just dancing with his love. His thoughts turned to the card key in his wallet. The room was already checked in and paid for. The limo would soon be there, ready to whisk them off for the night he had planned and worked for.

The door came up to him as he floated towards it. He could hear the music playing as he pounded on the wooden surface.

And she opened the door.

Bobbie was stunning. The white spirals over the blue dress flowed perfectly. Her hair had been styled with loose waves while the left side of her head had an opening flower with alternating petals of blue and Bobbie’s unique just off white shade woven from her hair.

Her eyes… her lips…

He almost didn’t want to touch her, was afraid to. Lest he be burned by such perfection.

***

When Bobbie opened the door for Tim, she nearly dropped her soda can. She could see Heather’s influence in his suit, The crisp, tailored white shirt sat flat against his chest. His face was clear, and full of hope. The smile.

Dear god, the smile. Bobbie smiled back. So little darkness around them…

“You look amazing.” Bobbie whispered into Tim’s ear as she leaned forward.

“H…here.” He stuttered as he handed over the package.

“Thank you.”

“Jeez. I’m afraid…” Bobbie brought her arms up.

“To hug you?” Tim finished. In the end, they decided to risk it. She was lost in him; his smell, his touch. There was a flurry of clicks from behind them, sounding like popcorn.

When they broke and turned to face the insect eye of mixed lenses, they gave a few poses, ranging from elegant and beautiful…

To crossed eyes and outstretched tongues.

To staring at each other lovingly.

“Alright, fuck. Enough fucking pictures. It’s prom, not a fucking fashion show.”

“I disagree, Bella.” Heather said, lowering her phone.

“Prom is a fucking fashion show.”

***

The pink dress had a purple sash, and Faye wore it with aplomb. Rach marveled at how well the dress clung to each nook and cranny.

Nook and cranny. Now I want an English Muffin.

The curling iron’s warmth on her neck made Rach study herself in the mirror.

We’re all changing, getting older…

Becoming.

Her life had changed so much since crashing her bicycle into her on the path that day, and again so much since. Rach’s blue hair kept the curl exactly as she pictured it. The dress of green gently tumbled to the floor and brushed at her ankles.

Can’t wait to get her alone tonight. Rach’s thoughts turned to thoughts of after the dance.

“Ooh,” Faye said, freshening her lipstick. “I heard about an afterparty, I got directions too.”

“Cool.” Rach said, admiring the blue hair that Justice had left her with again. Damn it’s a good color.

“So I was wondering about that kiss….”

“Y’know,” Faye said, filling in her eyebrow. “For someone that didn’t …”

“I just wondered if you could control it?”

“You mean like baby rattlesnakes?” She turned quickly. “Hmmm.” Faye turned the pout up to eleven.

“I don’t know.” She giggled. “Maybe we should ask Zoe, she likes it. Calls herself Zia.”

“Zia?”

“They took her picture.”

Rach couldn’t hold the laugh back. “Now that I’d like to see. The blackmail pictures would be priceless.”

“Be nice. Zoe’s cool.”

“I am, just can’t imagine her without her rough edges.” No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t imagine Zoe Keebler in a state of careless abandon.

Either way, an evening of careless abandon seemed like the answer to Rach.

After all, drunken sex is drunken sex.

***

Betty, Myka and Sylvia showed up with their boxy old cameras and proceeded to take shot after shot for whatever passed for posterity in the modern Instagram era.

Bobbie took the compliments from the adults as they took snapshots of the whole lineup of usual suspects. The bright afternoon made for great lighting.

“Okay, Bobbie. One more.” Sylvia said.

“Yeah.” Heather said. “Tim, give her the…”

“Oh, right.”

Tim opened the package to reveal the corsage. It was made of orchids in blues and purples, the color broken up by a single white flower just off center with a sprinkling of baby’s breath.

Sylvia snapped several pictures of Tim attaching the wristlet to her right wrist. Wow, their smiles alone could light this picture.

Bobbie couldn’t remember feeling happier about anything at this moment. There she stood with Tim, both of them looking like some kind of royalty.

The moms smiled and beamed, while their girls(and Tim) stood on the tarmac of growing up.

When the Limo arrived, Tim hugged his mom and Bobbie did the same.

“You two have a good night.”

“We will, mom.” Tim smiled as he opened the door. Assisting Bobbie inside gave Tim a feeling that had lain dormant lately.

He stepped into the car after her and secured the door.

There she was… Bobbie, his angel. Tonight, she looked even more angelic than usual. Thoughts of Timmi were gone as the old male programming kicked back in after taking a backseat to everything else.

Everyone waved like they were leaving on a cruise around the world, excitedly flapping their hands side to side. Both teens stuck their heads out the window and waved back.

“Fuck yeah, Bobbie!” Bella screamed as she extended her forefinger and pinky in the devil horns.

The limo rolled away. Friends shared optimism for what looked like it would be an evening to remember.

After a couple of miles of their circuitous tour of Delacroix, Tim signaled the driver to stop at a small store nestled between a pawn shop and used clothing store.

Bobbie’s mouth got dry. “Huh?”

“I just want to grab something. Need something to drink? C’mon.” He led her out of the car by the hand. Bobbie’s butterflies mutated to Mothra’s size.

She recognized the small store…

And the old man that sat behind the counter.

“Ah. Raspberry Lemonade.” Tim said, selecting a lollipop from the impulse bin. He smiled at his girl.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.” Bobbie croaked.

The man behind the counter had a pistol hidden underneath the till. Bobbie knew that…

Because Robb had found out the hard way. Looking at the man, she could see the darkness that shooting Robb had caused.

Waking up crying, his wife holding him.

The flash of fear every time a group of young people came into the store.

Tim was obliviously grabbing a Mello Yello from the cooler as Bobbie came to the counter and regarded the man that had ended Robb’s life, and given Bobbie hers.

“Hi.” Bobbie said through her nervous throat. “Just stopped in for something to drink.”

Tim came to the counter, placing the items on the glass surface above the lottery scratchers. Bobbie saw the darkness grow and pulse when Tim reached into his pocket for his wallet.

Tim paid the total and started to leave when Bobbie put her hand on the cashier’s.

“It’s okay. You did the right thing.” Her voice soothed his frazzled nerves.

“Of course I did.” The old man gave a weak smile. “Usually give back the right change.”

Bobbie smiled knowingly, she watched some of the darkness retreat. “You’ve always done the right thing. Don’t let it bother you.”

“I…I…”

“You have a good night.” Bobbie turned and left in a wash of blues and whites.

When they boarded the vehicle and pulled away, the storekeeper stared after the door and let a silent tear leave his eye. For the first time in nearly a year, guilt wasn’t trying to punch him in the face over and over again.

He retrieved the pistol and removed the magazine and emptied the chamber.

I don’t need it anymore.

***

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XXIX(b)

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Language

Audience Rating:

Restricted Audience (r)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Sweet / Sentimental

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Amber had her jeans on just so, while the green top’s scoop neck showed just enough to let the imagination fill in the rest.

She was off with Kurt, he had excitedly told her about tickets he had gotten to a local acoustic set played by local artists. The town center was lined with local businesses. Taking a lap to sample wares, Kurt and Amber split a huge Shawarma and laughed at the unusual sights.

“So, how’d you get the tickets?” Amber asked.

“I…umm…” Kurt looked down. “I used to sell to them.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you that, you just stopped?” Amber only knew about drug dealers from movies… Just when I thought I was out…

They pull me back in.

“Yeah. It was a pain in the ass anyway. Phone won’t stop ringing, sketchy people. Honestly, didn’t realize how much work it was…”

“Until you came along.”

“So where do you get money?”

“Guitar lessons.” He shrugged and stroked his minimalist soul patch with his left hand.“Same story, just now I actually give guitar lessons.”

Amber laughed, then took a bite of the spiced meat and flatbread.

Kurt was having a good time, Amber was having a good time.

Maybe the drug I needed really was a girlfriend. Who knew?

***

Rach and Faye were basking in the joy of being young. Radio way too loud, SUV bouncing way too hard.

Young, irresponsible love never seemed so comfortable.

Rach had a lot on her mind, but heading to prom with Faye pushed it all to the side.

Advocate, schmadvocate.

My night.

“That Tim is really sweet.” Faye said. “He got her a hotel room, I can only imagine what they’ll get up to in there.”

Rach turned with a lilting smile. “Nothing we won’t get up to?”

Faye laughed. “Well, let’s see. You play your cards right, princess.”

Rach joined the laugh as the school loomed ahead.

***

Kim and Heather were sitting in traffic.

“Why do they call it rush hour? Nothing moves.” Kim said as a motorcycle flew by, splitting a lane. Definitely less traffic that way. Wonder if Tim ever does that on the Vespa?

The idle thoughts turned to Heather and all the colors of the traffic. She could see a little more each day. The guy two cars ahead had just been fired, Kim felt a little sorry for him.

Maybe you shouldn’t have fucked the intern in the copy room.

She was sure that if she could Read Faye, that she could take another stab at it.

Hehe… stab.

“Where are we going anyway? Don’t we have like two hours to grab dinner?”

They had chosen to find some gourmet burritos and zip over to the plateaus and look at the kingdom of Queen Kim The Terrible.

“You ever wonder about life after all of this?” Heather asked, attacking the al pastor chicken.

“All of what?” Kim asked, her carnitas carrying a slight burn from the habanero.

“School?” She said through a mouth of refried beans.

“Yeah.” Heather chewed and swallowed. “Mom’s headed back to Auckland next month. I’m registered at the College. Got some money put away from some earlier projects. I think I’m gonna do it. Design stuff and sell it online.”

Kim pushed a shred of pork back into the tortilla casing. “You totally should.”

Kim made her voice resonate loudly, holding her burrito aloft, she intoned with all the weight of a royal edict.

“I decree that all shall be made to wear the fabulous designs of Heather Sweet.”

Heather laughed. “Good. Because you’re my model. Don’t think I haven’t seen those Instagram pics you have up.”

“Oh, those. I was screwing around.” The burrito suffered another bite.

“Really?” Heather used her free hand to check her phone.

“Because you have over four thousand followers.”

Kim looked astonished, her slightly pasty complexion getting paler. “Four…? I just started that a week ago.”

“Yeah.” Heather scrolled down. “Where’d you buy that? Love the top. Beautiful, glamorous… Screwing around?” Heather moved closer to put her arm around her girl.

“My ass.”

Kim smiled up at Heather.

“Yes it is…”

They laughed as the orange sun took on the reds and yellows indicative of the end of the day, Prom was to be an evening of beginnings and endings.

Kim and Heather each experiencing both monumental starts and finishes in their lives.

And most importantly, they were doing it together.

The way it always should have been.

***

The driver opened the door of the limo and helped Bobbie out. Tim followed and led Bobbie to the front door of Maison Du La Terre.

“Tim!” Bobbie gasped. “Isn’t this place..?”

“Not for us.” Tim smiled. “They pick up on Tuesday and Thursday.”

The Maitre’D smiled as he regarded them both with an outstretched hand.

“Tim. We have your table. This must be Bobbie?”

“Yeah.” She blushed.

“Nice to finally have a face to the name.” He shook her hand gently.

“Can’t forget it now. This way, please.”

He led them to a quiet table in the corner. The restaurant would have been uncluttered, not many would come to a place like this before Prom. It was unlikely to see anyone they knew.

Water glasses were filled and the flickering candle gave a warm accent to the sparse lighting.

Tim couldn’t stop staring at Bobbie.

“You never gave up.”

“Tim…” She had so much to say.

“I love you, Bobbie. More than anything, and after…”

Tim sipped at the water. “Timmi…”

“Try to forget.” She said gently.

“That’s just it. I can’t forget.” He gave a puzzled nod. “But you don’t mind.”

“I love you, Tim. Don’t think anything can change that.” Bobbie said. “Seriously…”

“We’ve been through some shit.”

Tim laughed. “We certainly have. I ordered already. I know it’s not the same, but I really wanted…”

The bread came, Bobbie looked at it, there was something…

They pick up on Tuesday and Thursday.

This was her bread.

“This is…” Bobbie shook a piece in her hand

Tim rolled his eyes. “You just look at what to make, don’t you?”

“You haven’t looked at who it was for?” Tim’s eyes widened.

“No, why? There’s just so much.”

Tim threw his head back and laughed loudly. He shushed himself quickly.

“I think.” His voice lowered. “That there isn’t a restaurant here in Delacroix that doesn’t at least buy the dinner rolls from us.”

“Mom showed me recently. The bakery? We’re going to be completely self sustaining by next year. We did it.”

“No, fuck that.” Tim said, cutting off his own sentence.

“You did. You did everything.” Bobbie could see the tears of joy welling up. The salads came, Tim opting for a raspberry vinaigrette while Bobbie nabbed the Blue Cheese.

“My life is good, and it’s your turn. Once school’s out, Bobbie.” He shook his head and scooped some salad into his mouth.

Bobbie looked down and laughed. “They’re using frisee. The awkward lettuce.”

“We’re gonna be able to go full steam. Looking at hiring someone else.”

Tim reached across the table. The warmth of his hand penetrated hers. “Give us more nights off like these.”

“But.” Tim turned wistful. “Not too many other nights in life that can ever compare with this. Great food. The coming end of life’s first big chapter…” He trailed off.

“Perfect companionship. Girls like you don’t exist. At least I used to think so. Used to think a lot of things.” His touch and smile were contagious, and Bobbie soon felt the love expanding between them.

The Diane station arrived and Bobbie knew what was about to happen. Tim was a little entranced, and Bobbie couldn’t help but be the same. The smell of the shallots and onions wafted over them.

FWOOM!

“EEEE.” Tim squealed. Bobbie jumped in her seat and laughed while turning to Tim, lest Timmi suddenly make her way back to Bobbie.

“Diane for two, with potato and turnip puree with haricot vert.”

Bobbie ordered and sipped at an iced tea with lemon and sugar and enjoyed the time with her man and the dish that she had waited to enjoy with him.

“I’ll make this next time.” Tim said. “Theirs is good, but I actually think mine’s better.”

Bobbie savored a mouthful. “Of that I have no doubt.”

The rest of dinner was a light affair, both just spending a night out. Dressed to kill, and each with the one person in the world that they should have been sitting with.

***

The ballroom of The Shelton had been decorated. The decorations were awfully similar to the ones used at the Winter Ball, but the special things had come out.

The better ballroom was used, and the punch was made from the fresh fruits of the season. Music was thrumming and the thousand points of light pinpricked their speckly way across the walls. Some faintly colored large blobs rotated at odd places. The combination of light and dark was majestic looking to Bella as she came in.

She had decided that she would get there early and watch everyone come in. It would be the only time she had ever thought of this, but she wanted to see everyone one last time.

In a fuckin’ natural fuckin’ state.

Rach and Faye were some of the first to arrive. Rach’s hair stood out, even in the semi darkened room. The flush of color and sound combined with the lighting made everything look hyperreal, like living in a lucid dream state. Fantasy become fucking reality. Bella wondered what Brown would be like. Colleges like that weren’t exactly known for their party atmosphere.

Bella would have to fucking change that.

As more filtered in, the ballroom was a veritable garden of colors and the various flora and fauna of the American High School.

She was gonna fucking miss this fucking town.

***

Tim and Bobbie walked toward the ballroom, holding each other close. Her hand on his chest, his muscular heartbeat pounding against her. Her heart, too, was beating hard, and the shudder of her whole body affected by the shake provided a counterbeat to the sounds of the universe.

The smiles were wide and the happiness palpable, even Bobbie’s visions of the Winter Ball paled in comparison. So much promise, so many futures…

So many experiences left for life to offer.

The couple made their way to the dance floor. Bobbie knew that Tim couldn’t dance to save his life, but wanted that closeness to never go away.

I'm scared today, more than I told you I was yesterday
Give me a moment to catch my breath
And hold me every second left

Tim was thinking about how beautifully everything had turned out. Being here with Bobbie was just icing on the cake. Bobbie’s feel glided along the dance floor…

“Tim!” Bobbie exclaimed.

“Hmmm.” He responded dreamily.

“You’re dancing.”

“Hu…I…” His feet didn’t lose rhythm once, not even while talking.

Bobbie’s smile broadened. “Not going to ask.”

She nestled closer to him, luxuriating in that delicate glass rose feeling. Maybe Timmi was good for something.

Don’t count the miles
Count the ‘I love you’s’

Bobbie felt as if she could count them forever.

***

Rach and Faye were dancing. Slow dancing wasn’t normally their thing, but Rach was just happy to have her girl in the right place.

Her arms, the best place in the world.

“Ooh… can we cut in?” Faye asked, indicating Bobbie and Tim.

Rach looked at Faye oddly.

“C’mon.” The blonde pleaded. “It’ll be fun. He’s a terrible dancer.” She laughed.

They spun their way towards the couple of blue and black and got their attention.

“Can we cut in?” Faye giggled. “I wanna dance with him.”

Bobbie couldn’t begrudge Faye a dance. Both couples disengaged and swapped partners. Bobbie and Rach leaving the dance floor in search of punch.

“Look at those two.” Rach pointed.

“Yeah, they have history.”

Rach swallowed and looked to Bobbie.”When we were… each other. They went out. He thought he was going out with me.” Bobbie shrugged.

“So, she took him out, and they had a really good time. Then that whole mess with Timmi happened, then Faye took her out, you know about that.”

“Yeah.” Rach said dryly.

“There’s something between those two. It’s not like that, but.”

“They’re good friends, no matter what body they inhabit.”

Rach laughed. “Jesus, we must sound fucking crazy.”

“Said the girl with the blue hair.”

***

“When did you learn to dance?” Faye asked.

“I dunno. Just finding out about it now. Maybe it was all that stuff with Timmi?”

“Maybe.” Faye got as close as she could, felt his crotch respond to her grind.

“Faye.” He knew where this was going.

“Awww, what? Don’t like me?”

“Faye. Of course I like you; you’re my friend, but that’s all. I love Bobbie. You can test me all you want.”

“Silly boy. Your loss.” Faye said, relishing the feeling of being held by Tim until they reached their original partners.

***

Steve and Beth sat at the college amphitheater. They had sat and talked while eating at Slice of PI and the conversation had been about absolutely nothing. Sugar and songs, gumpaste and graduation.

Beth reveled in her night. Sure she’d been on a date with Steve before, but this was different. The college was putting on a production of Annie Get Your Gun. Steve figured that she had enjoyed Grease so much that another helping of musical theater was in order.

They held hands and felt the happiness that both felt at finding someone that wanted to be with them.

Thanks, Bobbie.

***

Heather towered over Kim, the shorted girl wondered how Heather got so good at dancing in heels. A tiny peek through mostly shut eyes gave her pause.

It was Tim…

And he was dancing with Faye?

He was dancing.

“What the?”

“Hmmm.” Heather said dreamily, happy to be holding Kim closely and basking in the feelings of having made it to the end of what was to be the first of many accomplishments.

And Kim would be there with her.

Whatever they were.

***

Tim was retrieving some punch when Bella showed up at Bobbie’s arm.

“Goddamn, Bobbie. Dress is fucking killer.” Bella said, availing herself of some punch.

“Thanks.” Bobbie took a sip.

Bella pointed her head at Tim. “Mind if I…”

Surprised, Bobbie said. “Sure.”

“But only because you didn’t say fuck.”

Bella laughed as the two walked off to enter the dancing fray that would long hang in the memory. Their forms joined and their feet fell into an unfailing rhythm.

“You became a fucking great dancer. Lessons?”

“Something like that. Big lessons. Life lessons.” An intonation of wisdom crept into his voice.

“Shut the fuck up and dance.” Bella said, laying her dishwater blonde head against his chest.

***

Kurt had opened the mysterious backpack when they had parked at the top of the plateau. There was a striped blanket and he unfurled it with a flourish.

The sun hadn’t quite gone down yet and there was a beautiful sunset getting ready to happen.

“I brought some pate, and some olives, and…”

Amber raised an eyebrow. “Olives? What…? I thought we were gonna build a fire or something.”

Kurt blushed. “I asked Tim’s advice. ried to sound a little cultured.”

“Well, well. The pot dealer gets embarrassed?”

He shrugged. “I dunno. Just was bored, didn’t wanna pay for it. Wasn’t so much a dealer.”

“Brought some wine.” Kurt said, brandishing two small single use glasses of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Amber shot a distasteful look.

“We don’t have to… I wasn’t sure….” He stammered. “There’s some soda, water… milk.”

He shrugged. “Not trying to get you drunk.” He laughed.

“This is the first time I’ve come up here and stayed sober.”

“Is it any different?” Amber asked, genuinely wondering.

“Only because you’re here. Was some band, huh?”

“Wish we could play a gig that big.”

“Aren’t you guys doing the grad party out at the graveyard?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s gonna be huge. Can’t wait to see that one.”

“You know what?” Amber said, spreading pate on a cracker. “I will try that wine. There’s not enough there to…”

Kurt had his open and sniffed at it. He swished a mouthful.

“Fruity.”

Amber laughed and chased the pate with a swallow of her own.

“I’m glad you came out with me tonight.” Kurt said. “You’re awful pretty.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

The gourmet tasting party continued until the sun fell down and the moon came along propped up by the stars.

***

“Heather. Never said thanks for the intervention.” Kim closed her eyes. The closeness of the evening. “Or that I’m sorry.”

“Kim.” Heather said. “Shh, don’t…”

“Fuck that. You didn’t give up on me, none of you did. I was such a bitch.”

“But you’re okay now, right?” Heather’s face got serious. “That’s all I care about. That, and that you’re here with me.”

Heather looked over imaginary sunglasses. “Besides, you seem to like my clothes more now.”

Kim laughed. “Oh, come on. How could I not?” She surveyed the room. “Jeez you can see that they’re having far too much fun.”

“She should.” Heather melted just a little into Kim, like syrup flowing over pancakes. “We’re all glad you brought her that day. I’ll even forgive your skinhead phase.”

Kim rankled. “Hey…”

“I said I’ll forgive it.” Heather laughed. “Been a hell of a year, huh?”

Kim laughed through her nose. “Yeah.” She looked around.

“Hey, I’m gonna run out for some Vitamin N. I’ll be…”

“Uh uh. I’m not letting you out of my sight tonight.” Heather locked an arm with Kim and the two girls glided out in their dresses.

***

Delacroix moved along in the night as the Prom continued and others lived their lives as normal. Cars drove on streets, people bought things and ate dinner.

Bobbie and Tim had such a great time that Tim’s newfound dancing ability made his enjoyment of the evening something new, special.

Thanks, Timmi.

Beth and Steve had a great time. Beth laughed and clapped along with the showtunes. Steve, not usually one for westerns, found it funny. But enjoyable mostly because Beth was there with him. Since his cousin had introduced them, they had been thick as thieves. They had grown into a couple like two trees grafted together to make some new and exotic fruit.

One that grew well.

Kurt watched the sunset with a slight buzz from the small amount of wine, Amber was a little more tipsy. But another hour or so and she would be fine to drive. Once the moon comes up. They talked about how good the band was, and how much she liked the pate and the olives with the wine.

“Y’know.” Amber hiccupped. “You really are a nice guy.”

“Shh.” Kurt raised a finger to his lips. “Don’t tell anyone.”

Amber laughed. I can kiss him, right?

“Well, you don’t finish last tonight.”

***

Roxx was sitting in the upstairs counting room, touching at all the bags in the new shipments. The meth shipment. That stuff doesn’t need my help. As Melanie, she had dabbled in the stuff. Never again. But, who am I to judge?

That’s Robb’s job, but, money is money. The upgrades were still on budget, but a rainy day fund was always important. She hated dealing with the stuff, really. Using her ability tired her out, The main reason she went home early most nights.

Mikhail and Kostya could handle the rest. They’d done it before.

The music was giving her a headache tonight, and the scotch wasn’t helping.

“Nikki. Let’s go. Wanna be rested up when Bogdan and Yevgeniy come on Monday.”

“Da.” Nikki just listened to her now. He had seen no more magic, but held fear that it would be one day directed at him.

You were wrong, babushka.

Baba Yaga is real, just not as ugly.

***

Mary had a couple of her friends with her. She had heard about the new drug supplier that was running out of the strip club. It should have been easy, grab some dope, disappear.

It was the kind of gambit that would work once.

But forethought was never the strong suit of anyone assembled.

The big man and the unmistakable red hair exited the building. The clothes were different, The ass and pink tattoo was not.

Roxx?

***

The music started to wind down and the punch had disappeared. The final dance was called and Bobbie and Tim continued to be welded together.

Neither could imagine anything better than this moment. But, with no idea what the future held, such imaginations would have been useless.

“So what are you two up to tonight?” Bobbie’s eyes fluttered open to see the blue hair that signified Rach.

“I told you, Rach.” Faye clucked her tongue. “They’re gonna do what we’re gonna do…”

Faye thought about it for a second. “Sort of.”

“Tim.” Bobbie turned. “Could you see if there’s any punch left?”

Tim looked at her puzzled. “O…okay.”

As he left. Bobbie leaned in toward Rach.

“Don’t drink.” Bobbie reminded herself to talk to Rach about a few of the quirks that came with being an Advocate. Somehow, that had totally slipped her mind.

“Why not?”

“It doesn’t agree with us.” She shook her hand up and down in front of her face

“Oh, man.” Rach pouted. “No drunken sex?”

“I didn’t say that.” Bobbie smiled. “Remember that party we went to when I first moved in?”

“Yeah?” Faye said. “You were sooo….. oh..” Surprise picked up her face.

“I can do that.” Faye laughed. “You can get drunk from a kiss, how cool is that? Makes you a cheap date.”

Rach sighed. She wondered if that kiss would affect her the same way.

“The things we put up with for love.”

Tim came back with a single cup, half full. He held it out to Bobbie, who took it and sipped. It was cloyingly sweet.

Do people ever spike the punch like they do in the movies?

Keyboards and bass took over the sound system, it only took Tim about three seconds to recognize the song. He grabbed Bobbie’s hand.

“EEEE. I love this song.” He said as he pulled her away from her friends.

Bobbie and Tim swung into dance steps while Christina Aguilera sang about her castle golden…

…and feeling this moment.

Bobbie Sharpe and Tim Flaherty did. Smiles were wide, hands were up in the air.

It truly was a night to remember. A night to remember what led them to this sharp Polaroid quality memory.

And a night to never be forgotten. Bereft of any orientation in time or space, adrift in the tiny, twinkling lights.

Never let go.

***

Nikki always followed Roxx home, it was just easier. One boss was easier to protect than two. He could feel the wrong; years of bad situations had taught him to be wary of everything, and when someone like Nikolai got to the age he was…

When the blonde girl jumped in front of her all twitchy and ragged clothes, he stiffened. Sounds from the sides told him that there were more. Two, nervous.

“Mary?” He heard Roxx say. He didn’t hear what came next, the other two had started moving.

“Give us the shit.” A male voice said. Nikki didn’t even think, he knew where the other one was. Three quick bounds and a whack with the butt of his Makarov knocked the other sound out with a rustle of shrubbery.

“Roxx.” Nikki called. The redhead spun for a second to see the other attacker on her. The blonde girl staggered backwards.

Scared.

Mary screamed, “Don’t hurt her, you said you wouldn’t”

Roxx grunted under the full weight and bad breath of the pale man.

***

Roxx had immediate fear for her life, it had been a long time since she felt such sheer panic and terror. The ribbons of red meshed in angular, harsh shapes. She had to get him off.

Have to get him off.

He suddenly stopped and rolled over, clutching at his groin and moaning. Roxx felt the warm dampness soak through his jeans and her dress.

Nikki was there just in time to see his face, white with fear as he ran away. Roxx wasn’t sure he touched the ground once. He leveled the Makarov, silencer at the ready.

The redhead got up with a disgusted look. She was shaky, she turned to face Mary.

She was just as scared as the other assailant had been.

“That wasn’t very nice, now was it.”

Roxx pulled a cigarette from the case and it seemed to flare to life of its own volition.

“We weren’t gonna…” Roxx moved closer, the scent of fear clobbering the smell of her cigarette.

“Gonna what?” Roxx exhaled. Mary went down to her knees. She could see that Mary was telling the truth. She looked down.

“Ugh, that’s not coming out. Where did you find him?”

“He… they…” Mary swallowed.

“They’re my friends. They took care of me after you… you…”

Roxx glided forward, between Nikki and Mary.

“There were too many things going on, I had plans.” She smiled, offering her cigarette to Mary.

“Couldn’t have you getting hurt. Why didn’t you go home?”

“Home? Why no one there cared.” She sucked greedily on the nicotine delivery system.

When Roxx touched Mary, she felt less twitchy.

Ooh, guinea pigs keep dropping out of the sky at me, don’t they.

She had a much better handle on this whole magic thing than all the others.

“C’mon. Nikki. Go back and get the car.”

Nikki’s brow furrowed.

“She’s okay.” Roxx smiled down at Mary.

“She’s with me.”

***

Amber and Kurt had packed up the impromptu picnic. The wine was fading and they decided to take the long way home.

Passing Cheepskates, Amber spoke up. “Wonder what Bobbie and Tim are doing.”

Kurt laughed and encircled his arms around her from behind.

“Probably this.”

“With lousier music.” Amber agreed. “I’m glad we did this. You’re not who you look like.”

“You are.” Kurt tightened.

“And you’re fucking beautiful.”

***

“We should come out to shows like this more often. That was cool, Annie was one tough girl.”

“I hear they’re gonna do Wicked next year.”

“Wicked?”

“It’s about the Wicked Witch of the West.”

“Oooh! I love Wizard of Oz.”

“Well, darlin’.” Steve offered his arm and led Beth back to his car. “We should get a move on. Got the bakery in the morning?”

“Oh, no. Tim says we’re closed till tomorrow night. It’s gonna be a crazy month, we have cakes and bread and…”

“I know.”

“Tim’s gonna hire me.”

Beth squealed and threw her arms around Steve.

“We’re gonna be bigger than Little Debbie.” Beth said, caught up in the excitement of the moment. She kissed Steve.

It just seemed right, them there together. Everything falling the right way.

In the night, a night of calm and peace…

And romance.

***

“Yes, Mr. Flaherty. You’ve been checked in, and here are your keys. Checkout time is noon, and breakfast starts at six. Internet network’s name is Shelton and there’s no password. Will you be needing a wakeup call?”

Bobbie looked at Tim and cut him off. Swinging the garment bag over a shoulder, while Tim grabbed his backpack.

“Nah, We’re gonna be up late.” The desk agent smiled knowingly as she slid the key across the counter.

They took the keys and headed to the elevators. Tim pressed the 6.

“Sixth floor? Tim…”

Tim grabbed her. “Shhh. This is your night.”

“Yours, too. Hot stuff.” Tim jumped as he felt Bobbie squeeze a strong hand on his left buttock.

“Hey, slow down. Maybe I just wanna cuddle.”

“Shut up.” Bobbie forced herself up onto her toes to kiss Tim.

When the door opened there were titters of laughter.

Then she saw the room.

That’s no room…

It was a suite. The spacious room veered off into a bedroom with its own bathroom. The bed was huge, and There would be a gorgeous view of the sunrise in the morning.

If they didn’t use too much energy and the blackout curtains weren’t so black.

Bobbie was beyond nervous, a giddy, fidgeting mess. She knew what was going to happen. It wasn’t as if sex would be a new thing. The time in Faye’s body had eaten through some of those taboos like termites munching away dead wood.

Then there was the brief time when Timmi was around.

They could finally be together in the way she wanted.

Needed…

Demanded.

She hung the garment bag on the hook and turned to find Tim right there, smiling broadly.

“Tonight is…”

Bobbie couldn’t contain herself anymore, she flung herself at Tim. There was a thud as his head collided with the hanger bar in the closet, he fell hard. Bobbie collapsing in a heap on top of him.

They both were laughing so hard that neither could keep their eyes open as their sides began to ache with the pain of overuse. Bobbie brought down herself on Tim , kissing him passionately.

She rose slowly. “You okay?”

“Yeah.” Tim laughed, rubbing the back of his head.

Bobbies face hovered close to his. “You saved me, too. You know?” Tim gave a confused look.

“I don’t always have it together, as much as it looks like. Believe you me, this whole year has been…”

“Complicated. Without Kim and the band, you and Faye. I… I… I’m not too sure I would have made it this far.”

Tim was stunned, he’d never seen her this vulnerable before. She looked at him, and for once he knew what she was feeling instead of the reverse.

That endearing and sometimes maddening way she always knew the right thing to say or do. She had been his rock through this entire escapade.

And now he found out that it was merely pumice.

“If you tell me that the strength was inside me all along…”

Bobbie smiled and kissed his cheek.

“Wasn’t it?”

Bobbie smiled hungrily as she rose to grab the hanging bag and turned toward the bathroom.

“I’ll be right back.”

***

Rach was driving through a desolate part of town. Since it was prom, they had their pick of about thirty afterparties. Ranging from keggers to loud dance parties, finding one that struck the right balance between the two hadn’t been too difficult.

She just wanted to do some more dancing, the tension and stress from the week demanded to be worked out. The blue hair turned out to be a positive thing, Faye finding it something of a turn on. It had been one of those nights where Faye was a little overamped. Rach couldn’t tell if it was from caffeine, endorphins or just the general fun atmosphere of the night.

“Ooh.” Faye blurted as she bounced over the whoops and clicks of Rach’s speakers. “We need to stop.”

“Why?” Rach asked. She turned and nodded knowingly. “Thong riding into the unknown?”

“No-hoooo.” Faye laughed with her mouth open. “Water, duh.”

They stopped at a small store nestled between a pawn shop and a used clothing store. Faye went in and came back out while Rach kept the engine running.

“What’s in the bag?” Rach asked.

“Not gonna tell.” Faye set the bag by her feet and crossed her arms in finality.

Rach grinned sideways. “I said play your cards right. You’re acting like I’ve got a pair of twos, waiting on a face card.”

“Hey, I just wanna get to the party. And I don’t know what that means.”

Rach started the vehicle.

“Go fish.”

***

Zoe was out driving, the uncluttered streets providing some solace as she contemplated her school years. The whole prom thing didn’t interest her, just being out and alone with her thoughts were enough.

Sure, she’d go to college, tell her dad that she didn’t want to sell cars. That was sure to be a letdown since Stacy showed no interest in continuing the family business. She was glad that she didn’t have to pick a major until her third year. Zoe had gone in so many directions at once that picking one single field of study was sure to be difficult.

She thought about all of the people she knew, taking part in the rite of passage ritual that was prom.

But, tonight. Zoe Keebler was studying the town where she had spent her life. First as Stacy’s sidekick, then later as the iconoclastic girl that truly gave no fucks. She knew she’d have to tone it down someday.

But not today. Zoe’s mind started clicking. Never thought I’d want Faye to kiss me…

…again.

***

Bobbie looked in the mirror at herself. The dress was off and she had changed into the ‘special’ package that was left by Heather.

Her design turned out to be something that would have been at home on a page of the Frederick’s of Hollywood catalogue. There were stockings, garters and a filigreed camisole that had gold lines and whorls that looked unique as a fingerprint…

Or a circuit board.

She could hear some music playing from outside. Tim’s dancing had been a pleasant surprise. Hell, no. That was shocking.

Keeping herself in check was getting more difficult as the evening overtook her. She opened the door to hear Jimmy Cliff playing.

Many rivers to cross
But just where to begin, I'm playing for time
There are times I find myself thinking
Of committing some dreadful crime

Bobbie smiled. She could Read that he was still pleased with the dancing echo of Timmi that had remained.

But I need to make him remember everything else.

“Hey, sailor.” Bobbie said, cocking one leg up and reaching out to paw the door seductively.

Tim stopped moving and his face fell completely into an unusual expression. His darknesses vanished, leaving him clothed yet bare. His tie hung askew, the top few buttons undone.

“And here I thought we were gonna see Drop Bears 2.” Tim smiled.

Bobbie was close to him, holding him. “And here I thought you were scared.”

Tim grabbed onto Bobbie, squeezing. “I know to put the Vegemite behind the ears.”

Bobbie laughed. Tim took his opportunity to kiss her. She was shushed immediately by his lips. She could feel his hands sliding up sides, pulling her closer to him.

The tactile sensation of the sheer fabric and filigree made Tim feel like he was high, drunk…

Hmm, it’s not like drugs at all.

That’s because it’s real, dumbass.

If anything, Tim’s smile was bigger now than ever.

“How did I ever wind up with the most…”

Bobbie grabbed the back of his neck, initiating another kiss. Tim’s arms flew out as he fell backwards again, colliding with the pillow topped mattress.

She stood over him.

“Tonight. Only we matter. After everything we’ve gone through.” She lowered herself onto the bed. Using one hand she began unbuttoning the rest of the fasteners on the crisp dress shirt.

“We’re all finally where we belong.” She kissed him again, a hand undoing the buckle and clip that held the pants closed.

“You…”

Tim finally began moving a hand to rest it on one of Bobbie’s breasts. It was a perfect fit, unlike Faye’s body where he had risked a sprained thumb. The way their bodies fit together was like that perfect moment when a Tetris is created.

“Me.” His other hand moved him upwards. “Everyone…” Bobbie threw her head back as she felt Tim’s brawny hand gripping her breast underneath the camisole.

“Unhhh.” Bobbie bit her lip before opening her eyes to look at Tim.

Her Tim.

She allowed him to turn her over as he shed his shirt. Bobbie’s slightly chilled hands felt their way up his stomach.

“Tonight was great.” Bobbie said, reaching down and hooking a hand into the elastic of his boxers.

“Let’s make it better.”

***

Steve and Beth were at her house, alone. According to the note left by Roy, he was out with Sylvia.

“Beth. I’m gonna get going. You may not have a big day tomorrow, but I do. I need to make that menu for the chef.”

“Ooh, what did they give you. I know you were hoping to get pork, but.”

Steve’s doughy face dropped a little. “Crab, a little worried. But I thi…”

Beth jumped up and kissed him. “It’ll be fine. I’ve got studying to do, too.”

“But that can wait till Sunday.”

“See you tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” Beth brightened. “There’s that sandwich place downtown…”

“It’s a date.” Steve grinned.

Beth turned and slid down the door after it had closed.

Gosh, how can one girl get so lucky?

***

Kurt and Amber were kissing in his car. Amber lived about a block away. He was keen on not casting the wrong impression. Trying to be the nice guy required a little more ninja like skill than he wanted to put forth.

“So, can I see you again?” Kurt flashed the smile that made her take notice in the first place.

Amber grinned. “Fourth date, I’m breaking you in two.”

Kurt laughed.

Amber didn’t. “I’m serious, dude.” She pushed up her glasses to emphasize the point.

He started the car and drove the short distance to her door.

As he watched her leave, he made sure she was inside before he pulled away.

On the way home all he could wonder was that if nice guys finished last, whoever else existed in that group of stragglers might be the ones worth racing with.

***

Rach watched Faye throw the tiny bottle away.

“What was…”

“Mmmmmmph.” Faye was on Rach with a deep, long kiss. Rach noticed a strong taste of Blackberries.

“What did…” Rach giggled, she felt sobriety slip away in an instant. “Oh, wow.”

“I’m so drunk. But not … “ Rach’s eyelids lowered a quarter of the way “Huh… this is weird.”

Faye used her voice to stop Rach from overthinking. “Now let’s go have some fun before you get all fuddy duddy like Bobbie.” Faye bounced her way into the crowd as the reversed baseline throbbed at both girls.

“WOOOOOOO!” Faye’s lovely breasts began to hover as their bearer shifted vertically.

There was a ringing in Rach’s ears, only by watching everyone else could she follow the beat.

Faye’s smile, framed by the pink streak and the blonde hair that Rach had consigned herself to keeping around for a while.

She’s so cute…

My funny Valentine.

Rach was bouncing right along. In her drunkenness, she reflected on her life as her feet left the ground. Graduation coming up, all the new things in her life that came with being an Advocate.

The high pitched ringing went away as suddenly as it started when Rach’s feet connected with the ground. Bass dropped and the two girls jumped facing each other before almost touching.

“You’re the best!” Faye bellowed while Rach threw her head back and laughed. The dancing and the music only registered in a back corner of her mind. The sensations, the dizziness, the flush of all the possible futures that occupied her mind.

And Faye…

Magic is some annoying shit, Rach reflected.

But it makes life interesting.

***

Tim gasped as Bobbie’s tongue slid along the left side of his erect member. He looked down and she smiled with gleeful abandon as she held him close to her face.

Bobbie’s blue thong was a memory and Tim’s briefs were hung up on his left ankle. Tim sat up and let her move upwards. He kissed her and rolled them both over. She ground herself close to his erection. Finally feeling his true body against…

…Mine.

It was now more than ever that Bobbie truly became who she was as she felt Tim lance into her smoothly. Her back arched almost of its own volition as she cried out.

“Tim!”

Everything was washed away in that snapshot of infinity. Fully joined to another, letting go of everything. Ensconced in the now.

…the one…

The only.

Tim.

This dance had been danced before, although the logistics were different each time. Nothing could compare to this glorious now. Alone with him, feeling him inside her.

Joy. Elation. Mere words, emotion was the sole currency now. Connected, grounded.

Stable.

It was as if this time was the one thing she had been told they could never have together.

Yet, here they were, again. Both begging internally to never let this moment end.

***

As he entered her, he felt… something.

It was almost like the whole universe stopped. The music of the spheres on pause as the track slowed and eventually ground to a halt. He could see nothing else.

Bobbie.

The girl that gave him his life back, his mom back.

She completed him.

Shut up, Jerry. This is no time for…

“Unph… Bobbie.”

He looked into the open oceans of perfect diamond blue and said the thing that both members of the young couple thought.

“I love…”

***

“…You.” They completed in unison. Bobbie felt herself cross over into orgasm as Tim began the full body convulsion that denoted his climax.

She felt different somehow. The times with Tim were always wonderful, but this time it was moreso.

I guess it’s true, it’s always best with the one you love.

They held each other lovingly, silently; both afraid to speak, lest the intrusion of speech cause some other otherworldly thing to happen.

There was no TV, the soft reggae continued to spin as they stared out the window at the gigantic rising moon.

Bobbie stared at it and saw it as a sign. There would be no more hiding, no more remaining in the shadows. She would embrace it all, everything she was.

Everything they were, left behind in the warm embrace of now.

I’ll think about it tomorrow, for tomorrow is another day.

The silence was broken as Bobbie’s ears registered a murmur from Tim.

“..eye…n...jell.”

The final sound fell on the ears of the unconscious.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XXX

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Language

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Taxonomy upgrade extras:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 88

Everyone agreed to meet at Daily Grind that morning. Heather and Kim wanting to hear about everyone’s night once they left the prom.

Gilda’s newest experiment; the Borgia, sat in Kim’s hands.

“How is that?” Beth asked.

“Really good, There’s an orange in here. Like a whole orange slice, but it tastes like cocoa.” Kim looked into the cup as she lifted the lid. “Bet there’s enough caffeine to kill a small elephant in there.” She sipped again. “Goes great in the morning. OJ and coffee in one cup.” She retightened the lid and surveyed the table. “What did you all do last night?”

Amber laughed. “We went up to the plateaus just out of town. Had some pate and cheese.” She lowered her voice. “Some wine.”

“He’s nice. What an interesting boy. Nothing about him seems to fit. And he likes it that way.”

“Well, he sure likes you.”

“I’m just gonna have to thank Tim. It was like he was discovering it with me. I liked the olives.” She giggled, pushing up her glasses.

Beth spoke up. “Steve and I went to see Annie Get Your Gun. It was so cool, after dinner we went to see the play at the college. Heather, you’re gonna have fun taking that over, their setup is much bigger.

“I dunno.” Heather said sipping her Caramel Macchiato. “I might skip college.”

Kim spluttered. “What? I thought that all you wanted to do…”

“Was design clothes.” Heather cut in. “And I am. Remember, I see your Instagram, too. There’s a lot of ‘where did you buy that?’ I think that if you told them, I might get some cash back out of it.

“Yeah, making this stuff is nothing to you.”

Beth’s head snapped up. “Oh, my god.”

“What?”

“Heather, do it. But you have to call it Sweet Nothings.”

The table erupted in laughter.

Heather’s face dropped. “How did I not think of that?”

Amber pulled out her card. “My round. Anyone want anything?”

***

Bobbie woke gently to the sound of the knock of the door, her eyes opened to the sight of Tim. Jeans on, feet covered in socks.

“Thanks.” He whispered and wheeled in the tray. Slipping a five dollar bill to the visitor, Tim closed the door and traversed the narrow corridor. He noticed Bobbie’s eyes open. The smile looked painted on.

“Morning, babe.” Tim rolled the cart over and poured her a cup from the French press.

“Thought you’d be hungry.” Tim helped himself to the carafe of Orange juice and pulled the cloches from all of the plates.

But one.

Chicken Fried Steak, French toast, hash browns, and eggs over medium. A plate of biscuits and cream gravy sat to the side. Bobbie looked at it all. How much did this all cost?

He leaned in and gingerly kissed her, light tongue being a rest after the intense bouts of lovemaking. Tim drained his glass of orange juice in a single gulp. Tim handed her the extra t-shirt he had brought in the hopes that the previous night had gone as well as he had planned.

“There’s a lot of food here.”

“Well, of course.” Tim said, cutting into the breading of the steak. Bobbie helped herself to a biscuit and some of the gravy laden with sausage chunks. She savored the scent of sage and applewood, buttermilk and…

“What’s under that one?”

“Mmmm.” Tim said, setting down his fork. The last cloche came up.

It was a cinnamon roll and a croissant. Filled with Nutella and…

Bobbie gasped. “ours.” It was a whimper.

“Tuesdays and Thursdays.” Tim reminded her “They’re a major contract. The executive chef heard about this group of crazy kids opening a bakery. When the Grand Opening happened…”

Bobbie finally started with the biscuit and gravy, for a moment she was transported to eating at Lenny’s as a boy with Jeff. Weird how these things keep coming up.

“They wanted an order right away. They’re not too big, mom thought we could handle it.”

Bobbie was stunned. They really had done it.

“Eat up, big day. Drop Bears await.” Tim was into the potatoes and eggs, he dipped a biscuit in the gravy and smiled at Bobbie.

Her face remained starry eyed.

Tim swallowed some of the coffee. “God, this is good coffee. I sprung for the stuff they get from Alaska.”

“Don’t tell Gilda.”

Bobbie chuckled and refilled her cup. It was indeed good coffee.

Tim was looking Bobbie with a love in his eyes that dwarfed anything she had seen before. She saw him clearly for the first time. No darkness, no anxiety.

“The most wonderful girl in the world is going out today.”

“Aww.” Bobbie said.

Tim’s face fell. “I meant me.”

Coffee nearly went through Bobbie’s nose. Tim laughed, too. Once he had the tv on, there was an old movie playing about drunk people solving a murder. They settled into a comfortable position once the dishes were cleared away

“Wow, We should totally do that for Halloween.”

“Over Khadaji and Juete?”

***

Mary woke not knowing how long she was out.

“Mary, you’re awake.” Roxx said.

She jumped and scooted back, suddenly fearful as she remembered the previous night’s failed attack.

“Don’t worry. I know what that stuff is like.” She offered Mary a cigarette and a coke.

“Shouldn’t affect you anymore.”

Mary felt her cigarette light and looked at her hands. Her fingers were a little different somehow. Must still be coming down.

She did feel a little weird, warmer.

“Why did….?”

Roxx shushed her. “I told you. Didn’t want you to get hurt. I seem to be in a good place now, but it could have easily gone the other way. Turning her arm over, there was…

A tattoo? Was I that fucked up?

And, great. It was one of those tattoos of Asian letters, she had no idea what it meant.

Probably means Orange Chicken.

“It wasn’t personal.”

Mary inhaled hard. “Felt personal.” She muttered.

“But, I’m here now.” Roxx said with finality and Mary suddenly got quiet.

“Welcome home.” Roxx hugged her with a smile that was anything but warm.

“There’s some clothes in the bathroom. You should shower.”

Mary got up somnolently and did as bid.

Roxx looked at the colors that she had rearranged, it looked a little clumsy. But it seemed to work.

Mary’s scream from the bathroom told her that she had noticed the rest of the changes.

***

Mary stared at the mirror. Her hair wasn’t blonde anymore. It was now a light red, reaching just past her bra strap. Her eyes had shifted some and her skin darkened. Studying the color of her eyes, they were a marbled purple and green.

Her body was sexy.

“That’s not me…”

Roxx was standing at the door.

“Of course it’s you.”

“I made you better.”

Fear rose and rose, but was forgotten when Roxx touched her.

Mary abruptly needed to take a shower. Roxx, she’s always right.

***

They checked out of the room and called a cab to get them back to the bakery. Both were still basking in the memory of prom. The building looked different today, full of promise. Tim opened the door and allowed Bobbie to pass.

When they saw that the apartment upstairs was empty, they sat on his bed holding hands. They sat for a long time regarding each other. There was an almost palpable closeness. Nothing moved as they both just shut the fuck up and comfortably enjoyed the silence.

Tim eventually broke the fragile soundlessness. “Well, we better motor if we wanna make that showing.”

“Not yet.” Bobbie moved closer, listened to his heart beat.

The kissing began as they fell on the bed. They could miss the first show.

Some things were more important. Holding onto as much of this feeling as possible was the only thing that mattered. They were more gentle this time, the pent up arousal burned off by last night’s exertions.

Both Bobbie and Tim relished the closeness, the joy of each other’s tender touch and soft lips.

Neither of them noticed the passage of time as they spent an unknowable span tangled up in the one they loved.

***

When Heather opened the door, she was surprised to see her mother and Myka on the couch, passed out cold.

“Mom.” Heather shook Betty.

“Hmmm… Oh, hi. What time is it?” Betty squinted against the too bright room.

“It’s like ten.”

Kim was waking Myka.

“Ms. Flaherty.” Myka sat bolt upright, disoriented.

“Did you two have a good time?”

Kim looked at Heather and took her hand.

“Yeah, we did..” Both girls were smiling wide, full of caffeine and elation.

“Where’s everyone else?” Myka asked.

“Dunno.” Kim said. “Haven’t seen Bobbie and Tim yet, probably still in the hotel room. Those two are probably tired.”

Heather hit Kim gently with the clasped hand.

“I need a shower.” Kim said.

“Go ahead and take one here. I know Heather’s got clothes here.”

Kim looked on in mock shock. “Really? I think she has clothes for everybody here.”

Myka laughed.

Heather pulled on her evil look and looked at Kim over sunglasses that weren’t there.

“I’ll put something together.” Kim looked down to her vibrating phone. Studying the message, she turned to Heather.

“And there’s the happy couple. God, those two are gonna give me diabetes.”

“And I need to stop eating their sweets.”

Heather and Betty laughed while Myka turned a little red.

“Looks like they’re going to a movie.”

“Figures.”

Myka laughed. “Movies are important to him.”

“The second most important thing.”

***

Instead of waking normally, Rach had a fresh stick of clay in her hands with thoughts of sculpture rather than coffee, she watched Faye sleep. The clay between her hands was calling to her, begging her to do something. It had warmed some, making it more malleable. She looked down.

Blue? It had been grey when she started, again. Then she saw it, the shape.

It needed to be freed. Molding it into a mostly oblong lump, she started to press her fingers into it. What’s this one gonna be?

Or, more appropriately, who? The shape in her mind was vaguely human.

When Faye finally woke, her face was obscured by the curtain of hair that covered her face while she slept. Rach wondered how long it would be before the original Faye, her Faye, returned.

“Well, good morning sunshine.” Rach said, still absently working with the clay.

“Mmmm.” Faye stretched out her arms. “Come back to bed.”

“Can’t sleep.” Rach said quickly.

“Who said anything about sleeping?”

Rach stopped working the clay and set the lump down. The shape was more humanlike than when she’d started.

“Gotta take one for the team, I guess.”

Rach shed the bra she’d put on earlier and approached the bed.

***

“What the fuck is that?” The leaves in the tree rustled as the furball dropped, becoming teeth and claws. The ear came cleanly off, followed by a clump of hair. The rest of the crowd scattered screaming.

Blood, a severed finger…

“Run!” A voice snapped over the din.

Bobbie’s hand was tight within Tim’s, his arm around her. The young couple sat in the darkened theater. They sat with a palpable glow of joy, tanning each other as they basked in each other’s company.

They watched as the dreaded drop bears chew their way through the Pacific Northwest, the lack of Eucalyptus had made these particular drop bears so vicious. They were far from home, alone. Cut off from everything they knew.

And suffering one hell of a hangover. Finally, Bobbie thought.

A monster I can identify with.

When the last of the furry menaces had been dispatched, and the survivors had gotten away. The boat started to float down the Willamette into the indigo curtain of night.

Tim was a little pale when Bobbie led him outside.

“You okay?”

“Just a little bloody.” Tim quivered a little.

“When did you get squeamish? When we watched Braindead…”

“Brain…? Oh, Dead Alive… hehe.”

“I kick ass for the lord.” Tim laughed. “I dunno, weird.”

Tim’s darkness evaporated with a few minutes in the sun. Slice of PI’s BBQ Chicken Pizza rounded out the afternoon. The crust sat on the elevated plate. Bobbie keeping a hand on the cracked red vinyl of the booth raised herself and moved over to the other side right next to Tim.

“You’re far too sweet sometimes. Just glad you were around to deliver me from…”

Tim’s face paled again, the pizza slice in his hand forgetten.

“What?” Bobbie started to panic. Is he choking?

He swallowed. “Delivery. How are we gonna get a cake that big to the school?”

Bobbie looked at an imaginary watch. “Eighteen hours. Looks like Heather wins the pool.”

Tim raised an eyebrow as the color returned to his face.

“How long it would be before you thought about work.” Bobbie grinned.

Well, she’s an Advocate, too. Bobbie though of Rach and how maybe this was a good way to show her the proverbial ropes.

“Don’t worry about the cake for a minute…”

Tim saw something. He squinted, “You already have something figured out.”

In reply, Bobbie lifted her glass and daintily sipped from the straw.

He laughed. “You’re incredible.”

“No,” Bobbie said, setting the glass down.

“I’m better than that.”

***

Rach came back into the bedroom toweling off her hair. She was still surprised that the towel didn’t bear a resemblance to something Smurfette would use.

“What’s this?” Faye asked, holding up the new lump of blue clay. White sheets gleamed against her skin. “And why is there a spot there? Is that like your mark or something?”

“I dunno.” Rach said, seating herself next to the bed. “Last one fell apart.”

“Oh,” Faye drawled. “That sucks.”

“Out loud?” Rach asked, grinning ear to ear. Just being near Faye felt so good, like a low voltage passing through them.

“Well, c’mon. I should get home. I wanna change.” Faye got up and cast all modesty to the wind as she uncovered herself. Rach looked at the chiseled hind quarter and stared after Faye.

“There’s another party tonight.” Faye said looking for her clothes. Blonde hair flew one way, while a blue eye appeared over a slender shoulder like the break of day.

Rach gave a half smile and thought that another party could be a good thing.

“Maybe, I need to see Bobbie today.” Rach looked at the supple curves of her girlfriend.

“Please tell me it has something to do with chocolate.”

“Maybe.” Rach looked at the clay again. There was a spot on the knee on this one, identical to the gray she had started with. The blue didn’t seem to make any sense, and these spots even less so. This spot was liver shaped, Rach looked at it and regarded her latest work. It was more human shaped than the last…

Maybe this one will even stay together.

Faye was dressed and still sexy in a disheveled way, Next year’s prom would be a little more special. They dressed and left the house, wondering what the rest of the day would be like. The blue clay tucked into her bag and thrown into the black seat.

***

Tim was on the couch with Nick asking for a rematch. It didn’t end well for Tim.

When Bobbie came out of the shower, all freshened up from the vacation that she seemed to need a vacation from.

“Bobbie.” Nick said . “Please come over here and kick my ass. Sorry, Tim. I like winning and everything, but… ahhhh.” Bobbie could see that he was exasperated.

“Just give me a minute.” Bobbie said, stirring something and bringing it out to Nick. “Vietnamese Iced Coffee.” She explained as she sat next to Tim. “It’s alright, Nick. I know.”

“So, I was thinking since I was leaving tomorrow. We could do a big breakfast kind of thing. Maybe finally get you to try that chicken and waffles.” Bobbie smiled hopefully. Tim chuckled.

The crash of the door opening startled everyone as Faye made her grand entrance.

“The party is here.” Faye declared loudly.

“Hi, Faye.” Nick said, setting the controller down.

She bit her lip. “Hi, Nick.” It was a coquettish gesture. Rach bristled.

“Hey.” Bobbie’s smile continued unabated. “I was just telling everyone that I wanted to do a big breakfast thing with everyone. Y’know, since I’m leaving tomorrow and everything.”

Faye’s already wide eyes widened. “You’re leaving?”

“Well, yeah. Mom said I can come home. I’ve stayed here long enough.” She laughed. “I think I’ve ruined enough stuff around here.”

“Well,” Faye’s eyes drooped. “Can’t say I’m happy to see you go, but I’m okay watching you leave.”

“Did I get that one right, Tim?”

Tim looked at her oddly. “Face Off?”

Faye gleefully clapped. “Yay, I finally got one. I’m gonna jump in the shower. Ugh, I can still smell the sweat and that punch I spilled.” She sniffed at herself.

Faye kissed Rach briefly before breaking off and disappearing down the hallway.

“So how was your night?” Rach asked, looking at the enjoined hands of Bobbie and Tim.

“Was totes amazeballs.” Tim said, squeezing her hand. Bobbie looked at him oddly. Then she laughed.

“It was so romantic.” Bobbie looked like she was about to swoon. “It was…

“Like a movie?” Faye yelled back down the hall, ears acting wolfishly. “That’s what he does, Rach. You should go out with him once.” Rach looked down the hall to see Faye naked, towel over her shoulder.

“You’ll see.” The bathroom door swung shut.

Rach looked at Tim with her new eyes. She saw tiny dark shapes awash in a clear broth. There was nothing in him that looked anything other than content.

Hopefully I can do that for Faye.

“Oh, yeah. Rach.” Bobbie brightened.

“Wanna make some money?”

“Huh?”

“Don’t worry. It’s legal. C’mon. Nick. Kick his ass till I get back. Shouldn’t take long. Then…” She twiddled her thumbs in a controllerlike motion. “You’re mine.”

“Not making me feel better, Bobbie.” Nick smirked.

***

“This clay shit is getting on a nerve. Am I…?”

“Thought you liked sculpting.” Bobbie looked outside, an older woman stood outside with a cane. She waved at the two girls on the porch across the street.

“I do, what are you trying to say?”

Bobbie shrugged. “It’s always something that’s already part of you.”

Rach looked over at the old woman. It was reassuring to Read her. Being around Bobbie and Faye was different now that she couldn’t read them. It was like the upper hand she had been given over the rest of the human race didn’t apply here.

But… There, in the old woman’s darkness, around her knee was a shape. Rach had seen it before. She dug into her messenger bag and pulled out the blue statue thing.

Rach stared at it, then started walking across the street.

“Rach?” Bobbie asked. When she didn’t get an answer, she followed.

“Hi, Bobbie, friend of yours?” June laughed.

“Been meaning to tell you that was some fantastic Banana bread.”

“Thanks.” Bobbie ran through all her mental files, didn’t know her. She reasoned that Faye must have done something. That girl fits in no matter what she does.

June sipped her iced tea.

“How’s the knee?” Rach asked.

June looked at Bobbie quizzically. “How did she know that?”

“Know what?”

“My knee hasn’t been the same since the eighties, and with the ankle going out… Easier to just sit here and do my crossword.”

Rach went to hold out the statue, June went to reach out for it. She could see the same cavorting darknesses existing in both June and the clay figure. Bobbie watched as everything moved liquidly in slow motion.

June looked at the statue in wonder for a moment as fissures formed and the cracks began to run deeper, the blue color faded as the almost figure crumbled to dust.

“Ooh, dangit.” June laughed as she scratched at her knee.

CRACK!!

Both Rach and Bobbie winced as they heard the loud pop coming from June’s knee.

“That’s funny.” June stood and raised her left leg, testing the recently popped knee. “Almost like I never dislocated it.”

“Is it the blue hair? Come by sometime, we can take a look at my sink.” Bobbie and Rach turned to each other, confused. “We can blow it up together. That disposer burned out forever ago.”

Rach and Bobbie talked and laughed with June. Bobbie returning home for some of the chocolate cream cheese Danish she had been working on.

June seemed happier, her darkness and her knee being unexpected side effects of company. When her iced tea was gone and Rach had the nine letter word for Renaissance artist, June headed inside for a lazy afternoon nap. She forgot her cane outside and said her goodbyes with a wave and a yawn.

Walking back across the street Rach turned to Bobbie.

“So, that’s what it is? I… heal people?”

“I guess.” Bobbie shrugged. “That’s a little cooler than what I do.”

“Don’t get down on yourself. It’s okay. We just have to face facts.”

“I’m fantastic. So what’s this about money?”

“You have an SUV. We need a cake delivered. That’s it.”

“A cake?”

“Yeah.” Bobbie said. “It’s for the school. Just a quick ride.”

“Can’t wait till everyone sees it.”

Faye was in the living room again, this time sitting on Tim’s lap. Both Bobbie and Rach could feel the nerves. Even without seeing the darknesses it was easy to see his discomfort.

“Ahem… Faye.” Rach coughed. The winning grin turned and beamed through some of her hair.

“Oh, good. You’re back.”

“Yes, thanks. Finally I can get a match in.” Bobbie said.

“Oh, Nick, you’re just jealous. I could sit on your lap while you play against Bobbie.”

“Faye.” Rach scolded. “Now you’re just being mean.”

“Besides. Aren’t there parties for us to find?” Faye seemed bored by sitting in a living room playing games.

Faye rolled her eyes and pulled her phone from her cleavage. “There’s an App for that.”

Tim handed Bobbie the controller and announced his leaving.

“Lots of prep.” He explained. “Only a couple of weeks before that cake’s due.”

“Oh, yeah. Tim?” Rach said, scooting closer to Faye.

“I guess I’m the Cake Taxi?”

“Ah, blue hair. Should have figured it out.” He laughed.

“See you tonight.” Bobbie said, unleashing combo fury on Nick.

Chapter 88

Bobbie went a little crazy the following morning. There was more breakfast than anyone ever thought would exist. It was a madhouse. Bella and Amber, Beth and Steve. Kim and Heather, Faye, Bobbie, Nick, and probably some other people, it was hard to tell.

She had been up since 4am, prepping chicken and waffle batter. Biscuits and cream gravy, and a hash comprised of potatoes, vegetables and some of a left over pot roast she had salvaged from the freezer.

Bobbie knew it was still the high from the whole weekend. Prom, Tim, The hotel, dinner… She reflected on how all of the negative experiences she had endured in Faye’s body had come back around to make her feel this good.

Best. High. Ever.

Nick was far too confused by the cacophony of smells that assaulted him, Faye too.

When Tim and the rest of the crew had shuffled in, Bobbie was on the fourth pot of coffee when the chicken started coming out and the waffles flew out of the waffle maker.

Nick looked suspiciously at the combination of poultry and maple syrup.

“It’s good.” Rach assured him as she doused a biscuit in gravy.

The conversations melded into one around the living room while Bobbie watched everyone enjoy her cooking. She would miss the atmosphere here at Faye’s, even though most of the events that had occurred there had been turbulent…

They forged me. Bobbie looked at the assembled crowd. Nick giving approval to the mixture of waffles and fried chicken, Rach savoring a biscuit

Tim was laughing along with everyone. Faye was stealing bacon from Rach’s plate. Beth was keeping it simple with the hash and some toast, and Heather went for the sampler platter.

Little bits of everything. Bobbie noticed.Just like Heather.

It was hours before anyone could move.

Diagnosis: Food coma.

Bobbie and Nick were the only ones awake, Digital warriors fighting each other to a standstill.

“Gonna miss having you around.” Nick said.

“Gonna miss being here. I just really want my old room back.”

“Kick Faye onto the couch. Between that and the floor in there, she’ll be fine.”

“I heard that.” Faye said, eyes still closed.

Bobbie turned to the voice.

“There’s a floor in there?”

Everyone packed up and left casually, as if that moment called now stretched out like melted plastic into infinity.

A Schwartzchild Discontinuity…

You old geek. Bobbie smiled.

***

Sylvia could hardly contain her glee. Bobbie was coming back, it felt so good for her to bringing her home. Bobbie opened the door.

“You ready?” The smile between the two was shared, yet only meant for each other. Sylvia winced when she saw the black plastic bags that were filled with her things.

“Sure, come on in. There’s still breakfast left.”

“Ugh.” Faye said, resting a hand on her stomach. “How can you possibly think about food after all that?”

Bobbie threw a sarcastic grin back. “That’s my secret.”

“I’m always hungry.”

“I get that reference!” Rach said loudly.

Sylvia looked at Rach. “Blue hair catching?”

“We’ll see what happens with Kim now that patient zero is coming home.”

Sylvia met Nick and Rach. Both Nick and Faye lamented the loss of the cooking.

“I’m just down by DuPont Circle, not in the Dagobah System.” Bobbie waved a hand. “Besides, I know you can make most of the stuff I did.”

Nick helped Bobbie carry the bags out to Sylvia’s car. “I’m gonna really miss having you around. Now that you’re my only real competition. “

Bobbie regarded his darkness, the patterns and repeated logarithmic curves all but screamed ‘I WANT MY FRIEND BACK THE WAY SHE WAS’. Far too complex a thought to let out in words.

“I’m not giving up, Nick.” Bobbie dropped her bag and hugged Nick closely…sisterly.

“I know you won’t.” Nick’s siblingesque embrace warmed her in a different way. Deep in the subcockles of her heart.

“Gonna be coming back around anyway. I…” Bobbie let go and looked up. “I feel partially responsible. This is one debt I may never pay off.”

“But it won’t stop me from trying.”

Sylvia was coming out of the house, she waved to Rach and Faye.

“Thanks for taking care of her while I went overboard. I can tell you’re gonna miss her.”

“We’ll take her back anytime.” Nick smiled.

“Seeya, Nick.” Bobbie said, slapping at his arm. She got in the car.

Nick watched as they pulled away, becoming a tiny green speck before turning onto the next street.

***

Kim was in the Dhanurasana position when the rapping came at the door.

The door opened “Kim?” Bobbie was perplexed by the position her sister was in, and she couldn’t help but smile when she saw the Bettie Page poster in a place of honor on her wall. Wow, she had it framed.

“Ten more minutes. Then lemme sneak out for a cigarette.”

“You’re doing yoga, and you still smoke?”

“Only thing that keeps me from being straightedge.”

“I fucking hate labels.” She grunted.

Once Kim was done stretching, she helped Bobbie put her clothes away.

Bobbie noticed a smell, a faint odor of Robb. She closed her eyes against it, feeling the difference of now versus then on her skin, in her nose…

“Mom was in here for like two days cleaning everything. I think I caught her singing some old song…”

Kim’s voice went to an off key drone. “Shout… shout…. Let it all out..”

“That’s a great song.”

Kim laughed through her nose. “Not when she sings it. She’s consistently two bars behind or one ahead, it would be amazing if didn’t make Scooby’s head explode from here.” Two sisters shared a laugh in their bedroom.

Typical teenagers. The grin began to spread again as Bobbie looked over the room, she could see that the room was fresh. Sheets clean and all aired out. She sat on the bed and stretched out.

Almost as comforting as Tim’s arms, Bobbie’s bed. It had a stronger homecoming vibe than when she came home the first time. Still scared, frightened of what she had become.

Afraid that her life would become worse than before. All the trepidation of every minute step along the way, and being shown with unvarnished truth what stood in her way.

Her position in the all encompassing battle between need and want. Rach’s too, now.

The pillow felt soft beneath her head. She felt her body sink into the bed.

“Hey.” Kim snapped. “No falling asleep. You coming out with me?”

“Sure.” Bobbie stood slowly and studied her room.

Kim was walking along the sidewalk with Bobbie in tow. The Newport light was in the holder and lit with such practiced motions that Bobbie missed it.

“Don’t light that.” Bobbie said, drawing a strange look from her. The cigarette holder hung limply in surprise.

“This is bat country.”

The holder swung upwards as recognition dawned. Unexpectedly, Kim lurched forward and hugged her sister.

“Welcome home.” Kim squeezed. Hearing a weird movie reference again was everything she wanted to hear.

“Woah.” Bobbie accepted the hug.

“I love you, Bro.”

Kim looked up at Bobbie. “Sis.”

“That’s better.”

***

It’s okay. Mary thought. You don’t have to be her anymore, you can be someone else.

Better.

Someone people want.

The reddish tint to her hair was still a surprise. She felt better, skin wasn’t greasy anymore. Definitely felt cleaner. The air smelled a little sweeter, too. Those other people weren’t her friends, she saw that now.

Meth…. Maybe a couple times.

She shook her head and pulled the covers from her body. Her body hadn’t gone through a radical shift like her face had. The purple eyes were haunting, contrasting with the skin eerily. The waist was narrow, like corset narrow. The hips luscious while the stomach bloomed into what was easily a D cup, big difference from the B she was born with.

The itch on her tummy gave her pause when she scratched. Looking down, she noticed a tiny copper ring inset with a green jewel.

“Good morning, sunshine.” Roxx’s voice said.

“Feeling better?”

Mary smiled, she did; even better now than the other day. In fact, she felt so good…

She felt like dancing.

***

Bobbie was pulling the pan from the oven. Sylvia was fine with going out, but Bobbie wouldn’t hear of it.

A secret wish to be reacquainted with the kitchen. The familiar feel of the peeler’s rubber grip, the satisfying slice through meaty chicken breast.

The smell of flour and butter.

“That smells so good. Been a while since anything like that came out of there.” Sylvia was up and headed toward the table. When she got to the table, there was a small baking dish on a plate.

It was a pot pie.

“It’s not frozen. I saw you make all of this, no complaints here.”

Kim came down and looked at the table.

And laughed, laughed to the point where she nearly dislodged her hair flower.

“Too much. Only you can find a way to be a smartass with food.”

Crusts broken and creamy chicken goodness with fresh vegetables sated the hunger of everyone at the table.

“Damn, Bobbie. What is in there?”

Bobbie smiled. “Love.” She reached over and touched Sylvia’s hand. “Glad to be home.”

“Mom.”

***

The flick of the lighter echoed across the rooftops of the other houses nestled there in the quiet street leading to the cul-de-sacs of Delacroix Circle.

Kim inhaled and exhaled, studying the glowing end. “So, first night back.”

“How’s it feel?”

“Pretty good. Just worried that Roxx might come here.”

“Yeah.” Kim agreed. “She’s tapped into something dark. I don’t like it.”

“Then ask Lust. I mean, since you two are all buddy buddy.”

Kim tapped the ash away, “Fuck you.”

“I feed her just enough to keep her off my back. I keep myself busy, that yoga helps quite a bit really.” Kim took another drag. “And the ability to pick locks with the hairpins is pretty cool. I figure I learn to hotwire a car and I’m straight.”

“You? Straight? That’s a laugh.”

Kim wrinkled her face.

“So what? So I’m bi now.” Kim shrugged before dropping the cigarette. “Just makes it a little easier to get a date.”

Bobbie laughed.

“Can’t believe that this year is almost over.” Kim said, looking out across the nearly identical roofs of the cul-de-sacs.

“Me neither, feels like two years.” Kim pointed at Bobbie. “But you graduate.”

Bobbie’s excitement bubbled to the surface. “I know.”

“EEEE.”

Kim laughed. “No need to get all Timmi about it.”

“Still excited. I’m finishing something. Feels good.”

“Well, speaking of feeling good. I need to get to bed. School in the morning.” Her face fell as she delivered a deadpan “yay.”

Chapter 91

Tim was up at 2, mixing everything and assembling the simple wares that he could do without Bobbie or Beth’s artistry.

Glad they’re back tonight.

He had all the bread and pastry baked quickly, and by 730 he was on his way to pick up Bobbie. Tim couldn’t wait to feel her body against his on the Vespa. It’s been so long.

When he pulled up to her house, he was surprised to see Heather there.

“Oh, good you’re here.” Heather said from the driver’s seat. “Don’t have to do girlfriend patrol alone today.”

Tim chuckled. Bobbie came out of the house followed by Kim. Bobbie’s blue floral print dress hugged her curves perfectly while Kim’s orange sundress seemed to outshine the day, she was in Tim’s arms for a good morning kiss while Kim bent in through the driver’s side window. Once Kim was buckled into the seat, Heather rolled slowly back, the popping sound of rocks making the air crackle.

“Big day. Got the orders, been a couple of days. I already hurt from this morning.” Tim was adjusting the helmet strap, allowing Bobbie to board first. “I have been hurting since I got back. What all…?”

“Basketball.” Bobbie answered. “If someone calls you Kane… that was Faye.”

“Kane, huh?” Tim boarded and looked back.

“Better than Timmi.”

The morning was clear, the sun bright and the temperature temperate. Bobbie assumed the position and inhaled deeply. Tim’s scent was welcome like a long oppressed tribe finally tasting freedom.

Heather suddenly revved the engine at the stop sign, indicating that she wanted to race. Bobbie and Tim both looked over to see both girls sticking out their tongues as they peeled out, laying rubber through the intersection.

“Those two belong together.” Tim said.

The seat slid forward as Tim twisted the accelerator and headed to school. Back by 8, out by noon.

As he pulled up to the school, he already lamented the lack of Bobbie on the bike on the way home. He couldn’t wait to pick her up. She really did mean everything to him. He couldn’t imagine life having any kind of balance without her…

Just as the Vespa felt out of balance without her taking up the back seat. Timmi may have been a memory, but that was part of the problem. Tangled fragments of those days of blondness still burned in his head with an odd affection. Trying on dresses with Faye. Dancing with Rach and Zoe…

Dancing.

Even if the general echo of it was kind of negative, being able to share a dance floor with Bobbie had been worth it.

Totes.

***

Mondays were often a dreary affair, but this Monday had everyone still abuzz from prom. Even Amber was bubblier than usual.

And it looks like she got that lip ring. Bobbie noticed. There was time before class to catch up. When Faye walked by with Rach, heads turned. Whether it was Faye’s mode of dress or Rachael’s bright blue hair, they couldn’t tell.

***

James Agee was a touch excited. That Valentine girl must be bipolar, he thought. At turns hard to get and catty.

She certainly seemed more pliable after last week. The first period bell rang.

One down, three to go.

There wasn’t a ham sandwich in his lunch today. In fact, he had forgotten what it was he had brought.

Probably be busy tutoring at lunch anyway. He laughed.

Fuck Concrete Blonde.

***

Rach had clay in her hands again, this time she was taking control of the process. It would be she that dictated what form she chose. If she had to guess; and according to Bobbie, she did. It looked like the little statues had some healing properties.

June’s knee had that spot in her colors and it matched the spot on the statue. It wasn’t much to go on.

But at least it was something.

The lump became one imbued with impossible curves. Maybe, just maybe, she could do something where Bobbie couldn’t. There would be time for more detail later, she reasoned as her thoughts turned back to World War I.

It would have been cool if Snoopy had taken down the Red Baron.

***

Bobbie was surprised to see Rach in the bathroom with Kim. Seeing them across the room from each other, she was reminded of two alley cats. The air thick with an a tension that made hairs stand on end.

“Hey you two. What’s up?” Bobbie asked, hoping to dump a bucket of water on the room.

“Nothing.” Rach eyed Kim suspiciously.

“Just frustrated.” Rach pulled the blue lump out of her purse.

“Figured this out…” Rach looked at it. “I think.”

“These are supposed to be people. There’s usually a discoloration or something somewhere.”

“I think it heals people, makes them feel better. Something, still piecing it together.”

Kim laughed. “So you bake,” She pointed an unlit cigarette at Rach.

“You… sculpt?”

“I already do that.” Rach said, handing the small statue over.

“That woman that lives across from Faye…. Beth…” Bobbie cocked her head.

“She said that that scar was gone. But, I just thought it was that oil stuff she got.”

“You heal people?” Kim asked. “That’s pretty dope.”

“You two are like what? Batman and Robin now?”

Rach looked at Bobbie. “Not too sure this is a sidekick kind of operation.”

“I’m trying to see if I can use this to help with Faye. I need to try right?”

***

Faye found Rach about halfway through the lunch period.

“Where have you been?”

“Extra credit.” Faye batted away imaginary insects.

Rach rankled, she knew what that meant. She retrieved the blue statue and put it on the table.

“Oh, wow.” Faye exclaimed. “Is that supposed to be me? That’s so cool.” She picked it up; examining it from every angle., she marvelled at the likeness.

It held together, reverting back to its original grey color slowly.

Rach’s heart sank a little. She couldn’t know what would happen, but the hope died in that moment. It was just a statue now. Sighing, Rach finished her sandwich.

She wanted to shake Faye until her tiny brain rattled around. Wanted to scream at the universe for dropping both of them in the middle of all this insanity. Fine, the statue thing didn’t work.

But this Agee shit doesn’t have to continue.

I need a plan.

***

Bogdan and Yevgeniy were very surprised at the changes. They decided when they bought the place, they would keep the upper floor off limits. The explosion still fresh in the minds of the town’s residents.

Roxx had done away with that idea. There were private booths and a VIP room now.

Mikhail and Kostya led the gentlemen upstairs to the new booth. There was an obsidian tabletop surrounded by a purple velvetlike material. Roxx and Nikki greeted them and allowed them to sit.

The server, a stunning brunette brought out the bottle of vodka and several glasses. Once she set it on the table , she disappeared.

“Roxx.” Bogdan looked around. “How?”

Roxx smiled. “I called in some favors, I know people. This cost you nothing. Picked up some new suppliers. I’ve been busy.”

The conversation turned to rapid fire Russian that was way over Roxx’s head. Nikki was talking, more than she had ever seen. Only some words came through.

Krasny. Red.

Khorosho. Good.

Malchik. Boy.

Sabaka. Dog.

She figured that he had told them that everything was running smoothly with her in charge. Conversation had turned to Nikki’s dogs.

The lights flashed red then green as the PA came to life.

“Welcome to tonight’s main attraction. Causing eruptions wherever she goes…”

“Here’s Rubi.”

Rubi: Mary thought it was a cute name. Went with the hair. She said. Bogdan and Yevgeniy stared after her. She could see the arousal, it was impressive for a couple of old men.

Every man in the club wished that they could have been that pole, the way she wrapped herself around it and slid up and down. Performing the most amazing climbs and drops, Rubi’s smile shone nearly as bright as the green jewel nestled in her navel.

“Nastrovya.” Rubi shouted to the upper level. Roxx smiled and waved.

“She’s new. Trying to keep new blood flowing. More people come out.” Roxx explained, she waved Rubi upstairs. “After we change the name of the club, no one will remember any of the history. People like this have short memories.”

“Nikki. Have Kostya bring up the money from the cistern.”

“Da.” Nikki said.

When she arrived, Kostya was with her carrying an attaché case. When Bogdan opened the case, he smiled a sharklike grin.

Roxx knew she had them impressed. She would keep control until such time as something untoward happened. She was sure as shit she could keep things under control now….

…now that she had eyes everywhere in the club.

She sipped the vodka slowly. The older men drank theirs, laughing. Roxx had to join in as well.

It’s good to be king… no…

It’s good to be me.

***

Mary liked her new name, her new hair…

Her new life. It was just so much easier to do what Roxx said.

When she said ‘Dance’, she danced.

Everything was just so simple now, there was money. And she didn’t want to be high anymore.

And why would she, everything was all tingly now.

The tattoo on her back was new, but she loved it, too. All deep wine red and sexily exotic characters. She wondered what it meant.

When those old guys left Roxx smiled at her and told her it was time to dance again.

“Okay.” Rubi said, just happy to help.

***

“Okay guys. It looks like we have an uptick in orders.” Tim was flipping pages over in the clipboard.

“We have two wedding cakes for next month…”

“Next month?” Beth asked.

“Beth.” Tim looked up and laughed. “Get used to this. I have a feeling that after school’s out, this is gonna be full time. And, oh man, have I waited for this.

Tim pulled out some envelopes.

“Paychecks. For the whole time we’ve been open. Finally got it together. We’ll have a new computer set up soon, but here you go.”

Beth opened the envelope and saw the number and nearly fainted, Bobbie paled.

“No.” Bobbie said, handing it back. “I can’t.”

“Bullshit, Bobbie.” Tim said. “Hell, you deserve two of those checks.”

“We’re here for good. Need to pay the help, it’s not just fun and games anymore. Wedding cakes, the restaurants.”

“What restaurants?” Beth asked.

Tim threw his head back and sighed. He flipped over the order sheets and spread them out on the table.

“These are the restaurants that get bread from us.” He pointed to highlighted pink columns.

“These are the pastry orders.” A green one.

“And this is the sell through stuff.” One not highlighted at all.

Beth and Bobbie looked at the pink column and were amazed by the completeness of the list.

“This is almost everyone.”

“Yeah, and Funk Burger, that gastroburger place that’s opening? They want buns from us.”

“No way.” Beth said. “If we were that popular, than we should be like rich or some…”

Tim pointed to the checks.

“Aren’t we?”

Chapter 89

The talk of finals week and Summer had reached a fever pitch as tank tops and shorts started to come out of the wardrobes and replace the light windbreakers and short sleeve shirts of Spring.

All Rach could think about was getting Agee busted. Sharing Faye a little was one thing, but with him?

Oh, hell no.

Cameras would help, so would being in the right place.

Maybe she should call Bobbie in for backup, If Faye was right, this was all her fault to begin with.

“Fuck it.” Rach swept hair over an ear and dialed her…partner, associate, fellow Advocate??

They were going to have to figure it out soon.

But first… Agee.

Rach started to feel as if she and Bobbie were the eleventh commandment.

Thou shalt not get away with it.

***

Bobbie had turned the chicken breasts over, assuring herself that the breading was crispy enough. She started to lay out the rest of the parts of the chicken sandwiches she was making that night.

Toasted roll, mayo, blue cheese, spinach and tomatoes.

Once the chicken was removed from the pan and drained, she tossed it in a sauce of her own creation. A mustard based wing sauce that would work with the pepper jack cheese that melted over the hot surface.

She had made five sandwiches, with the intent of taking three of them to the bakery that night. They had been busier than usual.

Sylvia came in the door with Kim just as Bobbie was leaving.

“Dinner’s in the oven. I’ve got to run. We’re getting crazy busy.”

“Okay. Tell Tim to come for dinner one night soon. I’d love to have some time with you.”

Bobbie saw that she still was struggling with throwing her out in the first place.

“Sure. How’s Saturday? Invite Roy and Beth.”

Sylvia smiled. “You know what? I will.”

When they heard the Vespa pull up, Bobbie ducked out of the house and off to another night of work.

***

“Ooh, it’s spicy.” Beth said.

“Yeah.” Bobbie winced. “May have overdone the chiles a little.”

“I think it’s amazing. The two cheeses just. Mmmm.” Tim bit again.

“Well.” Bobbie said, she set down the sandwich and wiped her mouth. “I think it’s time to start the actual figures. We’ve got till next Thursday. Rach will drive. We need to go through the plans again. Start making the sugar glass for the buildings. We made it to the end of the school year. Let’s give ‘em a cake they won’t forget. We’re going to take pictures, videos, everything.”

“It’s time to advertise.”

“Bella’s right. These are no mere baked goods. They’re made with love, a love other people can feel. Look at what’s happened to Delacroix, to us. We opened and the town almost immediately became a better place.”

“Was it just that things were going well for us? Or did we make a difference? I like to think we made a difference.”

Beth nodded, and Tim agreeably did the same.

“Now let’s finish up and get to work. There’s a lot to do. And we have finals coming up.”

“Oh, don’t worry. My grades are fine.” Beth said.

“Good, we can all talk about it at my house on Saturday. We’re having dinner.”

“Now let’s get to work.” Bobbie could see that she had inspired them.

Titans were greater than the gods.

“Damn, Bobbie.” Tim said, watching Beth move with grace and purpose.

“Denzel ain’t got shit on you.”

***

Rach had a plan. It was simple, which is what made her go with it.

Use the bathroom and be ready with the camera.

She didn’t need Bobbie for this. Pictures last forever.

Rach thought about the photo booth picture.

Forever.

***

Faye was fixing her makeup again while Agee talked about the final. She wasn’t worried, she was sure there was more than enough extra credit built up that she wouldn’t need another math class again next year.

Watching the clock became the only thing she was capable of, watching the seconds tick down to lunch.

When the bell finally rang, Faye kept her seat long enough for the other students to file out.

Blowjobs take maybe five minutes. Studying for a test takes hours.

Assuring himself that they were alone, Agee beckoned to Faye, who obediently rose to meet her teacher.

It was familiar. His pants down and Faye on her knees in front of him. He was getting hard just thinking about it.

The introduction of Faye’s tongue made him sigh appreciatively. Faye was moving back and forth, teasing all the right places.

Agee felt it build and build. He was nearly there.

Goddamn, she’s so good. Maybe I should fail her anyway, would make next year seem…

CRASH!!

Clickclickclick.

“There you are.” Rach exclaimed, still snapping pictures.

Agee’s knees buckled as a large glob of semen issued forth, landing in splotches across Faye’s face.

“EEEE!” Faye screamed. It wasn’t the happy squeal that Timmi had pioneered, but one of surprise.

Rach had the phone in her pocket and Faye in her hand in seconds. Faye’s blonde hair trailed out behind them as Agee remained on the ground, staring after the door.

“Glad I could save you from that.” Rach said, offering her a paper towel to clean off the indiscretion.

“I hope I still get my A.” Faye scolded.

Geez, you’re welcome, Babe.

***

Bobbie was relaxing at home with Kim and Heather. She was glad of the lack of homework that the end of the year denoted. Studying wouldn’t be a problem, she had all the answers.

Maybe not all, but enough to pass for sure.

The knock at the door surprised everyone. When Bobbie opened it, she was surprised to see Rach.

“Think I can get your help?” Rach held up her phone.

Bobbie allowed Rach entrance and offered her a seat. “Help… it’s what we do.”

Rach smiled a half smile.

“What’s up?” Kim asked.

“Agee, that scumfucker.” Rach was waving the phone around. “But I got pictures this time. What can we do?”

“We can email them to the school?” Bobbie asked.

“So they can just boot him without everyone knowing?”

“Fuck that.” Kim said. “Caught him staring at my ass on Friday. I’m supposed to have his math class next year. That’s one job I won’t apply for.”

Rach tapped and swiped the pictures on the phone. Bobbie looked first. The picture giving her all kinds of unpleasant memories.

Agee’s cock caught in mid twitch, the glob of semen hanging in the air.

“Let me see.” Kim snatched the phone from Bobbie.

Kim’s face got hard, the ruby red lips becoming a straight gash across her face.

“Fucking… asshole.” Kim said. “Come on.” And with that, Queen Kim the Terrible bolted upstairs.

***

Heather had never seen Kim so angry, not even at the intervention when she was yelling to be let go.

“That motherfucker. I’ll fuckin…” Kim’s incoherent ramblings trailed off.

Heather could have sworn she heard the word sister in there, but that didn’t make any sense.

Soon there were way too many people in Kim’s room, huddled around her laptop. Plugging the phone into a USB slot, Kim had the pictures onto her desktop.

“Wish the subject matter was better.” Kim couldn’t get the edge of anger out of her voice. Heather rubbed at her shoulders soothingly.

There they were, the pictures. A shiver went up Bobbie’s spine, remembering how powerless she had felt…

…and how much she enjoyed it at the time.

“Kim?” Heather asked. “What’s wrong.”

Kim spun, the thin veil of anger gone completely. “Faye was there for Bobbie when everything went to shit. She helped me after I came home from the hospital.”

Her voice got low. “No one deserves this. But for her?”

“She’s in the Army. And we don’t leave anyone behind.”

“Right, Bobbie?”

Bobbie felt a steely determination build. “Yeah.”

“But what do we do about it?” Rach asked.

“First things first.” Kim said, sending her perfectly painted nails flying. “Gmail account. How about Iknowwhatyoudid17?”

Bobbie grinned. “Open another tab and try something.”

Kim looked back. Get his email address…”

“I think I know his password.”

Eyebrows raised all around. When Kim reached his log in screen, everyone was looking at Bobbie intently.

“Celeste.”

There was a cacophony of sound as everyone wanted to know how she could possibly have come by that information.

“His ex wife. He’s a bitter old fuck.” Bobbie said as the silence washed over the buzzing.

Kim tried the sequence of letters. “Success.”

“Now what?”

Bobbie stared into “Nothing for now. We know how to get in, we have evidence. Let’s hold off till he gets the grades turned in. No use forcing anything now. We just rotate in to get her out of there right when lunch starts, simple.” Bobbie looked out the window.

“And until then he just gets away with it?” Rach said.

“I think I have a plan, and you might just be the one to help me. Give me a ride to the bakery and I’ll explain on the way.”

They left in a hurry, Bobbie calling Tim to tell him she was on the way.

Looking out the door after them, Heather asked Kim what she wanted to do.

Kim let the Thrall come out through her smile. “I’m sure we can think of something.”

***

Rach finally like a part of the whole Advocate thing. They had a mission.

“So,” Bobbie began. “We know how to get into his email. We don’t bust him, but we make him sweat.”

“And your statues? I’ve been thinking. What else can they heal?”

Rach turned, eyebrows becoming one.

“Just a thought. I mean, this is something new. I don’t know either.”

“Well, if Justice would just talk instead of sounding like a fortune cookie we could figure it out.”

“Maybe it’s just better if we figure it out on our own. She seems to like that.”

“Getting too old for this shit.” Rach grumbled.

Bobbie laughed. “Get used to it, we’ve only just begun. Nice reference.”

“What reference?” Rach asked.

***

The orders had been filled, the proofer was empty while the bread was baking.

And Tim was holding Bobbie from behind, looking over her shoulder and studying the plans for the school cake.

“Nothing’s changed. The dry run you guys did worked fine. It’s just building the parts and actually making the cake right?”

“Hmmm?” Bobbie asked, still distracted with Agee.

“You okay?”

“Yeah. Just got stuff on my mind.”

“Faye?”

“Of course.”

Tim laughed and squeezed tighter. “You’ll handle it.”

Bobbie turned her attention to the cake plans and looked around.

“Beth leave?”

“I think we’re alone now.” Tim sang.

Bobbie laughed as she turned to accept a kiss; after all, there was still bread in the ovens.

They made out in the warm glow of the bakery while the timers ticked down.

The ding made them go back to work. Once all the cleanup and work had been finished, they headed up to Tim’s room for a different type of cooking.

Chapter 90

Rach agreed to be the first to be at Agee’s class for lunch. She just walked in when the bell rang and led Faye out by a hand with the mass exodus of students.

“Don’t you just wanna kick him?” Rach asked.

“Why? I think that getting an A in math without doing math is a fair price.” Faye was touching up her lipstick as she walked.

Rach felt an annoyance build. Not her fault, remember that.

Finding Bobbie was the simple task it usually was, there with her friends at the same table.

“Hey, guys.” Bobbie said, directing attention to the newcomers. “How’d everything go?”

“Fine.” Rach said. “Got in and out, no problems.”

“I have tomorrow. Fuck that guy.” Kim said.

“I already did.” Faye said, her cute cluelessness making it sound so innocent.

“Just a couple of weeks to go.” Bobbie said.

“Man, I fuckin’ can’t wait till fuckin’ summer.” Bella said. “No more of this fuckin’ bullshit.”

“Amen to that.” Amber said.

Heather just sat and listened. Bobbie and Rach could see that the Faye situation wasn’t over yet, they just hoped that it would end without incident.

***

It was Friday and the weekend was upon them, Bobbie still finding her old rhythm as she got used to being home. The bakery was keeping up with the orders and taking orders for cakes as far as three months in advance. Beth and Steve were working together, making bread dough and cakes. Bobbie and Tim were busy with everything else.

“I’m glad we could hire him.”

“Yeah,” Bobbie said. “Now there’s a potential double date every time we leave.”

“Yeah.” Tim said. “Hey guys? Wanna head over to Slice of PI when we’re done?”

“Sure.” Steve said. “Unless you had something else in mind.”

“Just to be with you.” Beth said sweetly, crossing over to him for a hug. Steve smiled as he readjusted his apron and went back to filling the Eclairs.

“We’ve got the cake next week. We deserve a break.” Tim said, drying his hands.

“We’re gonna be so busy.” Beth said, smiling.

***

Rach was looking at her shelf; the blue statues had grown in number. There were several of them now, each looking better than the last. The three on the end of the shelf showed Faye in varying poses. The new one she was working on only looked like Faye in passing; she watched the face change even as she was molding it. The eyes were different, piercing.

Not one of the Faye statues had fallen apart when she touched it, and it was starting to get to her. Faye was still one of the most fun people to hang around with. But, she missed the brutal brusqueness and sweet sarcasm that seemed to flow from her mouth in an unending supply.

It was a small annoyance, but Rach continued to live with it.

All because I love you.

She still didn’t know exactly who this new statue was. The first one? The one riddled with discolorations sat on the left side. That was the one that bothered her. The grey marks usually showed what was wrong.

If this was a real person, then everything was wrong. Rach felt sorry for them.

Whoever they were.

The clay in her hands felt warm, Rach was still working on it long after she grew tired.

I wish I could just use them already, they’re starting to take up a lot of room. Gonna need another shelf if this keeps up.

The act of making these things seemed to be the best practice she had ever had, and this new one showed an incredible level of detail, save for one small difference.

This one hadn’t picked up the blue color that was becoming commonplace. It had remained the original earthy grey.

“Now, if only I could find out whom this is.”

Rach put the new statue down and went to bed, wishing that she could get rid of at least one of them.

Just like she had every night.

***

“Rach?” Bobbie asked. “What are?”

“Bobbie? Why are we…?”

The room looked bright and a little hazy. Looking around, both girls found what they were looking for.

Justice.

She was sitting on a cushion, smiling.

“Hello, nice to finally see you together.”

“Hi, Justice.”

“Bobbie.” Justice spread her arms, Bobbie entered the embrace.

“Rach.” She turned to face the other advocate with similarly outstretched arms.

Rach crossed her arms. “Not too sure how I feel about you yet.”

The smile persisted. “I understand.”

“Faye…” Bobbie started.

“Ever thinking of others.” Justice’s twin smile evaporated. “She is beyond anything I can do. Roxx did this. There is something about her, she is…”

“Different somehow. I cannot see her clearly anymore, and that troubles me greatly.”

“She’s up to something, and now she’s doing things I can’t explain.” Bobbie said, voice with sprinklings of concern. “Talked about studying. She’s not trying to…”

“I am afraid that must be the case. Learning to see as your ancestors did.”

Bobbie and Justice both frowned.

“No good can come of this.” Justice turned that gaze to Rach.

“This is why I came to you. What did those men say..?” Justice trailed off.

“One riot, one Ranger?”

“And what is up with these…” Rach looked down to see that the statues were all in front of her.

“They heal. Bodies and souls. Surely you have figured out as much?”

“Yeah.” Rach rolled her eyes. “That old lady…”

“June.” Bobbie said looking at the statue in its almost finished state.

“June’s knee popped…” She nodded from side to side. “Okay, but do they have to fall apart like that?” She lifted the one with that was still grey. “What’s up with this one anyway?”

“You find her, it will soon be apparent. Your sight corresponds with…”

“Yeah yeah, I get it.”

“Hey.” Bobbie snapped lightly. “You’re getting more of a tour on this than I did, on top getting used to panties… I…” She got a close look at the grey statue.

Roxx. “It’s Roxx.”

“Fair enough. Explains the grey, she’s fucked up everywhere.” Rach felt the weight of one less thing to figure out evaporate.

“Rach.” Justice said. “I do not choose lightly or often, you will do great things if you let them happen.”

“But, what about Faye?” Rach pleaded, she bent down and picked up the most detailed of her statues. It was flawless in its lines and pure in its color.

“I do not know, without being able to see Roxx I cannot tell.”

“So what?” Rach got louder, her voice harsher. “I just… just…”

“This can be remedied. Of that I have no doubt.”

“You better be right.” Rach pointed.

“She always is. It’s kind of maddening.” Bobbie said.

“Not helping.” Rach said.

“I trust that you can carry on now?”

Rach just crossed her arms again.

“You haven’t answered anything. These don’t work on Faye, how will they work on Roxx? How do I…”

But Justice was gone, and Bobbie was fading.

Dammit.

***

Saturday morning saw Bobbie dressed in a pair of cutoff Daisy Dukes and a perfectly fitting t-shirt proclaiming “Made in the Goondocks.” It was an unseasonably hot day, the mercury reaching the high 80s.

The temperature inside the bakery was even higher at first. The early morning’s baking done quickly and the door propped open.

“What’s wrong, Tim?” Bobbie asked.

“Nothing, just… those shorts.”

“I’m hot.”

“Yes, you are.” Tim agreed. “Keep dressing like that and I might forget Timmi. It’s getting easier.”

Bobbie came over and kissed Tim. “I like having you back.” She threw her arms around him.

“Young love.” Bobbie jumped with an ‘eek’ and turned to see Hudson and Hobson standing there. Coffee in hand.

“Hi, guys. Didn’t know you would be here today.” Hobson set the cup of coffee on the counter. “Would have brought two.”

“We’ll share.” Tim said. “What can I get you today?”

“Heard tell of an everything muffin?” Hudson asked, sipping his black coffee.

“Got it.” Bobbie grabbed a couple of the ‘Second Breakfast’ muffins. Loaded with fruit and flavor, she handed them over to the officers. “Take ‘em. You’re good today.”

“Thanks. And the other officers think we’re weird because we don’t eat donuts.”

Tim laughed and said his goodbyes. He attached himself to Bobbie again. “We need to send a box of muffins to the precinct or something. God, now I want the cops to come.”

Tim went to grab a ham croissant out of the case and…

Smack. Bobbie tapped his hand lightly. “Barbecue today, remember?”

“Forgot. Been…”

Bobbie deepened her voice. “So busy.”

“I know.”

“So, when’s the wedding?”

Bobbie and Tim turned to the two cops in unison.

“I swear.” Hobson said. “You two already sound married.”

***

The cooler was full of various sodas and pops, depending on which part of the country one was from. The smell of the hamburgers and hot dogs. Tim spatulaing with the best of them, perfectly crossed grill marks every time.

Ten and two.

Bobbie and Sylvia were cutting onions and peppers, tomatoes and lettuce.

Looking out the window, Sylvia spoke up. “It’s nice to have some life around here again. Since Jeff died, it’s just been so hard.”

Bobbie looked over at her mom. She could see through the swirling clouds of darkness. The storm had broken some since they had reunited, leaving the promise of clear skies ahead. “Kim having friends over. Having someone else graduating.” Bobbie felt a hip collide with hers, forcing a smile.

“This was how it was supposed to be.” Sylvia said. “Jeff and I.”

“He would have wanted you to live on. Look at Myka out there. It takes time, but we all move on. Tim, Kim, Even Faye and Nick. Stuff happens.” Bobbie felt odd, being in the position to dispense advice.

Sylvia shook her head. “You sound like my grandmother.”

Bobbie shrugged. “Peace through superior baked goods.”

A loud laugh issued forth. “C’mon.”

“Let’s get these things out there. We’re missing the party.”

Plates full of vegetables were set next to the condiments and chips. The table near the grill soon overflowed with food.

Roy and Sylvia sat together. Bobbie noticed that his darkness had also dissipated. Beth and Steve, Kim and Heather.

Bobbie and Tim.

Faye and Nick were there, and they almost looked like a couple. Faye was being absurdly silly towards him and Nick seemed like he just wanted to crawl into a hole and pull the hole in after himself.

Everyone’s where they should be.

Bobbie was spreading cream cheese on a toasted bun and crossing a couple of bacon slices. The malt vinegar aioli coated the heel of the bun and the beer soaked sriracha grilled onions sat atop them, awaiting the grilled cowflesh.

“Come on, guys. Grab some food. Nick?”

Nick looked up from his phone and Faye followed him closely. Too closely, Bobbie thought.

His darkness was the only curtain not open. He was troubled, haunted.

Faye had been using Nick for sex off and on, it was clear now. Bobbie remembered how devastated he was when she had done the same.

She genuinely felt for Nick; the things that were happening? None of them were his fault. Bobbie looked at them, wishing she knew what she could do.

With Justice unable to assist, and Rach obsessively sculpting Bobbie felt less relaxed than she wanted to. Nick’s darkness was the one spot in the afternoon that she could do nothing about.

Too bad it was the one thing at which she couldn’t stop looking.

***

Sylvia surveyed the barbecue scene at her home. It had been such a long time since it had been so vibrant with activity. She spied Bobbie laughing with her friends, Kim getting in on the joke.

It made her miss Robb, she never stopped thinking about him. It was almost as if Robb lived on in Bobbie somehow. Oh, they were almost nothing alike. So outgoing and happy. She had always envisioned having the kid’s friends over and the general chaos it invited. When it didn’t materialize in the wake of Jeff’s death, she’d felt a little cheated.

Better late than never. She reached over for Roy’s hand and clasped it in her own. And now there was this man, Roy. Sylvia had a sneaking suspicion that he was starting to occupy a special place in her heart. His awkward charm and Beth’s innocent demeanor just tugged at the string that made what was left of her maternal instinct leak out.

She had been seeing Roy for a while now, and she disliked the apartment he had. There was plenty of room. Beth could finish school in relative comfort. With Bobbie around and Kim…

…well, she wasn’t her old self exactly. Sylvia had to admit to liking the new direction, seeing her with Heather gave her the joy a parent has when they see a happy child. It was odd to see parts of her life once thought lost had come home to port. She bent in to kiss Roy.

“I’m glad I met you.” Roy said.

“That Bobbie. Look out there.” Sylvia pointed. “She brought us all together Even looks like Nick and Faye are getting together.” Faye was sitting on Nick’s lap, eating a hot dog.

Roy smiled, “Everything is as it should be, huh?”

“Yeah.” Sylvia nodded, agreeing.

“It sure is.”

***

Rach was still working on the details of the statue that day. The details calling to her in glorious technophonic sensurround. The ring of the bell broke her from her reverie. She was starving and thirsty, bathroom trip would be a good idea, too.

And there was Bobbie with a plate with a two hot dogs and a hamburger on it.

“You didn’t come.”

“Busy.” She said, salivating. “Come in.”

Bobbie was led into Rach’s room, it was a little cluttered, but not a total mess like Faye’s. There were statues all over the place, each different. Some staggering in their detail.

“Now I have all of these, and don’t know where they go. Damn, this is frustrating.”

Bobbie looked to the side table that held four identical statues.

All of Faye.

Rach bit into the burger. “I gave up on those. Won’t work.” Her mouth worked the burger around as she indicated the statues meant to bring Faye back to normal.

“What’s on this?”

“Grilled spicy onions, malt vinegar aioli, cream cheese and bacon.”

“Nice.” Rach continued to eat.

Bobbie looked at one of the statues. She knew that one, and the discolorations gave the rest of the enigma its solution.

“Carla Castillo.”

“Huh?” Rach said, licking cheese from a thumb.

“I know this one. She was bullying Beth back at the beginning of the year. I broke her nose.

Rach laughed, masticated beef showing for a second.

“Twice. Second time is how I met Tim.”

“That picnic is this week. We have the cake delivery. I bet more of these are from school.” Bobbie shrugged. “Worth a shot.”

Rach finished her burger and started on one of the hot dogs.

“Jeez, breathe a little.” Bobbie warned.

“Fuck it.” Rach said, starting on the second hot dog. “Starting to wish I could eat those statues.”

Bobbie had an idea. “C’mon. You’re coming with me to the bakery.”

***

The bakery was abuzz with activity. For the first time, Bobbie had checked the order column.

“Krakatoa?”

“Yeah.” Tim’s eyes widened. “These two sides of beef come in, flatter hair than mine and say ‘Roxx’ hand me an order and a check. I say ‘thanks’ and let them leave.

Bobbie stared at the order. It was a medium order with all high dollar items.

“Edible gold foil?” Bobbie said.

“That’s a thing?” Rach asked

“Yeah.” Tim nodded. “I found some, she covered it in the deposit. Looks like she looked this stuff up before she wrote the order. She’s starting to scare me.”

“Me, too.” Bobbie wanted to know what she was up to so badly.

Rach was starting to look angry.

“Beth. I got you some help for the figures; looks like she has some talent for this as well. Think you can show her what we need?”

“Sure. It’ll be cool to have help. C’mon, Rach. I bet we just tear right through all four hundred of these.”

“Four hundred?” Rach’s blue eyebrows crawled toward each other.

“Oh, they’re tiny.” Beth held out a thumb and forefinger.

“Easier to start now, I guess.”

The girls scampered off to the big Hobart that held Beth’s gumpaste mixture.

“We don’t have to take this order.” Bobbie said.

Tim let his winning grin show. “Yes, I do. What your baking here does for people? Besides.”

He grabbed at her hands. “We’re bigger than that. Maybe not those bodyguards of hers, but…” He kissed her.

***

Fireworks went off in Bobbie’s head. Cream cheese, lemon zest, blueberries. A slight sneer started to appear.

“I think that with an order that big there should be some kind of bonus.”

Tim knew better than to argue, letting her blur around the kitchen was something he couldn’t or wouldn’t stop. He hit the CD player and let the universe converge around his girlfriend.

Bobbie was a streak of silver and blue. Mixers were mixing and the fruit was being sliced in an amazing display of bladework. Tim was cracking eggs and measuring flour, he still couldn’t understand how on Earth she was such a machine in the kitchen. It was almost like she wasn’t there, operating on some higher plane. She had batters and frostings mixed, while Tim was moving things into and out of the oven.

Once the mad rush of baking and prepping was finished, Bobbie turned to her ‘special project’ She had two springform pans lined with the mixture required to make the graham cracker crust, they had been blind baked to allow the crust to harden while Bobbie made the filling.

The blueberry compote was mixed in with the cream cheese mixture and the bottom halves of the strawberries were pressed into the top and glazed. The music continued to play as the pans went into the hot oven.

Bobbie started the frosting and Tim getting the wrapping done. Beth and Rach made a fair amount of progress, the two girls laughing gently as they talked about what was their very obviously different stations in life. The finished figures were standing on a sheet pan, looking for all the world like the world’s smallest school was having a fire drill.

“Why are they blue?” Beth asked Rach, who shrugged.

“Still works… Blue and white.”

“Hey, you two. How’s it going?”

“Really fast.” Beth said while Rach put some features on a face with a toothpick.

“Yeah, these won’t take us long at all.” Rach said, looking up.

“Great. Let’s get everything put away while the last batches come out.”

“Cool.” Beth said as she began to gather her tools.

The bakery cleanup was quick, leaving only clean surfaces. Bobbie pulled the cheesecakes out and moved them to the walk-in.

“Fifteen minutes or so and it should be set.” Bobbie said, closing the door while the windows and fondant station were scrubbed. The music continued, and the friends made cleaning a simple hanging out with friends. Team Banzai.

When the cheesecake came out, Beth and Rach looked at the beautiful piece of sugared art that sat before them. Bobbie cut four pieces and put them on the paper plates.

Beth and Rach were the first ones to taste the confection.

“Mmmph...” Rach said, Beth echoed with a similar sound.

“This is so good. The crust… and the blueberry just pops….” Beth said between bites. “What do you call this one?”

Bobbie smile dawned. “Gargamel’s Reward.”

Beth stopped eating mid bite, she looked down and could think of nothing but the tiny blue characters from her childhood. She grimaced.

“That’s a terrible name.”

Rach and Tim laughed, Beth started laughing as well. “We may have to keep this on through the summer, all the fresh berries? Be a crime to not use them.” Tim finished his piece and threw his plate away.

The rest of the business was easy to complete, and was done in short order. “Rach.” Bobbie said.

“Yeah.”

“You can take off.” She turned her head to Tim. “I’ve got a ride.”

Rach smirked. “Anything to be on the back of that thing with him, huh?”

Bobbie sighed. “Yeah.” She looked at Tim inside the walk in.

“It’s my favorite place.”

***

Rubi was trying to forget Mary as she ground herself against the middle aged man sitting on his hands. Roxx was always happy with the things she did to make the customers happy. When he grunted, spasmed and went still; Rubi knew that her job was done. Her signature cheek kiss meant that it was time for him to rise from the chair.

When they left the private room, Roxx was standing outside with another of the new girls.

Rubi could have sworn that she was prettier than she was yesterday. All the girls that wore the same navel ring with the inset green jewel had gotten prettier. Maybe it was the confidence of having Roxx trust you? She reflected.

But Rubi didn’t care about them. The way Roxx made her feel… like she was the only one she cared about.

“Good work, he’ll be back for sure.”

“Yeah, it was so easy to make him cum.” Rubi smiled. She used to not like boys… why was that?”

“A few more like you and I won’t ever have to worry about anything.” Roxx smiled as she placed a hand on Rubi’s shoulder.

Rubi quivered as the tingly sensation powered through her. She smiled blankly up at Roxx.

And a few more is what I shall have.

***

There was a quiet on the roof that night as Kim lit her last cigarette for the day. Her hair was wrapped in a turban while the Bettie Black dye soaked into every strand.

“This afternoon was cool. Did you see mom?”

Bobbie nodded. “I did. She was so happy, when’s the last time we saw her like that?”

Kim inhaled. “Before dad died.” She said quietly. “She likes Roy, you know.”

“And he likes her. I hope they wind up together. Be great for Beth, for both of them.”

Bobbie smirked. “With a bad influence like you as a sister?”

“Hey, I didn’t choose the Thrall life, the Thrall life chose me.”Kim laughed as she dropped the butt into the can. “Besides, you can balance me out.”

Bobbie laughed. “I’m not pure as the driven snow either.”

“Your hair tells a different story.”

Bobbie gave a weak laugh. “Big week, cake delivery. You should see the figures, Rach is helping now, they look amazeballs.”

“Must be serious.” Kim showed her teeth in a mock grin. “I’ve never heard you use that word.”

“Things are looking up. Once this year’s out, I can turn my attention to Faye. That is not going to be a failure.”

“I’m with ya, sis. Anything I can do to help. She’s kind of been a sister to both of us.” Kim said, pulling the towel off of her head. “Family first.” The towel was thrown.

“Agreed.”

“And, of course. Fuck Roxx… Mel… whatever.” Kim growled through her teeth. “Only reason I’m letting her live right now is Faye. I want her Mark in a frame on my wall.” Bobbie didn’t need to see any darkness to know that she absolutely meant it.

Bobbie’s face jumped in surprise. “Damn, Kimster. Thin veil or no, this is a bit…”

Kim shook her head. “Remember when you came home? Girl with the faux hawk and the labret. Seen her lately? Roxx put me in a hell of a spot. Then I get to meet her little friend. Faye helped me figure this shit out. And you? Like it or not, she helped you a fuckton. That settles it for me. She’s family.” Bobbie said nothing. “We don’t leave anyone behind, and we don’t give up. Get me?” Kim presented a fist for Bobbie to bump, which ended in the splayed finger explosion. Bobbie looked for her oddly.

“Just a little something extra for Roxx.”

Bobbie and Kim re entered the house and readied for bed.

Big week, need the rest.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XXXI

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Language

Audience Rating:

Restricted Audience (r)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 91

Kim had taken it upon herself to rescue Faye from Agee’s class. The dress that day appeared to be dotted with polka dots, but closer inspection on the plum colored fabric revealed them to be dagger impaled skulls. The matching bandana set off her eyes as she strode into Agee’s class as if she owned it.

“C’mon, Faye. We’re going to lunch today. I’m paying.”

“Excuse me.” Mr. Agee said. “Miss Valentine…”

“Blow it out your ass, perv. What would Celeste say?” Kim snapped. Agee paled. “Don’t think I don’t know what you get up to in here.”

“Wow.” Faye said.

“Let’s just go.” Kim said under her breath, she brought up the rear as she backed out of the room.

“That was awesome.” Faye clapped as she walked down the corridor with.

“Thanks.” Kim said haughtily. “Let’s grab some tacos and ditch.”

“You are a genius.” Faye’s face showed awe.

“I have my moments.”

***

No one knew where Kim and Faye went, prompting a text from Heather, Bobbie, and Rach.

When pictures of tacos and cleavage appeared on screens, the pieces moved together. Rach sat at the opposite end with Amber, Beth, and Bella.

“The yearbooks come in this week, and that means that you have to have that cake ready.”

“Jesus fucking Christ.” Bella said. “It’s cake.” She pointed at Bobbie.

Heather gave a loud laugh, followed by Amber.

It was true. If there was a cake, then Bobbie probably understood it on a molecular level. The same level that of understanding that they saw in the blonde girl.

The rest of the day was nothing special, with several hours of mind numbing review for tests that they were sure to pass.

***

CRUNCH!

Faye bit into the taco, savoring the spiciness and the crispness of the onions. Kim was crunching her way through a NachoRito platter while they talked.

“Everything’s rad, right Faye?” Kim watched as velvety cheese carried a jalepeno over the side of a chip like a waterfall.

“Yeah, of course. School’s almost over. That Agee, the stuff I do for grades.”

“C’mon, Faye. You’re smarter than that.”

“I know.” Faye batted a hand at the air. “This is proof. The work is so much easier.”

Kim made a face. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing, it’s just all that old stuff just seems so boring now. Sitting around with a joystick in your hand…”

Faye giggled. “Never mind. It’s just that the combos are different and it doesn’t hurt when you get hit.”

Kim laughed. It’s not that she’s different… Fuck me, Roxx.

What did you do?

Then Kim stopped mid crunch.

Oh, shit. Realization dawned. Back at Vesuvius, she hadn’t directly touched Faye, just that one thread.

What other side effects were there?

Talk turned to DJ Plugman. “He can lay it down really well though. He knows so much about music.” Kim remembered hearing about the parties at which he deejayed.

Faye laughed. “Last year he was an A/V nerd named Viggo.”

“The Carpathian?”

“You and Bobbie… always with those silly movies.”

Kim smiled and grabbed another chip.

***

Bobbie’s idea of making edible statues seemed like a good one. The thought of having her own army of Terra Cotta Warriors seeming more and more like a bad idea, lest she be crowded out of her own room. The tiny simulacra of the students were laying down in a cake pan lined with waxed paper, layer upon layer of them.

Some wearing jeans with t-shirts, some wearing dresses. Seeing them all together, they were all unique in at least one tiny way. These were not cookie cutter figures made on an assembly line. This was art.

Scrumptious art.

With a hell of a kick.

But that statue of Roxx bothered her. It was finished now, and wherever she put it, the eyes seemed to follow her.

You’re seeing things.

Rach forgot about the statue as she headed out the door.

***

Looking closer at the fondant figures, Bobbie noticed a similar darkness to them, like those of the people that she saw every day. She thought of that long ago bake sale, the unfamiliar draft of wearing a dress still new to her. She saw Tim and shook her head at the memory of how much things had changed between them since then.

The day that Delacroix High was introduced to Bobbie’s baking.

This was to be an order of magnitude better.

“Those are going to be fantastic.”

“We’re only a little less than halfway done, this is just the first pan.” Beth said, making sure that the wrap was tight around all surfaces.

“We’re killin’ it here.” Rach said, rinsing off the tools she was using. “Should be able to knock out the rest tomorrow. Good idea.”

“Yeah.” Beth said, coming out of the walk in. “Thanks for the help, Rach. Definitely an easier job with two people.”

When the cleanup was done and everyone went their separate ways, Rach left feeling accomplished, but tired. Her hands and neck ached in a good way. Her bed seductively whispered sweet promises of slumber in her ears.

Maybe this Advocate thing won’t be so bad. Rach Yawned again.

***

Talk of finals began making the rounds that next day. All nighters and scrambling slackers would soon be the order of the day. Bobbie wasn’t worried about the academics, that had been simple the whole year through. It was just a forgone conclusion that everyone would finish and either move on to the next year or onto the next step.

Bobbie looked at the lunch table. Faye had joined them that day, sharing sandwiches and musing about the activities that Summer would bring. Heather still seemed a little confused by Faye, but let it subside into the background. It was obvious that the formerly Faye shaped hole in Heather’s desires became one a bit more like the geometry of Kim.

“Tonight we start baking, right?”

“Yeah.” Bobbie said, putting the pickle spear down. “Like sixty sheet cakes, candied zest, frosting…”

“The woiks.” She finished, affecting a Brooklyn accent.

Beth laughed. “This is gonna be so. Much. Fun.” Her excitement was infectious, spreading to Rach.

By the time the bell rang, even Amber wanted to help. But she knew that it was something best left to the professionals. Besides, studying with Kurt was its own reward. Bella just decided that she would take a night off and take in a movie. Bobbie’s positive review of Drop Bears 2 seemed like it would be a good time.

With Heather and Kim it was the unusual mixed martial art of studying and fashion design, with a minor in cuddling.

Bobbie decided that she would miss this table. Its scratched surface and rickety bench seat had been an important place during the journey she had embarked upon not quite a year ago. Running a hand along it, many thoughts bubbled below the surface.

Robb never got this far. I was just looking to get high at the ramp. How can this all be so different? Even now, it’s like all these new experiences are just…just…

Better.

“Bobbie? You coming.” She realized she had been staring off into space, soaking the feel of the table on her hand.

“Yeah.” She said as a nostalgic look flitted across her face.

***

“Holy shit.” Beth said, looking at all of the mixers running at once. Tim laughed.

“This is the most I’ve ever seen. This is all cake batter?”

“No.” Tim said. “Those two are the frosting. I got started on the lemon and lime zest earlier today, we just need to boil and syrup them.” He pointed to the fondant station. “You and Rach can get the figures finished up, and we can assemble Thursday morning.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Bobbie said, swinging by for a kiss.

Rach and Beth broke out to the fondant station and went to work. Now that the work was underway, an almost eerie calm spread out. There was no music, everyone focused on their tasks. The sun fell down outside, giving way to that special shade of sky called dusk.

The clock dinged again and again as activity wound up to a fever pitch. There were sheet pans aplenty filled with rich, spongy goodness.

“Wrap the lemon ones first and get them into the walk in.” Bobbie told the others. “I’ll get the chocolate and the white cakes.” Plastic cling wrap flew off of the roll, Bobbie mentally ticked off the frosting tubs and inspected the crushed nuts and the candied zest. The entire operation only took about thirty minutes, and cleanup was well underway and completed rapidly.

They stood around the fondant station drinking from fresh bottles of Mexican Coke as they discussed the game plan for the next day.

“We’re gonna have to assemble it in parts. The main building is going to be the biggest. Goal is to do the orders first, and then to get the buildings together. Rach.”

The head of blue hair swiveled upwards.

“We gonna be able to get it all in one trip?”

“Should do. I can put all the seats down in the back.” Rach was enjoying being helpful, her face didn’t show it, but she wanted to see the cake assembled. She had never seen Bobbie work up close and personal before.

It was poetry, parkour, and pastry, all in one small blonde girl. If Bobbie had vaulted over the fondant station to grab a hot pan and throw it across the room to have it land with the contents undisturbed would not have surprised Rach in the least.

Baking Ninja.

Bobbie opted for a ride home with Rach. Locking in with Tim for a short makeout session before heading for the door.

“Goodnight, Tim. You get some sleep. Big day tomorrow.” She held onto him, reveling in the feeling of being joined to her love again. It never got old, as if their souls were bound together.

Like cake and frosting… like cookies and milk….

Like Apple Pie and sharp cheddar.

Or Flaherty pie and Sharpe cheddar.

“I’ve got to go.” Bobbie said, not letting go.

“I know, babe. I don’t wanna let go either. Tomorrow is so important. It’s like our final exam.”

Bobbie’s eye twinkled. “We’ll pass.”

“This girl don’t break.” Bobbie planted one more kiss on Tim, this one with a little extra tongue.

“And neither do you.” Tim grinned. “I’ll see you at about tennish?”

“Yeah. If I get any sleep at all.”

“Try.”

“See you in my dreams.”

Bobbie smiled as she headed away from Cheepskates to board Rach’s SUV.

“Gonna take a vacuum to it when I get home. Need to get Faye’s endless supply of tortilla crumbs out of this thing.”

Bobbie laughed nervously. Rach looked at her for a second. “Don’t worry.” She said. “We’re Advocates.”

Rach’s smile broadened. “We’ve got this.”

“Totes.” Bobbie and Tim both said with a giggle; leaving Rach to laugh much harder.

Chapter 92

Roxx noticed that she was sleeping more soundly. Like Lust was either being quieter than usual…

Or she just can’t get through.

After ‘enhancing’ the other girls, she just thought that the money would be enough. But there seemed to be other perks. Her ability to strengthen drugs had stopped wearing her out as much. She figured that it was like a muscle, once stretched out and conditioned able to perform the task with ease.

She knew that no one would ever, ever rat her out. Stories had gotten out and passed around, ones she had planted. Some were calling her The Red Witch.

Maybe the one about the sacrifice was too much.

Not to her face of course. Even the Russians knew better than to say Kraznaya V’edma any louder than a whisper. It was all theatrics, but why be the bad guy if you couldn’t have a little fun?

Right, Lust?

Why should she have all the fun? After all she’s been around forever… literally.

After Bogdan and Yevgeniy had left and granted Roxx the permission to continue making the changes she had laid out, the delivery and installation of the new sign had been scheduled.

Vesuvius was now Roxx’s. No… not Vesuvius. That was the old place. She looked down from her booth to the volcano themed floor. She looked at ‘her’ girls, the navel ring with its green jewel making it obvious to who to they owed their allegiance.

“Krakatoa.” The renovations would soon be done. With Faye headlining this weekend, things were looking up and up and up.

There was just Bobbie and Kim, thorns really.

She knew that she would have to see Bobbie again, and this time she would be ready. Like with spiders, Roxx had decided to construct a web that would alert her the second Bobbie or any of her friends touched even a single strand.

Kim was still on Lust’s leash. She seemed to be enjoying her captivity. Not me.

The tablet glowed as the home screen came to life. There was more time now. With all of the money coming in she could devote a little more time to study. Today, however; the focus didn’t come.

There was just one loose end left. Bobbie can finish her unicorn infested wet dream and graduate, she wouldn’t be a problem.

Only one person left that could pin her to anything.

She fingered the free call app Gary had loaded. There were many kinds of magic in the modern age, some more wondrous than others.

Just one phone call.

***

The blueberries popped in Bobbie’s mouth while the creamy banana flavor blended with the pure maple syrup. Bobbie had sausage with chicken, sage, and apple next to a small pile of potatoes. Two over medium eggs rested off to one side of the plate, trying to avoid the sticky sweetness of the syrup.

The coffee was fresh; roasted, that is. Gilda had been playing with the roaster again in a desperate attempt to pair something with each of the items in her tiny pastry case. This one was Devil’s Brew, made to compliment the Angel Food cake that had quickly become a popular item with the influx of fresh spring fruits. A robust roast with notes of chocolate, Bobbie had to laugh. She would spend her day baking for people that had made fun of her, people who had been her friend. In a couple of cases the younger brother or sister of someone that had made Robb think so negatively of school near the end.

Those thoughts were interrupted by a voice.

“Thought I smelled you down here.” It was Sylvia. “Getting used to you cooking again is one of the best parts about you coming back.”

Bobbie poured a cup of coffee and offered a plate.

Sylvia sat, stirring sugar into her coffee. “Nervous about graduation?”

“Kinda.” Bobbie said.

She put a gentle hand on Bobbie’s arm. “You made it. There’s nothing that can really stop you now, is there?”

Bobbie looked up. “No, there isn’t. Unless an asteroid came hurtling to Earth or something.”

“Morgan Freeman would stop it.”

“Or Bruce Willis.” Bobbie said quietly.

“I hated that damn Aerosmith song.” Sylvia cut into her pancakes. Bobbie laughed out loud.

“Me, too. Made my ears bleed.”

Sylvia smiled warmly. “Big day?”

“Yeah.” Bobbie said, sipping coffee. “We have to start baking that school cake today.”

“School cake?”

Bobbie went on to tell her about all of the things that had happened at the bakery. Sylvia knew that there was a big cake due, just not how big. Talk turned to the end of the year and graduation, what Summer would hold for her.

To Bobbie, she just didn’t know. Work at the bakery, be with Tim. There were no other real plans. Just getting through the year had been her biggest goal.

But…

She had made friends; not merely friends, but people that shared her life. Finishing school and becoming a part of something.

Tim. She had saved him from his life of depression, while he had saved her. No one made her feel as important as he had…

All of Bobbie’s victories and failures over the last year showed themselves to her in the swirling maple syrup and butter that pooled at a corner of the plate. When Tim arrived on the Vespa, Bobbie said her goodbye and walked out the door into a morning that had so much promise that the day looked to be oversaturated by it.

Donning the helmet and boarding the back, Bobbie hugged herself into her favorite position as the world started to zoom by in the silent morning.

***

Rach brought Faye to the table that day. With Bobbie, Beth, and Rach leaving; after lunch talk was shortened.

“Busy night, right?” Heather asked.

“Yeah.” Bobbie said, smiling still. The smile had taken up residence on her face and had not even shown intent to move along.

“It’s gonna be so so cool.” Beth said. “With Rach there, we got the figures done, just the trees and benches left.”

“Trees? Benches?” Bobbie gave a look of bewilderment.

“Yeah.” Rach said. “Can’t leave those out, makes it more real.” She put up a hand. Beth slapped at it.

“Nice.” Bobbie said. She had forgotten about them, so many other parts of the cake demanding her attention.

“Man, I can’t fucking wait till tomorrow.”

“I can.” Faye said. Everyone turned to face her glum countenance.

“That picture I took. All short, dark hair… and that gothy makeup… I won’t be pretty like I am now.” She pouted. “Blecch.”

“Oh, I don’t know.” Rach said, putting an arm around Faye. “You were pretty enough for me to want you.”

Faye smiled and kissed Rach. “You always know just what to say, don’t you?”

***

“Okay, team.” Tim said, distributing the plans for the assembly of the cake. “Tonight, we just focus on getting everything baked. Then we put the layers together. Tomorrow, we finish up at the school by eleven.”

Rach was a bit clueless on where everything was, and was satisfied just assisting whoever needed it at the moment. All the Hobarts were going, batters, doughs, and frostings whirling around under the constant onslaught of the mixing blades.

The work was so intensive that night that the music was drowned out by the droning of the mixers. By the time the silence fell over the room again, there were thirty six sheet cakes baking, three batches of frosting, and the candied citrus zest was drying out on a separate sheet pan.

The standing orders were all done on autopilot, since they hadn’t changed, the prep list was ingrained in the mind of the regular bakers.

Leaving Rach to just do what she could. Grabbing a broom, she decided that all the flour on the floor had to go. It was little time before she had it all swept up in a big pile.

“Hahaa.” Tim laughed. “Joo know who joo messing wit? Tony Montahna.”

Looking down Bobbie and Rach laughed loudly.

“Iz dat yoor leedle fran?” Bobbie asked. Rach and Tim roared in laughter.

“I don’t get it.” Beth said.

The laughter continued for a while, when it ended, there was a clean bakery all ready for the next day’s big construction job. Rach offered to take Beth home, seeing their joy just made Rach want to give them a moment. The last quiet moment before the storm of tomorrow blew in and took all semblance of calm with it.

“I think we’re alone now.” Bobbie sang.

“Hey , that’s my line.”

“Yeah, but.” Bobbie smiled. “Yours is Tommy Lee and the Shondells.”

“Mine is Tiffany.”

“Who?”

“Never mind.” Bobbie moved in to hold Tim close to her, reveling in the feeling she stayed quiet. Nothing would disturb this today.

Nothing.

“Tomorrow is gonna be crazy.” Tim said. “I almost can’t wait.”

“Me neither.” Bobbie said, keeping her head flat against his chest. Listening to the slow techno beat of his heart.

They stood there a long time, just enjoying the silent moment.

“C’mon, Bobbie.” Tim said, leaning back to see that pretty face clearly. “Let’s get you home. We’re gonna have to sleep.”

Bobbie yawned as she realized she was getting tired. Tim was right, the next day would be crazy. But as long as he was there.

She didn’t mind at all.

***

Carla Castillo was looking at her phone.

Roxx? What did she want?

And where had she been?

She had all but disappeared around Spring Break, and had never come back to school. Her little ‘jobs’ had kept the party favors flowing for a while, but she was back down to the old dealers. And now that Kurt had stopped selling, it was back to sketchy deals and even sketchier people.

Roxx had kept her end of the deals she had made; she wasn’t in jail, despite the breaking and entering and distribution of revenge porn. So it seemed logical to Carla that she would at least listen to what it was she wanted.

Couldn’t hurt, right?

***

For Bobbie, the day seemed to be making her itch. She sat in class, just wishing more than anything to have her hands covered in flour and sugar. With Sense and Sensibility taking up the remainder of the class period.

I saw the movie, I should be fine.

The itch got worse and worse. Bobbie excused herself and went to the bathroom when…

SMACK!

Kim was standing there, staring in the mirror.

“What are you doing?”

“Trying to get these plugs in. Ears stretched fast, finally wanted them in. There. Check ‘em out.” Kim turned, there were two bright yellow acrylic rings lining the holes in her ears. “Up to quarter inch. Just gonna leave ‘em here. Cute, right?”

“Actually, yeah. Not for me, but…”

“Oh, come on. Tim loves that nose ring and you know it. It’s like part of your good bad girl thing.”

“Good…bad…?”

“The blue hair? The nose ring? The off the collar shirts?”

“That was Faye.”

“And you fucking ran with it, didn’t you?”

“Haha.”

Kim pulled out the lipstick and started to refresh her lips with a slender applicator. “Oh, hey. Do you think Nick can knock together one of those fake IDs Faye told me about? Can’t have that Mark be my only ink.” She capped the lipstick. Couple more tattoos couldn’t hurt.

“Yeah, I can ask Nick. Getting home late today anyhow.”

“Weren’t you leaving early today?”

“Yeah, after lunch. Tim’s coming.”

Kim turned and smiled, letting the light play on the latest coat.

“Think I didn’t know that? He’d ride off a cliff if he thought he had a hope of riding back with you on the back of that thing.”

“Who’s turn is it to get Faye today?” Bobbie asked.

Kim blanched. “Oh shit. I forgot.”

***

Rach was on the case. Her statue of Agee’s pudgy ass in hand as she got closer and closer. She had just run off without asking for permission. She felt like that girl in color when everyone else was black and white. She knew.

She didn’t even wait for everyone else to leave, just barged right in. Setting the statue on Faye’s desk, Rach loudly proclaimed. “We’re leaving. C’mon.”

“Miss Chadwick.” Mr. Agee Boomed, his shadowy darkness indicating his irritation. He was up and close to Faye’s desk. Rach grabbed up the statue as they already danced away, she casually flung it at his head.

James Agee extended an arm and jumped into a perfect catch, plucking the statue from the air. Still got it when it counts. His smile faded in surprise when it fell apart.

Rach stopped cold, holding Faye’s twisting wrist.

***

He saw Celeste. She was right, as she often was. It made him angry at her for it. Adventure, she had said. Now that he didn’t need to spend so much time keeping in shape for baseball.

That was the line that tore it. It was his dream…

But, adventure was her dream. She made time for it, and what did you do? Just say no and sulk.

And she had left, just gone. The anger and bitterness built with each passing year. Seeing the innocent young girls had reminded him of her and how when they had met they learned that they were immortal.

But, only for a limited time.

Taking that innocence from them seemed to put a damper on it.

Agee felt his stomach turn to liquid and the blood drop to his toes.

He had done those things. It was his fault.

What did you do to those girls? Long after they left Delacroix’s halls, who went on to become nothing, hollowed out by an experience she was afraid to tell anyone about?

Was there a Victims of Agee support group somewhere?

Did anyone die?

Oh, God.

***

Rach watched Mr. Agee’s darkness swarm like hives of hornets and wasps perpetually at war. He picked up the largest fragment of the head. It, too crumbled to dust. The shadows danced faster and faster.

Agee looked up, face blank. Full of fear. Eyes wide as saucers, stricken.

Rach smiled. Maybe I should be a cop.

Look on his face is totes worth it, she envisioned making criminals hold the statues. Better than therapy.

Cop?

Yeah, right.

“Serves you right.” Rach saw into Agee; more importantly she saw that he saw.

And it was sweeter than the fondant she’d been working with.

The last thing she saw before the door swung shut was that face, his jaw working wordlessly.

“C’mon, babe.” Rach walked away confidently.

“We’re done here.”

***

Bobbie and Kim were jogging up to Agee’s class. They were surprised to see Rach there with Faye, even more surprised to find her grinning ear to ear like an idiot poisoned by the Joker.

“He won’t be bothering anyone for a while. Gosh, I could use a soda right now.”

Bobbie lowered her jaw.

“Tell you later. I’m gonna hang with my girl. One of those good mood days. I’ll be by in a few hours.” She kissed Faye.

Kim laughed. “Get a room.”

“Kind of the plan.”

***

Beth just couldn’t be happier. Her dad had told her that Sylvia had asked them to move in.

It was another of those prayer things. Still coming true, and now there was money.

Her money. She had started a bank account, now she was going to have a real house with a sister and everything.

Should we get a dog? Ooh, ooh, or maybe a cat…

Riding to the bakery with Steve in his car, she envisioned what a night this would be. Seeing the first big project done. Like that movie with Han Solo when they built that barn, she tried to picture Steve with a beard…

“What?” He said, chuckling.

“Wondered what you’d look like with a beard.”

“It never works. Comes in all patchy. You excited?”

“Yeah. That obvious?”

“Beth, you’re bouncing in your seat.”

They found Bobbie and Tim already setting things out when they got to the bakery.

“Oh, wow. Already here?”

“Yeah. Lots to do.”

“Where’s Rach? She’s coming, right?” She had done just as much work as Beth had, it would be horrible to miss this.

“She’ll be here soon. Rach and Faye are…”

“Doing homework?” Tim said with sarcasm.

“Something like that. We can get the layers together and get the first couple of parts assembled.

Setting to work was like sinking into a comfortable blanket. The three layers of white sheet cake that comprised the main building were frosted, keeping the glue together between layers. The cream cheese frosting was carefully spread and scraped flat before pressing in the crushed macadamia nuts.

“Forgetting the windows?” Came a voice from the door.

Bobbie and Beth saw the blue hair and knew before the light caught her face.

“Rach!” Beth exclaimed. “You’re just in time.”

“Yeah.” Steve said, “She hasn’t shut up about you for hours.”

Rach grinned and headed for the sink to wash her hands. “I wouldn’t miss this for anything.”

***

The clear sugar windows were pressed into the sides of the building. That corner classroom there.

Robb had argued with Mr. Ferguson back in that first Freshman year. Bobbie still contended that Heinlein Juveniles were a better example of literature than the soulless ‘perfect’ novels of the fifties.

***

Beth saw the chocolate classrooms put together. The similar sameness of the prefabricated buildings had memories of the math class she had only occupied this last year. She looked at her best friend.

Bobbie, the girl that changed everyone around her, the girl that would be…

A sister…

They had been close, and all of the other people that came with her were like family. She looked hopefully at the building and thought about what other positive things that could happen now that the future was looking up.

***

Bobbie was putting the second layer of the lemon cake on top of the gym component, as the frosting went on. She remembered Robb being unable to climb the rope to the jeers of the others in his class.

***

Tim was spreading the plain buttercream on the four pasted together sheet cakes that comprised Slacker’s Cove. All the times he had gone out there to see who he’d be partying with that night; then later, just to disappear. Lost, in a sea of lime scented grass. He looked to the cake’s parts scattered around the bakery.

Huh, I guess it’s true. I am gonna miss this. He looked at his girlfriend, laughing with Rach as they started dusting the pistachios on the lemon cake that comprised the gym.

***

Rach was laying down the fondant tiles that made up the path that led to the main door of the school, she saw the exact spot where that old bike of hers crashed into the girl that changed her life in more ways than she cared to count.

And still changing. She thought as she moved some blue hair from her eyes.

***

Beth and Steve had put together the rest of the chocolate outbuildings.

“Hey, think I can get your help here?” Tim called.

After some thorough handwashing, The couple came over to Tim. He presented them with two sheet pans of candied zest.

“Start with the green; but put some yellow in patches, so it looks kind of dead.” Tim started spreading the zest carefully, trying not to disturb the frosting.

That field was so close in Tim’s memory, and farther away at the same time.

He shook his head.

Being grown up isn’t half as fun as growing up.

***

Bobbie looked at the buildings, they were all done now. The rest of the details would be done at the school in time for the unveiling. She smiled at what she and her friends had accomplished. Another day at Cheepskates.

“Who’s hungry?” Tim asked. Bobbie’s stomach growled.

“Yeah. We’ve been at this for… jeez.” Tim stared out past the window. The sun was gone.

“How long were we…?”

“Fifty seven years.”

“We make better cornbread than Weyland-Yutani.”

Rach looked in puzzlement. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Never mind.” Tim said, phone in hand. “Yeah. This is Tim at… yeah. I need a Chicago Godfather and a Barbecue chicken. Yeah, that’s right. Alright, great.”

“Pizza is coming.” They all looked at their work, resulted in the towering achievement that laid before them.

Rach had a camera out immediately. Pictures were taken from every angle. “Give me some extra light.” She called.

“What are you doing?” Tim said, flicking the light built into his phone on.

“Better lighting, better picture. Hang around Faye long enough and you pick up a few things.”

Pictures continued to be shot until the pizzas arrived. The deep dish Chicago Godfather delivering equal portions of cheese, sauce, and the accoutrements of a deep dish pizza. Wheeling the cakes into the walk in was a bit of a challenge, but a Tetris master like Steve had everything in place quickly, leaving all the room clear of obstruction.

“We should be getting out.” Steve said. “I’ve got class, and you guys have the unenviable task of detailing this bad boy.”

Tim shook Steve’s hand. “Good luck.”

“You guys, too. Can’t wait to see the pictures tomorrow.”

“C’mon, Beth.” Steve said, jingling his keys.

“See you all tomorrow.” Beth squeed. “This is gonna be so cool.”

“It sure is.” Bobbie watched as they left. Her expression changed after they left.

“What’s wrong?” Tim asked. Bobbie wondered if any of the special sight trick of Timmi had remained.

Bobbie thought of Delacroix, the Delacroix before. When school was a garden of pain with a full variety of all the myriad ways of hurt that coexisted with the things that she had experienced this go round.

“Nothing.” She said quietly. “Can’t believe it’s over. I mean, after Summer…”

“Then what?”

“Well.” Tim cocked his head. “I happen to know this bakery that needs a full time baker besides myself. Hell, I only know this stuff because of you. You’re the genius here.” He swept her up, lifting her from the floor.

“And you’re mine.” He kissed her. Bobbie’s negative memories were scattered and a giddiness swept in like high tide.

Rach shattered the silence. “I should be hitting the trail myself. How early you want me here?”

“Just before school, so eight?”

“Alright.”

***

Bobbie watched everyone file out, leaving them alone.

“How about you? Back to your old self?”

“Mostly.” Tim said, sipping a coke. “Sometimes I see an outfit on a girl and think ‘god, what was she thinking?’ not like I have a better answer, just an echo here and there.”

Bobbie leaned in and kissed his neck. “Glad you’re mostly back then.”

Tim smiled and kissed Bobbie.

“We don’t need to use that fondant station again, right?”

Bobbie smiled at what her boyfriend had just said.

“Looks like some of the bad girl remains.”

Tim straightened, mock offense playing on his face. He rolled his eyes and in a pitch perfect imitation of Faye… the old Faye…

“Shut up.”

***

Carla Castillo stood on the ramp. Someone had spray painted a large pink ‘Timmi’ on the floor of the ramp.

Why does she want to meet here? And why so late?

The silence was starting to get to her when she heard the door.

“Roxx?” she yelled.

“It’s me. Sorry about the place, wanted to be away from everyone.”

“So, got another job for me?” Carla’s nose whistled softly as she spoke.

“Of a sort. It’s more about what I can do for you this time.” Roxx said, lighting a cigarette. She jumped at the clink of the Zippo, Roxx hadn’t heard it in a while. No use spooking Carls.

“What?”

“Oh, I know that Bobbie did that to your nose. I can help.”

“Who’s that?” Carla asked, indicating the shadowy figure in the corner.

“That’s Nikki. He keeps me safe.” Roxx pulled out a joint and lit it, once it was burning on its own, she handed it to Carla.

She inhaled deeply. God, it’s been a while. Her mouth dried instantly and her head felt light.

Coughing, she tried to hand it back. “Good shit, damn.”

Roxx laughed. “Plenty more where that came from. Keep it, got a lot back at the club.”

Carla continued to hide the joint in her favorite way.

Once Roxx was convinced that she was stoned enough, she began her soothing sales pitch.

“Here to offer you a job, a real one. If you come work for me, you can have pretty much all you want. And you’ll be so popular. Everyone will just want to be around you. How does that sound?”

“That sounds rad.” Carla said, voice trailing off as she imagined what such a life could be like. It would be better than keeping that girl around.

“Just say ‘yes’ and take my hand.” Roxx outstretched a gloved hand.

“Yes.” Carla said without hesitation, giggling. She reached out her hand to allow Roxx to help her up.

Rising, Carla felt even higher than she was a moment ago. She felt funny in other ways, too.

Like why was her bra and shirt suddenly so tight? Why did her scalp itch? And…

“Ow.” Carla’s hands flew up to her nose. Small popping and cracking noises started, then stopped as suddenly as they began.

“What the…?” Carla noticed that her voice sounded different, like she picked up an accent.

“Oh, you’ll find there’s more surprises to come. Come to the club with me. Looks like we can find some new clothes that fit. You can meet the others.”

Carla thought that it sounded like the greatest idea in history.

“Si.” She said. Si? I don’t speak Spanish…

But Carla was so high, that she forgot before she left the ramp with Roxx and Nikki.

Chapter 93

The alarm rang, sending the sounds of the local country station zinging around the room. Bobbie bolted up for two reasons.

One: Today was the day. That cake was due for delivery, and that alone filled her with giddy excitement.

Two: Modern country music sucked.

The noises and smells downstairs confused her. When she went downstairs to find Sylvia cooking, just like the old days.

But, unlike the old days, she had help from Kim.

“Bobbie, you’re up.”

Sylvia stopped stirring long enough to hand Bobbie a mug. “Got that one yesterday. Figured you needed a cup in your color. Bobbie looked at the mug closely for the first time.

It was blue, the same blue that marked Rach’s statues.

Bobbie’s smile finally woke the rest of the way up as she went for the carafe of coffee.

“Biscuits and gravy today. Packaged. I can’t cook like you can. Today’s such a big day for you. Can’t let you do all the work.” Sylvia said, pouring eggs into the frying pan.

“Thanks, mom.” Bobbie said. “Today’s going to be hectic, no doubt there.”

“Hey.” Kim said. “I get nothing? Haven’t put my face on or anything yet. I got up at stupid o’clock too.”

Bobbie laughed, watching Kim pull a pan from the oven.

Breakfast was quiet that morning, everyone just happy to be where they were.

“So do you have everything ready?” Sylvia asked.

“Oh, yeah. Just need to finish putting it together today, all the finishing touches.”

“Well, I can’t wait to see it.”

“Don’t worry about that, Mom. I have a feeling that you won’t be able to avoid it.” Kim said, grabbing another biscuit. “They’ve been putting everything on that Facebook page of theirs.”

Sylvia furrowed her brow and turned towards Bobbie.

“Since the Grand Opening, it’s been a big help. We had to hire someone.” Bobbie laughed. “Never thought I’d be saying that.”

A knock came to the door, Bobbie jumped while Kim stayed calm. She opened the door to reveal Tim.

Helmet in hand, he shrugged.“They told me to come early. Can’t say no to breakfast that I didn’t have to make, right?”

Bobbie set down her cup and bolted for him. She craved his warmth more than the coffee, just standing there with him made her feel…

Like a part of this complete breakfast.

Bobbie had to admit how much she loved her life now; it wasn’t always blackness and depression like it used to be… before. She reflected on everything that had brought her here. Sitting with Tim and her family made her feel… whole.

Like she belonged somewhere. That was the feeling she had been having since she came back home. Having your place in life lock itself down around you was a great feeling, but was always followed by wondering when someone would pull the rug out from under her.

But the rug felt stable enough to dance on now.

Bobbie enjoyed her breakfast, and by the time she and Tim had left to get to the bakery.

There was no trepidation at all. Bobbie looked forward to the day that would be laid out by the track of the sun in the sky.

***

She was on the verge of screaming. Rach’s restless sleep had been spent dreaming in cake. Not enough cake. Sleep was in short supply that night as she cleaned the Faye out of the car. Dorito crumbs and what could have been a corn dog stick stuck to the inside of the back seat. It could have been a science experiment.

Did it wink at me? Rach was still tired and hoping that coffee would finish waking her up where the shower had not.

Building the cake had taken on an importance, she had put in some overtime on that one. The box of extras she had made at home were so simple. One thing about this new ability of hers, her sculptures always came out nicely, and some things like these just came together with a minimum of effort.

Rach grabbed the chopsticks that Faye got her at one of those stores that had all kinds of Asian things in it.

For your hair. She had said before muttering something about Metal Gear. Rach bound her hair simply, crossing the sticks in the back. Grabbing the Roxx statue, she headed downstairs.

Faye was going to be a part of her life, no matter what. Rachael Chadwick and Faye Valentine were going places. The SUV rumbled to life as Rach got ready for what promised to be an interesting day. She grabbed the Roxx statue and threw it under the driver’s seat.

***

Beth couldn’t help but get up early. Gulping a smoothie and availing herself of a bowl of oatmeal, she waited for Rach. She could see the finished cake so well in her head now, especially that she’d seen all the parts.

It had given her all kinds of ideas. Steve had started watching shows about cakes and looking up construction techniques. The cake he really wanted to make was from that movie with the big shark…

She could see it biting into the boat, the captain sliding downward to the gaping maw.

The headlights turning into the driveway broke Beth away from the visions of cakes to come.

“Sparkle, Shirley.”

***

Hudson and Hobson saw Tim, Bobbie, and a few other teenagers standing at the front of the bakery.

“Hi, officers.” A chubby girl was waving. There was a girl with blue hair next to her, crawling around in the back of a black SUV.

Hobson rolled down the window. “Hi. Everything okay?”

“Oh, hi.” Tim said, propping the door open. “Hey, Bobbie. Grab some banana bread. The police are here.”

“What’s going on?”

“Closed today, big delivery. This cake is massive…”

“Beep beep.” Bobbie said backing up, wheeling a large cart with a heavy cocoon of plastic wrap. Clearing the door, she moved backwards slowly. Rach climbed out of the back.

“Ready.”

Bobbie handed a wrapped loaf to the officers and gingerly helped get the first part moved all the way into the back.

“That is a big cake.” Hobson said, he handed a cup to Tim. “Didn’t realize there would have been more people here today.”

“No one did. Just a really big...”

“Beep beep.” Bobbie said, backing up again. This cocoon was lower and more squat.

“Another one?” Hobson asked. “Anyone else back there? There’s a couple of runaways out there…”

Bobbie shot him a glance.

Hudson smacked Hobson on the shoulder. “Not cool.”

“Sorry.” Hobson looked down. “See a lot of things on the job.”

Tim broke the awkward silence. “There’s a couple more in there too. Need to get them to the school today.”

Hudson smiled and looked appreciatively at the loaf. “Want an escort?”

***

Robb had the flowers out in front of him. “Happy semi-Anniversary.” He said.

Melanie was taken aback. She didn’t know whether or not to cry or to suction cup herself to him.

She decided that crushing the flowers would be a bad idea. The chin started to quiver and the eyes started to get wet. Mel was glad that she wasn’t wearing any makeup, lest her tears ruin it.

“Oh… now you’ve gone and done it. Made a mess.”

“You could never be a mess.” Robb said. Now the crying started in earnest.

“What’s wrong?” Robb set the flowers down and went to his girl’s side.

“No one ever remembers stuff like that. You….. “

“You’re sweeter than I deserve.”

“Bullshit.” Robb grabbed the bong and inhaled so hard his chest nearly caved in.

“I…I’m serious. You went and got a job, just so we can be together.”

“Just my family. Fuck ‘em.” Robb exhaled. He handed Melanie the bong and got under the blanket with her.

“You’re more important to me.”

“Awww.” Melanie set the large glass cylinder down.

“I love you.” Robb said into a green frizzlock.

She knew he did. Melanie loved him too, no one had ever been this nice to her without wanting something. Either drugs or sex.

He was such an anomaly to her. When guys got high with her all they wanted was to get into her panties.

Not Robb. He talked about some silly movie or TV show. He even showed her how to play Dead Space. She’d had no taste for it, but he was like a kid. The way he bit his bottom lip when particularly engaged.

It was cute, in the strangest, most endearing way possible.

Robb grabbed the remote and turned the television on. The picture was staticy, an Asian woman on the screen yelling at someone behind the camera…

Then the television exploded.

Roxx woke with a start, sitting upright. The buzzing in her head made her move restlessly, disturbing Rubi and…

Carla? Maybe I can do something better.

She concentrated and focused.

“R-R-Rosa.” Roxx rolled her tongue for maximum effect.

The girls’ eyes fluttered open and they woke.

***

Rosa couldn’t remember much. She was so content with the now that nothing really mattered.

The tingling was so … there wasn’t a word for it, like her soul had been carbonated.

She looked to the strawberry blonde across from her. Rubi was so cute.

But the Redhead? Roxx?

Madre de dios.

Not only was she devastatingly beautiful, but she took care of both herself and Rubi.

Verdad?

Roxx would figure it out…

She always did.

***

“Hey there, Peggy Sue.” Heather said from the car window.

“Morning.” Kim was already jacked on caffeine and bacon, ready for the day. She opened the door and went to sit…

“My notebook! Where in the hell did you find that?”

“In the garage.” She shook her head. “It looks like you left it there last summer. Before you brought Bobbie by. Must have been from when I gave her that dress. It was in there.”

Kim started flipping through the pages. Fragments of song lyrics and little funny pictures.

God, that was last year? I’m far too young for that stupidity of youth thing.

“Those are really good. Is there a reason you didn’t want us to do them?”

“I…” Kim looked closely. She’s not kidding, she liked those?

These?

“I thought they were a bit dark. We got pretty far with covers, didn’t want us to be that freaky chick band.” Kim shrugged.

“Well, once Bella’s gone. We’re gonna sound different anyway. I say we do ‘em.”

“No.” Kim said. Tying a headscarf on with a semi complex knot. Heather looked back, the blue of her ribbons denoted hurt.

“Let me work on those a bit. We have time. Besides. I have an idea I wanna pitch to Viggo.”

“The Carpathian?” The blue subsided, giving way to gold and green.

“No, that’s Plugman. He’s an AV guy, I think we can jam. Just us having some fun playing shit we know. Unless you wanna do some of the newer ones”

“Y’know.” Heather laughed. “I was working on our outfits for that. If we’re going out, let’s go out like the Army. I was thinking about it after the Grand Opening. I guess we have a few more gigs left. Since you seem to like the pencil skirts, I have something super dope in mind. I’m goin’ tactical…”

“Oh, shit.”

“That’s right, girlfriend. This one’s gonna go down in history.”

The car slid out of the driveway and headed to school…

Again.

***

Rach and Beth had both eschewed class that morning with the blessings of their respective teachers. The home ec kitchen was emptied out for them.

Ms. Swenson always was impressed by Bobbie.

The long wheeled table soon had the components slid into their respective places.

An edible zombie apocalypse had left the building desolate and silent.

It needs its people. Beth thought, and started unpacking the boxes of figures.

Rach, too had a box.

“What’s that.”

“Just some extras.” Rach smiled.

***

Tim felt strange walking along the corridors that morning. The school seemed odd and long ago, like grainy footage on a black and white film. Bobbie with him, he felt beyond it. Even the memories of Timmi made it a different place in a different way.

Here he was, in the school that he just dropped out of a couple of months ago. He opened a bakery, managed to make sure that he would graduate from the same school. His mom snapped out of her funk and…

Bobbie. She turned as if answering his thought.

When his dad and sister died; it felt like it was the end of the world, and for him it was.

And then the universe gave him Bobbie. He couldn’t wonder what would have happened if he hadn’t met her.

“When’s the last time I said I love you?” Tim asked.

“This morning, I think.”

“Too long.” He stopped and turned and kissed her right there in the middle of the silent passageway.

“I love you, Bobbie.”

“I love you, too. Now can we get back to the cake?” Bobbie smiled.

“Yeah. Hey.” Tim smiled and refused to let go for a second. “What are you doing tonight?”

“Not sure. After the bakery, not much I guess.”

“Kim managed to get me a good bootleg of Drop Bears 2. Maybe some of that Chicken Tikka Masala you’ve wanted to try.”

Bobbie smiled broadly. “Get the Raspberry Ginger Beer and you are on.”

Tim’s face softened. “That’s all?” He shook his head. “I swear…”

“I have the best girlfriend in the world.”

***

It was fucking amazing. Rach was just staggered by finally seeing all the pieces assembled.

The school is the cake. The cake is the school.

It’s not a lie.

Beth had some of the figures out and placing them in various spots.

Rach pulled out the small box that had a few extras in it. Some trees and benches, a few rocks…

…and a bicycle.

“Oh, wow.” Beth exclaimed, looking up. “Trees and stuff. I got so involved…” She ran over and hugged Rach.

“You’re smart like Bobbie.”

“Don’t knock yourself. These figures all look different, which is kind of amazing.” Rach studied them. They were all blue, but Beth had painted some color on each of them. They were all unique.

“Which one’s Faye, and which one’s me?”

Beth looked around some and settled on one, then scanned for the other. Rach grabbed the tiny bicycle and laid it on its side in the middle of the path in front of the main door.

“Think we should put these here.” Rach loving placed the figures, recreating the scene from memory.

“Ooh, that’s a cool idea.” Beth grabbed a table and set it in the dining area. The tiny, edible people sat at them with a minimum of coaxing.

***

Bobbie and Tim finally came into the kitchen and…

“Holy shit.” Bobbie exclaimed.

The transformation wasn’t total, but the difference was huge. There were students at lunch, kids hanging out Slacker’s Cove.

It would have been a regular day, until Godzilla showed up to devour them en masse.

“Damn,” Tim said slowly. “This is coming out better than I thought.”

Bobbie nodded. “Yeah. This is going to be…”

“Epic?” Rach asked.

Bobbie laughed. “What’s left? Let’s finish this.” She wondered what was left to do.

The realization that school was almost over and she could get on with her life. Seeing it laid out before her in glorious pastry made it…

Not plain, but frosted.

Principal Michaelson came in and Bobbie wished that someone had a camera out.

“Oh, wow.”

“Tim.” Mr. Michaelson came up to him and extended his hand. “When you came to me and said that you were dropping out… I honestly thought ‘there goes another one’, but you have done really well.”

Tim shook his hand. “And I’m still graduating.”

“Just wanted to come by and say thanks. This is a really good looking cake.” He laughed and pulled out his phone. “My wife watches those cooking shows, never thought I’d see something like this.

Pictures started to fill his SD card. Rach followed suit, as did Beth.

The deluge of images to the internet had begun.

The Cheepskates crew didn’t see what was happening in the digital world, but Tim’s revelation of being self sustaining by next year was a conservative estimate.

A highly conservative one.

***

Kim and Heather were first in line for their yearbooks. The hardbound shiny cover stood out in blue and white, the familiar school mascot had a pitchfork and was pushing the letters for BLUE DEVILS towards the spine of the book.

Once they got theirs, they left the line and furiously flipped to find themselves. Kim looked at the old picture. No makeup, a labret and a faux hawk. Absolutely nothing like what she was like now.

Heather, similarly flipped to see herself sitting in the red dress. Victory rolls tight, and makeup just so. They looked at each other’s pictures and laughed.

The smell of the hamburgers coming from the grill soon permeated the entire lunch area.

Once the music started and the food flowed, there were smiles.

The student body collectively wandered around and signed each other’s yearbooks.

“Heather.”

She turned to see Tim and Bobbie approaching.

“Hey.” Heather said through a mouthful of burger. “What’s up with the cake?”

“We’re unveiling it soon. You guys up to take some pictures?”

***

Rach found Faye giggling at some baseball players. She sauntered right in and kissed Faye.

Glad that kiss won’t work on me anymore.

“Beat it, breeders. She’s mine.” Rach turned and nearly touched noses.

“She’s way too much for you.”

“How’s the burger? I haven’t gotten one yet.” Faye said, looking over to the line.

“Me neither, been busy finishing the cake. C’mon, let’s get one. Besides. I wanna take pics of the cake when they unveil it.”

“Ugh! You too? Does Bobbie make everyone obsessed with cake?” Faye fluffed out her hair as she looked into her mirror.

“It’s just this one. I wanted the practice. Besides, I think you’ll like it.”

“Duh! I came up with it. I just hope it’s cute like how I thought of it.”

***

A bland, popular song was playing when Principal Michaelson grabbed the microphone.

“Welcome to the Year End picnic. This year, we have a special treat for you. This cake comes from Cheepskates…” A loud cheer interrupted the speech.

Bobbie, Tim, Beth, and Rach wheeled out their monstrosity. It had a large cloth over it, one of the old Blue Devils flags they used to carry out on the field, back when they had a drum and bugle corps. Budget cuts had forced that to close down. Football and Cheerleaders just having to be enough to sate the small town’s lust to have parents living vicariously through their children.

Each of them grabbing a corner, they lifted off the cover and grabbed the post from the corner of the table. There were gasps and shouts, fading into applause and the thunderous clicks of phones and cameras. A few ‘Fuck yeahs’ and a few ‘Holy shits’

It was Delacroix High, perfectly frozen in time. Sculpted in pastry, sugar, and purpose. The level of detail was stunning. As the line started to form, student could be overheard talking about what part of the school they wanted to try, or which figure was who.

Faye looked at the cake as she passed by for her piece. Chocolate with chocolate was the order of the day. Bobbie scooped the piece onto one of the small plates. Rach grabbed a piece of the white cake with macadamia nuts, and the figures of the two of them and that bicycle.

The Faye figure was of an earlier era. She recognized it immediately. “Oh, that’s cute. Best you guys could have done with a bunch of boring buildings. Little figures are super cute though.”

***

Bobbie watched the school deconstruct the cake. The flavors distributed among the students even as the darknesses dissipated over the crowd. Everyone was smiling, having a good time.

“Looks like we’re a hit.” Tim said.

The cake disappeared with each student getting a piece, and a figure. The long ago bake sale was merely a shadow.

While this was the sun.

***

Mark Price felt better as his sinuses opened up and his fever dropped. The strep throat had finally cleared up enough to allow him back to school, but the pain started to disappear when the little figure dissolved in his mouth.

***

When Sperry Kensington ate her figure, she just didn’t think about what she saw in the mirror. Thoughts of vomiting up the last of the figure along with the cake disappeared as Sperry realized she could just be.

***

Kurt and Amber sat away from everyone, just alone and enjoying the warm day and the lack of further classes.

There was something special about that day. They didn’t know if it was the looming end of the year, or the promise of what lay ahead.

Or was it just having someone to be close to?

Or was it something more?

Kurt had a piece of lemon zest stuck to the corner of his mouth, Amber laughed with pistachio crumbs on her lips. When they kissed it tasted exotic, the lemon and pistachio combining. They held hands and sat with the most important person in their world at the moment.

***

Bella felt a strange pulling in her wrists. It felt good, just weird, like those twinges she felt when she practiced for too long. Or played an extended solo.

“What the fuck?” Bella started rubbing at the muscle inside her forearm. The feeling went away as quickly as it started.

***

Heather’s figure was gone before she started the cake.

“You okay, babe?”

Heather nodded, almost squinting. “Yeah, totally tubular.”

Kim laughed. “You look so baked.”

“You would know.” Heather snickered. “No, just high on life.”

“How in the hell do you get that cereal to burn? I never could. Usually gave up and smoked a bong full of Froot Loops.”

Heather laughed, long and hard. Doubling over and wiping at her eyes.

“Gonna be a busy summer. For all of us. To moving on.” Heather held her Diet Coke aloft.

“To moving on.”

“And, since you’re one of my models now…” Heather sipped.

“Once your mom heads back to Auckland. You’re probably never getting rid of me.”

“Someone’s reading my mind.” Heather moved closer, Kim could see utter contentment. A real happiness that appeared to her Thrall enhanced eyes to have spilled across the student body. There was a calm, a joy.

A oneness.

***

Laughing and chatting. Hugging and shaking hands. The student body of Delacroix swirled around Beth as she walked among the people she had been cut off from all this time. They knew her association of the bakery.

Finding out that she had worked on the cake that everyone was enjoying, Beth was suddenly very popular.

“How did you build that?”

“I bet that took forever to make all those tiny people.”

“That is seriously the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.” One of the cheerleaders said. “Nice work….Um…?”

“Beth.” She said, and it became an afternoon that she would remember. Finally part of the world she saw and loved from her bedroom window.

And Beth; the girl that had begun the year separated from it, finally accepted that she wasn’t just a part of Cheepskates.

Nor was she just Bobbie’s friend. She was truly a part of Delacroix.

It was a feeling that she knew that she could never let go.

***

Tim had everyone meet at the bakery that evening. They were still talking about the picnic and showing the inscriptions left by their fellow students.

“Have a great Summer.”

“Good luck at Brown…”

Then Faye’s repeated “Tits or GTFO,” unnerving Rach to no end.

“They’re so funny.” Faye said, laughing. “Boys.”

Bobbie and Tim had everyone just hanging out at the bakery for a while.

“I just wanted to say thanks.” Tim said, opening a bottle of Coke.

“If you hadn’t brought the rest of the band, Bobbie. I…”

“Fuck.” Bella said.

“Yeah.” Kim echoed. “We fucking know already. Just bake us a fucking cake and we’ll call it even.”

Everyone laughed.

Heather gathered up the rest of the girls and headed out. Beth and Bobbie looked at the order sheet and started planning.

It would be a good night, and a quiet one.

The Hobarts were running at about half capacity that night, and the orders were finished without incident.

Tim looked at the bakery with Bobbie once Beth had left.

“You know we have a shit ton more orders coming in. That cake grabbed a lot of attention.”

“You can thank Faye for that.”

“You do it.” Tim said with a nervous laugh. “Not too comfortable with the way she shows appreciation these days.”

Bobbie gave no expression.

“It was better when she just told me to fuck off or to shut up.”

“Well, I’ll just have to thank you for her.”

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XXXII

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Language

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Other Keywords:

Cooking

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 95

Finals week: The culmination of the last eight months of study and boredom, dissections and derivations.

For the seniors, it was the last week of an entire lifetime. Eveything they had ever known would be finished. Some would go to college, some would get a job, but all of them would live on.

Bobbie sat in the first of her final exams. Questions about the two party system and the Constitution led to an essay question on the legality of campaign reform laws. She wanted to laugh out loud as she finished her eighth paragraph and handed in her test.

The afternoon was long and glorious. The band practiced Soldier On while Heather loaded new samples into the keytar.

“This is gonna be so sick.” Kim twisted a tuning peg, bringing the bass to a pleasant hum.

“I saw the song list,” Bobbie said. “What are you going to do?”

“We’re gonna jam with a DJ. We know what songs he’s going to use, and he has a list of our whole catalogue. It’ll be fun, Army’s last mission and all.”

“Oh. Hang on.” Heather got up and ran to the wardrobe. When she returned, she had a hanger with…

“What the?” Kim asked.

“This is yours for the party.” Heather said. A pink camoflauge pencil skirt hung low with a half sleeve jacket inspired by World War II uniforms in pink with white trim, and a small enlisted cap.

“Grrl Army. Hold on, I’ll get mine.” Heather was gone again.

“She is something else.” Bobbie said. “She better find an apprentice soon.”

When she returned, she laid out the outfit on the folding table. She set the high black strappy boots on the ground, chrome buckles glistening in the light. Tall stockings with clips went under a short black skirt held up by a belt that resembled machine gun ammunition. A tight top with quarter sleeves, a sash, and a snug fitting painter’s cap with short bill.

“See? All tactical.”

“Nice, what about Amber and Bella?”

“Still working on Bella’s flight suit and Amber’s sailor outfit, almost done though. Looks like this the last project I’ll be doing for fun. Orders need to be filled, I guess.”

“Now, that I understand.” Bobbie said, taking the last few moments of relaxation before diving into the controlled chaos of the bakery.

***

Roxx rubbed at the watch that Nikolai made her wear. Looked like a normal stylish ladies’ watch. Jewel encrusted with tiny emeralds at the ends of the face’s hands

This watch hid a panic button, a direct line to Nikolai’s phone.

There’s an app for everything.

Roxx’s attacker may have gotten her wrath. But Nikolai was determined to not have a repeat of that incident.

Insurance. He had said.

The tablet had been dinging more often, and Roxx had figured out enough to keep herself comfortable. The club; it seemed, had become imbued with her essence. It was a part of her, she was a part of it. Robb would have said that she grokked the club.

Just like Bobbie and that bakery.

And the girls? They were just as much a part of her as the club was. She made it a point to rotate a few of them home, leaving the rest to the neverending party in the ‘exclusive’ VIP room.

Their presence was what was interfering with Lust. Having leverage on an immortal being was a nice card to keep up a sleeve.

Even in a sleeveless gown.

“Colors look good, Mel.” Said Roxx.

“Thanks, I wasn’t too sure about the yellow, but it sets off the red and the green really nicely.” Mel pulled at the tacky, sprayed hair.

Looks like I have a nice little empire starting here. If this is supposed to be a consolation prize, winning may just have been too much.

***

Bobbie’s biology final consisted of what seemed like an endless onslaught of multiple choice answers.

True or False? Charles Darwin invented Evolution?

The day blurred by, even though school was still in session, the day was over by lunch. Bobbie and the gang made it a point to meet there before heading out for the afternoon.

“Gonna miss this bench.” Amber said.

“It’ll still be here.” Beth said.

“Yeah, but it won’t be the same. Some other totally awesome freshmen are gonna sit there at some point.”

Kim dug into her purse and looked around. A small silver bar came out and.

Flickflickflick…

A blade appeared from nowhere and Kim was scrawling a line in the concrete.

“KIM!” Beth cried.

“Keep it down, will ya?” Kim hushed. It took longer than she wanted it to, but there was soon a guitar and a cupcake crudely drawn into the table.

“I marked it.” Kim looked at Bobbie. “Now it’s mine.”

The laugh started and continued long after they walked away into the afternoon sun.

***

“You have got to be kidding.” Bobbie said, looking at the order sheet. “We have to stop taking orders. Start a waiting list or something, five thousand beavers jacked up on meth and coffee couldn’t keep up with this. Standing orders, sell through. Holy shit.”

“Toldja, we’re a hit.”

“Fruit pies?” Bobbie was on the fourth page of orders, “Looks like we’re gonna have to put in a little overtime on this one…”

“Yeah. Got some growers that want to sell them along with the fruit at some of those stands they have on the highway. From what I hear, there’s no way they’ll lose money on it.”

“Two hundred and fifty Baklava?” Bobbie checked the client’s contact information.

“Yeah.” Tim continued. “You had some out at the Grand Opening? Well, the right people got ‘em. Here’s what’s funny…”

“Kratos Athenos?” Bobbie asked. “The Greek spot?”

Tim nodded. “Just like Yaya.” He shrugged. “You just make everything perfectly. Oh,” Tim said, snapping his fingers. “Almost forgot. I was watching this thing the other day. Did you know that they sell frozen Key Lime Pie on a stick, dipped in chocolate? We are so doing that.” Tim’s glee in figuring out a new menu item showed a tiny spark of Timmi behind his eyes.

“We call Steve, have him grab you two from school. We should be able to get the bulk of it finished. Thursday through Sunday we’re closed.”

Bobbie looked around. “Next week we’re going through all of this stuff and reorganizing everything. This is going to be more work than I’ve ever done.”

“You nervous?”

“A little overwhelmed. We can only bake so many things at once.” She took a deep breath. “I must not fear.” She whispered.

“It is the mindkiller.” Tim smiled.

“The little death that brings total obliteration.” Bobbie continued.

They walked towards each other, wanting to this span of time. The litany against fear taking on true meaning.

For both of them.

“I will face my fear.” They touched. “I will permit it to pass over me and through me.” They embraced. “And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.” They kissed

“Only I will remain.”

Their eyes smiled into each other.

Fzzt!

***

He inhaled hard on the joint, coughing. The other guys were already laughing at the jokes in the issue of Playboy he had stolen.

He drank that horrible tasting beer.

It was just something to do, everything was so boring. How many times could you play with your little sister before tea parties sounded like a great Friday night?

His dad up and decided to move to a small town to open a bakery. After a couple of years, it was almost ready to go.

Then Tim Flaherty made a phone call. It was such a small and simple thing, sure the party was far too wild…

But it was just a phone call.

Just one fucking phone call…

Then they were gone… Just gone. How could he go on with the knowledge of that one call?

That one gorram phone call.

Everything dropped away, no feeling… NO.

Can’t feel anymore… just can’t. A little bit of the beer and weed worked…

Want more…

JUST DON’T WANNA FEEL!

***

“Bobbie, you okay? You’re..” Tim’s words cut through everything.

Bobbie almost broke his ribs. “I’m so sorry.”

“About what?”

“Your dad,” Sob. “Your sister.”

“Hey, it’s over now.” He smoothed her hair. “What brought that on?”

She looked back and blinked the tears away.

“I… I see you.” All of the sadness of a year, squeezed to an infinitely tiny point.

“Bobbie? Avatar, now? And not even in the Na’vi?”

“No, I see you. Like inside… It’s never done that before…”

“What? I don’t…”

“I saw everything. You lived in Chicago?”

“After all this time you finally ask?”

***

English, the last final Bobbie would ever take.

It was odd. The windows were open, birds chirping outside. The smells of Summer were already in the air.

“Now, I know,” Ms. Boucher began. “That some of you are going to use the movie version for this…”

Bobbi felt the blush start to rise.

“But, this is more about how well you write, anyway. I’ll be reading all of these today, so if you want a good grade.”

“Stand out.”

She turned to the board and wrote. The last time I’ll hear that. It was a strange thing, noticing how different the scritch of the chalk sounded from the squeaky glide of a dry erase board.

Which character do you most identify with: Elinor, John, Mariane, or Edward?

Why?

Bobbie nearly laughed. There was a little bit of each of them in her. Reserved Elinor, Romantic Marianne, Dashing John…

Secretive Edward.

It started with a sentence, which grew to a paragraph. Before Bobbie knew it, she had an epic couple of pages.

Pages that told the tale of secrets kept, and romance felt. The whole essay seemed to be how she identified with all of them in their own way. Her experiences during this last year in school showing her everything on a level she could have never have comprehended prior to this.

Male and female…

Advocate and Thrall…

Justice and Lust…

Melanie and Robb…

Roxx and I…

She had felt and given love, been both paragon and pariah.

…see what you’re fighting against…

Bobbie finished her paper and waited to hand it in. It was a short wait, The papers were placed on Ms. Boucher’s desk as the students left the class for the last time.

“Have a good Summer, and good luck out there.” She smiled.

Bobbie was in a daze as she walked to her locker. The old paint still standing out in its dull glory, disguising the neon within. Even the memories of the Spring Musical only made her thought of Tim putting his jacket around her.

There were broken pencils and a couple of forgotten pens. Scraps of paper from notes and various places over the year. It looked so different now that the books had been emptied out, now there was only the hollow space. She shut the door with a satisfying click and put the lock in her purse.

***

Bobbie noticed the flyer in the front of the window.

Have you seen me?

The picture under it was too familiar. Mary.

“Tim? What’s with the Missing flyer?”

“This.” Tim put the paper down on the counter.

4 FOUND DEAD IN DRUG HOUSE

“I don’t…”

“Read.”

The article went on to explain how the bodies found were extremely dehydrated and in a state the coroner had jokingly referred to as mummification. The amount of high grade crystal meth found at the scene seemed to answer the question, but word would have to come back from the lab.

“Weird shit? Drugs? Missing people? If that’s not Roxx…”

Tim watched as Bobbie’s jaw clenched.

“Look.” Tim started. “I’ve been around the block a couple of times with this shit. I love you, and I’m in this with you for the long haul. But, I don’t wanna look over my shoulder wondering what else she’s gonna do. Timmi shouldn’t have to happen to anyone. Anything we can do to help. Not sure you can do anything about her directly. But, I guess fighting to win isn’t the idea here, is it?”

Bobbie cocked her head.

“Fight to tie. She’ll have to screw up sometime, and when she does…”

Bobbie quirked an eyebrow, exasperated. “How am I supposed to…?”

“How are you not?” Tim looked at her evenly. “You weren’t sure about anything, but you were always right. And now that school’s over?”

Bobbie looked back at the newspaper. “It would help if I knew exactly what she was up to.”

“I know.” Tim said. “But she can’t hide forever.”

***

Roxx was reading the same headline. It seemed to her that the experiment was a success, Mel was here.

Shame about the others, though. I could have used them.

Lust had allowed her to see behind the curtain just enough to figure some small things out, those small things led to bigger things. Now? Simply knowing how the power worked gave Roxx just the edge she needed to keep the club running and keeping her at the top of the food chain. There were a few more girls that she’d need, but that would be simple. Roxx was nothing if not very persuasive.

Rumors of a party being held out at the graveyard had begun circulating. Parties meant ‘party favors’, and that meant Roxx had a presence at nearly every party in Delacroix.

Definitely should check out the new talent.

Roxx hadn’t been to a party in a while. Maybe a break is just what the doctor ordered.

…or a working vacation.

All the students would be there. Maybe the club could just be the beginning. All of Delacroix hooked on Roxx?

Maybe…hmmm… Thoughts of carving out Delacroix as her own just seemed so perfect.

It was a good day to be a bad girl.

But then, wasn’t everyday?

***

“Cereal?” Kim asked. “No Eggs Florentine or overstuffed breakfast burritos?”

Bobbie swirled her spoon in the air. “Not today. We’ve got a lot of stuff to get done tonight; all the orders have to go out. We’re not open again after today until Saturday.”

“Are you excited?” Kim asked, pouring coffee into a mug proclaiming ‘Where is my FUCKING coffee?’

“Maybe. I just don’t know?”

“Oh, come on. Graduation?” Kim said, savoring that first sip. “You didn’t do it last time, now you get to. You should be losing your fucking mind.”

“Already lost it once.” Crunch. “Just glad I finally found it.”

Kim looked puzzled. “Do you really wanna forget Robb?”

Bobbie sighed as she set down her spoon. “Yeah. What did he do? He made you cry, screwed mom up more… Justice did more for me than I think even she knows. Not forget I guess, but Bobbie’s here now. I like it this way. What did I have before? Robberies with Mel? Overdose one day?” Bobbie shook her head as she lifted the bowl

“It seems like it was kind of messed up. That whole life. Once I woke up as Bobbie, I felt different. After I let her talk me into making that damn video.”

“Yeah?” Kim leaned forward. “But if it wasn’t for that , where would be? Where would have you gone if you didn’t come here? Face it, you can try to forget…”

“But you can’t. So you fucked up, who is gonna notice. Or hell, even believe it?”

“Obviously it’s all still here.” She pointed at her head. “But that’s all?”

“Ask me a movie question.”

Kim snapped her fingers. “How many stuntmen in Die Hard?” She didn’t know, and c.ouldn’t verify it.

“34.” Bobbie said from the kitchen, refilling her mug. “He didn’t graduate. I will.” Bobbie stirred the half and half in. “What’s not better about this? You guys all like Tim, Mom is cool with me. Gonna be weird sharing a room with you again.

“That just sounds like some Adult Swim shit.”

“Morning.” Sylvia ran her hand over a shoulder. “No breakfast today?”

Kim raised the box and offered it to Sylvia.

“No milk either, making do with coffee” Bobbie said. “Not like I’m doing a lot today. Just a lot of standing in line. It’s going to be hectic, but today is the last day.

“You gonna miss Delacroix?” Kim asked.

“Who ever said I was leaving? You should see the order sheets. Jesus, there’s so much coming out right now, we may need to hire a third person. It’s getting a little nuts already.”

“I’m just glad that it’s taking off. We’re supposed to go van shopping this weekend. Now we wait for the day Cupcake Wars comes back. After school today I need to run back to the bakery, we need to get started. One of the restaurants wanted some Challah bread. Said we didn’t have any today but we will in the morning.

“Looks like I’m kind of set with the world as my oyster.” Bobbie smiled confidently.

“Ooh, mom… I was wondering if you still had those clippers…”

“Nooo, Kim. I like your hair.” Sylvia stopped blowing on the mug.

“No, not for me. For Heather. She wants to do some kind of spiderweb thing of the side of her head.” Kim set down her mug. “The Mad Men style is here for a while.”

Sylvia laughed.

“So you haven’t really told me…”

“What.” Bobbie asked.

“How was Prom?”

***

“You’d think that there would be an easier way to do this. Can’t there just be an app for that?” Bella and Heather walked off to the first table that had the History Department.

“Miss Sharpe. Have to tell you, it was a pleasure having you. Not many know about the Mormon War of 1857, or that Samuel Hutchinson was the First President.”

Bobbie smiled and accepted her A. “Don’t ever play Trivial Pursuit with me.”

Ms. Wohlmuth laughed. “I bet, see you at the bakery.”

Heather got her B and followed Bobbie to the Math table. There was an empty seat, Mr. Agee hadn’t been seen if a few days. If it wasn’t for the test questions he left in the drawer an entire class wouldn’t have been able to move into the next class. But it looked like Mr. Barnard, the department head was taking care of it, being his usual jovial self.

Zoe caught up with them at the English table. Ms. Boucher sat there and pulled paperwork and filled out the report cards as the students came by one at a time.

“Hey, Bobbie.” Zoe said, smiling a little more than usual. “How you doing?”

“Couple of As couple of Bs Kind of all depends on English.”

“Can’t fail English. I mean, we speak it, right?” Nervous laughter rebounded around them.

“Bobbie.” Ms Boucher said as she approached the table. “ I liked your essay a lot. Everyone just picked a character and explained how they do similar things. But yours? Yours was just brilliant. Showing how everyone has a little bit of everything inside them.” Good study on the dual nature of man.”

“You could be a great writer.” Ms. Boucher shook her head. “I’ve had those goodies of yours, though. Just keep the writing in mind if the world stops eating.”

Bobbie smiled warmly at this, the last teacher. In an afternoon of lines for this grade or that one; turning in books. For the whole of her life, she always associated the return of books with the last day. But now, it seems like the teachers collected them early.

Some things always change.

“Some always stay the same.” Bobbie whispered. She walked around with her report card in her hand, dazed. The mountain had been crashed into, the explosion had happened, firefighters finally away after clearing out. The serene quiet inside her head made the world a complete place, even more complete than…

Wish Tim was here. She felt the phantom warmth in her hand.

“Hey!” Bobbie heard a yell, breaking her from Fantasyland. She turned to see Kim, Heather and Zoe standing there. “Where are you going?”

“Home, I guess. I mean, it’s all over. Yeah there’s the walk and everything, but…”

Heather hugged Bobbie. “I know. After all this time it’s just…”

Bobbie looked deep into Heather’s eyes. A buzzing began.

Fzzt!

***

She looked at her Facebook screen and saw this cute brown haired girl… Kim Pointe. She was a bass player looking to join a band.

The friend button was clicked immediately. There was something about her. She was cute; but her style was all wrong. Like someone tried to hide the obvious anger bubbling below the surface.

That girl Bella in my English class, she’s a drummer… she seems jake.

Well, a band does sound fun.

Oh, shut up you know that this is just an excuse to…

This is just too confusing, I swear. I mean I just wanna like boys like everyone else…

Why can’t I?

***

“Bobbie?” Heather asked. “Are you okay?”

“Fine.” She said, blinking. “Just still a little blown away.”

“Well, come on. Sounds like there’s some caffeine in your future.”

“Ooh, Daily Grind? Hell yeah.” Zoe said. “That Borgia is just… mmmm. Such a time saver too, OJ and coffee in one cup?”

“I know, right?” Kim burst out.

What is that? That’s the second time that’s happened.

Bobbie followed the trio to the parking lot, too many things happening inside her head.

“I’ll see you guys there.” Zoe said, climbing into her SUV. The engine roared to life and rolled backwards,

Bobbie got into the back of Heather’s car and swiped a familiar pattern.

Tim, meet me at Daily Grind?

She stared at the phone for most of the ride, ignoring Kim and Heather’s conversation.

***

Tim put the kickstand down and reassured himself that Bobbie’s helmet was locked to the back. He liked these minimum days. Removing his helmet and securing it, he entered through the heavy glass door.

“Tim.” Gilda said. “Good to see you again.”

“Good to be here.” Tim said, smiling. “Lemme get two dirty blondies.”

“You got it. Where’s Bobbie?”

“Oh, she’s on her way. She got her report card today.”

“That’s right.” Gilda exploded. “Graduation’s tomorrow. Shame you had to drop out.”

Tim shook his head. “Still walking. Finished all the work in time.”

Gilda’s mouth hung open. “Nice.”

“I made it, thanks to Bobbie.”

“She is special.” Gilda said, ringing up his purchases.

Tim took a seat at one of the round tables that dotted the serving area.

Bobbie and the gang came in shortly after Tim sat with the two cups of hot stimulation.

When she walked in, Tim could see nothing else.

There she is. He smiled. “Bobbie.” Tim shot his hand up and wagged it to and fro. She turned to him and broadcast a smile that was sure to be too intense for mere satellite signals.

He rose as she came to the table. “Hey there, graduate.” His hands went to her waist.

“Hey there yourself.” Bobbie moved forward and completed the hug.

When they broke, their hands stayed connected.

“So is this the table? Or are you two just gonna be a roadblock?” Kim asked, grinning.

Bobbie turned around and saw that the others already had their orders made and delivered.

How long have we been standing there? Tim thought.

Everyone sat. cups lining the table.

“Glad that shit’s over.” Heather said.

“Speak for yourself.” Kim shot back, taking a drink. “Still got two more years in maximum security.”

“You’ll wish for that time back in about two years.” Zoe said, just holding the cup and feeling the heat in between her fingers.

“Nah.” Kim waved her hand at Zoe.

Tim laughed with Bobbie’s friends. My friends, too. The last year had been one hell of a rollercoaster. From depression and drugs…

To Bobbie. He found himself staring at her often.

“What?” She said when she caught him.

“Nothing.” He smiled. “We made it. Oh, that’s right.”

“I’ll be by to pick you up in the morning.”

Bobbie looked at him, puzzled.

“Graduation rehearsal, remember?”

The look persisted.

“I have to be there. I’m walking, remember?”

She didn’t, and that was the greatest surprise she’d had in some time. Bobbie threw her arms around Tim and planted a kiss on his cheek.

“EEEE!” Kim squealed.

Bobbie and Tim looked over at her.

“Tension breaker, had to be done.”

Everyone laughed. They drank their coffees and talked about what the summer would look like for each of them. Bobbie didn’t listen. Her summer was obvious. A lot of time at the bakery…

And a lot of time with Tim.

***

CLANG!!

Bobbie recognized that sound and it filled her with calm. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

“Bobbie?” A voice came from her left.

She opened her eyes and snapped her head towards the sound.

It was Rach.

“Rach…”

“Hello again.” They heard the voice before they saw her. Justice.

“Justice.” Bobbie said. “What’s happening? Why do I keep seeing…”

“You saw it?” Justice smiled. “Wonderful. You are seeing their greatest conflict; the thing from which all of their problems stem. It is important for you to see that. Sometimes, it is the only way to truly see what is wrong.”

Rach looked around. “I haven’t seen anything.”

“You will, when you are ready.” Justice said.

“Ready?” Bobbie asked.

“Yes, child.” Justice nodded. “You have been through many trials and tribulations since we first met…”

“And you have done well. This is just the last step.”

“Last step?”

“Bobbie,” Rach rolled her eyes. “This is gonna take a long time if you just keep repeating the last two words she says over and over again.

“Yes. You are truly the Advocate now; able to see and discern people’s pain. I no longer worry over Lust, you are well armed.”

“But, the one you call Roxx?” Justice’s face became serious.

“She is using talents she has no business using. She will threaten the balance just by simply being.”

Bobbie thought about Roxx’s meteoric rise to crime boss. Perfect job for a Thrall.

“Yes. She will cause problems. I know you can… how do you say it? Keep the dung at sandal level?”

Rach laughed. “I think I know what you mean.”

“Good, Bobbie the town you live in? You have made it a better place.”

“I just bake things.”

“Yes, you do. But you put so much of yourself in everything you do. Those things you bake help people on a level below your understanding. But know this, the way in which you affect people? It is the most base level. It rebuilds their being from the ground up. All the positive things that happen? It is you, and only you.”

Bobbie let her jaw dropped, shocked.

“It has been only you all along. You settled into your new life, and became what you are supposed to be. Had I interfered…”

Realization dawned. Everything, the bakery, Tim, my friends…

…Faye.

“As I told Faye. I could not help you. If someone came to your village and said ‘only you can slay the dragon’ what would you do?”

Bobbie thought about it for a moment. “Probably run and hide.”

“Exactly what I said.” Justice smiled.

“You are finally ready. It is good to see you ready for your rite of passage. You have done well, I see no reason to expect less from you, Rach.”

Rach was studying her nails. “Good. Because who knows what’ll happen at school without an Advocate there.”

Bobbie grinned. “You think you can take over for me?”

“Of course. The Blue can do!”

Justice smiled. Bobbie moved forward. “Justice.” She said, hugging her close. “I can’t thank you enough. I really can’t. You’ve given me back everything I ever lost, and then some. And Tim…” Bobbie was babbling breathlessly.

“Love is a wonderful feeling, is it not?”

Bobbie levered back to met the blue gaze with her own.

Bobbie’s composure came back instantly. “Better than any feeling I’ve ever had.”

“No need to thank, your work is enough.”

“Work?” Bobbie asked. “I don’t understand.”

Justice laughed. “Everything you’ve done as Bobbie has been a boon to this town. The ripples of which will continue to spread long after your time in Delacroix is over.”

“Over?” Bobbie physically jumped back.

The smile continued. “Nothing lasts forever.”

“Are you always this vague?” Rach asked.

“This is not a story. You must find your own ending.”

“You know, you don’t look Chinese. But, you sure do sound like a fortune cookie.”

“Fortune cookies are American.” Bobbie shot unexpectedly.

Rach sighed.

“Your time will yet come, Rachael.” Justice panned her gaze.

“Look forward to kicking a little ass.”

“Be wary of Roxx.” Justice said evenly. “I know not what she is up to, and that troubles me.”

“Don’t worry too much.” Bobbie pressed her lips together.

“She’s mine. I may not be able to beat her, but I can at least keep that wrecking ball safely out in the open.”

“Of that, I have no doubt.”

“You have much to do, the two of you.” Justice cocked her head. “We may not speak again for some time, Bobbie. Go on, and do what you are meant to do.”

Bobbie went to hug Justice one last time…

But came away awake as her arms caught nothing but the vapor of her last exhalation.

Chapter 96

Kim was staring at Lust, right in the face.

“You’re going to be amazing when you age.” Lust’s eyes seemed hollow, black sockets leaking black ichor down her face.

“What do you want now?” Kim snapped. “I’ve had enough of this. Seriously…”

“SILENCE!” Lust roared. Kim felt a familiar tightening. “I can’t find Roxx, which makes you my messenger.”

The heat rose in Kim’s face. “How am I supposed to…? Oooh.” Kim gritted her teeth against the sudden arousal.

“I know all about your skills. Think of something.”

Oooooohhhhhhh!

Kim jolted awake and pulled on her blackest clothes. Alright, bitch. I’ll drop off your message.

Besides, I kind of owe her, anyway.

Kim was out of the window and down to the ground stealthily.

“I really don’t wanna do this. How in the hell are they out of contact?” Kim had more questions than answers, and she wanted to reverse that situation quickly.

She had shit to do.

***

Stacy looked down at the card she had gotten for Zoe. Congratulations, Brat; her script on the card was clean. She moved her pen and continued.

You may have made it without me, but you’ll always be my kid sister

Stacy

A smile started to make the sides of her mouth creak.

She flipped the card closed, Johnny Cash giving the reader the full fuck you finger. Stacy laughed in low tones; her graduation had been special the previous year. One of those nights where the world was yours.

Top of the pyramid, Ma.

Thoughts of picking up where she left off in the hierarchy of cool crammed into her brain like so many study facts had been scattered by the new environment as she struggled to find her way in a world that was much less clearly defined.

But Zoe had done it all alone. Bucking systems that no one even knew about, either flying under the radar or scattering it altogether; she had mellowed out a little once Valentine came into her life.

Stacy decided that she would bury the hatchet completely. Zoe was different that morning after her run in with Zia at the coffee shop, less so in the days after. Graduation seemed to change everyone, some for the better, some for the worse.

But everyone realizing nothing would be the same.

She took a biology class that semester and learned about spiders. The one she remembered the most was the Australian Redback. Its thick, red stripe marking it different and less venomous than its distant American cousin. Fast and vicious, its bite was deadly without rapid treatment. Christ, that whole country is like the Hunger Games for real.

Much like the girl that grew up with her.

She eyed the sticker she bought to go on the helmet for that crotch rocket her daddy had gotten her. The unmistakable outline of the Redback with its thick black nearly glowed a dull crimson. Stacy took her pen and spit the cap across the room.

Zoe, the Redback spider is one of the most dangerous spiders in the world. Its sting can be deadly without proper treatment…

Just like you. Thought this should go on the back of your helmet.

Stacy crept downstairs and placed the items gently on the table in front of the seat she favored on the breakfast nook.

Hope your day is a good one. It would be nice having her back, now that they were both adults.

Maybe the world would be theirs after all.

***

Kim had one hairpin pushing down the lock core, and the one she was using as the rake was moving the tumblers into place.

Not as quickly as she would like, but…

POP!

The satisfying sound made Kim switch gears, rotating the whole mechanism to the right. She felt the latch give and the lock bar retract.

The door opened, and Kim could smell the marijuana and the spicy aroma of something else.

Opium?

Kim was immediately lightheaded from the fumes and pulled her spare headscarf from her clutch. Keeping it over her mouth, Kim ducked through the passage and found the narrow staircase that led to the storage area opposite the kitchen.

The building seemed oppressive, now more so than ever. It seemed to press on her soul. She snuck past the side of the stage, no one noticed as they stared at the stage. Stealing a glance, Kim recognized Marks.

More than one.

What the hell? Lust never mentioned a den of Thralls.

That means she doesn’t know.

Roxx had obviously used some of whatever power Lust gave her to spread herself out. Taking over the building had given her…

Something. But Kim would be damned if she knew exactly what it was.

Kim was finally upstairs. She could see Roxx sitting there with that massive bodyguard of hers. Roxx turned her head to the man, who spoke into his collar. The slab of muscle got up and walked away.

Now or never.

Kim sidled up to the booth and popped up beside Roxx.

“Our mutual friend wants a word.”

“Kim.” Roxx said invitingly, as if she knew Kim was there. “Here for a job?”

“Fuck no.” Kim spat. “Just here to drop off a message and go. What’s with the matching tattoos?” She gestured down to the stage.

“What it looks like. Pretty sure She can’t hear me.”

“Are you sure you wanna be on the wrong side?” Roxx looked a little tired, she also looked like that cat.

The one that had your tongue.

“Wrong side? I’m only on one side… mine.” Kim said defiantly. “Did my job. I’ll show myself out.” Kim turned to leave, almost strutting with no pretense of fear.

Roxx raised a hand. “Oh no, you don’t.”

Kim felt it instantly; the tightening, the heat…

The throbbing. She did her best to walk straight. Gritting her teeth together, she made her steps slower, more even. The floor kept threatening to smack her in the face.

Flip the handle open, spin the other side, flip it back.

“Unnnn…” Kim was straining to keep the sound in. Roxx’s laughter in the background.

Inhaling through her nose evenly, Kim started to steady herself.

Steps became easier as Kim rounded the bend and let gravity help her down the stairs. By the time she left the building, she was feeling a familiar lightness.

A giggliness.

Fuck, contact high? Of all the things…

What does the color blue taste like?

***

Roxx was impressed. It was the first time she had known Kim to exhibit any kind of self control. The idea of having two Thralls with their own agendas might work at cross purposes.

No time to be worried now. Go ahead, set ‘em up.

I’ll knock ‘em down.

***

Kim shook her head and made her way home. Turning the final corner, everything around her grew cold. There was a smell… a blackness.

Lust!

“Good girl.” She said the black of her eyes almost luminous.

“She’s…”

“Yes, I see. Almost as bad as that insufferable Advocate.”

“Watch it.” Kim snapped. “That’s my sister.”

“Nobody’s perfect.”

Kim grimaced.

“So, she’s figured out how to play with the big girl toys. No one’s done that before.” Lust wondered how she had done it. Such knowledge would be valuable.

“That’s all I know. Can I go now?”

Lust contemplated keeping Kim around a bit longer, but decided against it. The best use of time now is to discover Roxx’s intent. She waved a hand and the warmth returned, driving away the smell of corruption.

“Being a teenager sucks.” Kim murmured.

***

Bobbie was awake, refreshed; the dream still fresh in her head. She felt imbued with strength. She opened the window and…

Kim?

The spry girl was vaulting herself onto the roof near her window. Bobbie turned and crept into Kim’s room.

“Kim.” Bobbie whispered harshly. “What the hell?”

“Lust.” Kim yawned. “She made me go see Roxx.”

Bobbie turned white. “Roxx?” Her eyes narrowed. “You’re high.”

“No… sort of… I didn’t….” Kim stammered. “There was so much smoke down there. I think there was some Opium or something. I dunno. But there’s a bunch of girls there I don’t know.”

“Of course not.”

“Not what I mean.” Kim yawned again.

“They’re Marked.” Kim said, removing the semi ninja outfit. “And not by Lust. I don’t get it all yet, but it’s not good.” She crawled into bed.

“Just let me get some sleep. I need to get up in a minute.”

Kim was asleep before she hit the pillow.

***

Tim was bristling with excitement, opening the bakery for a short day left him filled with optimism.

Today’s the day.

Graduation. A day he had been waiting for.

And now, not only did he get to walk, despite his dropping out. He got to spend it with Bobbie, the diploma wouldn’t mean as much without her there. Like it doesn’t count.

Bobbie’s revelation about her past gave Tim pause. If it wasn’t for Timmi, I’d never believe it.

But now?

She hadn’t told him, but jeez, why would she? He wished she had told him sooner, but how would he have reacted?

He didn’t know, and knowing Bobbie the way he did.

I really don’t care, how can I? He could only imagine how difficult it must have been to approach him that day at Slacker’s Cove.

You don’t know you’re beautiful. Bobbie’s ringtone played in his mind as he smiled.

He thought about the future beyond that day with Bobbie.

The door opened.

“Morning, Officers. What can I get you today?”

“Being that cheerful this early is a hanging offense.” Hobson said, handing over a coffee.

“Thanks.” Tim laughed. “Can’t help it. Graduation day, closing early and everything.”

“Yeah. You dropped out? You’re still graduating? And… how do you find the time?” Hudson asked. There was fresh pastry almost every day, and the quality never wavered.

“Y’know?” Tim looked past them. “It doesn’t seem like work.” Thoughts of Bobbie through Cheepskates short history played memories like a montage.

They will see us swinging from such great heights…

“Not when Bobbie’s here.”

He looked towards the ovens.

Don’t count the miles…

“Well, now that you two have graduated. It’ll seem like less work.” Hudson said. “Congratulations.” He shook Tim’s hand, followed by Hobson.

“You’re probably right, though. Business looks solid all summer.”

“Wish I had your energy. When I punch out, all I want is for someone to take me home in a stretcher.”

Tim laughed.

“Congratulations again.” Hobson said as Tim handed over one loaf of banana bread, and one of zucchini bread.

“See you in a couple days, Graduate.”

“I’ll be here.”

***

“Is Kim still asleep?” Sylvia asked, grabbing a piece of French toast.

“Yeah. Must have been studying all night, finals.”

“Oh god, I remember one year, Robb was so cranked on coffee that he passed out in the car on the way to school.” Sylvia smiled at the memory.

Bobbie blanched. She remembers that?

“I really have to believe that you did help him. I’m glad he found you; I hope that That Girl gets what she deserves. I kind of understand, Jeff was a bit of a bad boy.”

Bobbie had a hard time imagining that. And for a moment, Bobbie and Robb coexisted equally. The memories of that other life, so far removed from Bobbie, who didn’t have those memories.

Learning to ride a bike…

Tying my shoes…

Learning to write.

She remembered Sylvia working with Robb on his colors, shapes.

The celebratory box of Cracker Jacks when he figured out a math problem…

“She will, absolutely. Everyone eventually does.” Bobbie said.

“Eventually. Let’s not worry about it today. This is your day, one of those days you’ll always remember. I’ll clean up, you should get ready. Don’t wanna be late on your last day.”

Bobbie smiled and headed upstairs. Even though it felt like another day.

She knew it was anything but.

***

Bobbie zipped the white robe up; looked at the mortarboard cap. The entire Senior class stood on the football field staring at the blue and white benches that were dedicated to the conquests of the Blue Devils.

A small commotion erupted over to Bobbie’s right. She turned to look and found Tim at the center, sprawled in a heap. She went for him and offered a hand to help him up.

“No matter where I am, there you are, huh?” Tim said, getting his legs under him. Bobbie smiled. Damn that party was a long time ago.

“Tripped over this stupid robe.” His was blue, as were the other boys’ robes. “You should be wearing this one.”

Bobbie crinkled her face.

“Because it’s blue.”

“STUDENTS.” Principal Michaelson said over the PA system. “Welcome to Graduation practice. Ms. Goolsbee will be coming around and showing you your places in a moment. But first, we’d like a picture of the graduating class. So if you could line up in four rows…”

Bobbie was holding Tim’s hand as they looked around the field for one of the last times they would ever see it from this perspective in the daylight.

Bobbie was entranced by the buzzing darknesses that she had come to know so well. Seeing so many people together made her a little dizzy.

But she couldn’t deny what she saw. A large group of people that had assembled there that morning, people she had seen in the halls and her classes all year.

Ready to move on.

Standing there with Tim kept her grounded as the students practiced the simple ceremony. The rest of that day would be busy with all the running around everyone had to do. The serenity on the field that day was so calming, so enveloping, that Bobbie’s smile wouldn’t go away. When they finally left and turned their robes in until that night, the world shined with the sleek glow of possibility.

Bobbie was still somewhat giddy as they pulled into Slice of PI. Tim got off the Vespa and helped Bobbie to the ground.

“Couple of slices and some wings, then… naptime.”

“Naptime?” Bobbie asked, removing her helmet.

“Yeah. I know that parties tend to run late.” Tim laughed. “At least they used to, what did they do back in your day?”

“My day?” Bobbie shot back, she straightened the blue film reel barette and followed Tim to the door.

“This is my day.”

A banner had been hung over the door, ‘CONGRADUATIONS’ it said.

“We’re a real part of this town now.” Tim said. “Never thought I’d feel that way.”

“Me neither.” Bobbie echoed.

“Hey, you two. Congrats. What’s the last meal gonna be today?” The cashier asked, all bright smiles.

“One Supreme and one… Bobbie?”

“Chicken Inferno?” She asked.

The cashier looked at her oddly. “That has habaneros on it.”

“I know.” Bobbie shrugged. “Just feel like something spicy.”

Tim turned to her and whispered. “That’s later.”

***

Roxx had gotten the new batches to her runners, and held some back.

“Big party tonight out at the graveyard. Sell cheap.”

She smiled evilly, knowing that her instructions would be heeded. No one wanted the Krasnaya V’edma coming for them.

Those bodies at the drug house had done more for her reputation than she could have thought possible. Might have to break a few more eggs.

She was looking through her clothes; something sexy.

If the things she was doing would keep Lust away, then she’d keep it up.

Parties were fun, even more fun when some work could get done at the same time.

Graduation had never been a part of Mel’s life, and Roxx had no need for it.

But, tainting that memory for Bobbie would be worth it. Watching her take the hits badly was becoming her favorite full contact sport.

And now that she has to deal with Timmi… well, that just makes everything even funnier.

Parties are fun… and even the wicked need some fun sometimes.

Roxx was a good sport; she’d even bring the beer.

***

Kim was late to class, and despite drinking enough coffee to kill a large water mammal, she was still barely awake. The contact high was still lingering, making focused thought foggy. The tests weren’t that difficult, and she managed to make it through, but she remained worried about those other Marked girls.

If Roxx is Marking them, we’re in for a whole lot of trouble. And if Lust can’t get to her…

Kim tried not to think about it as the need for nicotine rose.

***

Bobbie woke up with Tim’s arms around her. She looked around with a start, the DVD player running a looping version of the menu screen.

“Tim!” Bobbie blurted, shaking him up.

“Huh… wha…” Tim’s eyes stopped moving and settled on Bobbie, he smiled. “Oh, must have dozed off just after you did.”

“What time is it?” Bobbie asked, threatening to go into full freakout mode.

“Um…” Tim looked at his phone. “Three?”

“We’ve only got a couple of hours?”

“Let me run you home and…”

“No time. Grab your clothes, you can shower at my place.”

“Hey, hey. Hold your horses, it’s just…”

Bobbie leveled those blue eyes at Tim. “Robb didn’t. I am… this is just too important to…”

“Shh. I get it.” Tim put his hands out defensively. “I’ll be right back.” He was off down the hallway and grabbing his things in a whirl of movement.

Bobbie agreed to wear the backpack so his clothes wouldn’t get too wrinkled.

“All aboard!” Tim called, Bobbie laughed. When the engine roared to life, Bobbie got her arms around Tim as she settled into her favorite place.

Going to the place that she at one time had thought she could never go again.

Home.

Chapter 97

Roy was bringing boxes into the house when Tim and Bobbie pulled into the driveway.

“Hey, you two.” He said to Tim.

“Morning… evening… ah, hell. I don’t even know what time it is anymore.”

“Hi, Mr. Rivers. It’s graduation time!” Bobbie said, pulling off the helmet and almost running into the house.

“You know Bobbie.” Tim shrugged. “She does what she does.”

Roy laughed. “And always with a plan.”

“Need some help? I can grab one of those boxes.” Tim said as he did so.

“Thanks. Do you ever stop working?”

***

Kim had been finally moved through the fog of the previous night. She was now to the point where she didn’t know who was worse.

Lust…

Or Roxx?

Too many Thralls. Even Lust thought so apparently.

And the thought of Roxx having any semblance of power similar to her own?

Inconcievable.

She neeed to get home and squeeze herself into that uniform for the party, then there was the hasty setup and soundcheck while Plugman got his setup together. It was to be a fast and crazy evening.

And yet, Kim Pointe would… Soldier On.

***

“Heather?”

“Yeah, Mom?”

Betty was looking for the car keys.

“You see the keys?”

“Yeah. I have them.” Heather came out of the hallway.

Her outfit would have been at home at a meeting for covert ops professionals. All in tactical black, the tight fitting outfit had pouches that knowing Heather was nothing if not practical. The newly shaved spiderweb lines radiated out from her right ear.

“I love that outfit, hang on.” She pulled out her phone. “I want some pictures.”

“Wait till you see the others.” Heather said coyly.

Betty looked at her daughter, she had become quite a young lady over the last year and a half. And looking at the articles of clothing around the house, she knew there was a bright future ahead. Going back to Auckland would only show her that Heather was doing what she was meant to do.

Be herself.

***

The sun was three quarters of its arc through the sky as the remaining light fell on the football field that night. Folding chairs were fanned out on both sides of the small stage that had been erected since that morning. Instruments glinted in the remaining sunlight.

“Parents, students, and guests. I’m Principal Michaelson and welcome to Delacroix High’s 2014 Graduation ceremony. These students have put in a lot of work to be here tonight…”

Bobbie was half listening, she swung her vision around the field, looking at the mass of people huddled or sitting on the bleachers. The people were behind the gauzy, filmy darkness. Being in the halls of the school, Bobbie had grown accustomed to seeing a miasma of darknesses.

But, this was different.

It was like a moving tapestry, showing pasts and futures…

All presented in the dynamic matrix of the present, Bobbie gasped inaudibly.

She saw, completely. On a scale and scope through which she had never seen.

The ripples Justice had spoken of were here, now, in magnificent bands of twisting, erupting bits of light that seemed superimposed against the darkness. She couldn’t take her eyes from it. It was what she imagined looking at the ceiling of the Sistene Chapel must be like; an incredible amount of beauty in such a small space.

Faces, names, familiar darknesses. She even recognized some of those far away faces by their pastry order. She could see what Delacroix had been like before; that drab, dreary place that was home to Robb. It was different, happier…

Brighter. Her eyes filmed with tears as she found herslf drowning in the beauty of the tapestry.

“Bobbie?” Tim whispered, he reached out and took her hand. “Every…?”

“Everything’s fine.” She smiled without taking her eyes from the amazing work of art that she had orchestrated.

***

Veronica Marquez was reading her Valedictory speech. Being one of the smartest students in her grade, she had opted to let someone else write her speech for her. It seemed to be going well.

So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
You're off the Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So...get on your way!

The crowd cheered thunderously as the band began to pipe up and rumble to life.

Slightly off key.

The opening strains of Pomp and Circumstance rose like a phoenix tired of sifting through ashes. Principal Michaelson was going through the first of the names as the first two rows lined up single file.

Bobbie was entranced, the tapestry of people’s needs for the first quieted to a level that didn’t seem so all encompassing. So transfixed she was, she nearly missed standing with the rest of her row.

***

Sylvia watched Bobbie get up and walk to the line with the rest of the group she stood with. She was having a hard time keeping the excitement inside. She wanted to scream and shout and stamp her feet.

I didn’t get to do this with Robb. Bobbie gets double.

“Bobbie Sharpe.”

”WOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOO!!! BOBBIEEEEE! YEAH!!!” Sylvia became a tween boy band fan screaming after The Beatles.

“BOBBIEEEEE!” Kim followed suit. Arms up in the air, waving around.

Just don’t care.

***

Bobbie climbed the steps evenly, the robe swishing around her legs. How does Justice live in these? The hollow thump of the steps bringing this moment closer one picosecond at a time.

Principal Michaelson was there smiling with a rolled up piece of paper in his hand.

Bobbie extended her hands, shaking the principal’s hand with one…

And accepting the scroll with the other.

All of her adrenaline bloomed as she raised the paper aloft with one raised hand.

The screams raised in volume for a moment as Bobbie continued across the stage and came back around to her seat to wait for the other lucky students to receive theirs.

***

“Kevin Yang.”

The last name was called and the line dwindled to nothing; graduates all returning like fingertips to the home position.

“As is tradition, at this time the graduates will now move the tassel from the right to the left.”

Bobbie grabbed her tassel and moved it from the right to the left.

“Ladies and gentlemen. I present to you the graduating class of two thousand and fourteen.”

As one, the graduates removed their caps and tossed them high into the air. Bobbie looked up, following hers and plucking it from the air deftly. She looked down to find Tim there, they grabbed each other magnetically. Kissing as a beautiful chaos built around them while caps rained down on them in slow, lazy spins.

The occupants of the bleachers came down in an orderly manner. A silence crept into Bobbie’s head as she noticed a complete lack of darkness.

None.

Bobbie swelled, the happiest moments of her life outshone any moment Robb ever had.

But Robb had to build the beginning, didn’t he?

Her hand was shaken so many times, there were so many hugs.

“BOBBIE!”

Sylvia was rushing towards her, they met into a tight hug.

“You did it!”

That was it, Tears came. Bobbie and Sylvia both looking at each other.

Fzzt!

There was so much to do and she couldn’t do any of it.

Jeff was gone. Fucking cancer.

Cooking held no more interest, nor did cleaning. The dust that had settled might still have some of Jeff in it. She knew it was stupid. But, was one more day too much to ask?

Just one more day.

Robb didn’t take it well, neither did Kim. She had found decapitated Barbie dolls in her trash can.

It wasn’t fair. It was supposed to be rewarding and fulfilling.

Now it was just hollow… empty.

He was her world, all she had. And now?

***

Bobbie cried harder. “I love you, mom.”

“I love you too, Bobbie.” Sylvia’s eyes were leaking more. “Just wish Robb could…”

“He can, mom.” Bobbie said, cutting Sylvia off as they hugged again.

“He can.”

“Jesus.” Kim said watching the tearfest. “Do I have the Spider Man 3 reenactment to look forward to, too?”

“Shut the fuck up, Kimster.” Bobbie said, sniffling.

“Just sayin.” Kim smiled as she hugged her sister. “Congratulations.”

Looking around, Betty was smiling with Heather, Tim with Myka.

“You alright?” Rach asked, coming up behind her.

“Yeah.” Bobbie said, dabbing at her eyes. “Do you see…”

Rach nodded. “Yeah.” Having spent less time discerning the meaning of the sight of an Advocate than Bobbie had, it reminded her of the way moonlight lapped on the waves of the ocean.

“It’s beautiful.” Bobbie wanted to print out this tiny piece of spacetime and frame it, make a blanket of it and wrap herself in it forever.

“Yeah.” Rach agreed, momentarily speechless.

She wondered if anything would ever be this good again.

Only thing I’ll ever ask of you..

Or if it even could.

Gotta promise not to stop till I say when…

***

Viggo was about three cables pluggings away from becoming Plugman, the daring DJ of Delacroix.

Laptop booted and three terabyte hard drive attached, He blared a quick drumline. The girls in the band were nice enough to let him hook into their sound board and PA system.

This is gonna be oh so loud. When Kim… Damn, she’s so hot.

Too bad she hooked up with Heather.

He found it weird that he’d never noticed her until a few weeks ago.

The girls that set up the keg were off to the side. They were hot as hell too, and that redhead with them, Roxx? She just disappeared one day, and now she’s back? It seemed a little strange.

Meh, free beer is free beer.

This party was shaping up to be one mighty fine shindig.

***

Bobbie and Tim reluctantly left the football field, it was like leaving Brigadoon. Watching the tapestry of light fade into the background left the surrounding world dreary. She kept trying to steal glances of it while holding on to Tim.

They were gonna party like they did in Zion.

Just with less slow motion.

It was going to be one hell of a night.

***

Kim sat in the passenger seat, fixing her makeup and securing the hat to her hair with another set of bobbie pins.

“Everything should be set up when we get there. The others probably started without us.” Heather said. “Right?”

“No party ever starts until we’re there.”

Heather honked the horn at the car that sat in front of her at the red light for a second too long.

“Come ON!” Heather hit the steering wheel.

***

Steve was looking forward to this one. His menu came off well, securing him a B+. No classes for a couple of weeks. A night of crazed dancing seemed like a fun night.

Beth looked over. “I can’t wait to graduate. Everyone seemed so happy.”

“It was always fun, for just about everyone. At least I think so.” How much fun was up for debate, it all depended on the company one kept.

The graveyard loomed a bit beyond the horizon.

***

Zoe had the accelerator all the way open, she felt the wheels leave the ground. She felt like she was flying in bullet time, suspended in the thick air.

BAP!

The wheels skidded for a fraction of a second as they reconnected with the ground; she felt the handlebars wobble side to side.

College would start in a few months. Taking a bunch of easy starter classes and having to start at the bottom of the food chain again just seemed tiring.

Two steps forward, one step back.

Maybe Stacy had a point. Maybe Zia could help navigate those lost passageways that her sister seemed to know all too well.

And be honest… Doesn’t a double life sound kinda cool?

***

“Y’know? I’m gonna fuckin’ miss you.”

“You’re gonna have to fuckin’ keep the potty mouth.” Bella said to Amber.

“What? We’ll Skype, we’ll…” Amber seemed extra fazed by the night’s proceedings.

“You fucking bet we will. One of those fuckin’ Army things.” She squeezed Amber’s knee.

Amber pushed up her glasses and looked to the graveyard as it came into view.

“And, shit, you’ve got Kurt now. Ain’t gonna have fuckin’ Bella to fuckin’ kick around anymore.” She was happy that Amber finally found someone,

***

“Well, that was boring.” Faye said, applying lipstick with her sparkly pink nails. “Was still cool to see Zoe graduate, though.”

“Hey.” Rach shot back. “We’re doing it next year.”

“I dunno. I made a lot of money at Krakatoa last weekend.”

“I don’t like you going to that place.”

“Oh, god.” Faye rolled her eyes. “Can’t a girl just have fun? Besides, it’s a lot of money. The newer girls are a little weird, but…”

Rach didn’t know why exactly, but she didn’t like the way that sounded.

***

Shoot me down, but I won’t fall

I am titanium….

Bobbie could hear the song from the faraway hill on which they parked the Vespa.

“Well alright, Bobbie Blue.” Tim beamed, taking her hand. “What do you wanna do first?”

She kissed him. “I wanna bake, I wanna dance, I wanna…”

“Whoa whoa whoa.” Tim chuckled. “Calm down, Tex. Plenty of time for that now.”

He put on a Scottish accent. “Ahl the time in the wuurld.” Bobbie thought of Ailie and wondered how she and Mike were doing.

Those thoughts were scattered as they walked away from the Vespa and down the slope that led from the knoll to the barely lit area that looked like a party that was already starting to gather steam.

***

GRRL ARMY was on the makeshift stage, getting everything hooked up. Kim was sending a text to Plugman… He’s definitely Plugman here. No A/V nerd from the looks of it.

Professional setup, dude. We’re here, just let us know when to start.

US. Kim thought, basking in the glow that she knew was coming. The colors twisting and churning.

Viggo looked over to the girls. Holy god, they’re all hot. Should have started this DJ thing earlier.

The music jumped with three hard thumps of the bass. Kim felt it with a special acuity as the vibration throbbed through, threatening to send her into deep Thrall meditation.

Kim decided she needed a litany of her own.

I must not Jill

Jilling is the little death that brings total determination…?

Kim broke into a loud laugh that for a moment overtook the speakers’ domination of the party. Her phone vibrated.

I’ll give three more thumps like that, then I’ll cut it. Plugman >_<

Kim stomped a booted heel and grabbed the band’s attention.

She held up three fingers and mocked a stomp…

Then pointed at the ground.

***

The flailing puddle containing myriad colors seemed normal for a happy crowd, but what was going on? The colorspora seemed to have gained a fuzzy texture… is that the right word? We’re really gonna have to figure out some kind of language for this.

And what is with those holes out there? The conspicuous lack of color in a couple of spots seemed wrong somehow, the ‘fuzziness’ didn’t encroach.

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

Finger it out later, I guess.

Kim started to pluck at her bass in a familiar pattern with which Lemmy would be intimately familiar.

***

Stacy was walking around the party wondering how she was ever like these impulsive kids that surrounded her now. She had gotten a cup from some freaky looking green haired girl wearing too much leather… or too little, who knows anymore?

The buzz started creeping on early on with the end of the first cup. Must have been really strong beer, she wondered where it came from. The music was throbbing in a special way tonight.

I wonder how fashionably late Zoe’s gonna be.

She started moving her hips with the music as she walked, the alcohol creeping on stronger. And soon after that…?

She was one of them again. Reckless abandon starting to seem like fun again after all this time. She downed the rest of her beer, threw the cup down and waded into the crowd wooing and raising her arms.

***

Bobbie and Tim were partying like it was nineteen ninety nine. These particular soundwaves carried something unusal. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

Nor did she care, tonight was going to be problem free, she would dance. She would love.

She would live.

The music abruptly cut out before giving way to a baseline that Bobbie was familiar with.

Then Bella’s drums thundered in, Amber’s shrieking guitar after.

If you like to gamble, I tell you I'm your girl
You win some, lose some, it's all the same to me
The pleasure is to play, makes no difference what you say
I don't share your greed, the only card I need is
The ace of spades, the ace of spades.

Bobbie threw up Bella’s devil horns and bobbed her head rapidly.

“You like Motorhead?”

“Older woman, remember?”

“Yeah, but.” Tim looked at his girl oddly.

“Younger girl.”

“You should talk.”

Tim laughed. “Not a huge metal fan, but everybody knows this one, right?”

“Trick question. Lemmy is god.”

***

Kurt was still on his first beer. He hadn’t been to a lot of parties since he started hanging out with Amber, the beer coming on a lot faster than he anticipated.

Better pace yourself, dude. She’s not gonna deal with you all sloshed.

He looked far off to the side to see the band.

You know I'm born to lose and gambling's for fools
But that's the way I like it, baby
I don't wanna live forever…
And don't forget the joker

Both of them had seen marked improvement in their playing. When Amber started ripping through the solo…

He felt a sudden urge to dance, Kurt opted instead for some air guitar.

***

Once Ace of Spades was done, Heather hit the keys on her keytar. The world heard Richard Dreyfus’ alien friend’s ringtone.

A deep bass version of it followed.

Heather repeated the strain, this time in a higher key.

Plugman took it and sped it up, dropped in a baseline and…

Some screaming vocals followed.

Kim kept playing, adding accents and off notes. Bella crashing cymbals rhythmically, Amber and Heather adding whatever little bit they could to the music that filled the night.

***

Mmmm, I love this song. Roxx was looking around at these clueless teenagers. What high schooler can say no to free beer?

I didn’t.

And from the looks of the bros slapping each other and professing their brotherly love and eternal devotion in one direction and the ‘woo girls’ doing their mating dance of skyward stretched arms and a full body jiggle in the other.

The renegade Thrall kept tabs on the girls she brought with her. It looked like CamiLynn was nearly to the stage.

I know you’re here, Bobbie. You and that insipid, lovesick boyfriend of yours.

Roxx took a drink from her flask. This is liquor, that’s beer.

The difference is just like them and I.

One is stronger, one is weak.

And one is just…

Better.

***

Kim and the band had picked up from a wub wub wubbing track to bring it back to what GRRL ARMY did best.

Fine… Big Balls it is.

Amber had already figured out and changed to the opening riff about one full measure before Kim had caught on.

Her attention was elsewhere.

There was a girl with green hair and… there, on her wrist.

A Mark, one of the same ones I saw last night. What is she doing here? And if she’s here…

Where’s Roxx?

***

Bobbie was laughing her way through a second bottle of water when she finally looked around. There had been a change in the things she saw. Something wrong with the tapestry.

Like it was sick somehow; overgrown by a pulsating mold. There’s an awful lot of drunk people at this party… The smell of beer lanced up her nose.

The smile on her face finally realized that gravity works. “Come on.” She said, hiding the sudden trepidation. “Let’s get closer to the band.”

“Okay. No mosh pits, though.” Tim warned. “I’m delicate.”

“You’re going to take these jokes too far.”

Tim shrugged. “I’m trying to deal with it.”

“Then be funnier. “ Bobbie said flatly. “Come on.”

They headed toward the stage and looked at the others that seemed to have the same idea to rush the stage. There were holes in what Bobbie saw, and that worried her more than she wanted to admit.

***

Faye and Rach were dancing, and Rach was starting to wonder if they were getting old. The crowd they normally drew was nowhere to be found. The dancing was still fun, the lack of audience disheartening to the point of calling a water break when one wasn’t needed.

Zoe popped up near the trash cans filled with ice and water.

“HEY!” Zoe slurred a little. “I’m out!! I did it!!” She danced around some, making a show of uncovering her elbows.

“Congrats, Zoe.” Rach giggled. Meeting Zia had shown Rach a side to Zoe that no one knew existed; No one save herself.

And now seeing what she needed? Rach looked into Zoe’s pattern of darkness and was stunned to finally get a close look at the girl that was obviously the devil that sat at her left shoulder…

As Rach was the angel on the right.

Making Lust the monkey on her back.

What Rach saw told the tale of a girl that was already tough, but who sometimes secretly wished to be more like the girls that swirled around her sister.

Well… Rach thought. We all have our princess fantasies.

***

Zoe was nursing a cup when she found Faye and Rach. They were talking and laughing. Faye’s cup was sloshing around as she gesticulated wildly.

“ZOE!!” Stacy shambled up, grinning and swaying drunkenly.

The card she found that morning was a moment that would induce an awww in a sitcom, but this was reality. The only awww came from Zoe. The decal for her helmet was cool, too. When did a nitwit like her get so tasteful?

Zoe smiled at Stacy, “Hey, sis. Get here early?”

“Yeah.” Stacy said thickly. “You’re always late for everything.” She hiccupped.

“I was busy putting this badass sticker on my helmet.” She was still riding high on the endorphins and joy that came with finishing high school.

And sort of getting my sister back.

Zoe looked over to Faye and Rach. Still smiling, still laughing; she had woken up that morning sure that tonight would be a night for ‘Zia’ to play. But standing there with Stacy enthusiastically sharing her accomplishment strangely didn’t make her long for a life that wasn’t hers. Zoe and Rach had noticed her and waved as the bouncing music shifted to screaming guitar. Zoe joined the bouncing from her implied solitude while Stacy drew from something missed…

Something primal, wonderous.

Childlike.

Zoe caught the infectious grin as she waved back at Faye and Rach.

Zia would return…

But not tonight.

***

Knowing what the ‘holes’ were, Kim had three jokes for it already.

One involving the girls and what they surely must be doing.

One involving the sucking they were sure to be doing.

And the last involving Roxx. Who was surely the biggest ‘hole there.

Pun intended.

How could she let Bobbie know?

THUMP!!THUMP!!THUMP!!

She ran to Heather with a last minute suggestion.

***

Bobbie and Tim were still trying to make their way through the crowd. Everyone seemed fine, a touch drunk, but fine. But, Bobbie had a feeling that this would all move to another level of debauchery soon.

Not a party until something gets broken.

Right, Faye?

She could see Kim running around to the other band members, it wasn’t the ecstatic running around that stagebound Kim seemed to exhibit normally.

They moved around a large headstone when Bobbie gasped.

Those hair colors… that…

That face. I… Bobbie gasped. For a moment, she was Robb again. Seeing her that first day, the low light glinted off of her ankh earrings. She could smell the bus stop, feel the chill in the air. The scent was so crisp in her nostrils that she was there.

Bobbie was face to face with Melanie, again for the first time.

“Mel.” She whispered.

The new girl giggled. “You know me?” She inhaled deeply on the joint. Exhaling, Mel offered it to Tim. “I’m so fuckin’ scattered.”

“No thanks. That’s probably…” Tim started, taking a moment to look at her. He turned to Bobbie. He suddenly recognized the face, she had black hair the last time he saw it. That video.

“C’mon. That…”

The music changed. Repetitious keyboard strains and a lazy baseline took over. The music became disjointed from such a rapid change in tempo.

The introduction of… Mel? Can’t be. How is that even possible? And now GRRL ARMY slamming the show at a ninety degree angle?

Something’s up.

ROXANNE!

You don’t have to put on the red light…

“Oh, shit.”

“What?” Tim jumped.

“Roxx is here. Kim’s trying to tell me. She hates Sting.” She stopped talking to anyone but herself. “No other reason they’d play that.”

“It was Dune wasn’t it?” Tim’s shit eating grin wasn’t allowing him to bypass his sense of humor.

“Not now.” Bobbie admonished, she scanned the crowd on the verge of panic. “That means that Mel is… She’s not alone. C’mon.” She grabbed his wrist. “We’ve got to find her. If she’s here…” Bobbie pulled Tim along, not wanting to lose him now.

“She’s up to something. And it’s got to be big to get her out of that club.”

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix Part XXXIII

Author:

Chefness

Caution:

CAUTION: Language

Audience Rating:

Restricted Audience (r)

Publication:

Novel Chapter

Genre:

Magic

Character Age:

Teenage or High School

TG Themes:

Sweet / Sentimental

TG Elements:

Bad Girls / Promiscuity

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

Chapter 98

Roxx wasn’t tired at all, if anything she was jacked up on what seemed like a much finer drug than any she had ever used. She could feel a connection with everyone. If only Lust had thought of this, using sex is just so sixteenth century.

Drugs were certainly the future.

Roxx had come to think of it as tanning; soaking up invisible energy to make oneself darker.

Sounds perfect to me.

“Oh, look.” She said, recognizing the tune.

“They’re playing my song.”

***

CamiLynn was enjoying the party so much, and now this guy was letting her give him a blowjob. She idly wondered how many of the boys here wanted to fuck her.

All of them, she hoped. The idea of dealing with so many cocks that it got confusing seemed like it would be the best party ever. She grabbed at her own oversized breasts while she slid her hand up and down the slippery shaft.

“Uhh,” The boy said. CamiLynn kept her hand down by the base as she redoubled her efforts. She felt the salty goodness hit the back of her throat. She kept sucking, speeding up, trying to get every last twitch. It was so hard to not laugh each time his knees threatened to buckle.

***

Rubi and Rosa were by the kegs. They had started dancing with some boys… and some girls; swapping partners, handing out some of the tiny bags of green crystals to some people.

Definitely making sure that the beer kept flowing.

That blonde girl with the blue in her hair…Bobbie? Rubi saw her approach. She’s so pretty, too bad she’s such a good girl priss.

***

Roxx could feel everything get stronger, the gravestone she sat upon gave her a good vantage of the party. She knew that Bobbie would be out there somewhere.

You can’t stop me now. I know the secret. Something you never could figure out.

Surely that meant that the endgame was upon her.

I’m gonna have so much fun ending this. It was all so close to her, Roxx started to walk slowly down the slope while rocking her hip to the beat.

She could see a blank spot in the sea of colors, one right next to that singe unique pattern.

I better know that one… After all…

I gave it to him.

***

The darkness was starting to move in like black storm clouds as the party grew louder.

None of it spelled joy for Bobbie.

Moving through the crowd, Bobbie was piecing together what was going on. The amount of plastic cups on the ground… the appearance of the girls that followed Roxx everywhere. Suddenly, the weird, creeping fuzziness suddenly made sense.

Roxx is draining people the only way she knows how.

Drugs, sex…

Bad ideas. That was her influence, tainting what should have been a tapestry of beautiful lights and darks was showing a creeping taint, a dark imbuing that if left unchecked…

And with the amount of people at the graveyard tonight?

“Tim.” Bobbie said. “Stay here.” She just wanted him safe.

“Fuck no.” He said defiantly. “You’re my girl, she hurt you. She’s up to no good. Look I may not be any kind of hero.”

“But I can fucking sidekick.” Tim smacked a fist into his palm.

“Hanging out with Kim?” Bobbie smirked.

“And I pick the bad time to make jokes.”

***

Plugman was having a good time, this jam session was a great idea. He’d have to get GRRL ARMY to do this again. Everyone was having fun, the party was loud and jumpin’.

Viggo grinned, knowing that Plugman had one hell of a future.

Be a hell of a way to get paid while I go to school.

***

The mass of flesh parted, just for Roxx. She strode confidently to the end of everything she had worked toward. After tonight, Krakatoa would become the heart and soul of Delacroix.

Which means that I will.

The drunk and screwing teens that were dotting the landscape were feeding energy into Roxx’s ethereal coffer. And this is only a fraction of what’s available.

“C’mon, Bobbie. Let’s have some fun.”

***

Bobbie was just about to give up, eyes darting frantically, wondering where the redhead would strike. When she felt it flanking her, she spun to see the second face she had seen the other girl wear. Melanie… Roxx…

“Robb.”

Bobbie froze, she wheeled right to see Roxx standing there in a tight purple dress that shone like latex.

“Mel.”

“Told you it’s…”

Bobbie nimbly crossed the two steps forward and swung one foot around Roxx’s leading leg and delivered a perfect palm thrust between her constrained breasts. Roxx went down to the ground in a heap. One stiletto heel flew off in the quick scrum.

“Fine…” Bobbie said loudly, angrily. “Roxx.” She raised her pitch and added a mocking tone.

“You’re too late.” Roxx said. She started laughing, not even bothering to get up. The redhead pulled a metal cigarette case out and puffed one alight.

“You were too late for Kim, too late for Faye…”

“Too late for Tim… How is Timmi by the way?”

Bobbie saw red in the darkness as more blood than ever was squeezed through the capillaries of her blue eyes. She dropped to a knee and brought a fist down hard. Pain exploded in Bobbie’s hand as she felt a crack. Roxx’s cheekbone bruised and began to swell.

She brought her fist back again.

FZZT!

***

Beth saw Bobbie knock someone in a shiny dress down. She wouldn’t do that without a reason…

It was at that moment that she realized the identity of the downed girl. She let go of Steve’s hand and ran to help her friend. She remembered Bobbie running to the rescue that day so long ago. Everything she had become and done since meeting that awesome blonde girl and her tough little sister…

I’m coming, Bobbie!

***

Rubi and Rosa had to see Roxx, so did CamiLynn. They didn’t know why exactly, but there was no way they would ever disappoint Roxx.

She’s so cool and she takes care of us.

They all just stopped what they were doing and walked away. All towards the spot where Bobbie and Roxx had gathered for one last face off.

Chapter 99

The wasted time

Always searching for those wasted years.

Kim could see the bubble of nothing expand as they all converged. She knew what was happening, this was it. She had to get there.

Kim couldn’t miss this. She hoped the song would be the last.

She couldn’t leave her sister out there; even if she was her brother once.

***

Nikolai was sitting in the car, sipping tea from his insulated cup. At least he could get away from that loud club for a change. Prokofiev was far more enjoyable to listen to than that metallic clanging that Roxx passed off as music.

She was a strange girl, this one that carried the Magiya. She would have been a major asset in the GRU. Those simple days of a clearly defined enemy made him feel nostalgic. He could see that she liked him after a fashion, that impassive mask of hers left him to wonder how much of it was intentional.

Whatever it was she was doing, it seemed to be making her some money, and by extension, making him more money for his sabaka.

If it seemed to be quieter now, it wasn’t the case. Years of training gave him the vision of the Steller’s Sea Eagles he admired so much as a boy in Kamchatka. He checked the chamber on his Makarov and got ready for the inevitable trip into the fray. His razor focus stared at the screen of his phone.

The old days… how did we ever get along without GPS?

***

Bobbie was submerged in Roxx’s reality, she was both part of the universe and outside it at the same time.

“Why is your hair like a skunk?” The chubby boy with the striped rugby shirt asked.

“It’s not like a skunk… it’s like a superhero.” She shot back.

“Looks like a skunk to me. Hey Charlie, come check out the skunk.

Little Mel covered the white streak with her hands as she ran away from the taunting boys. When she finally lost them, she sat under a tree and cried.

Her mommy had told her that she had a special birthmark on her scalp that made the hair there grow white. It wasn’t fair, nobody else had one. Mommy said that it made her special.

Then why didn’t it make her feel special?

***

The girl with the dark skin and dirty blonde hair who rolled her ‘r’s’ was getting closer to Bobbie, who was on top of Roxx with a fist ready to deliver a mighty smite.

Beth took off, leaving Steve behind. She could see the girl getting closer, she prayed for a burst of speed before launching herself at the unseen assailant.

She had a brawny arm back and flying when it looked like the tackle she was aiming for would miss.

Crack!!

Rosa screamed as she felt the bone in her nose fracture, her hands flew up to her face as blood spurted.

“You leave Bobbie alone.” Beth screamed as she landed, levering her shoulders and bringing the other fist around to feel a satisfying crack on the opposite side.

Rosa spun and fell in a heap. Beth turned and saw Rubi also heading towards the fracas.

“STEVE!” Beth yelled, turning to pull Bobbie off of Roxx.

The big guy was moving to hold Rubi back. He saw another girl with green hair approaching.

The sound of Roxx’s laughter grew louder as the other girls approached.

***

Kim saw… something, that weird fuzzy texture to what she saw was growing and pulsating. A gangrenous cancer with AIDS. She heard it, too. A laughter in her head that made her uneasy. Once Amber hit the final chord; Kim dropped her guitar and ran for the end of the stage to loud, thunderous cheers.

She jumped, flying out smoothly into the crowd. I’m comin’, sis. She knew Bobbie had to be there, as did Roxx.

The audience caught her and floated her on a cushion of hands right to the scuffle.

A blur of pink overtook the flash of green as CamiLynn was knocked down, with the angry gaze of Queen Kim the Terrible bearing down on her.

***

He made her feel pretty. It was the only reason she did it. When her mom suggested dyeing her hair, it was kind of cool with nobody noticing. But now that her young budding breasts were starting to form, she wanted people to notice her again.

Just not the way they used to…

So she started dyeing the area affected by the birthmark in bright, vibrant colors. Later she started to have more holes put into her ears.

She planned to get some tattoos when she got a little older. The boys paid attention now.

The girls did, too; usually in a way that had more in common with her earlier tormentors. In the end it was the same, teased and tormented. Her mom’s new boyfriend seemed supportive.

He said that he thought she was pretty. He didn’t act like the others, she thought it was cute how he was kind of shy at first. Tomm, he said his name was.

“Two Ms, first one’s silent.” She thought it was so funny when he first said it.

She thought he was strange looking, but now she just found Tomm’s shiny hairless dome kind of sexy.

Her mom would be so pissed when she found out. But he’d be gone eventually like all the others. Maybe Tomm could be her boyfriend and he would take her away from this dreary ramen filled life.

When she did eventually find out, and he did eventually leave. Young Melanie decided to get herself emancipated. It seemed like a good idea at the time, and all she needed to do was get a GED.

Seemed simple enough.

But, one day at a bus stop in her new town; she met this one guy, only a little older than herself.

Robert… sounded geeky. But he thought she was pretty, he seemed to care…

***

Bella threw the drumsticks out into the audience before bolting for the edge of the stage and vaulting out in the same manner Kim had.

“FUCK YEAH!!!” She screamed as the crowd caught her.

From the stage, Amber and Heather looked at each other. They smiled knowingly and shrugged before dropping their instruments and launching out into the crowd.

Hell of a showstopper.

***

This mindscape was new to Roxx, she looked down and saw Robb. Only he was much younger than when she had met him.

He was moping in his room, that sister of his bugging him to play with her.

He said no, he always said no. Now that his dad was gone…

Pfft, why should that matter?

Everyone always thought he was weird.

Explains why he was so happy to meet me.

***

Steve was straining to hold Rubi back. Kim was soon upon him. Staring into her, she saw something she recognized.

Mary?

Looking around, it dawned on her brightly. Roxx had changed them somehow.

Energy.

Lust.

The other members of the ARMY arrived, laughing.

“Fuck, Kim.” Bella said with an enthusiastic laugh. “Need to fuckin’ upstage everyone?”

Amber was the first to notice the anger.

“What’s going on?” She asked.

“BOBBIE!!” Kim yelled. “IT’S ROXX’S BEER!!”

“Roxx?” Heather grunted in recognition as she started stomping her way to the two girls.

***

I need you to believe in something…

Melanie had this great idea for the two of them to fuck on camera. Sure it wasn’t exactly romantic, but damn was it erotic.

The money looked pretty good, too.

But coming out of the shower, ready to start using that money to hopefully build something of a new life.

He had disappeared. By the time she indulged in the panoply of feeling dullers, and dropped that lit cigarette.

Lust was upon her.

***

“IT’S ROXX’S BEER!” The voice was familiar, it came from somewhere. Bobbie felt hands on her shoulders, pulling, bringing her back, away from …

Where?

***

Why does everyone leave?

Why does this happen to me?

“Ooh, you are in trouble, aren’t you?”

Melanie’s mind became the inside of an insane zoetrope. Spinning and twisting in a gasping attempt to wriggle her way awake and free from danger. Robb may have left, but that didn’t mean she was helpless…

Did it?

***

The world jolted in in fits and starts. Bobbie shook her head.

Roxx was straining against Heather and Bella, each holding her back.

Bobbie saw the dark, mossy taint settling over the tapestry of people at the party. She inhaled slowly, without taking her eyes off of Roxx. The taint moved towards Bobbie. She felt it, welcomed it. She could feel the Mel in it.

The Roxx.

She drew it in, the air crackled with acrid tension. Bobbie could feel the hairs on the back of her neck bristle. It was cold, so very cold. Bobbie could feel all the hurt, all the pain.

All the suffering. Bobbie could feel it covering her, enveloping her like an oil slick…

Or a chocolate covered strawberry. Bobbie’s mind compartmentalized to keep the darkness out of the forefront of her mind.

***

Rach and Faye got there to the fracas late, Faye just needed to refill her cup first. I swear, getting that girl to hurry is like pulling teeth. What Rach saw looked like a spreading fungus from high altitude. A weird, creeping… fuzziness was encroaching on the tapestry of need.

Like last week’s cottage cheese.

“OH MY GOD!!!” Zoe yelled in a manner that would assure a painful morning. "I FINALLY FOUND YOU GUYS!!” She swayed a little, an empty cup in each hand. A tall, similar looking blonde stood next to her.

Faye hugged Zoe. “I know that’s so awesome. Now you don’t have to go to that boring old school anymore.” Stacy remained silent. “Hi, Stacy.” Disdain dropped like the finest honey from Faye’s voice.

Rach stood bristling, and Stacy was not the cause. She waited for the first punch to fly.

Rach saw something. It was different, odd. It looked wrong somehow, more wrong now that she was closer to it. She clutched at her purse, feeling the rough outlines of the gray statue within. She didn’t know why she brought it, but long since learned to second guess those feelings.

Especially now.

Dammit, I can’t wait to understand what all of this shit means. You’re really gonna have to explain this better, Bobbie.

Once she got there, and saw the players involved. She started running, blue hair flying.

***

Bobbie could feel it pressing on her. It was hurting, stinging frigidity coupled with being caught in a hydraulic vise.

Tim was talking, but she couldn’t hear, the blood was singing in her ears. Or is that music?

It was so much, how could she keep it all?

Isn’t that what you always did before? A voice, strangely familiar.

Cough.

Robb?

Just let it go, Bobbie.

Let.

It.

Go.

***

Rach stared at the scene, confused. She finally settled on Roxx, because of all of them, she was the only one that could have made everyone’s darkness look so similar.

Maybe I’ll start to get this quicker than I thought.

Feeling the pressure radiating from Bobbie, Rach let the pressure move through her as well.

And that music… what was that?

***

Bobbie felt the drop in intensity almost immediately. She knew it was Rach, she didn’t have to look. Bobbie nearly basked in the lessening pressure.

Was afraid to move her gaze one single micron.

***

Rach looked around a universe stuck in time. She could smell the acrid tang of diesel as she looked at the early morning. The sign at the bus stop was dirty and the chill in the air was pleasant.

A geeky looking boy standing there with a girl who was way out of his league. The words were mumbled, but when she smiled and touched at her ears, she saw something.

Who are these people?

Realization broke over her as she found out as the scenes played out.

She really loved him. The situations grew more dim for the pair.

Ending with the boy fading into…

“Bobbie.”

Then Rach found out about the video, then Kim, then…

Massive blocks of understanding moved together to form a larger picture.

When Melanie became Roxx, that larger picture unveiled all of its mysteries.

***

Realizing now what was happening, and who it was happening to. Rach thanked her lucky stars that she threw that statue into the bag. Women’s intuition kicks ass. She pulled out the grey statue of Roxx. She didn’t need to see the statue to know it was turning blue. It was grounding them, Rach started to smile as she figured out what was happing. She just hoped that Bobbie would hold out long enough.

Bobbie already wasn’t looking too good. She was pale, and the blue that she wore so much? The color that suffused her soul? It had spread to her lips and fingernails… Her pupils had shrivelled to nearly nothing, leaving her already beautiful eyes an almost reflective, ponderous blue.

“BOBBIE!!!” Tim screamed, he didn’t know what was happening.

And he was terrified.

***

Rach saw the dark spots streak away like oil scattering across serene water, she could see a path open up in the middle of it all.

Where all the darknesses trailed towards Bobbie and herself. She looked down at the statue and saw the finished clay finish the change to that familiar, wonderful blue. Streaks of clarity streamed in from various angles.

With all of the clarity pointing directly to Roxx.

***

As if The Greater Magellanic Cloud had finally parted, Lust was once again able to touch the mind of what would have been her greatest creation.

And the universe proved its sense of humor.

It was the Advocate that had done it. Lust was being bitten in the ass by her own decisions.

And now an Advocate comes to my rescue... however inadvertently. Even Lust had to appreciate the situation.

She really does help everybody, even me.

Should have taken him myself. Could’ve gone so differently.

Lust sighed; every brilliant creation has a flaw.

You’re so much like them.

It was a shame; this one was so different to all of the others. None had ever given over so willingly, nor fed so well. In all of her history, none had ever become so efficient so quickly. In times past, Roxx would be put down like a beloved dog that had gotten the taste of chicken blood.

But those times were long since passed. Lust had to be careful with the energy she spent, and had to be careful with potential sources. Time was, she would swat them hard.

Now? She could ill afford it. Roxx could still be useful, useful in ways even she couldn’t be aware of yet.

Besides, better the devil you know.

Right, Roxx?

***

Roxx finally found her voice. She raised an arm heavily. It was going to be really simple to make her do what she wanted.

Hmmm… my own pornstar… Bobbie would make such a willing lackey.

A warmth, and a recognizable tightening started to spread.

“You can’t stop me.” The sound of Roxx’s grinding teeth was almost audible behind her words.

Bobbie felt herself smile. “I don’t have to.” She wanted to smile and laugh, but it came out as a breathless whisper. “You have no power over me.” Bobbie murmured as her eyes rolled back into her head as she began to collapse.

***

“You and your fucking movie….. unhhh.” Roxx said before collapsing suddenly herself.

“Someone’s been bad.” The voice played in her head. That voice.

Lust.

Roxx’s pussy throbbed and dripped, her back threatened to snap from the strong convulsions. She slapped at the watch on her wrist on the way down.

“You need to learn your place.”

“No.uuuunnnh…ooo…” Not now… so… close.

“With everything put into you,” Lust tsked. “You repay me for saving you like this? You got your revenge, you turned Kim. You were doing so well. But someone got too big for their doublet?”

“Didn’t they?”

“I…I…Mmmmmm.” Roxx fought so hard to keep her hands away from that sensitive button, knuckles white from clenching her fists.

“Do you think you can hide anything from me? Hide from what you are now?”

“Did befoOOOOOOhhh….” Roxx’s gritted teeth made the words sound strained.

“Defiant to the end, huh?”

ALWAYS! Roxx forced the thought through the thickening fog of orgasm.

***

Nikolai heard the beeping of the panic button he insisted that she wear that night. He was out of the car with the Makarov locked and loaded.

After all, he had to protect his meal ticket. Things were so much easier now that Bogdan and Yevgeniy were gone. No supplier hiccups.

And a lot less wetwork. His mamushka had always said ‘chase two rabbits and you will catch none’. With Roxx in charge, the warren of rabbits had dwindled down to one or two.

The Sea Eagle chose his target from that place of special quiet and darted for the origin of the signal.

***

Tim was there just in time to catch Bobbie’s slumping form. Her eyes were wide open, she appeared catatonic. He set her down gently, taking special care to not hurt a single part of her.

***

Tim’s face was all over the place, taking up Bobbie’s entire field of vision.

“Bobbie!” He mouthed. Like watching a movie with the sound off.

Always liked Buster Keaton more.

“Bobbie Blue. C’mon.”

His eyes crinkle funny when he starts to cry.

Blue hair replaced his face.

Rach, she’s cool… we’re all good cop bad cop…

The sound of the blood in her head started to slow down like low tide, but that musical sound didn’t fade as quickly. Why am I on the ground? Did I fall?

“..BIE!!” Tim yelled.

“Sis.” Kim screamed, running towards Bobbie.

A big man stopped Kim in her tracks, she raised her hands. That’s what you’re supposed to do, right? They recognized him from the club. The quiet one that never left her side.

He held his gun on a bunch of teenagers that put their hands up. A boy and a girl with blue hair huddled over the blonde girl that causes Roxx so many headaches. Obviously, they were scared. Roxx was in a quivering heap, moaning wantonly. He got her over one shoulder in a fireman’s carry. whatever was wrong with her,

He surveyed them with his firearm. They are children. What can they do?

“Not see again, da?” Nikolai made it very clear what he meant, even if his English wasn’t cooperating. The menace dripped thicker than his accent.

“Da,” Kim said, resorting to one of her three words of Russian.

Nikolai left quietly, only Roxx’s moans marked his position.

Some grubby girls in ill fitting stripper uniforms held their heads.

“Mary.” Kim said, seeing a much less healthy version of her friend.

“Kim? What’re you doing here?” She looked around confused. “Where’s here?”

“I’m with the band. Come on.” She said, helping the blond girl up.

“Let’s go.”

“What the fuck just happened?” Bella asked.

“Yeah.” Heather checked her hand. “Broke a nail, but I finally got to sock her before she…”

“What the hell just happened?”

***

Roxx was rubbing herself against the arm she had planted in the middle of the seat, elbow locked. Nikolai had turned up the stereo to drown out her wanton moans of pleasure. She wanted to cum so badly, but the closer she got, the further away it seemed. She looked to Nikolai. He was attractive, in a rugged way.

Oh, what the hell.

Roxx reached over and wrenched his pants open, button flying upwards and the zipper giving way all at one with a loud ripping sound. Her expert hands had his cock out and hard in seconds. With her tongue, she moistened the tip before beginning to suck and stroke like her life depended on the antidote to the poison she just drank, Dr. Jones

Mmmm, so good, so hard….

Roxx ignored the screeching of brakes and Nikolai’s surprised face. Her free hand had found its way beneath the panties and began to rub furiously.

Oh… moremoremoremore…

“Good little thrall.” Lust said into her mind with a purr.

Roxx’s hand and tongue worked around all the sensitive areas, his rigid cock turned into a throbbing sticky mess. He came, and Roxx nearly gagged on the salty goodness that was like Ambrosia.

She couldn’t get enough, she licked and sucked every last tasty drop from his dick and used her free hand to finally invade her inviting pussy.

“Aoaooooahhhoaaooahhh.” Roxx came, Nikolai’s dick still in her mouth. She retracted, and swallowed twice, blinking rapidly before wrapping herself around Nikolai and shoving her tongue down his throat.

“MmmmmMMmmmmmmPhhhh.” Roxx mumbled. Finally achieving presence of mind for a moment she started to breathe.

“Cl…club……”

Nikolai stared at her wide eyed, nodded and put the car in drive.

Roxx enjoyed a calming moment.

“Not getting off that easily, dear.”

Roxx thought it was over.

Until her pussy CLENCHED hard, sweat broke out all over her skin. She found her hand expertly manipulating her clit and labia; the sudden intense arousal overtaking judgment and good sense.

Unnn...unnnunnnnunnnn…

She looked back at Nikolai. She just wanted to fuck him again right now. Ram that big cock inside her, rattle it around, suck on it again, make him cum and cum and cum…

The thoughts were driving her to explore further.

Her tits around his shaft bouncing up and down.

Rubbing it around my ass before sliding it in…Oh…

“Nikki…” Roxx rubbed and played and waited, Nikolai’s cock would get hard again soon.

But the wait is so so long.

“Oooh.” Roxx’s moaning threatened to send the car into an opposing lane as Nikolai began moving the car again. They could treat that black eye once they got to the club.

***

Bobbie saw the world fade in as the tunnel of her vision widened. Her eyes felt too big for their sockets and her mouth was a desert, parched. She began violently shivering.

“C…C….cold.” Bobbie said.

Tim’s face slackened, he hugged her so close to him.

“Bobbie.” He teared up. “What happened?”

“I saw…I…”

Tim nodded. “That’s enough for me.” He hugged her again. “I don’t wanna know.”

“I don’t care.”

“I love you, Bobbie Sharpe.”

Bobbie felt her strength returning slowly. She got to her feet with a wobble, Tim keeping her close.

“See? Not letting you fall.” Tim smiled. “Ever.”

***

Not the first time I carried someone while kicking and screaming. Nikolai had carried Roxx upstairs. Her ecstatic moans and wanton thrashing started to subside once he got her to the booth and listened to her labored breathing and assured himself of her continued existence.

Roxx had a cigarette out and inhaled hard enough to crush the filter between her lips. Lust was fading now, her influence disappearing altogether once inside the building. Now it was just a fading memory.

But one that would never fully fade.

She sat there for a long time, still pulled taut from having Lust back inside her head after so long. Never again.

She called for Staci and Jenna, wanting a sort of protection that Nikki couldn’t provide.

It was hours later that Roxx’s party of three settled down enough to think.

The ding of the tablet drew her attention immediately.

How…? It hadn’t gone off in a while. She honestly thought that there was nothing else to be gleaned. According to all of her searches, there were no more languages to compare.

But anything that would take her mind off of her current situation. One of the girls brought her a freshly rolled joint. It suddenly didn’t interest her at all; she wanted to relax, but needed to stay sharp.

And will someone please turn that fucking music down?

***

“ONE MORE SONG!! ONE MORE SONG!!” The crowd was chanting loudly, and the onlookers that had carried the band members.

It got loud as the crowd closed in.

“HOLY FUCK!” Bella yelled. “WELL? COME THE FUCK ON! LET’S FUCKIN’ DO THIS SHIT.”

Amber and Bella ran back to the stage while Kim and Heather smiled at each other and held hands.

Some of the closer fans beckoned them over. When the two girls approached they were floated up and carried away. They walked hand in hand on a cushion of love back to the stage.

***

Bobbie was downing another bottle of water and trying to keep her feet under her. Rach came up and stood by Bobbie.

“You okay?” Rach asked. Faye went to stand by Tim.

“Yeah. You?”

“Fine, I think.” Rach rubbed at her forehead. “What the hell was that?”

“Not sure. I think I did the opposite of whatever it was she did.”

“The bakery!” Rach blurted.

“It’s fine.” Tim called. Faye had herself under an arm under the pretense of cold.

“No. You both…” Rach brightened. “Check it out. You both give people something, and you can both take.”She held up the statue, “We… I dunno… soaked it up?”

Remembering what Kim had said about Lust being unable to contact Roxx. “We cancelled her out, and then…” Rach shook the statue.

Bobbie took the statue and regarded its blue color. “Frankenstein came for his monster.”

Tim let go of a pouting Faye to rush back to Rach.

“So what do we do now?” Rach asked. “She’s gone. That human tank took her.”

“She’s not going anywhere yet. When she pops back up…”

“DELACROIX!!!” Heather yelled over the PA, the booming sound cut through any attempts at conversation.

A cheer went up, flashes of cameras were strobing wildly in an effort to induce epilepsy. Everyone turned back to the stage.

“This is gonna be the last GRRL ARMY show. I know, I know. But, I mean it this time, our lovely drummer Bella went and got herself accepted to Brown.”

The crowd awwwwed.

“But, we do have something special. It’s a new song we’ve been working on.” Heather continued. She removed her hat and swept the hair from her face.

“We’ve all known each other a long time. It was a hell of a ride, wasn’t it? We all come from the same place. And tonight, that time is over.”

“Wherever you go, whatever you do. This place will always hold onto your heart. When things look bad, or you’re down. There’s only one thing you can do…”

“SOLDIER ON!!”

Bella cracked her sticks against each other four times before launching into the beat. Kim and Heather laying down some background riffs.

Then out came Amber and her shrieking guitar.

When the moments fleeting

There’s no retreating.

“Soldier on!” Heather and Amber sang background while Kim belted out the lyrics.

***

Bobbie looked at the band, then to Tim. She got an arm around him and squeezed.

“THAT’S MY FUCKIN’ SISTER!!” Bobbie yelled, wishing she had a lighter to hold up. She had devil horns in the air as a tribute to Bella.

Tim Flaherty hugged back at his girl, he moved closer for a kiss. Bobbie accepted gladly.

And there they stood, graduates of Delacroix High School. The experience changed everyone…

But no one more than Tim Flaherty…

…and Bobbie Sharpe.

Epilogue

“Nick? Do you like this one?” Faye came out of the hallway wearing a swimsuit that was more skin than swim.

“Uh… yeah.” He said, putting down the cheapie tablet he had picked up. Once finals were done, Nick had continued studying. Faye thought he was just being a nerd.

He had hidden what his studying was truly for from everyone, even Bobbie.

And god, it’s impossible to hide anything from that girl. He smiled thinking about the day ahead. Faye had talked him into going to the beach with everyone. He wouldn’t get any studying done there. He powered down the tablet and set it aside.

Bobbie knew stuff about magic? Then he would learn too. If he couldn’t get Kane back, which he’d given up on long ago.

He wanted Faye back. Faye, with all her sarcastic quips and lightning thumbs. Being at the top of the leaderboards was hollow, pointless.

Nick just wanted to argue with her again, about the Millenium Falcon’s top speed…

… or which of them was Batman in the Dynamic Duo that ruled the leaderboards.

At first, he’d imagined it to be much like the role playing games. Unfortunately, no one wants to do enough reading for a doctoral thesis to gain magic points. It had been difficult so far, Google was exhausted almost instantly.

Only, and this was the sticking point, the languages used in all those ancient texts were all dead ones. Luckily trawling the deep web had led to some tantalizing hints. Hence the tablet, the chronicle of the sixteenth century monk held the most clues

No one could know about his studies; Someone would have stopped him. And by someone you mean Bobbie.

She still came by; when she wasn’t busy with the bakery, which seemed to be almost never lately. But that Instagram page looks like a museum.

This day at the beach was just what the doctor ordered.

“Jeez, Nick. It’s not like you’re even paying attention.”

“Just waiting for this thing to shut…”

Faye’s top dropped. “Oopsies.” Nick looked up just in time to see Faye upon him, her tongue searching his mouth.

“C-C-C-C-Combo Breaker.” Faye said, laughing. “We have plenty of time before tomorrow.”

He sighed, knowing where this was going to end up. It was the only time she ever used video game lingo.

***

Bobbie was bumping the oven closed with her hip. The new schedule was working out where her evenings were free, there was so much more time now. The newer items selling, the merch disappearing so fast it was on back order, and special order forms stacked to the sky.

The Daily Grind cheesecake was a big hit, made the paper; Gilda joking asked for some smaller, single serving ones. Which they delivered two weeks later, now with flavors like Dirty Blondie, White Raspberry Mocha, and Borgia; Gilda laughed…

All the way to the bank.

The phone buzzed with her newer Buckaroo Banzai ringtone. Both she and Tim went for their phones. Ah, the perils of having matching ringtones.

“Bobbie, hi.” It was Sylvia.

“Hi, mom. What’s up?”

“We all still on for Lunch on Sunday?”

“Of course. Someone’s got to make sure that Heather gets some sunlight.”

“Ever since you moved in over there… I swear, do you two sleep?” Sylvia laughed.

“Could ask you the same.” Bobbie said. “Got a full house again.”

“Yeah. It’s nice, you know. I do worry a little. I caught Kim showing Beth how to open that little knife of hers.”

Bobbie checked the cooling racks and the proofer while on the phone. “Don’t worry about it, mom, just another of those crazy hobbies of hers.

“Yeah.” Sylvia agreed. “Now she’s talking about getting a motorcycle. The money she makes from modeling for Heather is gonna make her dangerous.”

“Nah.” Bobbie said, assuring herself that everything was off for the night. “She doesn’t want me to kick her ass.”

“I’ll see you tomorrow, we’ll be by to get Kim and Beth in the morning. Big beach trip.”

“I’ll see you, Bobbie, have a good night.”

“Love you, Mom.”

“Love you, too.” Sylvia said.

Bobbie hung up. “Ready to head out?”

“Yeah.” Tim said. “Y’know I heard that there’s gonna be another Drop Bears movie? Down Undercover? Looks like they’re heading back to Australia.”

Bobbie laughed as she and Tim headed out into the cool summer night. Holding hands, they walked to Heather’s… Well, Heather and Bobbie’s now. Hot Cocoa and churros while watching Captain America dodge the evil forces of HYDRA sounded like a hell of an evening.

***

Zoe knew that Zia would have loved this day. It was just crazy how she had somehow made anything like Zia seem normal and… cool. The double life that Zia offered was so different. She had to admit that clones had it pretty good sometimes. Always someone just like me.

Zoe was hearing the call of Zia now. A small part of her wondered if maybe Zia could make her some money.

Zia and Stacy planned to go clubbing soon. She wondered how much it would have chapped her sister’s ass to find out that she and Zia were one and the same.

The Playboy calendar had been released and the role Zoe had played had become one of those internet mysteries. Who is she…?

…I’ll never tell.

Zoe adjusted her sunglasses and stared out over the water. Rach had made it a little harder to let Zia out. Oh, sure. I could tell everyone. But it’s good to have a secret.

She saw a group of pretty people off in the distance. Zoe felt the call of the wild, part of her just wanted to giggle in the sun and frolic in the water. Stacy would have like to be here to.

But she forgot about it, looking over at her friends she decided that Zia could wait.

Rach couldn’t keep Zia available by appointment only forever.

And besides, wasn’t the fun of a double life jumping back and forth?

Zoe laid out plans for what was sure to be an interesting new year.

***

The hot late July sun beat down on the sand. The members of GRRL ARMY, Nick, Faye, Rach, Zoe, and Beth sat under the large beach umbrella.

“Glad we came out today.” Heather said.

“We fuckin’ had to.” Bella said. “Leaving next fucking week.”

“Well enjoy it, kid.” Kim said. “Ain’t no decent beaches where you’re going.” She had the bottom of her shirt flipped up and was applying suntan lotion, taking special care to cover her new tattoo completely. Urban inspired script inked in an arc over Kim’s tiny bellybutton defiantly shouted ‘KIMSTER’

“Hey, let me see that when you’re done.” Bobbie said, bending the wide brim of her floppy hat just so in an effort to make sure the baker didn’t develop a crust. She needed to get some of the lotion on her left shoulderblade. They had gone together, Bobbie and Kim.

Two underage girls getting tattooed; Normal, right? Bobbie’s newest prized possession was the photo taken of Kim the second the inked needle touched her tender stomach. “Hey.” Bobbie had said. “You’re the one that said ‘go big or go home.’”

Bobbie’s artwork was much smaller. The outline of a bird painted in with blue flames, its talons clutching a spatula. When she explained it to Kim, it was a simple chain of three words.

Blue.

Rebirth.

Baking.

Tim liked it, considered getting one himself. He did think better of it, wondering what would happen to ‘Timmi’ once he had.

“Here.” Kim had the lid back on and she tossed it to Bobbie, who caught it in midair.

She pulled off her Depeche Mode shirt and Tim gasped.

Bobbie’s blue bikini was so small that Tim was worried she would get arrested. The front covered her nipples, and the straps were so thin.

“Where…?”

“I can see that you like it.” Heather said. “What do you think? Think I can sell a bunch?”

“Yeah,” Tim said. “To boyfriends,” Silently, he wondered if Timmi would like it.

Probably would, so skimpy.

Kurt and Amber were plucking away on their guitars while Beth laid out in the sun.

“I wish Steve was here.” Beth said, taking her position on the towel. The summer had been busy for her, moving into Bobbie’s old room. .

It had been a surprise to everyone when Heather offered to let Bobbie take Betty’s room once she headed back to Auckland, especially Sylvia

“Someone had to run the bakery.” Bobbie slapped at Tim’s hand when he went for his cell phone. “He’s fine, Tim.”

“Yeah.” Said Beth, rubbing suntan lotion on her arms. “I know, but still…”

***

Roxx was bored. The club’s same four walls were getting to her, she’d had to let her apartment go, electing to stay inside the concrete cocoon that was Krakatoa. In the time since that graduation party, Roxx had retreated into the club. The business end was still going well…

But now, Roxx never left the club. Not without at least three of the girls, logistics made that difficult. A small room had been soundproofed so she could sleep when she needed to, which was becoming less and less often.

She had spent the better part of the last month reading and rereading the old translations. The last one had shown her that while she had learned so much from what she had…

It was a matter of context, Roxx simply wasn’t getting everything from it. The last translation had explained why. Two of the languages she had tracked were read from right to left instead of left to right. Finally reading things the right way had clarified things.

She was half right; she was pulling energy from everyone connected to her. But, if the new information was to be trusted, she was thinking too small. Parlor tricks.

Lust had an almost unending reserve of power to make others bend to her will.

Roxx smiled as one of the new girls brought her a tray with eggs and bacon.

“Thanks, Kat.” Roxx smiled as the new redhead walked away.

She had stopped thinking about Robb… Bobbie now… dammit.

But she was no longer the target of Roxx’s wrath.

Girl’s gotta have goals…

Right?

Lust?

***

The sun was sinking below the horizon, and Bobbie wanted to get back into the water one last time. She ran for the ocean with its waves lapping at the sand. She winced as the cold water chilled her ankles. She jumped forward and dove, breaking the surface for a moment. She began to scissor her legs to keep her head above water.

The sun was a ball of orange nuclear fire on the line where sea met sky. Bobbie turned and saw the gathering of her friends.

No… my family.

She turned and dipped her head back below the water; the blue of the phoenix on her shoulder disappearing into the water, which faded into the coming night sky.

There was no fear, no thoughts of things going wrong. No sharks, no zombies, no Roxx or Lust. Things had grown quiet since graduation, but no less busy for the Cheepskates crew. She thought about her life now and how it was so different from what could’ve been… But now?

She was Bobbie Sharpe

She was The Advocate.

The End

Bobbie Sharpe will return in Teenager of the Year.

The Platinum Chef : A Tale of Delacroix. Book I

Author:

Caution:

CAUTION: Sex / Sexual Scenes

Audience Rating:

Mature Subjects (pg15)

Publication:

Novel > 40,000 words

Genre:

Romance

Character Age:

College / Twenties

TG Themes:

TG Elements:

Permission:

Posted by author(s)

T he Platinum Chef: A Tale of Delacroix

Ch. 1

Some people learn the hard way. They either live their lives in such reckless pursuit of pleasure, that they never take responsibility for themselves. Yet others deny most of the pleasures that come with being human. Few get to see the other way without their thinking ruined by the path they’ve chosen. Sometimes a middle road opens up. Sometimes, things are so get far out of control that the only way to survive is to ride the wave.

His name was Robb Pointe. Well, actually Robert, then Rob. Then, after he got with Melanie, it was Robb. She said it sounded cooler. His sister disagreed. His mother downright hated it. But he’d had a rebellious streak instilled deep in him since his father; Jeff had died of a particularly aggressive cancer just shy of Robb’s 11th birthday. His mother became distant, backing away from the world she knew, it was some time before she could live again. Robb had retreated into his room, into a world of Wizards, heroes, and online communication. It seemed his mother didn’t have much to say, unless she was prodding him or yelling. Their relationship deteriorating, the worlds they moved in occupying different galaxies, let alone different orbits. His dad had been his best, and only male friend. The rug that tied the room together.

Robb was one of those guys in high school. Due to his unusual personality, he was definitely a victim of Wallflower Syndrome. He was not at the absolute bottom of the totem pole, definitely not popular. Certainly in the lower third. That fear of rejection always naggling at him, preventing any kind of social action. He was an unabashed geek, his young mind filled with movies, science, comics, his short study of martial arts. He wasn’t great at anything. Well, his stories always got ‘A’s. Book reports and research papers, no problem

As he months went by, he spent more time with her. His grades began to drop. And drop. He’d stayed with Mel, despite all her warnings. Sylvia hated the way she led him by the nose. Everything she said or did was gold, Robb wouldn’t even allow them to question what they were doing. The end came when finally he’d dropped out of high school, with one semester to go (her idea). Then he started wearing more black, He had shaved his head, and after a couple of false starts, grew a goatee (all her idea). Then came the drugs. He felt funny about doing them at first. It started lightly with pot and coke, graduated to pills and ecstasy. He became more comfortable with repeated doses. The new things in his life completely crowding out the old. The thoughts he had of writing and going to college drifting away in the clouds of smoke, replaced by Melanie’s embrace. Knowing that he wasn’t was alone the greatest balm in all of Gilead.

He’d moved into her small apartment, did odd jobs at first. He thought that there was a way he could get a job, start writing that book, give them both a shot at a normal life. Getting high started to occupy more and more of his time, to the exclusion of anything else. After a couple of years of dead end jobs he couldn’t hold. Melanie took charge. Do a couple smash and grabs a month, everything’s covered. He didn’t mind that he was doing wrong. They weren’t carrying guns, they weren’t going to hurt anyone. Everything would be just fine…

…as long as he had Mel.

…three years later

Blood.

It was running down his side. Making the denim feel slick to the touch.

“Robb.” Melanie gasped as she helped him in to the bathtub, dripping blood in a wavering line of splotches on the grubby, ash-stained carpet.

It should have been simple. Get in, hit the register, grab the cash, and run. Stupid old guy had a pistol under the till. He never heard it. The bullet punched through both sides of his abdomen. No vitals hit, but the bleeding wouldn’t stop. All the clothes from the back of the stolen car couldn’t mop it up as fast as it was flowing out.

They ditched the car, he was moving the two blocks to their place on autopilot. One foot in front of the other, so much blood. He knew from reading that the cold was shock and blood loss. Shapes came into focus, like a Rorschach test.

…a jagged ankh

Melanie. By all accounts, she had gotten him out of his rut. He stopped moping around his room. She seemed annoyed by Kim, who wanted nothing more than to be her best friend’s friend. They had met while waiting at the bus stop. All he knew about her was that she was new and had a very edgy look. All curves and revealing clothes, with multiple piercings and tattoos; He lost count of the colors in her hair. He remembered hearing in a movie once that ‘you only need to be bold for twenty seconds. Fuck it, what’s the worst that could happen?

:20 “Hi, I’m Robert. I just wanted to say hi and welcome to Delacroix

She’s gonna tell me to get lost.

:17 She smiled. “You’re the first person to talk to me, I’ve been here for three months, and everyone has avoided me.”

:11 “Hey, like your earrings.” He pointed to the two ankhs nestled in her ears.

Okay: Threat detected: Missile inbound

:09 “Oh, She said.” Touching her ear. “Etsy. Some of that handmade stuff is really… Oh I’m so fuckin’ scattered.”

:03 “I’m Melanie.” She offered her hand.

:01 “You wanna go get a coffee after school.”

Alright, this is where it all falls apart.

“Sure, but. I don’t go to school. I..I.. dropped out.” She brightened as she looked at him. “We could still go. Wanna play hooky?” Melanie said behind a grin both beautiful and sinister.

“Sure.” Robert said nervously, instantly. He’d never done that before. As long as he didn’t make a habit of it, Besides, a girl like this was unlikely to say ‘yes’ again. They had a good time. He let her do most of the talking. Mostly about her being emancipated, and how hard it was to keep herself together. He was half listening. Top of the world, Ma!

His vision swam again, purple shadows pulsating.

…Buckaroo Banzai’s jet car

He remembered his dad. He called him his ‘pal’, they went everywhere together. At first he was Jeff’s favorite toy, and as he grew, saw some of himself. They laughed at the Marx Brothers and Abbott and Costello, thrilled to the adventures of Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers. They watched Buckaroo Banzai every weekend, they both laughed so hard at the “Why is there a watermelon there?” line. His did was there to help him learn to walk and talk, how to climb trees. Then, suddenly, it stopped. Jeff got sicker and sicker. The house became morose and quiet, the old joy disappearing with his weight. Cancer, he had been told, terminal. He seemed to give up near the end, not able to look at his wife and family without crying. He remembered the funeral, so quiet. Only the murmured sobs of family members. The days after, when his mother would hardly say a word, even chatty Kim had little to say. Their world died a little that day

The shapes came together as two splatters joined.

…a cake with a piece missing

He remembered his mom, always trying to be a housewife. Her smile, and how it became scarce after his dad died.

“I don’t understand how you laugh at that same part every time.” Sylvia said smiling, bringing Jeff a Michelob and Robb a root beer.

“It’s funny…” Robb said.

“…because it’s so random.” Jeff said, flashing that smile. The one said ‘…and that’s a fact.’ Sylvia laughed, as she turned back to the kitchen to pull a cake out of the oven. She was always doing little things, volunteering at the school, helping friends with college homework. She was a pleasant, affable woman.

Until, Jeff got sick. She put on her best brave face and tried to make him comfortable. She watched him give up, saw the light in his eyes dim. After the funeral, she became detached. Frozen meals took over home cooking. Robb and Kim had each other, but even her college friends came by less and less. She finally had to join the ranks of the single mother, her previously happy life disintegrated, leaving her tinged with bitterness. The house seemed empty with him gone, Robb only serving to remind her of Jeff. Robb started arguing, feeling unfairly singled out. Kim, started to lash out as she reached puberty. She felt like she had lost control of all the skeins of her life.

Robb kept his grades up and stayed out of trouble at school as best as he could. It was about halfway through his senior year when he brought Melanie to meet her. She smelled the wrong on Mel right away.

The Thanksgiving turkey sat on the table, surrounded by all the regular holiday fare. Robb and Melanie were there, seated next to Kim and Sylvia. They ate in silence. Sylvia not wanting to have an argument. Robb’s rebellion was becoming more and more bold. Sneaking out, drinking, sex, and who knew what all else. She hated the tattooed, pierced girl who had led her son down this path. She felt partially to blame. If only she hadn’t drowned out the world after Jeff died. If only.

“Mom, I’m gonna crash at Melanie’s tonight.” He had said nonchalantly.

“No.” Sylvia said. “You need to be here to watch Kim tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” Kim said. “We’re supposed to see that Wheel of Ages movie, tomorrow. Pew Pew” She shot imaginary arrows.

“He doesn’t wanna see that stupid thing.” Melanie snapped.

And all hell had broken loose.

“Jesus fuck, mom. Why can’t you see that I love her?” He kissed her smiling face.

“This is bullshit.” Kim had declared.

“KIM!”Sylvia yelled.

“He’s always following her, he doesn’t stay home anymore. I miss you, Robb.” Kim grumbled.

“You haven’t been the same since she got here.” She pointed at Mel.

“Fuck you, you little bitch.” Melanie slapped at Kim’s finger.

“That’s it. Get out.” Sylvia pointed at the door. Melanie slinked to the door, once she reached the doorway she looked at Robb.

“You comin’?” She said to Robb.

He looked at the faces of his mother and sister and paused, and calmly walked over to Melanie. Sylvia was white with shock. Kim feeling responsible, had started to cry. He saw the light catch on one of her guitar barrettes as he turned to leave.

“I fucking hate you both.” Robb said, slamming the door behind him. Kim and Sylvia started after the door in silence for a long time before giving in to the urge to cry.

The smears of blood had run down, a new shape formed

…a broken doll

He remembered his sister, Kim.

He was sitting at the small table in her room. Darth Vader and G.I. Joe were having high tea with Barbie and Skipper. “Skipper likes bad boys.” Kim had declared, seating the doll next to the Sith Lord. Robb had laughed with Kim. They rode their bikes together, and wrestled together. With her tiny body not able to break out of the dreaded ‘spider’ hold. She laughed at his stupid jokes and had a nice, happy relationship with her older brother.

Then Jeff had died. Her wardrobe began to change, jeans replacing dresses, tshirts for bands that played angry music. She stopped playing with Robb as he disappeared into a world of fantasy. She felt as if her brother’s love had slipped away somehow. Then he brought Melanie home. She monopolized his time. She had tried to make friends with Mel, only to be shown no rebuked. She withdrew, started fighting, tried to reconcile how she felt with how things were. When she could no longer take it, she said something.

That something set off the argument at the Thanksgiving table. She felt responsible. His final words echoed with her every day.

“I fucking hate you both.” Christ! That bothered him. Kimster, I’m sorry. All his mistakes were there, mocking him. The shapes in the blood dangling all the fractured pieces of his life in front of his rapidly darkening vision

“… s-scared.” Robb said, shivering. “… cold. Give me a cigarette, Mel.” Melanie shook out one of the Camels out of her pack, lit it, then put it in Robb’s lips. He inhaled, wincing. “Should have gone to the snow, like I wanted to do…” He laughed, Fighting off a painful cough.

Melanie lit a joint, puffed it to life. Robb expertly juggled the two in his one good hand, the one that wasn’t clamped down on the wound. She took the joint back, pausing to see it was coated with blood before setting it in the ashtray.

“Oh, Robb.” Melanie said through her white face. “There’s so much blood. I don’t know how to help you.” She wanted to touch him, but was afraid of getting his blood on her.

“Take some of the cash.” He wheezed. “Go to the Rite Aid and get some bandages. I’ll be okay for a while.”

Melanie kissed him. “Okay.” She said, trying to hold back the tears.

“Go, I’ll be alright. Bending over a mirror, Melanie inhaled one of the pre cut lines of cocaine from the mirror. She pinched her nostrils together and inhaled, tilted her head back…

… and headed out the door, crying.

Robb began to wonder how he ever got into this mess. Every bad decision he'd ever made was playing out before him, reflected in the pooling blood. When he told Mel to go to the store, he knew it would be over before she got back. The cigarette slipped from his fingers, hissing as blood wicked into the leftover paper.

He saw and felt the dark edges around his vision. He was cold and tired…

So very tired. He could feel himself drifting off into sweet, sweet sleep.

****************

A gong rang out with a piercing "CLANG", pure sound rocking him to his core, cutting through the pain.

A figure stood before him, jerking Robb into alertness. She was…blonde, cute.

Swirling robes of white, whispered promises of perfection underneath, even as she moved toward him with inhuman grace.

“My, my. You have gotten yourself into a pickle, haven’t you?” She looked at the cigarette butt.”Not exactly the healthy, are we?” She glanced at the mirror, spying the cocaine. “Feeling good is important, but why that way? The joy of others ought to be enough. The happiness of all creates the happiness of the one, which strengthens the happiness of the all.

“Who… wwhaaa.” Robb shivered. Lucidity gradually overtaking him.

“SHHH.” She started making gestures with her hands, all the while staring into his eyes. Such a perfect diamond blue… swallowing up his entire field of vision. Her smooth, contralto voice sucked all the air and sound from his senses.

“You have a good soul. Granted it’s buried pretty deep. Don’t know how that happened, but it’s not important. What is important is that things are starting to unfold, and unfortunately you won’t quite understand it, yet. You are going to help me.

“Or you could die. I mean, it’s up to you, but…”

“I don’t wanna die.” Robb whimpered, eyes darting. “Please,” he pleaded.”Help me. I…”

The Woman smiled,“ You’re safe, not to worry. When you wake up, things will be a little different. Don’t question it. Just remember: you’re getting another chance…”

Don’t waste it. The voice said into his soul as the darkness crept all the way to the middle of his vision and sleep came. Content, restful sleep.

* * * * * * *

Melanie came back from the store, clutching the package of bandages under her arm. “Robb.” She called, flinging the door closed as she rushed to the bathroom.

“Robb?” Panic rose in her voice. “Robb?”

“In here.” A voice said weakly. A feminine voice. Oh, no, who’d he tell?

Coming around the corner, She got nervous upon seeing the empty bathtub, a thin coat of blood showing pink ran in rivulets down toward the drain. Mel saw a young woman with platinum blonde hair and a model’s body. Not a trace of Robb, just this woman. Wearing Robb’s clothes, with the same bullet holes in the side of the plain blue t shirt he’d been wearing. With a large amount of blood in the same places that Robb’s wounds were.

Wait, that can’t be right.

She stood there, ran her hands over her side, where he had been shot. The clothes, Robb’s clothes clung to the curves of her body. There was blood in her shiny hair and around her big, diamond blue eyes.

“Who the fuck are you?” Melanie rasped, cocking hr fist

“It’s me, Robb, I…” Their eyes met, level for the first time. “I passed out, and then my clothes didn’t fit...and then… and then” He started to move his head around the room, settling on a mirror. He hesitate, staring at an alien shape.

Breasts? Robb began tearing at his shirt, ripping from where the bullets had torn the fabric. His gunshot wounds had vanished. He looked back to the mirror as time stopped. Beside the blood and baggy clothes, what he saw in his reflection appeared to be a normal blonde young woman.

Her arms and legs were slender, delicate. Her eyes wide and deep, a perfect diamond blue. The skin flawless, from her tiny, pointed nose to the dainty tips of her fingers and toes. Her breasts and hips curved out almost stereotypically. Blonde, almost white hair shined in the light. His eyes widened, making his reflection seem more seductive.

He brought his hands up to his breasts, accidentally brushing a nipple with his thumb, Hands shot down to his groin… nothing. He recoiled in abject horror face screwed up, tears and sobs following each other like thunder and lightning.

“That’s not me.” Robb whispered, his voice sounding different, higher. He covered his mouth instantly.

WHACK. Melanie’s fist crashed into the side of Robb’s head, knocking him over. He began to cry.

“It’s me. It’s Robb. Stop. Stop hitting me.” Too many things were happening

“Bullshit. You can’t be Robb…” Melanie cocked her hand back for another swing.

“No. No, it’s me. I swear.” This girl shivered on the floor. Stammering as she curled herself into a ball.

“Remember that time we stole that car, drove it all the way out to Loveland? And I left the weed at home?” She was talking faster, her voice going up an octave. Melanie kept advancing.

“Or when we ripped Felipe off for that 8 ball of coke. And we traded some of it for that shitty ecstasy. It made you fall asleep.” Melanie stopped moving.

There was that time..." She shuddered, a shaky voice coming between sobs "...you wanted to have a 3 way with that crazy girl who thought…” Tears mixed with crusty blood that she wiped away with the back of her dainty hand. Red and brown smeared into patterns that made her skin only appear more exotic.

“Or that joint you hid in that hidden spot in my dresser…” The joint in his dresser? Why would he tell anyone that? Melanie’s eyes widened. Seeing the truth of it. “Robb? This is bullshit. This… this just doesn’t happen.”

“What am I gonna do.” Robb whimpered. His life, his identity, gone in an instant.

“I’m happy to be breathing.” He staggered over, hugging Melanie. “I’m alive, Mel.” She squirmed in Robb’s embrace. Then broke away when Robb tried to kiss her. She didn’t mind girls, wouldn’t be the first time. But, this was too sudden.

“Whoa!” Melanie said. “I’m… I’m not ready for this. Is there any of that weed left? The beer? I need to get blazed.”

Melanie made her way to the kitchen, retrieving two beers out of the dirty refrigerator. Popped the tops and gave one to Robb. They drank in silence, as Robb felt the beer going to his head a little faster than he’d expected. Come to think of it, he coughed a lot when they’d been doing bong hits. He hadn’t felt anything so harsh in his whole life.

Must be really good weed, he mused, feeling the dulling that came with getting stoned.

Later, after hours of trying to puzzle out how Robb somehow became Playboy’s all- American girl, and after the alcohol and drugs took their toll. Robb drifted off to sleep. Melanie stared at him, shocked.

“What a cheap date.” Melanie lamented, swigging her third beer.

Cheap date… huh? She had an idea…

Chapter 2

“Wake up, sleepyhead.”

Robb came to, and…

Oh, My God. The world is way too loud. The throbbing and churning of his stomach forced him to move, he quickly got up, and ran the two steps to the bathroom.

And puked. Puked everything he ever ate, his mother ever ate, his grandmother. Was that a dinosaur bone?? He’d heard about hangovers, even had the general feeling like shit morning. But, nothing like this? He retched again.

And again. After what seemed like an eternity. Robb was finally able to stop hemorrhaging stomach acid. Running his hands over his face, he brought his hands around, something silky caught in his hand. As his vision cleared, he saw in his hand what looked like… Shiny blond ha…

Wait a minute. He probably looked like he was having an epileptic seizure, throwing his body around as he tried to wake up from the bad dream that wouldn’t stop as his hands caressed unfamiliar breasts, shooting down into his pants. His gaze locking on the mirror…

His diamond blue eyes looked big enough to drink in the world. The platinum blond hair fell messily around his striking face. His lips pouty, teeth perfect. He gasped.

“It’s real.” Robb wailed, bringing his hands to his cheeks, smooth skin. Tears misting his eyes. “It’s real!” Racking sobs came to him, his knees buckled. He felt a couple of vertebrae connect with the paneled wall. Melanie came up awkwardly and knelt beside Robb. She put her hand on him, he didn’t seem to notice

“It’s Okay.” Melanie said, her eyes gleaming and red tinged from the pot. “This is a big improvement over dead.” Robb had to agree. He may not have understood what had transpired, but it was obvious to him that he had to deal with it.

Melanie tried to hand Robb the bong. “ Nah, too early.” The fear really being that any more coughing would start a new fit of vomiting. The world spun while standing still. He rose to his feet uneasily. The tears started again, and they just wouldn’t stop. He collapsed in Melanie’s arms. She tried to jerk away at first, then just let it happen. She closed her eyes and pretended it was the same Robb.

“What are we gonna do?” Robb whimpered, his breasts squeezing against Melanie’s. They stood there for a while, long enough for Robb to run out of tears.

“You feeling better?” Melanie held Robb at arm’s length.

Robb looked down.” I guess.” He ran a hand through his hair and held it there.

“Here. “ Melanie threw him a scrunchie.

What’s this for?” He asked.

“Your hair, dipshit. Ponytail” Melanie pointed to her own hair.

“Oh, yeah. Not used to this.” He said, gathering up the shiny mass. Haven’t had hair in a while….”

“Hey,” Melanie said, snapping her fingers, exhaling smoke toward the ceiling.”You’re gonna need some kind of ID…. I guess we can call Frank for that… Clothes. We’re gonna have to do something about that, too. We need to figure out your measurements. It looks like oversized t shirts until we can figure that out.” She poured coffee into two cups, handed the pack of Camel’s to Robb. He lit one, inhaled deeply…

It tasted terrible, never tasted like that before, not unless he was sick. He grimaced, His head swimming and throat burning as the nicotine did it’s familiar work. He swirled black coffee in his mouth to chase away the taste of the cigarette. Oh, God, that’s almost worse. Melanie looked at him, confused.

“Is this different coffee? I dunno. It tastes…” Robb looked in the bottom of the cup. “Bitter.”

“You take it black. Always have.” Melanie looked puzzled. Robb also thought it strange. His father had taken it black as well. There was a hundred trillion things wrong with this….…

…this second chance. Second chance? I guess, why does that seem so familiar?

What else had changed? What else could? Suddenly sporting chesticles and getting shorter… How much more could possibly happen? Oh, shit. Robb thought. I asked. Do I want to know the answer? His head was a maelstrom. Too many things, too many things.

“Sorry, just don’t feel like myself and…” Robb looked up, smiled and they both dissolved into laughter. Robb’s laughter sounded tinged with nervousness. A slight pain in his abdomen, a dull ache that ebbed and flowed.

“You don’t even have to try to be a smartass, do you?” Melanie smiled

Robb scrunched up his face. Melanie laughed.

“Well, I’ve been thinking. No more robbing shit. There are easier ways to make money.”

“I couldn’t agree with you more. I don’t want to ever get shot again.” He sniffed back tears again, while chuckling. “In fact, I...I.” He looked down at his breasts.”

“What am I gonna do?” Realization again. “I’m a girl…”

“Yes, you certainly are. And do you know what that means? Remember how nervous you were when you first talked to me?” He did. Forget butterflies. There was Mothra, Godzilla, Rodan, Ghidorah Battling for supremacy of Monster Island in his stomach. He felt so nervous.

“And you know how most guys like girl on girl, riiiight?”

“So you want me to be gay?” Robb asked shocked.

“I object, your honor. I submit that it would be more gay to have a penis involved?” Melanie cocked an eyebrow and looked at him sideways.

“I..”Robb started. He slumped his shoulders. “I don’t know. Hadn’t thought about sex, seems kind of unimportant.”

“Well, Don’t worry your pretty little head about it.” She grinned devilishly.

“You might even like it more.” Mel cooed, running a hand down his arm.

Melanie had it all figured out. Webcams. A show or two alone could net them quite a bit. She’d been checking. Ok, So Robb was a girl. Makes everything different. How did that happen? That thought was chased away by the thought of the money. Moving from one score to the next, this seemed like a good idea.

How did it happen? Who cares?

A little girl on girl with Robb… They could start lightly. There would be a lot of money in this. She looked at Robb, seeing the feminine creature that used to be her boyfriend. She was beautiful, no doubt about that.

Blond hair, blue eyes. It came to her. But she would need some things first. She started making a list, she just hoped this whole idea of hers would work. There was a lot to do. But, it could be done quickly with Robb’s help. Melanie would make sure to get his help in any way she could.

Three hours later Robb felt something wrong, a wetness that reminded him of when he’d been shot, on top of the stomach pains he had earlier. Fearing that the wound had somehow returned, he bolted for the bathroom. Hooking his thumbs into the badly fitting jeans, he sent them to the floor in a jumble. There was blood thinly coating the inside of the jeans. He threw them. They landed next to the sink. There was a spreading wet, red mass filling his underwear, the way wounds weep when not properly cared for. This, too, was thrown into the corner.

Blood. Bright and red, glistening in the wan glow of the single filament bulb greeted him. An inhuman shriek emerged from his throat. It seemed like so much blood.. He started probing, adrenaline flooding his system, his hands slipping in the blood, hoping to find the wound. He couldn’t feel any pain anywhere.

Melanie practically kicked the door open. “What what? What’s wrong why are you screaming?” His terrified face, paler than usual pleaded for help.

The blood was, to Robb, gushing. There seemed to be no end. Thoughts chased each other like a high speed Ouroboros.

“I don’t know,” he hyperventilated. “I don’t know what’s… I don’t know” shock creeping into his voice with each repititon, driving his voice upwards a couple of octaves.

Melanie knew what was going on. Trying not to laugh, she bent over him. Placing her hands on his shoulders. “Robb, it’s okay.”

“No,” breathing hard. “I’m gonna bleed to…”

“Robb.” She said louder. “It’s okay. I know what’s wrong.”

“What… what.” Breath coming in ragged gasps.

“You’re having your period.” Melanie laughed. Robb stared at her stunned. Why didn’t I think of that?

As if a switch had been flipped, the hyperventilation stopped, replaced by peals of Melanie’s girlish, infectious laughter. Wiping tears from his eyes, Robb saw the humor in this, abstractly. As well as a painful reminder of things lost. He spent the rest of the day running back and forth to the bathroom. Melanie had to show him how to use the accoutrements. Robb refused to call them maxipads, Melanie reminded him that he would need to change them every so often. He absolutely refused tampons. Like one would refuse infection with the Ebola virus.

“Uh-uh. I’m not sticking anything in there.” He said, the slight bulge of the pad reminding him of the bulge that was there only yesterday. While he was irritated, he also felt weak and annoyed.

“Hey, you might like it.” Melanie said.

“Do you?”Robb asked. his anger giving way to helplessness. “I don’t seem to recall you acting like one of those commercials you thought were hilarious.”

Melanie frowned. “Any other symptoms? Cramping?” Robb nodded. Melanie went to the pill stash and fished out a vicodin. “Here. This’ll help.”

It did, about a half an hour later the squirming of his insides started to settle. With everything that happened. There was far too many little things he was going to have to get used to. Getting to the next score was hard enough. And now, there was even more things to worry about. Everything was so complicated.

He was bitchy, and that’s what bothered him the most. Guys aren’t supposed to be bitchy, godammit.

He was irritated. He was scared.

And, even though Melanie was there…

He felt alone.

* * * * * * * *

CLANG! There it was again. That clear, pure sound

“Oh, you’re back.” Said the blonde from the … dream?...

“YOU!” Robb said, recognizing the face and eyes. After all, they mirrored his own. “You’ve got some explaining to do, what the…”

She held up her hands. “Calm down. I understand your confusion. Some things are going to be way over your head at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. There are those who suck the energy out of the universe. I try to put it back, in whatever way I can. You are to be my Advocate.”

“Advocate? And I have to be…”he gestured to his body. “You? Look, I mean I’m grateful. I was gonna die, but,” Robb hefted a breast.”I’m supposed to be male. How am I supposed to live like this?”

“Hey, it took some energy to make that body. So, a little gratitude might be in order?” She said sharply. “I needed a giving soul, yours fit the bill.” She moved her flawless face into a puzzled expression. “Soul like yours is usually female anyway. But, it does happen from time to time. As to how you are supposed to live? Much like you did. Breathing, eating. Being female isn’t any more wrong than being male is. What is important is how you go forward from here. Would you make Robb’s choices again?

“Or would you do it better? I have to ask. How did such a giving soul like yours get into that predicament?”

Robb felt heat rise in his face. He looked at his feet, embarrassed that he knew the answer. Shame coloring both his face and voice “I was a good guy. D&D, video games and comic books. My dad died, school sucked. Then, Melanie. How do I see all this?…My head, it’s so clear…” Robb noticed that for the first time in a long time his thinking wasn’t muddled.

“That’s because you’re using all of your brain at the same time. It’s easier after you do it first time. Usually people just die. Soon there will be a moment when it’ll all come to you, but not yet.” Justice said

“Tell me more about Melanie.”

“I was so surprised she wanted to be with me. She didn’t have any friends, she seemed kind of aimless. I wanted to help her, instead I got high… a lot. I just stopped caring about what happened anymore. Yelled at my mother, my sister. Couldn’t get a job. Started stealing”

Tears began forming in Robb’s eyes. “I didn’t want to. But, I was so afraid of losing her. I remember thinking that.”sniff… sniff.” I could help her…and… and. Then we were robbing stores. Like ‘no shit, this is a gun’ robberies. Nobody was ever supposed to get hurt. I feel so…so.” The sobs came, heavy, racking sobs, as all of his mistakes coalesced. The sadness and guilt he had harbored for three long years.

“Well, that explains everything. Kind of like jumping off the bridge after someone, in the end, two fall.”She stepped forward toward Robb. Embracing him. “It’s okay. All will be forgiven. You’re going to help the make the world a better place.” Being held by this… epitome of womanhood seemed to complete him in a way that being with Melanie never did.

Ever. He was reminded of his mother, his sister.

“All life is a balance of energies, I maintain the balance by putting energy back into the world. It’s simple, you will get the hang of it. You won’t remember our conversations here yet, which is kind of a shame. But, it’ll get through. Slowly. You’ll figure it out. You can fix your life, and help others along the way. It is a fulfilling life, but it is a difficult one.”

“It’s never simple is it?” Robb’s shoulders sagged.

“Nothing worth having ever is.” She said with a voice belying ageless wisdom.

As their embrace broke, Robb stood there wiping his eyes, he asked “Who are you?”

“Call me Justice. “ She smiled, two identical pairs of eyes locking. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. It’ll come to you. “ She said, clearly mocking Melanie.

“We’ll talk again. “

* * * * * * * * * * * *
The sound of the coffee pot gurgling, woke Robb. Melanie was standing by it. Smoking her first cigarette of the day. He felt great, despite having woken up about a day and a half ago as a male who got shot during a botched robbery. It still felt like his insides were in a vice. Yesterday, Melanie had to show him how to use all of those feminine products he never thought he’d have to worry about

Coffee, cigarette. The thoughts were automatic. He pushed the hair out of his face

“Good morning, sunshine. Still a girl, I see.” Melanie said, throwing him a scrunchie.

“Thanks.” He said. It’s strange how I keep being reminded, Robb thought as he poured coffee into a cup after shaking in some creamer and sugar

“Yeah,” Melanie said. “Look, I’m get hold of Frank. We’re gonna have to get you some clothes, too. I don’t know how much more of this weirdness I can stand. You seem to be handling the loss of your cock pretty well. How are you so calm.” She lit the joint. Holding in the smoke tersely. She offered Robb the joint. He shook his hand at it negatively. Melanie shrugged and went in for a second toke.

He moved his slender shoulders up and down. “But what good is freaking out gonna do? I mean ‘Excuse me officer, I was shot during a robbery yesterday and now I’m a girl.’ Is guaranteed to get me a room at the laughing academy.” He caricatured a girl the way he always did. The way he had always imitated Melanie when they argued. Bending slightly over and widening his already wide eyes. It looked a lot less like a caricature, and more like a modeling shoot. and the delivery…

He even did the duck face .The delivery was so perfect so…

“Fuckin’ Robb.” Melanie said as she burst out laughing. It was a truism that if you talked to Robb for longer than a minute, you would say either that, or an equivalent. She laughed, the weed going right to her head.

“I’m gonna go get some thrift store clothes and find Frank. Let’s get you an identity. And what we gonna call you? Don’t think ‘Robb’ is gonna do it.” She giggled. “Robb. I guess ‘Bobbie’. That’s close enough, right?”

“Hmmm. Bobbie.” Melanie drew out the name for effect. She left.

Great, Bobbie. He had a relative that had called him Bobby as a boy. How he hated that. ‘Bobbie’, looked around the place. God, what a mess. She picked up one thing. Which led to another, and another. Soon, the house was clean. He turned on the TV. Cooking Channel was on. Some woman was baking cookies. And it looked so… so…

Simple. God, now he wanted cookies. Melanie was still gone. With no idea when she’d be back. Robb fired up the laptop and started looking up cookie recipes. He found one. He’d found all the necessary ingredients. Even had some chocolate chips left. Saving a handful for himself, Robb dumped the bag into the bowl. As the ingredients mixed, Robb could feel a calm, a quiet.

A zen.

Some twenty minutes later, there were cookies. Warm cookies, the chocolate inside still in its viscous deliciousness. Robb suddenly remembered rainy Saturdays as a child, when his Mom made cookies. His dad had still been alive then. He smiled, a happy, slightly less clouded memory in the jumbled confusion that had been his last two days.

Melanie walked in the door that evening. She had two bags, one filled with thrift store clothes, that she hoped was at least a useable size and the other with burgers. She looked around the room. It was quite clean. Robb was asleep on the couch, a plate of cookies next to him.

What the…? Melanie had never seen the place so clean. She dropped the packages and turned to the sleeping form on the couch. She gingerly eased the laptop away from him. And after setting the device down on the floor and sliding it under the couch.

She pounced on Robb, startling him awake. Something she did from time to time, just to see his reaction. He reacted as if he was being waterboarded. “Hey, Robb, wassup?”

“ummm, Hna way?” Robb was coming around, flailing his arms.

“Got burgers.” Melanie said, handing him one. Good, Robb thought, seeing the yellow paper. Louie’s Burgers, definitely better than Pam’s

“Ooh, double burger.” Robb said, that place that uses the white paper’s burgers are…

“Robb.” Melanie said.” Bobbie…Geez, I’m gonna have to get used to that.”

“Could you still call me Robb? Please. At least while were alone.” Robb said, still not used to the new sound of his voice. “I don’t think I’m ready for that.” He tore into the burger, shreds of lettuce hanging out of his mouth. He rolled his eyes skyward. The flavor was almost too much.

Mayonnaise, ketchup, pickle relish… jalepeno..

“Khzlpno”

Melanie looked at him funny. “Robb?”

She swallowed, wiping the back of her hand across her mouth. She opened her mouth and burped, loudly. Melanie burst out laughing, louder than the burp.

“What?” Bobbie said, the lettuce still clinging to her lip.

“Cute. Sexy, very ladylike.”

“Blow me.”

“Can’t.” Melanie said. “No penis.”

That deflated Bobbie as she took another, smaller bite of the burger. “Sorry. Robb.” Melanie said.

“You didn’t have to remind me.” Robb studied his burger, a pink smear of special sauce interrupting the green of the pickle.“Jalepeno.” Bobbie said quietly.

“Huh?”

“The ingredient I could never figure out? The one in the special sauce? Jalepeno.” Robb said contemplatively. “Wuch wich arr doos ghags?” He said around a mouthful of burger, gesturing to the remaining bags.

“Oh, just some things. I’m not gonna let you sit in the house like some animal. We’ve gotta get you ready to go out. But, we’ll deal with that later.” Melanie started unwrapping her burger. “How’s Aunt Flo?”

“Huh,” Bobbie asked. “Aun..”

“Your cycle, Robb.” Melanie said, pointing at her groin

Robb glared at her, as if practicing the head exploding trick from Scanners.

She laughed. “What? You, on your period. From where I sit, it’s hilarious.”

“I was forbidden to talk about that.” Robb pointed out.

“That’s because you couldn’t have one.”

Robb’s eyes narrowed, he could see metal daggers flying through the air straight from his eyes to hers. “Fall on a porcupine. Not funny.”

The squeezing had subsided some, she had to admit “Better.”

“Okay.” She snickered as she gave Robb another vicodin. Melanie set her burger down and went to the bags on the ground. She opened one and fished around inside. She came out with some panties. “I wasn’t sure of your size, so just try stuff on till it fits.” Robb reached inside the bag, Melanie insisted on him taking the whole bag.

He closed the bathroom door behind her. After a few tries, he began to feel like Goldilocks. Which, after a look into the mirror drove that image home.

Too big, too small…

Just right. It felt wonderful as the fabric slid up his smooth legs. It reminded him of just after Melanie cut his hair. The skin of his scalp seemed oversensitive. His hands gripping at the sides of the garment, he pulled up…

…a little too hard. He gasped as the pull on his groin caused an intensely overwhelming wave of sensations. He bit his lip, so as not to lose control. He looked at the bras, after testing a few, he found one that felt like it would fit. He hooked it in the front, as he had seen Melanie do. Turned it around and fed his arms through the straps. When he looked for more clothes in the bag, all he found was more underwear. He grabbed the bag and opened the door. Melanie sat on the couch, lighting a cigarette.

“Was there anything else? All that’s in here…” Melanie got up and crossed the room. “Bobbie… I mean Robb.” Melanie said, smiling. She putt her hand on Robb’s wrist. “You’re gorgeous.” Robb smiled weakly. Everything was turned upside down, this was probably the best piece of news since everything happened.

Melanie brought her hand up and touched his face. “I’m not sure how this all happened, but we’ve got to help each other… Hmmm. You’re a bit shorter. You look like a teenager,” Melanie said, realizing that she could now look Robb in the eyes. She put his height at around five foot six. Robb leveled his eyes at her, Melanie leaned in for a kiss. Their lips touched, tongues probing.

Thank God. Bobbie thought. At least one thing hasn’t changed.

Melanie left early the next day. She said something about getting ready. Robb sat in an ill fitting (though not as bad as his ‘Robb’ clothes.) pair of low-rise jeans. She punched a hole in Robb’s old belt, figuring that would do. And his old Go, Betty, Go t-shirt, which now hung almost to his knees. He tucked the shirt in after looking in the mirror. The shirt hanging to his knees looking a little too Playboy for his tastes

At least the bleeding stopped, he thought. Thankful that was over.

Until Melanie reminded him it would happen again in about four weeks.

That tore it. Robb seethed. Here he sat in a body that wasn’t his. With a voice that wasn’t his. A life that wasn’t his. What was his anymore? He jumped when he saw a mirror out of the corner of his eye, thinking someone was behind him. Only to realize that the blonde in the mirror was him.

After Melanie shaved his head, he couldn’t pass a mirror without looking for a second, as if to say “Oh, yeah. That’s right. I got a haircut.” But that was just hair, something that grew back. This was a whole body. He wondered when he’d get used to the reflection. He wanted everything to be normal again. He pulled the end of the ponytail and studied it. He thought of Gwen Stefani. Every gaze at his mirrored doppelganger made him feel more cut off from everything. Robb never really had any life plans, but ‘Bobbie’ was certainly never a part of it. He wanted to scream, but didn’t know what good that would do. He also knew it would be a girly scream, while he wondered what that would sound like. NO! He thought of the ‘scream queens’ from the horror films he watched.

Why did I think of that? He hadn’t thought about any of that stuff since…

…Melanie. She didn’t like movies as much as he did. Hell, nobody did.

That might be something. He began searching the internet, like he used to. Movies, comics, it was like a homecoming. The joy of finding out that random tidbit of information. He’d nearly forgotten what he was like. Soon, it was like the old days. Parkour videos, some cat videos, his old gaming community. He was working through the tabs when Melanie came back. Looking up at the window, he saw it was evening. Time had just flown by. It was then that he noticed more bags.

“More shopping?” Shopping always bored him stiff. Some band tees and ironic shirts, done. The thought of having to learn how to dress all over again disturbed him.

“Oh, yeah. You know it.” Melanie said, brandishing a cloth measuring tape. “Come here.”

“I don’t like that look, you do remember that I know you, right. There must be some dark purpose you’re workin’ at” Robb said, trying and failing to sound ambivalent.

She looked at him, pouted. “Just trying to help. C’mon.”He got up and walked over to Melanie, reluctance showing in her steps. “Gotta figure out your size. We’ve got to get you ready.”

“For what?” Bobbie asked, widening her eyes.

Melanie smiled an evil smile.”Tell you later, first things first. Let’s get you measured. Arms up.” Bobbie raised her arms as Melanie looped the tape around her breasts, her waist and her hips. “Let’s see, 32-21-33, about a ‘c’ cup…” She turned to the laptop and entered the measurements. “Hmm. Size zero. Lucky Bitch.” She smiled. “You’ll be easy to shop for. I’m gonna take a shower. I’m gonna be a while.” Bobbie sat down. Melanie began stripping her shirt off, her breasts lit from the side by the bathroom light. All of her tattoos were completely visible, even the tribal ‘tramp stamp’. With that, she grabbed one of the bags she entered with and entered the shower. She looked at the bags strewn around the room. Bobbie contemplated a cigarette, decided against it, and went back to the laptop.

It was over an hour later when Melanie had come out. She had dyed her hair. It was now obsidian black, and spiked around her face, like female anime demons often did. She had done her makeup, mostly blacks, greys, and other dark colors. Wearing a bustier and some very tall boots, Robb’s jaw dropped.

“Mel?” He felt a stirring he hadn’t felt in days.

“You like?” She purred. “Come here, ‘Bobbie’” Melanie beckoned semi seductively.

He went to her. Her use of Bobbie not even bothering him. She slid her arms around Robb’s slender frame and caressed her. Touching lips, Bobbie inhaled sharply as her nipples rubbed along the inside of the t-shirt. It was a long, delicious moment, tiny explosions traced up and down Robb’s skin in Melanie’s Embrace.

“C’mon, let’s get you fixed up. Give me your shirt. Put this one on.” Robb saw that Melanie had bought enough cosmetics to cover fashion week. We are going to have to …”

“What?” Robb said, Melanie surveying his face.

“You need a look. I’ve got mine, and I’ve figured out yours.”

Robb sat in front of Melanie, his eyebrows were being tweezed and plucked. It hurt. A lot, every time she pulled back there was a sharp pain, followed by an itch. And, she did it again and again. How did women do this? I bet they just get used to it, he thought

Then, there was the makeup. Eyeliner, eyebrow pencil, lipstick, foundation, powder, Robb kind of got lost in the process, retreating into his head. How did they do any of this? He remembered all the times in his life that his mom, or Melanie for that matter had said “That’s what you’re wearing?” It had been t shirts and jeans for as long as he could remember. Getting first hand experience about exactly why women needed so long in the bathroom, made him feel like kind of a dick. Getting ready had never been more than a twenty minute operation. But now, there was eyebrows, and makeup, and…

Chapter 3

“Ow.” Robb said, jerking his head back.

“Oh, don’t be such a..g”

“If you say girl or sissy, I will beat you to death with that curling iron.

He just didn’t want to think about it. He was already looking forward to scrubbing this crap off. It was like his dad’s funeral. He had to wear a suit and tie. From the moment he put it on, it had to come off. It felt like wearing another person, not just their clothes. Now he was wearing another person, and yet another person’s clothes. Robb wondered how much of Robb would survive by the time this was all over.

Oh, God. I must have like 60-65 years in this body. I’m. He saw a part of his face in the mirror. I’m in here for good, aren’t I? Robb slumped

“Hold still.” Melanie said, moving the light. She moved back, studying her work.

“There. You can look now.” Robb looked at the clock.

Two hours?

Bobbie looked into the mirror. Where the brows were once flat and uniform, they had been thinned, arched slightly. It drew even more attention to her eyes. Making them seem more open. Her makeup had been done, tastefully. Her reflection practically screamed ‘GOOD GIRL CHEERCOMING QUEEN’.

“Gimme an ‘A” Robb said sarcastically.

“Hmmm, cheerleader, we’ll have to do that one. There, now that that’s done, I can get started. Robb, Could you set up the webcam?”

Robb looked puzzled. “Yeah.” He said, cocking a sculpted eyebrow. He ran his slender finger over the mouse pad, activating the camera. Robb wondered what she was up to. She moved the laptop near the foot of the bed . Melanie opened the top drawer of her nightstand and pulled out her vibrator. She leaned forward and repositioned the screen, clicked the mouse. Then, through the crotchless panties she was wearing, Melanie reached down, into the velvet. Her fingers probing, caressing, entering.

Robb looked a little shocked at first. It wasn’t the first time he’d seen this. But, it was the first time he’d seen recorded it. She was putting on a show, moving and writhing. Alternating the position of the vibrator, using it in various places, moaning and making faces, Melanie proudly let her voice be heard. And when the orgasm built to a crescendo, she turned and beckoned Bobbie over seductively. Melanie pulled her into the frame and forced their lips together, turning into a passionate kiss. After breaking contact, Melanie purred at the camera. “We take PayPal. Information Below. We’re waiting.” Then she waved, breaking the fourth wall.

Clicking off the webcam, Melanie turned to Robb. Still short of breath and covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

“Fuck, I need to rinse off. I shall return.” Bobbie looked down at his vagina. In a small way he refused to think of it as his. Nearly every step or unfamiliar touch was like touching a live wire. He was just getting used to walking again. Bobbie went to the refrigerator, grabbed two of the remaining cookies and poured herself a glass of milk.

Melanie came out in a robe, left untied at the front smoking a cigarette. “Okay. Here’s the big plan.” She sat across from Robb at the card table that doubled as their dining room.

“Yeah, I was curious.” Robb said. It was never good when she was secretive. It was also when she could be at her most devious. This wouldn’t be the first time she talked me into doing something stupid, wouldn’t even be the thousandth.

“Look at you.” ‘Bad’ Melanie said. “You look like an angel. So lilly white. “She pouted. “So, I’m gonna be the bad girl.” She laughed. This is gonna be great. I bet we have like a thousand bucks by the end of the week. Do you know how much people pay to see this? And we can close down, move, do it again. No one will really be able to tell us what to do.”

“We’ll be free.”

Robb wasn’t feeling too sure about this, but there it was. Back to the ‘one score to the next’ thing. Granted, this was the best plan she had ever come up with. But, that still didn’t make it a good one. He bit into the cookie, chasing it with milk. Melanie laughed. “Milk and cookies? Oh, they’re gonna eat this up. I’m grabbing a beer.”

* * * * * * * * * * *
Melanie found Bobbie’s costume online the next day. They were going for a ‘sexy angel’ thing, she had told him. They set up the website(If anything Robb’s geekiness was finally coming in handy for something) , linked the paypal to Robb’s old bank account… and waited for some money to roll in. Melanie was right, for once. “Never underestimate the power of porn.” She said. The money came in pretty fast. With the one video alone, there were subscriptions coming in, and it had only been a day. Melanie decided that the next show would be live, and also recorded.

The costume came the next day. Thanks, Amazon. Melanie insisted that Robb try it on. Robb truly did look like an angel. Lace gloves, a snug, one-piece garment clung to his body. There were stockings. Melanie clipped the wings and halo onto his back

“Ready for your big debut?” Melanie said. Offering him one of the Ecstasy pills she got from one of the many contacts. He took the pill, swallowing it dry.

Bobbie looked himself(herself) in the mirror. Melanie had done his makeup and hair. He did, truly look like an angel. The skin flawless, the makeup perfect. He was either the picture of feminine grace…

Or Hugh Hefner’s next wife. Bobbie thought. It had taken hours for them to be ready. He’d never really thought about it. But so much went into getting ready. Couldn’t deny the result though. Robb lightly touched the ends of his hair. Definitely sexy, he thought. The world gaining a shine. Like that shine videogames use when they try to show you the future. What made him think of that? His body began to feel the pleasant tingle that was the mark of good ecstasy. The music came on. The throbbing baseline of VNV Nation’s Believe vibrating his skin… Everywhere. The heat, the flush, the total surrender to the sound. Melanie cut through the reverie of sensation. Her voice fading into the beat.

“Ready? ”{to believe in something?}

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Robb said. Wondering how much more sensory overload he could stand. The throbbing was everywhere. It was good, so good, the tingling became…something in his groin. Robb hadn’t ‘used the equipment’ yet, so he didn’t know what to expect. Melanie thought it would make for a better show. Robb’s nervousness was evident as Melanie looked at the camera.

“Why choose Heaven or Hell, when you can have both?” And with that, Melanie began kissing Bobbie’s neck. He felt warmth spreading through his cheeks. She pointed her toes, curling them downward. Warm moisture began oozing from his vagina. He knew it was his, now it wouldn’t feel that way if it wasn’t. The pleasure threatening to engulf him, he grabbed Melanie by the back of her hair and dove toward her. Melanie moved smoothly downward, trailing her tongue. The ecstasy and Melanie drowning out the world, threatening to drown out all existence

Down. His chest was on fire as she flicked a nipple with her tongue, sending shockwaves down his abdomen. Down. Uhhh. The electricity he distinctly avoided swallowed him whole, fingers twitched, feet shook. She swung Melanie around to repay her in kind. His face buried in her crotch. The thrumming of the stereo adding a soundtrack and somehow editing reality.

It wasn’t like the sex he remembered. Not at all. It wasn’t necessarily bett…

UNHHHHH! Oh, yes it was!

UNHHHHH! Control: gone. He bucked and thrashed as he gave in to each delectable sensation. It was too, too much, each second melting into a glacial eternity of pleasure and joy, singularity, oneness with the universe, falling into infinity, and drinking in infinity at the same time. His whole body shook as wave after wave of pleasure. His tongue probing Melanie’s nether regions. He could feel the pressure build, and build, and build and just when it built to a point of no return.…

CLANG!! WAKE UP!! REMEMBER!! It was more than a sound, more than words. It jarred him to the quanta of his being, sending every particle humming with the same resonance, the music fell away, light fell away.

Coherent thought fell away…

“OOOOOOOOH!” Robb bit his bottom lip so hard copper blood mixed with cherry lip gloss. He climaxed, feeling suddenly full of energy as it passed through her into the universe. A warm glow emanated from her midsection as every muscle in her body tensed, then relaxed. He felt… hollow. And with that, the blow of a thousand hammers entered his mind.

Justice was there and not there. Like a movie he saw it all clearly for the first time in a ‘big picture way.’ All of the mistakes he’d made. He saw the hurt he had caused. He no longer saw Monet’s dots, but Monet’s Path in a Forest.

And for what, for this? Dulled senses and hollow feelings? He realized what Melanie was. What Robb’s mother and sister had seen, yet he clung to it just to drown in sensual pleasure. A pleasure that was eclipsing him, lessening him.

CLANG!! And with that pure, clear sound, he remembered all of the conversations he’d had with Justice. Lust, being the Advocate, giving energy back. The orgasm subsided. His breathing rushed, his body limp and useless. Tears began forming in his eyes. Something completely misread by Melanie.

“It’s okay,” She said, reaching over to shut down the webcam. “It’s okay. I cried my first time, too. Huh, I took your virginity twice. We got what we needed. Just relax. I’m gonna shower. This makeup is hell to get off.”

He felt… dirty. It was a new feeling. He didn’t like it so much. He thought as he drifted off to sleep. And he suddenly saw what was wrong. He saw how Melanie had led him by the nose during their whole relationship. His look, his life.

And all the things he lost. He was being given a rare gift. This second chance. Wasting it with Melanie, like he had the last one…

No, not this time. And with that. Robb decided that Melanie was right about one thing.

“Bobbie…’ Robb breathed as he drifted off.

* * * * * * * * * * *

“Finally.” Justice said. Sitting on the sofa. “I’ve been waiting for this. Robb… well ‘Bobbie’ now.” She smiled. “ You are going to help me. I know I haven’t explained anything to you yet. I had to wait until I could get your undivided attention. There are others like me. In fact there’s another one in your town. Nasty piece of work called ‘Lust’.”

“Lust?” Bobbie looked at Justice.

“You would call her a succubus, steals sexual energy. When she does that, other energies go with it. You’re going to help put it back. How will become clear to you, you probably know already, inside. Now, this isn’t going to be like some action movie, with constant peril. You’re just going to live your life, and do the right thing. But know this. There is no going back. Use that creative energy to constructive purpose.”

Bobbie’s concerns melted away. Justice was right. Who was Robb now, anyway? Professional Loser, Junkie: Expert Level? Pariah to his family? Melanie didn’t love him for him the way he did her. He had to put this all behind him.

He had to change.

Had to be someone else. Someone he could be proud of.

Someone good. Bobbie could be that someone.

Justice saw the change in her resolve and smiled. She knew, she saw the understanding in Bobbie’s eyes. “Good, now go. Put some joy back in the world. Be my Advocate.”

Bobbie saw, truly saw.

He could fix it. And by it, he meant everything.

Bobbie quickly clasped Justice.”Thank you. I never said that.” Tears coming, not tears of sadness or loss, but of happiness. Knowing the holes he had to fill. Before he could build, he had to repair.”Mission accepted.” Bobbie said, smiling. Really smiling.

“And I think I know just where to start. I’m going to do this right this time. I promise.”

Bobbie came to, sat up, grabbed some things, and got quietly dressed. Grabbed his wallet and headed for the door.

Armed with the ATM card that had all of the webcam money(It was in his name anyway, well Robb’s. And it was partially his. He did the work, after all.). Looking at the mirror, he saw Bobbie. There was a little Robb still in there, his internet browsing habits unchanged. He wanted more than anything… To start fresh. And the best place to start is the beginning. This is gonna be okay. I’m gonna start over.

Robb knew what he needed to do. He got up, grabbed some jeans and a t-shirt. Pulled on a jacket.

And left. Left to start his new life.

And to tie up all the problems from his old one.

Chapter 4

Robb had drained about $1200 from the bank card that bore his name. He bought a backpack at a thrift store. He broke the card in half and threw it away. He walked and walked, and walked…

…and walked. During his internet musings he discovered the idea of the Walkabout.

Walking until you meet yourself, considering the events of the week, that seemed like the most likely thing in the world. He knew that there wasn’t an explosion behind him. He also knew that he wasn’t walking in slow motion. But that’s how he felt, happy and sad tears running rivulets of mascara and eyeliner down his face. Walking down the long, long road towards… Where?

First thing’s first… Frank.

Frank was the Fake ID guy. Could damn near fake anything except money. This should be easy.

He knocked on the door. It buzzed and he pushed.

“Frank?”

“Hey, Do I know you?” Frank put down his taco and wiped his hand on his well stained Mountain Dew shirt. He reached under the table for the little Seecamp .45 he kept there.

“Yeah, Umm.” Bobbie looked down at her feet. “Melanie sent me. I don’t wanna go back….”

“She said you could help me. I left my parents, they were in some weird cult. I need to get some I.D., I just can’t go back , I just can’t….” Bobbie was trying to sound genuinely upset, luckily she already looked like she’d been crying . His expression became less hard.

“… and Mel said you were the one to see. I need ID, Social Security Card, Birth Certificate and School Records. I’ve got money. I have no one else to turn to.”

“Close the door behind you.” Frank said, Bobbie suddenly remembering where she was and who she was talking to.

“That’s gonna cost you. Three hundred at least, or you could blow me.”

That sleazy fucker. Bobbie threw three crisp hundred dollar bills on the table, careful to hide his horror. Tears came unbidden, slowly leaking down his face, creating new tracks of makeup.

The hopeful look in Frank’s eyes died, he grimaced. “Okay. Miss. Give me a few minutes to set up and we’ll be ready. Ummm.” Frank looked around. “I’m gonna need a picture. There’s a bathroom over there to freshen up, if you want. Are you okay? Can I get you a coffee of something? It’s gonna be a bit, Miss?”

“Sharpe, Bobbie Sharpe.” Bobbie said as she headed toward the bathroom. She saw the makeup that had ran down her face like a rural roadmap. God, she must have looked terrible. Well, Frank didn’t think so. Blowjob, Bobbie forced the thought out of his mind, the thought of it was just… EWWW!

The makeup came right off, leaving his{her} face clean, eyes slightly puffy. But there it was. For the first time in his life, he cared what a picture of him would look like. Ironically, he wouldn’t look his best. Or, like him at all. Satisfied that this was the best he was going to be able to do for now, he went back out to face Frank.

There were questions, things to fill out. He never realized how much paper a single life generated. Then the all important picture, he hastily parted his hair down the middle, allowing it to flow over his shoulders.

An hour later, Frank had done his magic. And there was a Colorado Driver’s License and Social Security card for One Bobbie Sharpe, Born 11/13/1995, even had school transfer records from California. Everything she would need to start fresh.

Frank thanked her for her business, and told Bobbie to tell Melanie he said hi.

“Okay, sure.” She said.

Fat chance, she thought.

* * * * * ** * * * * *
When Melanie came out of the bathroom, she expected to find Robb sleeping. When the body was gone, she was concerned. When she noticed the bank card was missing. She went ballistic. Nuclear missile ballistic.

That….fucking bitch. Melanie thought. After all I did for him. She was so mad, she broke a few things, screamed. When none of those things were able to assuage her anger, she went to the drawer and pulled out the stash box she kept the drugs in. She started with the marijuana and cocaine.

Then came the alcohol, then the oxycontin{which she crushed and snorted}. The anger started to subside, mellowness radiating out from her belly. Her reactions slowed as tiredness crept into her. She began to nod off. The cigarette she was smoking was fresh… half gone… burning her fingers as it dropped onto the carpet

And everything went black.

“Melanie.” A sexy voice purred into her ear. She opened her eyes.

They were in an old, abandoned hospital. Sort of. That’s what was in front of her, her neck wouldn’t turn. It felt like her body had been encased in wet concrete. All of her movements seems geologically slow.

The stranger stood in front of her. She looked vaguely Asian, with large breasts and luscious hips. “You’re probably wondering what’s going on? Turn around and look. Suddenly released, she spun around. Melanie saw her body splayed out on the sofa, foaming at the mouth, unconscious.

“Oh, You’re in trouble, aren’t you?”

Melanie felt the wrongness in her body. Oh, God. She overdosed. She was always so careful about what she took and how much. Fuckin’ Robb. Wait, what’s that smell?

Smoke? Fire? Oh, God. WAKE UP! Melanie was frozen in place.

“Yes, Fuckin’ Robb. Tell me about him.”

“Help me!, I don’t wanna die.” Melanie pleaded to the stranger.

“Shhh! I won’t let anything happen to you. just as long as you help.” The stranger purred the dark light glinting off of her purple lips. “Tell me about Fuckin’ Robb, we have just oodles of time.” Melanie watched the flames start to rise. It was like watching slow motion footage of a car crash, everything gracefully moving, lapping up into the air.

“I…”Melanie began, quickly turning from the flame to the stranger.

“Tell me. I can just leave you here, you know?”

“Tell me.” She growled

“He’s an ungrateful bastard.” Melanie blurted. Fuck him. he just took the money and ran off, leaving you alone. “I helped make him a cooler person. All he ever did was a bunch of nerdy shit. I had him in the palm of my hand, who doesn’t want that? After he became a girl I…”

“Became a girl, yes, tell me about that.” There was a kind of Cheshire Kitten look to her grin.
“He got shot, I left. He was a girl when I got back. I didn’t believe him at first. Didn’t make any sense at all. But absolutely nobody could have known those things. He was all blond hair and blue eyes, and…”

“OOOH! An Advocate. It’s been sooooo long.” She clapped her hands, jumping up and down “Melanie, this may be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

“What do you mean?” The stranger came right up to her. Stroking her face. Fear replacing anger in Mel’s face.

“Don’t worry, there won’t be anything to be afraid of. Nothing’s going to hurt you anymore, or ever again.” Melanie saw her body sit up, and walk zombielike to the door.

“You can get them back, get them all back.” She smiled, a grin suddenly voracious. “They will beg for your forgivness. And, you don’t have to give it to them.”

“Who are you?” Melanie asked, both frightened and fascinated

“You can call me Lust. I think we’re going to have some fun together. But first, we’re going to HAVE to do something about that thing you’re wearing.”

* * * * * * * * *

Bobbie had been walking for quite a while. The feeling of wearing a backpack on her front was going away, fading into the ‘new normal’, much like the new sway his hips had. Wearing a backpack helped, providing a counter weight.

Five miles. Where to go? Only know one place. Home. Bobbie thought about everything that had happened. Memories cascaded.

Ten miles, fifteen. The more walking she did, the clearer he felt, smelling the crisp air. There were things about what he was doing that set him on edge. What would he tell them? Well, I could have been Robb’s girlfriend. Rehab?? It would sound good, he reasoned. It would at least sound like I was trying to get better. Yeah, Melanie was cheating on me…him, damn. We met in the rehab clinic. For what, though? Painkillers? Black Tar Heroin?

What if they didn’t buy it? What if the records or ID didn’t work. What if Melanie came back? All of these questions were asked, but went away as he stood there. He had blindly gone to the one place in the universe that, while you can occupy its space again, it’s never the same.

Home.

He knocked on the door, and waited. Then she answered. She stood there looking at him, with no recognition in her eyes.

Here Goes, and before any rational thought occurred. Bobbie leapt forward. “Oh, God. Mom.” She whimpered, and hugged her. Startled, the woman eased and returned the embrace.

“Mom? Do I know you? Are you one of Kim’s friends?”

Composing herself, Bobbie let the tears that were threatening to burst go. “No, I’m…I… I mean I was Robb’s Girlfriend. He’s… He’s.”

The woman’s face twisted. She collapsed to her knees. “NO!” She cried. Bobbie moved forward.

“He wanted me to…” It was her turn she hugged Bobbie, who hugged back. Bobbie’s voice went unheard. It felt like a geological age before either of them moved.

She looked at Bobbie, wiped her eyes, smiled lightly. “Why don’t you come in?”

Bobbie walked into the house he had grown up in… Robb had grown up in. He stood in the room where, years ago, he had screamed and screamed. In a way, it was good to be back. In another, it felt very strange and awkward. The furniture was different. The carpet the same, memories hung there like so many dust motes.

“God, when he was a kid it was all movies and comics. I knew the other kids thought of him as a nerd. I felt sorry for him. But when he brought…” Her mouth moved like something distasteful was in it. “…That girl, Michelle?”

“Melanie.” Bobbie said, nodding. “He told me about her. He wasn’t happy about how things ended with her. And what she wound up doing to all three of you.”

“How did they end?” Sylvia asked.

Bobbie exhaled , crossed her legs and hoped for the best.

She told him about how Robb knew that Mel was cheating on him. How they had met at a rehab clinic, both seeking treatment in the medical wing due a former partner’s indiscretion. She talked about how he tried to clean up, and get himself together. He was clean and about to start working, when the accident happened. With nobody around to make the decision, he’d been cremated. His ashes scattered in the Mojave desert.

“Because.” Bobbie admitted with a wan smile.” That’s where they shot the jet car sequence in.”

“…Buckaroo Banzai. God, he loved that movie.

“He wanted to come back. He felt so bad about the way he left things with you and Kim. Before he died… He wanted to come back to you so badly, always told me what he wanted to say. ‘No matter where you go… there you are’ Does that mean anything to you?... umm.” The act seemed to be working, so far

Sylvia chuckled through the tears.”Sylvia, please. It’s from the same movie. When his father was alive, they would watch it together every weekend... I know the quote. Still don’t think I’ve seen the whole thing”

The door suddenly opened. “Hi, Mom.” It was Kim. Bobbie remembered Kim just four years ago, pigtails and dresses. The teenaged girl before him looked radically different. Skinny jeans, brown hair cut into a faux hawk, Ear plugs and a Laberet piercing. A pink camouflage babydoll shirt that read “GRRL ARMY” emblazoned on the front.

“This is…”

“Kim?” Bobbie asked. Kim was taken aback. It had only been four years. Seeing her now, Bobbie really wanted to know about those four years. With the guitar slung on her back, she looked ready to trash an expensive hotel room.

“Kim, dear. Come sit. I think we need to talk. It’s about Robb.”

Kim slowly lowered herself to the sofa. It could only be one thing. How did it happen? She wondered. Overdose? Robbery? It didn’t matter to her. She just wanted to hear him call her Kimster again. Her face contorted as she started to cry, her head in her hands. Bobbie went to put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. She batted it away angrily. She spun while standing, grabbed Bobbie by the shoulders, shaking her.

“Where is she?” Kim hissed through clenched teeth. “I’ll… I’ll.” From anger to tears, a switch was flipped. Bobbie reached out and hugged Kim. “Robb.” She sobbed.

“It wasn’t her, Kim. It was a car accident.” Sylvia said, she hated seeing Kim this way, the anger that constantly simmered beneath her surface. And now, with Robb gone she feared that Kim’s anger might stay

“He was so sorry. He wasn’t even mad at you. He always said if there was one thing that he could take back. It would be the last thing he said to you. He knew things were screwed up. He only wanted to come home.”

Kim let go of Bobbie, grabbed her wrist. Sniffing, she said. “Mom we’ll be back.” So, she still did that, Bobbie mused. Grabbing him and leading him to whatever it was she wanted to show him. Bobbie felt like Robb did for a moment, being pulled along. It felt good, familiar.

“Kim.” Sylvia exclaimed.

“It’s okay, Mom. “She shouted over her shoulder. And, just like that, Sylvia was left alone in the house. She had to admit, at least Robert had straightened out there near the end. What had Robb said to Bobbie about them? She needed to know.

But, she mused, at least now she could know. Bobbie seemed nice. At least someone could fill her in about her son. Once a block had passed, Kim turned around and looked keenly. Pulled a pack of Newports out of her pocket and fumbled with the lighter. She lit the cigarette. The light flickering, highlighting her red eyes. She inhaled and exhaled twice in rapid succession.

Wanting to break the ice, Bobbie said. “You think I can get one of those?”

Kim looked at her suspiciously, flipped open the pack and offered her one. Her lighter was out by the time Bobbie had the cigarette in her mouth. Leaning in to the lighter, Kim said. “Bobbie, tell me what happened.”

Bobbie inhaled, the smoke burned her throat, the menthol flavor doing nothing to make it easy. She coughed lightly. Kim chuckled.

“Not much of a smoker, huh? You’re not his type, y’know. Blond, way too hot. Too much of a good girl. How did you know him?”

“Met at a clinic.” Bobbie waved the cigarette. “Melanie gave him something. We were trying to get him clean and back to school. His death came out of nowhere. It’s hard to believe that Robb’s gone.” It was so weird to say that.

“Oh, how I wish she were here. “ She let the cigarette dangle from her lips as she smacked a palm with her fist.” She flicked the cigarette away. “I wish I could have seen him one more time. Wish he could meet me now. So much has changed.”

“Yeah,” Bobbie said, inhaling on the cigarette again. She looked at it distastefully, stepped on it. “What happened with you? From what he told me you should be sporting a pair of pom poms by now.

Kim grinned a lopsided grin. “I’m gay. He wouldn’t have known. I only came out last year.” She chuckled. “Decided I liked girls more.”

“How did Mo… um… Sylvia take it.”

Kim looked at her unevenly. “Did you just almost call her ‘Mom’?”

Shit!,”Ummm, I…I.” Bobbie stammered.

Like a flurry, Kim was on him. Bringing her right foot around Bobbie’s left and positioned her hand for a blow to the chest.

Bobbie saw it in slow motion, she brought her right foot back and absorbed the blow on her left breast, but the leg sweep failed. As it happened, she was amazed at how quickly it all came back, and how quickly she was able to call her limbs back into position.

“Ow.” Bobbie said, rubbing her chest. It hurt, much like a kick in the groin used to. Only, somewhere else.

“Okay, what’s going on? He taught me that, not much else. But I haven’t lost a fight yet.”

“Kimster.” Bobbie whispered, tears brimming.

“Did he tell you that, too?” She moved in again. Raising her fist for another attack

Bobbie brought up her hands. “No, no”

“Who are you. What do you want?”

“It’s like I said, really. I’m here to fix what Robb broke. I think I’m the only one who can.” Kim lowered her hands. “No Matter where you go…”

”… there you are, right?” Kim said, softening. “I guess. You only get where you’re going by being where you’ve gone.

Bobbie’s eyes widened. “You saw that?”

“After he left, I watched his movies, read his books, stole his cds. I just wanted to feel close to him again. I missed him, the asshole.” Kim said, sniffing back tears. “C’mon, we should head back. There’s something you should see.”

She grabbed Bobbie’s wrist again and ran back to the house. They re entered the house, Kim bolting up the stairs, Bobbie in tow. “Taking Bobbie into Robb’s room.” Up the stairs they went and then into the second door on the left, Kim opened the door.

It was just like Robb left it. DVDs, videogames, comic books, The Bettie Page poster on the wall. Bobbie walked in, stunned. Was he so mad at the time? God, why am I so emotional? As if in a trance, Bobbie opened the top drawer of the dresser.

I wonder if it’s still there? She reached up inside to the secret spot, and pulled out a rolled up piece of paper. Unrolling it, she was stunned to see that it read “Drugs are bad, m’kay.”

Kim’s eyes went wide, she turned around and closed the door.

“Okay, there’s no reason you should know about that. I got rid of that joint and left that note there. I knew he’d find it. “If he ever came back.” She said quietly. She looked up at Bobbie, eyes narrowing.

“Who are you. Really? I scream, and Mom’ll…”

Fuck it, I need someone. Please let her believe me.

“Kimster, it’s me. Robb.”

“Bullshit. That’s not possible. It’s just… not.”

“And yet, here I am.”

Kim reached forward and squeezed Bobbie’s breasts.

“Hey,” Bobbie said, trying to slap her hands away. Seizing the opportunity Bobbie pinned her to the wall with the ‘spider’ hold, just like he did when they were kids.

“You never could get out of this. So just listen. For once, listen to me. I am in here, you’ve gotta believe me. You’ve got to” Bobbie pleaded. “I just really needed…” As the crying started, Bobbie loosened her grip. She collapsed on Kim.

“Oh, Kimster. I needed you guys… Mom.” Bobbie flopped down on the floor. Head in her hands. “I don’t know what to do.” That moment crystallized it for Kim.

Trust. Automatic, unflinching trust. The kind of trust she had been unable to have with anyone else, not since…

“Robb?” She smiled, she saw it. It was him in there. Had to be. The joint, Kimster, calling Sylvia ‘mom’. The ‘Spider’ hold. It made absolutely zero sense, but this girl who called herself ‘Bobbie’ was her brother. “Oh, God. Robb.” She flung herself to him and clung tightly. “What happened?”

Bobbie looked at his sister. “I got shot in a robbery with Mel. I just remember being cold and there being a lot of blood. Then this… Wait a minute. Just like that? You believe me?”

Kim punched him in the chest, again.

“Ow, stop doing that.”

“Regular girl would’ve tried to hit me. You walk kind of like a guy, you knew about the hidden joint.” She ticked off the reasons on the fingers of one hand. “Maybe I don’t believe you, and this is all part of my devious plan to get you into my evil clutches.” Kim leaned in, as if to kiss.

Bobbie let Kim go and released her. “Jesus, Kimster I’m your…”

“And there’s the clincher.” To punctuate, Kim punched him in the opposite breast. “I Can’t very well kick you in the balls, can I. You fucking jerk.” She hugged him again. “Besides, you had to be telling the truth. How could you not wanna get with this?” Kim flaunted her body. “Bee Tee Double Ewe, you’re really cute, bro.”

“Thanks.”Bobbie said dryly. “I think I died, but then I woke up like this.” Having this conversation was hard enough. She wasn’t even going to try to explain Justice.
“Like a second chance?” Kim grinned. “Cool. I get my brother back. Well, sort of.”

“Let’s not get too excited. I still don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t have a place to live. I just barely got a new license. I knew I had to come here first, I needed to apologize to you both. I didn’t really mean what I said, I needed to say I’m sorry. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I am going to finish school, this time though.”

“Place to live, huh? I think I might be able to arrange that. I’ll talk Mom into it. Since you left, it’s just been the two of us. And, to answer your earlier question. Mom didn’t handle my gayness very well, not at all. But, she also didn’t want to lose both of us, she just kind of let me be. I think she finally accepted it.”

She hugged Bobbie again. “I’m so glad you’re here.” The embrace tightened. “But, if you ever die like that again. I’ll kill you.” They both laughed.

“And, well…” Bobbie suddenly flushed, the red showing against the smooth, alabaster skin. “I’ve gotta be honest with you, Kimster. This whole ‘girl’ thing.” She sighed exasperated.

“What do you mean?” Kim asked.

Bobbie looked at her embarrassed. “I had a period the day after it happened. I thought I was going to die… again. I freaked out. Melanie showed me how to sort of deal with it. But”

Kim laughed, a lot louder than she should have. “I’m sorry.” The laughing continued. She wiped her eyes. “I just can’t picture…” Still chuckling. “Don’t worry your pretty little head about it. Bro.” Kim said reassuringly deepening her voice as she finished.

Bobbie wished everyone would stop saying that.

“You know I’m going to spend hours messing with you, right?”

Bobbie Glared at her.

“You know that ‘Scanners’ shit isn’t real right?”

“Yeah? Neither is having your ‘y’ chromosome grow another leg.” Bobbie said, relieved that he open up to someone.

“Fair enough.” Kim surveyed the body her brother now inhabited.

“There is one thing I’ve wanted to ask you for years.” Kim said

“Sure, what?”

“Can I have your Bettie Page poster?” Kim asked sheepishly

Bobbie laughed, happy to see her sister acting happy. “Sure.”

“C’mon, Juete.”

“Hey,” Bobbie shot back. “Juete had pink eyes, mine are blue…”

They went back downstairs.

* * * * * * * * * * *
Sylvia ordered pizza and they ate and talked, just the girls. It was nice to see Kim not being angsty for once. She and Bobbie were getting along. It did her heart good. She had brought down some boxes from the attic. “These are all of his old stories, school papers, and book reports. I…I just wanted him to come back.”

Was he still writing?”

She kept all those, really?

“He was trying, wasn’t really finding anything that worked. I think that what happened with you threw off his rhythm. “ She took some of the old pages out. Bobbie stared at them incredulously.

“I can’t believe you kept these.” Bobbie felt herself wanting to cry, again.
“Of course, he was my little boy,” Sylvia cried. Bobbie put out a hand. “And now he’s…” Her voice broke

“It’s okay. It wasn’t anything you did. He just wanted to be wanted. He was always so alone…” Bobbie started to speak. She went on for about an hour, with eloquence about Robb’s shortcomings. Bobbie saw them with such striking clarity. When it was over, Sylvia was all cried out. But felt better than she had in the whole time he’d been gone, and went to bed feeling lighter than in recent memory. Kim offered some room space to Bobbie. “We’ve got a lot to talk about, Bobbie and I.”

Kim stayed up late with Bobbie. She snuck out of the window of her room to sit on the roof. Bobbie went with her.

“So, when did you start smoking?” Bobbie asked Kim.

“When I stole your pack right before you left.” She giggled, inhaling.

“You know that’s bad for you, Right?”

“Not as bad. See, lights? And you should talk. How do you like being a girl?”

Bobbie shrugged. “I’m not sure ‘like’ is the right word. I mean, it’s still difficult to remember to sit to pee. It’s been a rollercoaster these last few days. I was watching TV and I cried over that damn Sarah Machlachan commercial with the hurt animals.”

Kim nodded and smoked in silence

“Everybody cries at that commercial. So, do you like guys now or what?” She said, sending pieces of silence scattered by her warhammer.

The question took Bobbie aback. “I… I don’t know. Haven’t really thought about it much. I did some stuff with Melanie after…” She waved her hand up and down. “This. Honestly I only remember part of it. She … we… I took ecstasy.”

“Just wondered. Y’know. Though maybe we could check out girls.” Wanted to do that with you since I found out I was gay.” She reached over and grabbed Bobbie’s ponytail. “C’mon Whaddaya say? We get you a pixie cut and some Birkenstocks. And we can listen to Melissa Etheridge and The Indigo Girls all day.” She dropped the still smoldering butt into the coffee can she kept there for that exact reason.

Bobbie chuckled. “It’s casual. Let’s get some other things sorted out. First, I wanna finish school. I’m going to finish something. I feel so much better now that Mel’s gone”

“School?” Kim lit another cigarette.” You could always go back to Delacroix. Things are different now. “

“No shit.” Bobbie said.

“No, really. There are more people like you used to be there now. Somehow, being a little geeky became cool. Plus, you look like that. The greatest fortress is to be found in the love of the people and all that…”

“Besides.” She smacked her fist into her palm. “They’ll have to deal with me this time.”

Bobbie looked at her, eyebrow raised.” Yeah, I’ll be the first guy to say “I’m gonna get my little sister to beat you up.” They both snorted with laughter.

“You’re not a guy.” Kim reminded her. “Maybe you should learn all the Penny Priddy quotes.”

“Yeah, I wanted to ask you. Buckaroo Banzai? The Man Who Never Missed? Bug bit you, huh?”

“Yeah, some.” She smirked. “Hey, you like some cool shit.”

“And the bass?”

“Oh, that. Just picked it up. Been playing for about two years. Started the band with some girls I met through Facebook. Y’know I wrote like five songs about you after you left?”

Bobbie smiled. “Really?’

“Yeah, you big jerk. I was so fucking mad at you. Choosing Melanie…”

“Over it now, completely.”

“No, ‘Choosing Melanie’ was one of the songs.” Bobbie looked down.

“I’m sorry.” She breathed

“Look. I think I can get Mom to let you stay here. There’s plenty of space. And, quite frankly, Mom needs another girl around. We’ll go out tomorrow, I’ve got practice, you can come with me. Meet the other girls. Once we get you integrated, this should be fun.”

Integrated? Bobbie sensed a project, he was wishing that there could be an 80s movie montage that would just leave everything finished. But if she was going to get a new life, she had to start somewhere.

Chapter 5

“I fucking want his head, her head, whatever.” The One Who Was Melanie said, rage coloring every fiber of her being.” Her body swayed, the difference in it’s weight and proportion still new to her. Still riding the waves of hate from Lust, all of her senses were in overdrive.

“And you’ll have her, But you need to be patient. We can both get everything we want.”

The One Who Was Melanie looked at the mirror. Her features had softened, the damage from the drugs disappearing. Her face had changed, as had her skin, deepening to a golden hue. Her was body more supple, voluptuous. Her hair had changed to a vibrant red; all of her tattoos had disappeared save one. The ‘tramp stamp’ remained save one difference.

Some purple Kanji characters sat in the center now.

æ¬²æœ›: The characters for Lust.

Lust looked at The One Who Was Melanie. “We are going…” Lust slinked forward, raising her arms to feel her newest work press against her body

“..to take.” She slid an arm around her waist.

“Her world.” She bent in to Not-Melanie’s face.

“Apart.” Lust kissed her passionately. The anticipation warming her loins in a way not felt since the last Thrall didn’t work out. She thought of Faye. How she figured it out was beyond her. But, that plan would have to wait for the moment.

Yes, Lust. OOH! The One Who Was Melanie thought. This was better than drugs, lost as she was in Lust’s grip. Pleasure tingling every ending of every nerve. Lust smiled. She knew that The One That Was Melanie knew the Advocate, could help find and defeat her. It was just a matter of time.

And Lust had all the time in the world.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
Sylvia woke up early the next morning to the sounds and smells of frying bacon and coffee. When she came down, there was Kim sitting at the counter, drinking coffee.

“Hi, Mom.” She said. “Bobbie thought we’d like breakfast.

“Smells good. “ Sylvia said. Kim was already moving to get her mother’s coffee.”What are we having?” She said, stifling a yawn.

Bobbie was jumping around. Kim had put her band’s disc on. The music orchestrated her movement as she skipped around like a ninja on a hot tin roof. Things were flipped and moved with a minimum of effort. There was a style to movement now. Bobbie still remembered Robb, the memories so much easier to grab now. She glided around the kitchen, flipping pancakes, making omelets and plating with an ease that surprised even her.

Sylvia looked at the plate, containing a small vegetable omelet, two pancakes, two slices of bacon, and hash browns. “How long have you two been up?”

“Not long.” Bobbie yelled. Sheepishly, she turned down the music “Sorry, Sylvia. Only about an hour”

She nodded, sipping coffee. “I know all those songs, they used to practice here.” She dug into the omelet. Her eyes opened. “Mmm. This is delicious. You did all this in an hour? What.. “

“Eat mom. I finished mine already. Try the pancakes.” Kim said, grinning. Sylvia looked at her daughter. When was the last time she saw Kim grin like that? The pancakes were creamy, fluffy, and delicious.

“Oh, my gosh. Bobbie, you’re a wonderful cook. Who taught you?”

She added half and half to a cup. “Hmmm?” She looked around at Sylvia and Kim. Lost in seeing them all together, there was a love and joy that replaced the hollowness. This is what was missing, from Mel’s presence,s he decided.

“Me? Oh, no one. Just call it a knack.” She said, sipping coffee and crunching a piece of bacon.

“Mom, Bobbie and I were talking. She’s almost done with school. D’ya think we can keep her?”

Bobbie spluttered. “Kim, I…”

“Mom, she came here just to tell us about Robert, she’s got no one to go back to. She needs to finish school. I think she’ll be good to have around.

She nodded. “You stay in school.” She looked down at the plate, It was gone. She was full from breakfast, but felt… somehow complete. Kim was probably right. “And you keep cooking, and you’ve got a deal.”

Kim looked at her mother.” Wow, that was easy.”

Bobbie would be good to have around. Sylvia decided. Kim looked… not so angry. She had to admit that she herself felt comfortable around Bobbie immediately, even though she couldn’t understand why. It made no sense, but it felt right having her here.

“Good, now that that’s settled. I’ve got band practice today. Bobbie’s gonna come with me, meet the other recruits.” Bobbie went up and changed back into the jeans and t-shirt she had in the bag she came with.

After leaving, Kim looked at Bobbie. “We need to build you a life. Clothes, friends, everything. Nobody’s gonna believe that you just came up out of the concrete. You don’t even have a facebook profile or a phone. Don’t worry, Robb. This is going to be so much easier than it was last time.”

Bobbie gave a sideways look, eyes narrowed to the width of dental floss.

Kim laughed. “I said easier, I didn’t say it was going to be easy. No matter where you go, remember?”

“Umm Kim. I think it would be better if you just called me Bobbie from now on. ‘Robb’ just sounds weird now.” Bobbie chuckled.

“What’s so funny?” Kim asked shaking a Newport out of the pack.

“Melanie gave me that name. Seems like the only thing she was right about.”

I am Bobbie Sharpe. She thought. And, I’m going to be a good person.

Chapter 6

Bobbie had some cash left from retaining Frank’s services. Not much, about $900. It was still sitting in ‘Robb’s’ wallet.

“Nice.”Kim said.” Boba Fett wallet. That was weird… you know, with mom back there.”

“I just think she felt some part of me in here still.” Bobbie said. “So, where are we going exactly? I mean now that you’ve got me out here and all.“

“Told you, band practice. You need to meet the others. Let’s just rip that band aid off now.” Kim said, flipping out her phone. “Call Heather.”

“Hey, I’m bringing someone…. No, I’m pretty sure that she’s okay.” She looked at Bobbie. “You guys are gonna wanna meet her anyway. Kaybai.”

“’Rip that band aid off’?” Bobbie eyed his sister suspiciously. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Well, that’s the thing about us. We kinda don’t fit. We’re all different. See, that’s the philosophy of the band. We’re GRRL ARMY, we are all different kinds of girls, and that makes us different. But we’re all girls, and that makes us the same. Well, Bobbie. What kind of girl are you?

“It doesn’t matter what kind of girl you are, just be the best kind of whatever girl you want to be.”

Bobbie whistled. “That’s some deep thought. Worthy of Dr. Banzai.”

“I am occasionally brilliant.” Kim said, shrugging.

“So, what happened after you left?” Kim asked.

“Lotsa drugs, lotsa sex, lotsa criminal shit. When you’re high, things just kinda, I dunno, slip by. I thought I was happy, but now.” It was Bobbies turn to shrug. “I’m not sure what kind of girl I am yet. There’s just so many things. I…”

“Don’t worry, Bro…obbie. You might learn a lot. How many guys get this opportunity? I mean, if this kind of thing happened often, we’d hear about it right?” She deepened her voice. “In a secret government base, top soldiers were transformed into women…” Kim laughed loudly. “That sounds like the worst movie ever…”

“It could work as a comedy. “Bobbie sighed, “But this,” Bobbie covered his breasts. “Isn’t so funny. I mean to live with.”

“I see what you mean. Don’t worry. I’m sure this will all work out.”

The house loomed in front of them as Kim and Bobbie strolled up to the door. Kim’s guitar looking like a samurai sword in the shadow. She knocked.

The door opened, and a dark haired girl who was obviously living in the wrong decade stood there, in an ensemble that looked more at home on Rita Hayworth or Jane Russell. A large, purple flower attached to the left side of her head.

“Hey, Heather. This is Bobbie, she’s new around here. So, I thought I would introduce her to the most kickass band in all of Delacroix.” Kim watched as Heather studied Bobbie.

“Yeah,” Heather looked over her sunglasses at Bobbie. “Everyone’s here already. To the garage!” Heather’s dress twirled as she spun.

“Oh, boy. You’re in for it now.” Kim whispered.

Bobbie shot a confused glance at Kim.

“If she looks over her glasses at you. It means she sees a challenge.”

“Challenge?” Bobbie didn’t like the sound of that. But before she could ask about what that meant, the garage came into view. The garage looked like a common garage. Old sofa. Musical equipment. Off in the corner was a full length mirror. Next to it was a sewing table, littered with scraps of fabric.

“Bobbie, this is Bella on Drums” The blonde at the drum kit brought up her hand and flashed the devil horns. “…and Amber on lead guitar.” The redhead nodded. They wore similar GRRL ARMY shirts. “ Kim said, indicating the girls in turn. “You met Heather.”

Heather was crossing over to Bobbie. Removing her sunglasses, she took a good look at her. Sizing her up as if for a fight. She walked up to Bobbie, nervousness flooding her.

Wait, is this like, girl hazing or something? Heather reached up and pulled the scrunchie from her hair. “Hey, I…” She ran her hands through Bobbie’s hair.

Heather opened her mouth, and Bobbie heard a beautiful mezzo soprano voice say. “You have beautiful eyes.” She moved hair out of Bobbie’s face. “Striking features. Hmm…Bangs. Definitely bangs”

“Excuse me, I…” Bobbie was a little shocked by the sudden attention

“No earrings?” Heather said, shocked. “Where did you come from?”

“Jesus fuck, Heather. You’ve only just fuckin’ met her. Give her some fuckin’ time before you mercilessly rearrange her look.” Said Bella, resting her arms on the drum kit.

“Well, excuse me.” Heather said. “I see someone in need and I help. Oh, honey. Who did those eyebrows? And the shirt… none of this stuff fits right at all. Kim, you did the right thing bringing her here. C’mon.”

Bobbie followed along, was that what his life had been like? Constantly pulled this way and that. Heather stopped at the wardrobe, flinging it open.

“So, are you a zero or a one?” Heather asked

“Is that a computer joke?” Bobbie asked blankly

“What’s your size?” Heather responded like one would a slow dog.

“Never did much shopping outside of shirts and jeans.”

Heather eyed Bobbie suspiciously.

“Oh,” Bobbie said. Remembering what Melanie said it was. “zero.”

“I think,” She said, glancing at Bobbie as she flipped through the dresses. “Yeah, blue… definitely blue.” She pulled a blue dress out and thrust it at Bobbie. “Put this on.”

Bobbie looked at Kim pleadingly. Amber broke the silence. “Fuck, Heather. We gonna practice or play dress up? Bobbie, she doesn’t have a concept of personal fucking space, sees everyone as the next makeover project.” She sighed. “You better go fuckin’ put it on, or we’ll never get started.

Bobbie pulled off her top, revealing the bra that obviously was slightly off in the size department. The undergarment sagged some, her nipples becoming visible.

“Ummmm, Bobbie?” Heather began. When Bobbie turned to answer, Heather shielded her eyes. She pointed without looking. “There’s a changing screen over there. Put the girls away.”

“Damn, Bobbie.” Amber said. “You got balls.” She turned to Kim. “I like her.”

Bobbie inwardly grumbled at the mention of balls.

Hugging the dress to her chest, Bobbie went behind the changing screen. It took a couple of minutes to get settled. How in the hell do you put this thing on.? She thought. If you had told me a week ago that I’d be talking to my mom and sister again, but standing here, trying to figure out how to put a dress on. She fed her legs into it, pulling the garment up over her breasts.

“You need help?” Heather asked. “I think maybe I made that zipper too long.”

Sure enough, Bobbie couldn’t reach it. Sigh.” Yeah, I just… can’t” Suddenly Heather was behind him, pulling up the zipper.

“Pour yourself a drink, put on some lipstick, and pull yourself together. Liz Taylor said that. Smart girl. Life is too short to look normal. Stand out, declare your personness to the world.” Heather said with a flourish. ZIP! “Turn around, let’s see.” Bobbie threaded her arms through the straps.

Heather admired her work. “I think that is a massive improvement. Blue is certainly your color. Brings out those eyes…”

“Fuck, Heather. Can’t you see she’s embarrassed.” Amber asked, pushing up her glasses

Bobbie was blushing, red creeping into her face. The openness of the bottom was all kinds of breezy, the fabric sensually brushed against her smooth legs. She knew she was covered in the important places, she felt almost naked.

“That’ll do for now.” Heather stepped back. “Much better, okay. Carry on.”

The hum of an amp was heard as Kim plugged her bass into the Marshall Half-Stack, and started playing the bass solo from Rush’s Freewill. Bobbie recognized it, nodded. Heather grabbed her keytar and slung it, The pink camouflage of the strap standing out against Heather’s dress.

“Alright, it’s about fuckin’ time.” Amber said, turning one of the tuning pegs on her Fender. “What are we playin’ first?”

Kim, finishing the bass solo with only a few mistakes, turned to Heather. “Choosing Melanie, I think Bobbie needs to hear that.”

“1…2…1…2…3…4.” Bella started, knocking her drumsticks together as the base, guitar, drums and keyboard all came together. Bobbie listened. It was an angry song, about being jilted and left alone in the world. To Bobbie’s ears, it seemed more like a song about alienation, about having the only light in your world turned off.

And with that, she knew. Felt what Robb had done to his sister. Her eyes misted.

Kimster. I never meant to do that to you.

…Then you turned around and left with that bitch

Knew I’d have to find a way to scratch my own itch.

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Heather’s scream… well, for lack of a better term, Bobbie jumped. It was the eldritch scream of angrydeathscreamometal And Bobbie couldn’t believe it came out of Heather. The song finished. Heather smiled at Bobbie. “I guess I should have told you about that. No one ever sees it coming. Girl needs to keep some secrets.” She batted her eyelashes.

After a few more songs, the band broke for lunch. Lunch consisted of frozen pizza and Diet Coke, and the discussion turned to Bobbie.

“What grade are you in?”

“Why don’t you have your ears pierced?”

On and on, Bobbie sat silently, sipping her soda. Well, Bobbie, she thought, what kind of girl do you want to be?

“Oh,” Bobbie looked down. She hoped that this story would hold. “My parents were in some cult. No makeup, no fiction, you get the idea. When I got old enough, I…I ran away. I met Robb,” She felt weird, talking about him as a regular person.

“Hang on, I’ll be right back.” Heather said, suddenly getting up, forgetting the half slice of pizza. She disappeared out the door.

“Now you’ve gone and done it. So much for practice…” Bella said, resting her sticks on the snare.

Before Bobbie could ask what that meant, Heather came in carrying what looked like tackle boxes for fishing. “Project.” Kim whispered in her ear. Bobbie remembered what Melanie had put him through, and felt a twinge of trepidation.

“Don’t worry. I got this look from her.” Kim said, as if to reassure. “From the hair to the pants, she’s got style.”

“…Something I am willing to give to you.” Heather said opening the box. “Now, this isn’t gonna hurt a bit.”

“OW, fuck.” Bobbie exclaimed, drawing surprised stares.

Her ears hurt dully. Bobbie resisted the urge to touch them. They looked good, she had to admit that. Kim and Bobbie walked back home. Heather had insisted that she wear the dress, stating that the clothes she came in should be burned.

“Yeah, Heather’s like that. But, hey, I wouldn’t be this sexy thing without her help. Earrings look good.” Robb hadn’t let Melanie pierce his ear, that being one thing he stood up for himself on. And yet, here was Bobbie with a matching set of studs.

Kim lit a cigarette and said, “She’s right, you know. If you’re gonna go back to school. You’re gonna have to…”

And suddenly, she remembered High School…

…as Robb

His obscure t shirts winning him derisive comments, his awkward nature and vocabulary not there for the assist, it was a terrible almost four years.

“You’re gonna need more clothes than you have. How are you for… you know… girl stuff?’

“Just that bag. 3 panties, 2 bras, 2 shirts, 2 pants, some socks, and these shoes.” Clothes shopping, ugh, just kill me now. “Oh, God.” Bobbie lamented.

“Well, I think we should probably hit the mall tomorrow. You have any cash?”

“Yeah, about $900. Everything I have in the world is in my bag.

“Where did you get $900?” Kim asked, eyes wide.

“You remember when I said I did some stuff with Melanie? It was on a webcam show.” Bobbie stopped, looked at her feet.

“You little slut.” Kim said jokingly. When Bobbie started to cry, Kim, seeing what she had done, flipped her cigarette away and rushed to her ‘brother’(sister). “Oh, jeez, fuck, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… Oh, shit.”

Bobbie returned the hug. Ragged sobs and torrential tears shook and flooded Kim’s shoulder as Bobbie explained. “… I felt, I don’t know… used, taken advantage of. Plus, I was rollin’ pretty hard. It just felt… wrong.” That also being the moment when he saw his life as the sum of wasted time, meshed the two into a weird miasma of failure and regret.

“Maybe we could go, just you and me?” Bobbie asked, memories of school shopping with his mother leaping into memory.

“Ahh, that might not be too good an idea. Heather pretty much defined my look, I don’t go shopping without her anymore. She seems to know what she’s doing. Y’know, you might just wanna let her make you over. School doesn’t start for a few days yet. That dress is definitely a keeper.” She leered at Bobbie.

“Kim, Jesus.” Bobbie wished he could pull the hem of the dress down further.

“Hey, ‘Robb’ may be in there, but that body, hawt!” Kim said sheepishly, then smiled.

“Didn’t think I was you’re type? What was it you said ‘too much of a good girl’?”

“Honestly,” Kim began, “I don’t really know what my type is. Oh, God, I hope I’m not into good girls. Or maybe…” An evil, sly grin looked out from behind her face. “I’ll get to corrupt them.” Bobbie and Kim both laughed as they continued their way home.

Entering the house, Kim bolted up the stairs. The door to ‘Robb’s’ room was open. Sylvia was putting sheets and blankets on the bed, something that obviously hadn’t been done for a while.”Oh, there…” She gasped. “Bobbie! You’re stunning.” She turned to Kim. “Heather, right?”

Kim looked at her. “Who else hasn’t figured out what decade she’s in?.”

Sylvia nodded approvingly. “I just thought, we should move this stuff out.”

Great, back to my room. “Hold it. You don’t have to get rid of it. I’d kind of like to see some of the things he told me about.”

“Yeah, Mom. Let’s just leave it. I’m sure Bobbie will find some use for it.” She glanced sideways at Bobbie.

“Well, if you’re sure.” Sylvia said, encasing a pillow in its case. Bobbie went in a trance to his old DVD of Buckaroo Banzai, he picked up, fingered the spine.

“No matter where you go…”She breathed.

“There you are.” Sylvia finished, choking back a sob.

Keeping the DVD in her hand, Bobbie hugged Sylvia. “I know… I know.”

Kim joined the hug. Bobbie was the first to laugh. “Why don’t we go downstairs, I can get dinner done, and we can watch it. Have you seen it?”

“Not all at once.” Sylvia admitted. “But, you know what? I’m game.’

Bobbie went through the kitchen. Hmmm, eggs, ground beef, crackers, potatoes… meatloaf. She began mixing the ingredients as the oven heated. Turning on the radio, she stopped at KGIG, the dance pop station. Some throbbing bass and keyboard loops stopped her, she synced her movements to the music. Lost in the beat and the act of creating, Bobbie felt… connected, to everything, in a way that seemed to put her in phase with the heartbeat of the world.

…As if listening to the Music of the Spheres.

Before she knew it, it was a waiting game for the forces of heat to do it’s work on the meat. After it finished, Bobbie took it out of the oven and allowed it to rest. She served out three portions, inserted the DVD and watched ‘Robb’s’ Favorite film, with his sister and mother. Sylvia laughed in most of the right places, punctuated with “That’s, (insert name of random actor here.)” When it finished, she declared it weird, but good. She saw why her son loved it so.

“Mom, Bobbie and I were wondering if we could hit the mall tomorrow? With school starting soon, she’s going to need clothes, and we should probably set up Robb’s old desktop.” Kim said, using her persuasive voice.

“Sure,” Sylvia laughed, “Let me just…” she said, moving toward the dishes.

“Mom, it’s cool, we got this.” Kim said, indicating herself and Bobbie. Sylvia stretched herself out, said goodnight, and went off to bed.

Later that night, Kim and Bobbie went off to the rooftop again.

“Okay. “Kim began. “Looks like we are a wardrobe and room straightening from getting you into the realm of ‘normal’” She made quotation marks with her fingers.

“I’d kind of like to still have some Robb in here.” Bobbie tapped her head.

“Bro, ‘some’ Robb? What is it exactly that you want to keep? Your clothes? Interests? Sorry, dude, the clothes don’t fit. Interests, on the other hand…” Kim waved her hand dismissively. “None of that shit really matters anymore. Yeah, there’s still jocks and cheerleaders, drama nerds, all that shit. But it’s like everybody is allowed to like everything now. Where did this cooking thing come from by the way?”

“I don’t know really, I was watching some Cooking Channel and looking up recipes for cookies. Next thing I know, I’m reading up on cooking methods… It just kinda seemed to stick.”

“Yeah? Well, we don’t normally eat this well around here. I might get fat.” Kim put her hands on her stomach. Bobbie chuckled

Kim extinguished her cigarette. “Well, we should get to bed. Big day tomorrow.”

Bobbie sighed. “Yeah.”

Chapter 7

The next day had everyone up early and ready to lead their assault on the edifice of consumerism that was Delacroix Mall. As the trio passed the entrance, Bobbie noticed the mass of long haired, shabby clothed, skater “dudes” that laid claim to the mall. Bobbie noticed one of them, while he was dressed like them and had the same mannerisms, he just didn’t belong. A darkness hung around him like a comfortable cloak. Bobbie hadn’t seen anything like it. It just seemed so… wrong. Shrugging it off, Bobbie walked in her ill-fitting ‘Robb’ clothes. She realized she kind of looked like them. One caught her looking, nodded approvingly. He pointed Bobbie out to the rest, causing their attention to shift focus. Bobbie just ignored them.

They went and found Bobbie easy to shop for, picking up enough bras and panties to get her through at least a week. Bobbie realized that while ‘Robb’ would have been bored stiff, this was different. When school shopping all those years ago, it was all pants and shirts, which all pretty much look the same. She’d seen the necessity of bras as soon as she put one on. The new ones fit better than the ones Melanie had picked up, so had the panties for that matter.

They passed a cell phone kiosk, where Sylvia had said Bobbie needed a phone. Bobbie insisted on paying for it, Sylvia wouldn’t hear of it. “You took care of Robert as he was getting better. This is the least I can do.” She looked at the two of them “Who’s hungry?”

They were in the food court, sitting with their Bamboo Panda boxes. Bobbie found the food pleasant, which was strange because it was never something she liked before. In fact, after Kim asked about the cooking last night, it struck her.

…The connectedness she felt.

…The Completeness.

…The Joy.

Cooking, huh? Bobbie mused, the train of thought derailed by the distortion laden sound of Kim’s phone. Bobbie recognized the song as Slayer’s War Ensemble.

“Hey… yeah, food court… alright, seeya.” Kim flipped her phone shut. “Heather’ll be here in a minute.” Kim wanted to laugh so badly, knowing Bobbie’s secret.

Heather showed up in another dress befitting the red carpet of 1947, This one a one a forest green. Her oversize sunglasses giving her an air of aloofness, she was carrying a large purse. “Hello, Ms. Pointe, Kim. Bobbie, let me see.” Bobbie looked at her, puzzled. Uninvited, she reached over and moved her curtain of hair. “Hmmm, they seem to be healing fine. Okay, Bobbie. We should talk.

They talked, about music, current events, Bobbie clammed up when it came to guys, not having any idea of what to say.

“You’ve obviously had boyfriends, what were they like?” Heather pressed.

“I dunno,” Bobbie shrugged. “Broken, I guess.”

Heather laughed. “Not going to get at a straight answer? That’s jake.”

Sylvia got up from the table. “Well, I’ll leave you girls to it.”

Bobbie flushed, she opened her mouth. Kim cut her off. “Bye Mom. Heather will give us a ride, right?”

“Absolutely.”

Shopping was different with Heather. Bobbie watched as she looked at thing with the eyes of a jedi ninja. Her face was a mask of impassive calm. There was a moment when she stopped, removed her sunglasses and put one earpiece in her mouth. The red of the earpiece disappeared in the red of her lipstick. She looked back at Bobbie, then back at the window.

“Yep, I think we’ll do most of our shopping here.” Heather declared. Kim stifled a laugh, Bobbie shot her a glance and a scowl. The girls entered the store.

“Don’t worry, Bobbie. I can tell, you could use some help. I try to help whenever I can. But you have to trust me. Here.” She thrust out some separates, Bobbie took them and scanned for the dressing rooms. She found them and headed in.

Here I am again. Please let this be easier to put on. But, pants were pants, and shirts were… well, tops. After a few adjustments it met with Heather’s approval. Bobbie opted to wear it out, just wanting clothes that fit right for the first time in. She checked her memory. Five days? It’s only been five days?

Heather insisted on stopping for a chocolate milkshake. “If I’m shopping, there might as well be some chocolate? Right?”

Bobbie did insist on two pairs of jeans and three shirts with bands on them(Rush, Depeche Mode, and The Clash)

Sipping the shake, Heather looked at Bobbie. “Now, Bobbie.” She reached out and took her ponytail. “Hmm.” She studied. “No split ends, healthy. We’ve got to do something about that hair. We’re going to go where I get mine done. Do you trus…

* * * * * * *
...two years ago.

“You trust me, right?” Melanie said, brandishing the clippers.

“I…I guess.” Robb was stoned, as usual. His hair never did what he wanted it to. He had too many cowlicks, his hair kept trying to do that emo thing, drooping over his right eye. So, Melanie had decided to get rid of it. All of it.“It’ll look good.” She whispered. It didn’t take her long, and soon his hair was everywhere except on his head. Robb studied himself in the mirror. His brown eyes looked darker, he noticed. He wasn’t too sure about it, thought it made him look thuggish.

Melanie, on the other hand, couldn’t keep her hands off of it for the first week, insisting that he shave, with a razor.

Worst reason to keep a haircut. But, whatever works.

His mother hated it. “Do you want to look like a…a… skinhead?”

Kim laughed, not sure what to think.

* * * * * * *
…t me?” She put out her hand.

Kim nodded from behind Heather, mouthing ‘yes’.

“I…I guess so.” Bobbie said.

“Good,” Heather said. “Kim, shall we?”

Heather had a car waiting in the parking lot. It was old, but it was hers. They began the drive to the salon.

Kim turned to Bobbie. “Heather gets the whole style thing.”

Heather turned to Kim. “Oh, please. Anyone could see you were screaming for help. I knew your secret.” Bobbie blushed, again feeling sorry for leaving the Kimster to stew in her own juices while…

“So, Bobbie. What’s your story?” Melanie asked, changing lanes.

“Not much to tell. I guess I’m kind of a blank slate. I only know what Robb showed me.”Bobbie said.

Melanie eyed her mirror. “Oh, don’t worry, Bobbie. We’ll have you dolled up in no time. Frankie’ll have this sorted out, that’s why she’s the best.

Trepidation crept into Bobbie as they pulled into the parking lot. The salon was called Shear Ecstasy. Seeing the word ‘ecstasy’ sent a shiver up her spine, remembering the webcam and all the horrible, trashy ways it made her feel. Going into the salon they saw another woman, Her hair was red, an obvious dye job. More to color than quality. “Hi, Heather.” The new woman looked at Bobbie.

“New Project?” She said, implying this was a common occurance.

“Hi, Frankie, this is Bobbie. She’s new, starts school with us next week, and… Bobbie, pull that scrunchie out of your hair.” She did, and like quicksilver it spilled over her shoulder. It hung just below her bra strap. Frankie and Heather spoke in hushed tones for a moment. Frankie nodded.

“You’re absolutely right.” Frankie said, turning her chair toward her.

Bobbie sat in the chair, apparently this was a full service salon. Bobbie was shampooed, conditioned, and cream rinsed. It seemed to last forever. She was lost in it, the warm water jets relaxing her muscles. She was moved back to Frankie’s chair. There was combing, spraying, and cutting. It seemed like an eternity of cutting. Finally, Frankie turned the chair around and allowed Bobbie to see a new reflection for the umpteenth time that week.

Just like Heather had said earlier, ‘Definitely Bangs.” She had Bettie bangs, resting just about a quarter inch above her eyebrows. “Those came out perfect. Might have to call them ‘Bobbie bangs’, now. Come back every three weeks for a trim.” Frankie said, handing Bobbie her card. Bobbie paid and left. “Okay, Bobbie. One more stop and then we are done.

One more stop? Heather pulled out of the parking lot and headed for her house. It wasn’t long before they were back at Heather’s. “C’mon. My room is easier for this.” The three girls went into the back of the house…

And walked into, to Bobbie’s eyes, a cathedral of girliness. Makeup, musicians, clothes everywhere, and a closet that seemed to go on for miles. “My mom’s a costume designer. She’s in New Zealand for that new Wheel of Ages movie, so I’m alone until March. I make clothes, too. Plan to go to school for that.”

Kim started to protest.

“Only if the band doesn’t work out, hey, I could transition. Anyway, Bobbie. What size shoe do you wear?” Bobbie looked down at her feet. She was still wearing Melanie’s shoes, hadn’t thought about it. Heather looked down. Oh, honey, those shoes came from the same person who did your eyebrows, didn’t they.” She tittered, Bobbie looked down.

“Well, come on. We’ll get you fixed up.” They found some shoes that fit. Thankfully, Heather was the same size. Then, when Heather called Bobbie to her makeup table, he felt dread again. There was more tweezing and plucking, but it strangely didn’t bother him. Heather was gentle, where Melanie was ripping off chunks of her face off. She worked quickly and professionally.

“Now, that’s more like it.” Heather said. Bobbie looked, she had to agree. It was more elegant looking, the shape more defined. Bobbie was a little shocked at what a difference was made.

“Makeup.” Heather said, lowering her voice to a bass. Kim practically howled in laughter. “You are lucky I’m going to teach you. What I don’t understand is…” Bobbie looked down.

“Well,” she instantly brightened. “That’s all the more reason to learn now.” Heather worked on her for forty five minutes. When she was finished, Kim pulled out her phone and snapped several pictures.

Kim went to Heather, speaking in the whisper of complete silence. Heather nodded, left, then returned with a pink box. They left, gathering their things. In a small way, Bobbie wondered what was next. ‘Robb’ wasn’t visible to her.

Girl: absolutely no way to hide it anymore.

Chapter 8

“WAKE UP, BRO WE’VE GOT SOME WORK TO DO.” Kim’s voice ripped through the velvety blanket of sleep. Bobbie thrashed, gasping. It was Kim, pouncing on her.

“Kim, wha…”

“Mom’s at work today, so I thought maybe I could give you a crash course in a few things.” Kim said. Bobbie smoothed her hair and yawned. “You’ve got the rest of the week, and there’s things I’m sure you’d rather not ask Mom.” Bobbie stared blankly. “Meet me downstairs.” Kim bolted out of the room and down, displaying too much energy for this time of the morning.

After a breakfast of Fruit Rocks and coffee, Kim brought out the pink box. Opening it, she held it out to Bobbie. It was a pair of high heels. Bobbie looked at her with that ‘you’ve got to be kidding’ look.

“You’ve gotta figure this out. You still walk kind of like a guy. Just a little practice…”

“Kimster, I’m going to kill you for this.” Bobbie said. Kim handed her a book. “What’s this for?” She took it angrily.

“Your head, balance. You just woke up with tits and an ass, you didn’t have time to get used to it like us…”

“Like you ‘real’ girls?” Bobbie said dryly. The shoes went on easy enough, standing in them was what she imagined stilts were like. Bobbie walked around, shakily at first. It took about an hour before she was able to circumnavigate the living room without grabbing onto anything. Kim seemed happy.

“Now, to the computer.” Kim said.

In Robb’s old room, there was a desktop computer, Kim and Bobbie reconnected all the wires and connectors and booted up the system for the first time in years. “My virus protection has got to be out of date.” Bobbie murmured. His old wallpaper of a half naked woman covered in tattoos and piercings. She’d forgotten about that.

“Hmm, she’s kinda cute.” Kim said, breathing into Bobbie’s hair. Seeing all of Robb’s old life bothered her.

Once Google’s mighty logo took over the screen, Kim directed him to facebook. She plugged her phone into the computer’s usb slot. “Move over,” Kim directed. “I’ve got this.”

Making a profile wasn’t hard. But it was filling in life events and friends that was… challenging. Kim got the pictures from her phone to the computer to the profile. There were ‘likes’ and events. By the time they finished, it could have been a normal facebook page. Only Kim and Bobbie knew otherwise. Bobbie was also advised to have other accounts. Twitter, Tumblr, and so on.

“Where did you learn all this stuff.” Bobbie asked, impressed.

“From you, alright. I learned it from watching you.” Kim laughed. “Seriously, part of the band thing. Helps build a following.”

Bobbie looked through the computer. Robb’s old comic books, and movies, his porn… Here Bobbie was surrounded by her old life. She remembered all the plot details, characters, everything. It was while a naked Asian woman was on the screen when Bobbie heard it.

“I don’t think you’re gay.” Kim said. “And I should know.”

Bobbie jumped and turned. “Kimster? I just don’t know what I am anymore. I’m trying to roll with the punches here. But…”

Kim put her hand on Bobbie’s shoulder. “I understand, probably on a level few others will. We’ll get through this. Now, how about another lap in the heels?

Bobbie learned way too much about applying makeup and walking in heels during the rest of the week. Heather came by a couple of times, wanting to check on Bobbie. The earrings healed quickly, and Bobbie was able to dress herself well enough to satisfy Heather. Kim had recommended she practice getting ready for the rest of the week.

There was a kind of artful calm to it, Bobbie noticed. She adopted a look that was subtle. It was easy and quick. She remembered trying to get bathroom time as the only guy in the house. Bobbie practiced being a girl for the rest of the week. Sunday night, however, filled her with a sickening dread. The memories of ‘Robb’s’ time at Delacroix.

Out on the rooftop, Bobbie asked Kim for a cigarette. She hoped it would calm her twisted nerves, each drag burned and rasped. She coughed, the nicotine did it’s work at first, soothing her. Then, it all became too much. She grabbed the can and spit into it, dousing the cigarette.

“Never mind. I’m never smoking anything again.” Bobbie said with certainty. Then went to bed.

CLANG! Bobbie Recognized that sound now. Justice.

“Well, you seem to be adapting to that body pretty well. Like the hair.” She said.

Bobbie toyed with her bangs.”I’ve had some help.”

Justice smiled. “So you have. But something is still troubling you.”

“Well, it’s just… do I like guys, do I like girls? Who am I? I’m not ‘Robb’ , and ‘Bobbie’ doesn’t really exist. Now…now, I’ve got to go back to school…”

“You will just have to answer those questions for yourself. I will commend you on the choices you’ve made so far. You seem to be doing a lot of good for your mom and your sister. Anything else?

“Yeah,” Bobbie realized. “The cooking! It’s very, I don’t know…joyful. Is that important somehow?”

“Of course it is. I just cannot tell you about it. It would ruin its purpose. I guess there’s not a lot to say. You are going to be busy, Bobbie. You get to find yourself, and that is a lot of work, whoever you are.

“Just keep an open mind and an open heart. I believe in you. Make this time different”

Chapter 9

Delacroix High: a heady mix of hormones, knowledge, violence, humor, and fear all mixed up into a big cauldron of doubt. Bobbie looked at the school, remembering the days ‘Robb’ had spent here. She could point out the places where he had had altercations. Nervousness and old adrenal reflexes shot through Bobbie.

“Don’t worry, bro. This time it’s personal.” Kim smacked her fist with her palm.

* * * * * * * * * *
The One Who Was Melanie slinked her way onto campus. Tight jeans, tight top, tight everything. She could see Bobbie and Kim through the crowd, she turned her eyes into slits.

I will ruin you all over again. She needed to be patient, Lust had said.

The One Who Was Melanie had the beginnings of a plan. She looked at Kim.

* * * * * * * * * * *
Bobbie went through the first two classes quietly. Listening to Mr. Lesko drone on and on about English Literature, and how we would be reading from some of the finest writers in the world, again. She chuckled with the irony. The simple math class she was taking for credit was no problem. But, the teacher couldn’t seem to take his eyes off of her. All in all, things seemed okay for a change, normal. Well, whatever that is.

It was lunchtime when Bobbie saw Kim again, thankful for a familiar face. She was sitting with a bunch of other girls who looked far more interested in cheerleaders than cheerleading.

“Hey, Kimst…Kim.” Bobbie said.

“Oh, hey. Bobbie. Guys, this is Bobbie. She’s staying with me and my mom.”

“Hey.” They all murmured, practically in unison.

Bobbie looked around the lunch area and saw the classic cliché of cliques. But noticed things she’d never noticed. Anime stickers, people wearing superhero shirts, things that had been strictly relegated to the geek culture, were abound. Even in the behoodied group of skater/stoner/slackers. She saw the one from the mall, the one with the darkness. Well, more by them than with them.

Home economics was fun. The kitchen stations were modern, but the teacher was blasé and bored with teaching a class that existed solely for credit. So far, all the classes had been easy. She had kept interactions to a minimum, knowing that being the new kid and putting a foot wrong could spell disastrous. What had Mom said? Kids can be so cruel. She had decided to play it close to the vest, the last fight with Delacroix High had ended with DHS winning in the eleventh round by TKO.

The drama classes and the government class were slightly more enjoyable, with Bella in Government and Amber in Drama. Also in drama was a girl who sat in the back, one with a similar darkness. She was overweight, she just seemed to be depressed and alone. Apart from saying ‘here’ quietly, she didn’t say much. Her name was Beth, Bobbie wanted to speak to her, but she was gone as soon as the bell rang.

Well, there’s always tomorrow.

Bobbie and Kim walked home, it was only a couple of miles, so they just took some side streets and cut through some of the empty fields that surrounded the school. Kim was having her after school smoke when they heard it.

“There’s a cow on the traintracks. MOO!”

Coming around the corner, they saw Beth being pulled down to the ground. There were a couple of girls that she recognized from the skater crowd. There were two of them, a sticklike Hispanic girl, and a small slip of a girl with brown hair. Bobbie quickly named them Biggie and Smallz. Smallz had jumped onto Beth’s back, pulling her to the packed dirt and rocks by her backpack, while Biggie was closing the distance between them.

Bobbie remembered the feeling of being the kid on the ground. How ‘he’ had wished someone would come and…Oh, screw it. She dropped her backpack and rushed Biggie, fists balled. Anger took over

“Leave her alone.” She screamed as she brought around a right hook that impacted Biggie’s neck. It did absolutely nothing, failing to even push her back.

“Noboby asked you, cunt.” Biggie hissed, reaching out and grabbing Bobbie by the hair. Bobbie saw her fist coming toward her face. POW! It connected with her cheekbone, sending red lances of pain through her vision.

Something inside Bobbie made her move, crashing her forehead into Biggie’s nose. She felt something move with a sickening wetness. When she brought her head away, there was a downpour of blood running down her face.

“You broke by node.” She shrieked. Bobbie quickly turned around to see Kim holding Smallz off by intimidation alone. Smallz ran over to Biggie. “You better watch yourself, Barbie. C’mon Carla, let’s go. Kim feinted at them, stomping her foot as they ran away.

Beth was sobbing on the ground. Bobbie went to her, an arm around her shoulder. “It’s okay, they’re gone now.” Beth responded by rising to her feet and throwing her arms around Bobbie. She returned the hug.

“They’re always so mean to me.” She cried. “They always call me ‘fat’ and…and.” Tears came, darkening David Gahan’s face. She broke away from Bobbie. “I…I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” Sniffle.

“It’s okay, Beth. I’m Bobbie, and this is Kim. They won’t be bothering you anymore today. C’mon, let’s get you home, you live close?” Bobbie chuckled. Kim lit a cigarette and offered one to Beth.

“Oh, no. My father would never let me…” Beth stammered, Kim laughed.

Beth did, indeed, live close. It was in a slightly rundown apartment building. They went to the apartment where she lived to find her father standing there, worried. His glasses showing spots in the afternoon light. Bobbie saw a hint of darkness, weblike, nebulous about him.

“Oh, no.” He said, seeing the blood on Bobbie’s forehead. The story was quickly explained. Bobbie went into the bathroom to see the aftermath. It was bad looking, slight swelling of the struck cheekbone. Brown, dried blood matted the center of her bangs, almost an oval shape. Using water and her comb, she managed to get most of it out.

“Hey, you wanna see my room?” Beth said, smiling. Bobbie noticed something different about her, the darkness had lightened.

“Sure.” Bobbie said. “Kim, let’s go see Beth’s room.”

“Beth, you wanna introduce me to your friends?”

“Oh, sure daddy. This is Bobbie and Kim. They helped me today.” Beth said anxiously.

“I’m Roy,” He offered his fist,”Nice to meet you.” Bobbie fist bumped, and Kim shook his hand.

“Daddy.” Beth insisted.

Roy chuckled. “You girls have fun.”

When they entered Beth’s room Bobbie was surprised, it was kind of a mess, there were pictures of horses, cats, boy bands, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift covering her walls. There were some old toys(Bobbie spotted the easy bake oven immediately), a small stereo sat on her dresser, surrounded by CD and DVD cases. Looking closer, Bobbie recognized many of the titles. There was some anime mixed in with the John Hughes love stories. The music had a slightly retro look to the collection as well. An unmade bed with Hello Kitty sheets, and all the various clutter that made up a girl’s room.

Beth excitedly chatted, pointing to nearly everything in her room. Sometimes giving a detailed backstory where none was needed. Within fifteen minutes, both Kim and Bobbie knew more about her than they thought possible. She was a girl who loved things, the world was a bright and happy place. It was only at school where everything went wrong.

She didn’t have a mother. She left when Beth was two, no one knew where she went, she just… left. Her dad did the best he could, but…

Kids are cruel, Bobbie thought.

“Hey, do you wanna have lunch together tomorrow? I mean if…”

“Sure.” Bobbie said. “Absolutely.” The darkness around Beth was wavering, fading. Not gone, but certainly not as dense as before. After Bobbie borrowed some of her CDs, they left, Roy followed Bobbie out.

“Bobbie,” He said quietly. “I just… well, I just want to thank you. I don’t know what to do about her. I don’t know much about teenage girls, and…” Roy put his balding head in his hand.

“Mr, Rivers.” Bobbie said. “I know a little about being bullied. It sucks, and it looks like you may have seen some as well. The pendulum always swings the other way, things will change. They always do.”

“You can’t be more than seventeen, how can you be so smart?” Roy smiled.

“You’ve done a good job. She’s sweet, and she has a good heart. Me? People keep telling me that I have an ‘old soul’.” Bobbie shrugged nonchalantly. “I’ll see you soon.” Bobbie waved to Beth through a window as she and Kim began the journey home.

Chapter 10

That darkness, what was it. Could it simply be the negativity of others, or was it more than that? Bobbie wished she knew. The mystery baked in her mind like the cupcakes in the oven. The New Order CD that Bobbie had borrowed was spinning it’s way through Bizarre Love Triangle as she mixed the ingredients for the core.

The saying ‘In the zone’ had never meant much to Robb in his old life, but now, Bobbie was whirling around the kitchen, doing a curious kind of upper body parkour. Shoulders levering back and forth as she pulled ingredients and utensils from their resting places. When Bobbie used a knife, whisk, or spoon, it was as if it was an extension of her own hand.

This is my knife, there are many like it. But this one is mine.

Bobbie was pulling out the cupcake tins as the timer reached zero. She noticed that there was a different disc playing from when she started. Had she changed the CD? She continued her project, getting all the pieces to come together. And come together, they had.

There they were. 24 perfect chocolate cupcakes with a fudge core, dark chocolate icing, and ribbons of milk and white chocolates. All sitting prettily on three plates, Kim reached out for one. Only to have Bobbie slap her hand.

Kim rubbed at her hand where it stung. “What the hell?”

“I’m just running an experiment. We’ll get to eat a few, don’t worry there.” Bobbie pulled out her phone. It hadn’t really been used much. “Hey, show me how to use the camera on this thing. I want to get a picture. I can put it on those accounts I set up.”

When Sylvia got home, there was a dinner of sandwiches and chips. Then Bobbie pulled out the cupcakes. “Finally. Gimme.” Kim said, exaggeratedly reaching her hands out.

“Okay. I got this idea, I’m going to call them Mortal Choklate cupcakes.” She handed them out wryly smiling at the geek reference.

“Mortal Choklate!” Kim cried, echoing an old techno song. Bobbie laughed. Sylvia took one and began carefully removing the paper. Kim was literally ripping the covering off. Either way, they both experience the first bite in unison.

It was, for lack of a better word, nirvana. It was like looking into the sun, only to discover rich, chewy fudge at its center. All other sensation melting away into luscious cake, rich frosting, and…

…love.

If any food could ever be said to fill your soul, these would be it.

Bobbie watched as they were enraptured, eyes closed, moaning softly.

Sylvia set hers down. “Before I take another bite. That… was simply the most amazing cupcake I’ve ever had. You should find a way to sell these. I’m serious Bobbie. You are one hell of a cook.” Kim nodded agreement, still chewing. After they had finished, there was a smile on their faces. One that mirrored Bobbie’s.

They feel better, then I feel better. Bobbie noticed that her cheek didn’t sting quite so much.

“Bobbie, what happened to your cheek?” Sylvia asked, noticing the slight blemish.

“Oh,” Kim said, swallowing the last of her cupcake. “She head butted Carla Castillo in the nose. That was freakin’ awesome. Sylvia looked at Bobbie, shocked. “It’s okay, Mom. It wasn’t at school. She and that midget she hangs around with were screwing around with a freshman girl. You should have seen it! Bobbie Sharpe: Defender of the weak!”

Later that night, Kim was enjoying the last cigarette of the day. Bobbie still felt pretty good. There was a special calm, soothing.

“Bro, those were fucking awesome cupcakes. I think that you should call that fudgy center thing ‘the fudgality’.” Kim said, pointing with the cigarette.

“I really wish you’d stop calling me ‘bro’. It just sounds weird.”

“What am I supposed to do? Call you Sis?”

Bobbie had to admit. That sounds a little weird, too.

The next day there was no sign of Carla Castillo. Beth was very pleased by this. She was so happy to have someone to eat lunch with. Bobbie could sense some of the darkness, it was still there, wavering in a state of quantum flux.

“I made this for you, Beth. It’s a new recipe. Wondered what you thought.” Bobbie handed over an orange Tupperware container with a green lid.

“For me?” Beth said. Bobbie nodded as she opened it. “Wow. You made that? It’s so pretty. I almost don’t want to eat it. You made that? Wow.”

“Go on, I have a feeling I’m going to be making these again.” Beth gleefully peeled back the covering and took a healthy bite, snagging some of the dense center.

“MMMMMPH!” Beth exclaimed as best as she could. The darkness began strobing, and, as the cupcake was finished.

So was Beth’s darkness. Gone like it had never been, it just faded.

Okay, I think I get it. Tomorrow for sure.

Walking home, Bobbie peeled off with Beth to return her CDs. Kim, had some homework, so she headed straight home. Lighting her after school smoke she waved and told Bobbie that there wouldn’t be any more of the cupcakes left.

Kim had just lost sight of Bobbie and Beth when she saw… her.

She was one of those girls who filled out completely while still young. Her hair was red, the red associated with Italian sportscars. Her eyes were green orbital cannons, her pants were tight. Her top covered just enough to be suggestive, yet tight enough to see everything. She was sitting on a rock, legs crossed.

“Hey, you got another one of those for me, handsome?” She growled.

Kim, stunned, fumbled for her pack and flipped open the box. She took one out and handed it to her, filter up.

“Thanks,” She said. “Got a light?” Kim flicked her lighter and she moved in close, catching the end on the flame. She inhaled deeply, and exhaled a slow, steady stream.

“So.” She cooed. “What’s your name.”

“Umm… uh. Kim.” She stammered.

“I’m Roxx, with two exes.”She winked and reached out her arm and gently raked her scarlet lacquered nails down the back of Kim’s hair, all the way down the back of her neck.

“Thanks for the smoke. I’ll see you around, tiger.” Roxx said. As she walked away, Kim stood there stunned, she noticed a tattoo on her lower back. It had some purple Japanese letters in the center…

But, they could have meant anything…

Kim was lost in a daze after the encounter, she didn’t say much for the rest of the night. Although she was smiling, Bobbie could see rumblings of darkness, the way experienced sailors can see the gathering storm hours before anyone else. Not knowing what it meant, she put it out of her mind.

The next day, dressed in her black and white polka dotted top and skinny jeans. She had armed herself with another Mortal Choklate, Bobbie was walking out to the knoll where there was a faint odor of marijuana, stale tobacco, and testosterone. The smell reminding him of life with Melanie. How did I ever live like that?

The slacker crowd sat in their beanies and chain wallets. Torn skate shoes covering their feet. To the untrained eye, they looked like a single group. Like deep water, there were many undercurrents. They were usually identified by the hats they wore and the things they either did or did not do. Darknesses merged, there was no break, Bobbie could almost feel it pulling at her.

But not today. She headed for an atoll. The one she had seen at the mall. He was wearing an Elvis Costello shirt and a flannel overshirt, saggy jeans and shoes that had never seen a skateboard. She tapped him on the shoulder. He looked as if Patrick Bateman was asking him about Huey Lewis and the News.

“Hi. I’m Bobbie, and I wanted to talk to you. Is this a bad time?” Bobbie said.

“Oh…ummm. Uhhh.” He was fumbling with a book, slipping in into his pocket.“Excuse me? I uhh.uhhh…”

Bobbie wished he would just talk, she couldn’t blame him though. There was a time when any girl walking up to him and talking would have produced a similar effect.

“Sorry, I was reading.” He said sheepishly, looking around. “We should probably get out of here, you’re in the wrong ‘hood.”

“C’mon, let’s get to the quad.”

“Why?” Bobbie asked.

“No offense, but you stick out like a sore thumb down here. And, everyone heard about you and Carla Castillo. I’m Tim by the way, Tim Flaherty.” He stuck out his hand.

“Bobbie. Bobbie Sharpe.”

“Not having lunch with your dyke friends today?” Carla Castillo was stomping her way toward Bobbie.

Crap. “Could you hold this for a second?” Bobbie unshouldered her bag and handed it to Tim.

“You broke my nose, Barbie.” Carla said, a very unattractive cast over half of her face. She reached out for Bobbie…

Who grabbed her arm and levered her over her right hip, sending Carla en route to another facial collision. This time with the ground, she landed with a dull, wet thump. She screamed in frustrated, painful anguish as she realized that Bobbie had broken her nose. Again.

“It’s Bobbie, and leave Beth alone.”

A voice came from above the crowd. The slacker king parted the crowd, His Deicide beanie bobbing up and down. “Beth? Beth Rivers. The freshman? That’s where you went yesterday? You two went to go bully some kid instead of smoking that joint with us? You’re priorities are all screwed up, bitch.” One of the older stoner kids started berating Carla.

“Don’t worry, I won’t say nothing. For that, she deserved it. You cool, blondie.”

“Bobbie. Bobbie Sharpe.” He nodded

“You better go on, before campus cop gets here.” He pointed to the quad.

“Yeah,” Tim said, handing Bobbie back her bag.

On their way to the quad, Tim looked at Bobbie. “That was AWESOME!”

Bobbie smiled, “If she would just stop attacking me. These things wouldn’t happen.”

“So what did you want to talk to me about?” He asked

“Here.” She handed him a tupperware container with a mismatched lid. “It’s kind of a science project.

He opened it to see, another of the Cupcakes. He looked at her, wide eyed.

“Did…did you make these?” Tim asked excitedly. “I mean, you know how to do this stuff?’

Bobbie wasn’t ready for a follow up question, but… “Yes. I wondered if you could…”

“Oh, yeah. Sorry. “ Tim said, removing the paper in one piece, he bit. And Bobbie, saw the world explode in his eyes. As he chewed, he calmly set the pastry back in the container. He swallowed hard, looked directly into Bobbie’s eyes. She could see tears forming.

“I miss my dad and sister.” He whispered, tears streaming down his nose. Tim wiped them away. “That was a really good cupcake.” He said louder, nonchalantly.

Bobbie saw his darkness lighten up a little, not like with Beth. The bell rang, and before Bobbie could say anything else…

He was gone.

It wasn’t until the end of the day when she saw him again. “Bobbie.” He called, running after her and Kim.

“Wait.” Bobbie finally heard him and turned around. When he eventually caught up, he put his hands on his knees, heaving. “I think… I think… you need to… to see.”

“See what?” Kim asked, “You’re not taking her anywhere.”

“It’s okay, Kim. Sure, I’ll go.”

“Keep your phone on. I wanna hear from you.” Kim pointed at Bobbie.

“Ok, mom.”

Tim had gotten chatty after Kim left. Telling her about the car accident that had claimed his Father and sister, His mother had been withdrawn and almost catatonic. Tim’s father had been a patisserie for a famous restaurant years ago. They had moved to Delacroix when he had the idea for a cupcake boutique/bakery. They had found the right building with apartments upstairs. They had equipped the kitchen with the latest gear. They even had the permits required. Then the accident happened, Leaving Tim and his mother to deal with the aftermath. Now, opening the place just seemed like too much work for just the two of them.

Tim led Bobbie into town, past some warehouses and the skate park. There was a shabby grey building that needed a coat of paint. He brandished a key and led her in through a side door, into an elevator and down a hallway.

“I’m home, mom.” Tim said, coming in the door. She was sitting on the couch under a blanket staring at a muted TV. “Mom?”

“Oh. Hi, Tim.” She said, not even looking at him.

“Mom, this is Bobbie.”

“Oh, “She turned around. “I’m Myka, sorry about the mess…” Her darkness was palpable, almost swallowing light.

“It’s okay, Ms. Flaherty.”

“Mom, I think she can help with the bakery.” Myka looked up, puzzled.

“I need to show her the space. I think we might be able to save this place.” Tim grabbed some keys off of the hook by the door.

Going back down to the first floor, Tim wouldn’t stop talking or moving. His darkness looked soap bubble thin, vague. “…so, neither one of us is any good at this. We can’t hire anyone, and well… You came along with that cupcake. Please, we need your help.” Tim pleaded as he flipped the breakers one by one, enrobing the room in fluorescent light.

Bobbie gasped. She had seen some of this stuff before, but, wow! It was all top end gear. Huge ovens, a fondant station, it was as if there was a baker’s wish list on display. “I just started, and ….”

“…damn.” She

Tim cut her off. “Anything is better than the zero we’ve been getting. And those cupcakes, “He would have loved them.”

Bobbie’s mind started clicking. Hmmm. Maybe… She started thinking. She had friends, Beth would help. Maybe Kim… Suddenly, wormy things were scouting her stomach

What is this I’m feeling? Not scared… Nervous?

What is this?

“I’ll see what I can do?” Bobbie said with the air of hopeIdon’tfuckitup.

Chapter 11

It was evening when Bobbie returned home. Sylvia was there, alone.

“Hi, Bobbie. Kim’s out for a bit, so let’s talk.” Sylvia patted the cushion next to her on the sofa.

“Where’s Kim?” Bobbie asked.

“Oh, out with Roxx, I guess her name is? You know her?”

No, she didn’t.

“Anyway, I wondered how school was going.”

She shrugged. “Okay, I guess, classes seem easy enough. Don’t think Mr. Lesko is going to like my work. He seems a little too enamored of the classics.”

Sylvia put her hand on Bobbie’s crossed leg. “You know, Robb said the same thing. I see why he liked you. I know I haven’t talked about it much, but... None of this has been easy. It was so hard on Kim. She didn’t do much of anything but read his old books and watch his movies. I was so happy when she started playing the bass. When she told me she was gay. I wondered if it was Robb, was there something I could have done? I was so… so mad isn’t the word. Just frustrated and…” She sighed.

Bobbie couldn’t even imagine what it had been like for her. Losing one child, having to deal with Kim, and all of that after Jeff’s battle with cancer. Bobbie remembered all that time in the bedroom that Fate deemed he occupy again.

“And I’ve wanted to ask you this for about a week. Bobbie?”

“Yes.”

“Can I braid your hair? I’ve missed doing it since Heather’s makeover.

“Sure,” Bobbie chuckled. “Anything you want.”

So Bobbie sat there, as Sylvia began sectioning off Bobbie’s hair. “See any boys you like?” Bobbie spluttered.

“Uhh. No. It’s just been us girls.” She commented on Beth and realized she had been kind of alone together with Beth. “I guess it’s kind of difficult to start your senior year at a new school. I was always kind of shy.”

“God, sometimes when you talk, I just hear Robb. It’s almost like you two were the same person. There, done.” Bobbie turned her head, feeling a rope swing around and land in front of her left shoulder. “I’m glad he found you. I wish I could have helped him more. That…that bitch. He was a good boy, I can’t help but think what would have happened if he hadn’t.” She was looking directly into Bobbie’s eyes, she could see the tears.

“Mo…, Sylvia.” Bobbie started.

“Y’know what.” Sylvia guillotined that conversation.”Call me Mom. I’m okay with that if you are.” She was, and only her hug told anyone.

Bobbie spent some time cleaning up after Robb and making room for herself. Robb’s movies were rather eclectic from well written romantic comedies to musicals, Splattery horror films to period courtroom dramas. Girls don’t watch this stuff usually. Why not?

What kind of girl do you wanna be? I don’t know. Before finally turning in she took down that Bettie Page poster and set it aside.

Chapter 12

Bobbie saw him standing there, alone against a background of white, the ground parched desert. She walked up to him slowly. Recognition dawned…

Robb. He looked emaciated. His skin mottled, his eyes cloudy.

“Hey, “ he looked down. “Was hoping this would happen. I don’t know if I’m dreaming this, or you are. Or… hell, if Justice dreamed this up. Doubt that last one. No CLANG. Not sure.”

“What…I, how?”

I think I’m what’s left of Robb. You’re making more of this than you need to. You saved that girl, Kim and Mom are better now than they have been. It’s okay. I know this is weird, right? Maybe it’s that walkabout thing. Here I am, and there you are. Parts of me will stay, but you have taken other parts and made them yours. You can be a better Bobbie than I was a Robb, or a Robert for that matter. You can keep ‘me’ in here,” he tapped his temple. “There’s not much to keep, here.” He pointed to his chest. He smiled. Grabbing her hand and placing it over his heart. ”Just keep your mind and heart open. No matter where you go…” Then he walked into her, disappearing.

…there you are. Bobbie finished.

During lunch Beth looked at Bobbie. “I’m having a hard time with math, do you know anything about it?”

“Yeah, what are you having trouble with?”

“Oh, jeez, everything.” Beth looked at the end of her rope.

“Sure, afterschool? I think you can help me too.” Bobbie said.

Bobbie spent time making a list of the things she needed help with. She talked with Bella and Amber about band practice, saying something about needing their help. Then Bobbie went about the rest of her day. Following Beth home, Bobbie began asking the questions. She asked about hair braiding, she realized that she liked the braid. Especially while cooking. She had other girly questions, but those would keep past the barrier of fractions.

Beth was having a huge problem with fractions. Bobbie remembered the Easy Bake oven and related the fractions to food. Bobbie saw the light come on, she had gotten it.

While showing Bobbie how to braid, Beth looked calmly at her. “I have a question for you, okay? And you can’t laugh.”

Bobbie looked at her quizzically. “Sure, what?” Trying to keep the three sections of hair separate.

“Are you an angel?”

“Angel, huh?”

“I… uhh. What? Angel?” Bobbie stammered.

“Sure, I’ve lived here my whole life. I’ve never seen you, you show up out of nowhere and stop Carla, and you’re so pretty. You don’t know about any girl stuff. “ Beth excitedly ticked off her reasons. “…and those cupcakes just have to come from God.”

Before Bobbie could continue, “I always wanted a sister. I used to pray that my mom would come back, or that Daddy could meet someone. Big sister, little sister, I didn’t care. “ Bobbie saw a happiness in her eyes that came from finally letting things out.

“No,” Bobbie chuckled. “I’m not an angel.” She had an idea, “Hey, you wanna meet up with Kim’s band this weekend? I think we can use your help.”

The next day Bobbie found herself sitting in the gym, cheering on the Delacroix Blue Devils. The cheerleaders going through their routines. It was all lost on her. Kim had told her that Grrl Army had a gig the next weekend. They were playing at one of the College parties. Which meant mostly covers. Bobbie decided that she wanted to go. Hear the band, meet some people. Finding Tim after the rally, She told him about her idea.

“Look,” She said. “You and I can’t do it alone. There’s plenty of extra space, and maybe it’ll help. We can at least get started.”

“Bobbie, I don’t know what to say. I didn’t think that you would help;”

“I said I’d see what I could do. This may be something.”

Something Big.

* * * * * * *
Bobbie met with Tim and Beth early that Saturday morning. It wasn’t until they got to Heather’s house that she started talking.

“Hi, Heather, this is Tim and Beth, and we kind of need your help.”

Heather looked over her sunglasses at them.

“Heather,” Bobbie said, putting her hand on her wrist. “Later. Tim sort of has a bakery that needs help…”

Tim interrupted, “…and you guys can practice there if you want. Plenty of room.”

Beth waved at Amber, who smiled and waved back. Bella started talking, Kim went back to tuning her bass. Soon the noise was cacophonous. Heather screamed to stop the noise. Bobbie’s voice took over the silence.

“We need to help get that bakery open. With all of us together, I think we can do it. A little work here, a little band practice there. Tim and Beth agree, we can roadie you guys.”

Kim’s head snapped up. “And free cupcakes, right?” Everyone looked at her.”What?” She said.”Wait till you guys try ‘em.”

“Well, it would be nice to have my studio back.” Heather said. “But.” She pointed her earpiece at both Beth and Tim.”Style interventions… both of you.”

“Heather.” Bobbie said. “Let’s give them some time to adjust. They’re a little fragile right now.”

“Fine,” Heather put up her hands. “Fine. But, before that bakery opens…”

When they saw the bakery, they stood there. Looking up, they saw the brick building. It had been peppered with some not so offensive graffiti. Tim looked at the girls, excited.

“If you told me last week that I’d be standing here with a group of girls…”

“Fuck, dude.” Bella said. “Save that shit. Let’s get started.” Beth giggled.

It took less time than expected. Since the appliances had never been used, they had it up and running in no time at all. Soon they were loading some of Grrl Army’s sound equipment. Beth proved invaluable, using stealth to be there doing what needed to be done before anyone noticed. By the end of the day the bakery was cleaned, dusted, and decluttered. They even had time to fit in a practice, Bobbie and Beth managed to run to the store and use the equipment for the first time.

Beth was efficient. She moved quickly, grabbing ingredients and cracking eggs. Tim was checking the temperature of the ovens. And Grrl Army was playing. It was almost a scene out of some young adult novel for girls, Bobbie thought.

Robb would have fit in here. Robb, the dream. Maybe Robb was still in there, but only as a subset of Bobbie. In the short time spent in this body, Bobbie had discovered that the loneliness of the first teenage years was a testament to bottling things up. Bobbie was able to let these things out in a way that Robb never could.

And, here Bobbie was, a whole circle of friends, even the token boy. She saw Tim lugging a heavy box of utensils. She noticed a woody smell, lightly mixed with the smell of a new wallet. She saw biceps, triceps, and deltoids moving under his lightly tan skin, moving up under his sleeves… Bobbie shook her head. What was that?

She went to pull the cupcakes out, only to discover that Beth had already done so. “Beth, you’re amazing. How do…”

Beth held up a hand, cutting her off. “I’m a fat girl, I know my way around a kitchen. I got this.”

Bobbie was nonplussed. Beth… stood up and took over. She moved with confidence. From her vantage point, Bobbie wondered if that was what it looked like when others saw her cook. She moved over to the decorating station, and started to show Beth the steps, how to roll the ribbons and assemble the final product. There was suddenly two dozen cupcakes, and Tim and the Band.

“Oh, hi.” Beth said, bringing Bobbie back to Earth. “We were almost done. You ready? Bobbie?”

“Yeah, I came up with this one a couple of days ago. Thanks Tim.”

“Huh?”

“You’ll see in a minute. Everybody, grab one.” Suddenly, there were eighteen cupcakes.

Heather rolled her eyes back into her head, Amber just stared at hers in amazement. Bella stared at Bobbie, while Tim looked at her with the expression of someone who had just witnessed another person eat an entire box of envelopes.

“How do you stay so thin? This is going straight to my ass. And right now, I don’t care.”

“Bacon?” Tim asked.” You put bacon in cupcakes.”

Bobbie nodded, savoring a mouthful.

“What are you gonna call this one?” Kim was already disposing of the paper and heading in for a second cupcake.

“Great White North.” Bobbie said after thinking for a minute. Then, after a pregnant pause, she added. “Hoser.” At which Kim giggled hysterically.

Tim chuckled. “Good day, eh.” Bobbie looked at him, shocked.

“I don’t know, eh. These are pretty good, but not as good as donuts, eh.”

“Oh, get out!” Bobbie shot back in a similar voice.”They are too. Stop lyin’, hoser.”

Kim was laughing so hard that she started coughing. “Ugh, I think I have bacon in my nose.” Heather, Beth, Bella and Amber got a good laugh out of that.

Tim’s eyes met Bobbie’s, he smiled broadly. She smiled too, nobody knew that movie. There was common ground. It felt good to be able to use the word ‘hoser’ and have others know it’s meaning.

Tim was helping get the equipment out to the car while Beth and Bobbie washed up. “What class do you have after lunch?”

“Art,” Beth said. “But, I can’t really draw.”

“Have you thought about Home Ec? I think you should switch classes. What do you think about that?”

Beth brightened up.” Sure”

“You’ve got some talent for this. You shouldn’t waste it.” Bobbie said. “I have a feeling that these cupcakes could take us somewhere.”

Chapter 12

Friday night in Delacroix. Like most middle sized towns, there were pockets of inactivity. Large swaths of suburban living gone dark for a night out on the town. Then there were the parties. This one was like most others, loud and busy. Grrl Army was playing. Somewhere around the fourth song, “C’mon Eileen”(Heather felt more comfortable with the Save Ferris cover.) Bobbie lost track of Beth.

Bobbie started looking around, and found her…

Talking to a boy?

“There you are.” She said, finding Beth and the unknown boy.

“Oh, Bobbie. This is Steve, he studies cooking at the college.” Beth was talking rapidly. He, like her, was overweight and their conversation turned back to baking. Bobbie smiled. She seemed to be having fun. Bobbie quickly turned back to the music. There was a girl by the stage with bright red hair and a back tattoo reminiscent of Melanie’s. She was swaying seductively. She could see Kim stealing glances at her in between plucks of the strings. As “Eye of the Tiger” ended. Heather called a 10 minute break for the band. Kim set down the bass and leapt down to the redhead, whom she hugged and kissed, a little too intimately.

Kim’s okay, obviously. Alright, how does this mingling thing work?

She was reaching for a Diet Coke when she heard a voice behind her.

“Some party,huh? You know, you’re the prettiest girl here?” He a red cup in his hand. He reeked of whiskey and beer, he wore a t-shirt that said “Ironic T-Shirt” and a mustache that had been waxed to the point of ridiculosity. “Love the band.” He started to offer her his cup when…

“There you are.” She was one of Kim’s friends, Bobbie recognized her from the Lunch Bunch. Her shoulder length dark hair swished over a shoulder as she quickly turned. She felt an arm around her waist. She tensed, like two magnets pole to pole. Defense shields up, maximum strength. Before Bobbie could comprehend what was happening. She had her tongue in Bobbie’s mouth.

Kissing. Robb had done some. So had Bobbie. The foreign tongue swabbed around the inside of her mouth. It felt familiar, soothing. The world’s cares fell away. For a moment, Bobbie forgot about Bobbie. She was Robb again, lost in a world of unfamiliar sensation that smelled both familiar and wrong. The tongue withdrew as the other head backed away.

“Is that a mustache, or did someone put a candle on your face? Beat it, breeder.” She said, turning to Mr. Mustache.

“Lesbians.” He breathed as he turned and walked away.

“Bobbie, right? I remember you from lunch on the first day. That guy. Hipsters, ugh.” She offered her red cup, which she took and finished in one gulp.

“Yeah, sorry about that. That guy is such a douchebag. He dated my sister. He would have played you some indie band’s love song in a vein attempt to get you to suck his cock. I’m Mary and…”

Bobbie only caught snatches of the rest, the kiss lingering in her mind. The contents of the cup making her head swim. “I…I need some air.” She started toward the patio.

Oh, God. A girl just kissed me. But I’m a girl. It felt good. It felt weird. It felt right. It felt wrong. Why does this seem to be the only thing I can’t figure out?

“You’re not gay.” Kim had said. Confusion rolled around her mind like a boulder, rattling her psyche. It seemed like she should have enjoyed it.

But, she didn’t, well not exactly.

“Hey.” A warm hand on her shoulder, she spun quickly. Another hand shot out to steady her.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to freak you out. Figured because you were a little… anyway. I just wanted to get you away from that guy. Kim told me how you’re kind of naíve and…” Bobbie eyed her curiously. “…No offense. Just didn’t wanna see anything happen. Date rape and all that, this is a college party.”

“It’s okay.” Bobbie slurred slightly, then giggled.” You kissed me.” She blushed.

“I kissed a girl and I liked it.” She sang.

“How much did you drink?”

“Just that cup. I just.” She felt funny, like really drunk. She felt dizzy as her mouth flooded with saliva. She covered her mouth. Mary led her over to a trash can by the patio, where Bobbie emptied her stomach. Mary held her hair until she was done.

“Wow, you’re a cheap date. Don’t drink, huh.”

“No, but.” Bobbie giggled. “You’re a smoker.”

Over Mary’s shoulder, she saw Kim and the red haired girl. There was something familiar about her. Thinking through molasses, she couldn’t figure out what it was.

Something’s wrong. But what?

The redhead left and Kim ambled over with wide eyes and an even wider grin.

“Hey.” Kim said, ambling over. “You okay?”

“I think she’ll be fine, she is such a lightweight.”

Bobbie giggled. “She kissed me.” Kim looked sideways at Mary, puzzled.

“Jeb was gonna hit on her. I remember you said…”

“I would have kicked him in the balls. F…Fucker.” Bobbie hiccupped, swaying drunkenly.

“I gave her my cup.”Mary said It only had a sip left in it. I didn’t think...”

“Yeah, she’s got like, no tolerance. Kim said, crossing over to her. “Thanks, I think. C’mon, Bro, let’s get you a seat.”

“Who was that?” Bobbie asked. “She’s hot.” Her giggling calmed down as Bobbie realized she was Bobbie.

“That was Roxx.” Kim turned cold for a second. “And she’s mine. C’mon, bro. I’ve gotta get back on stage.” She led Bobbie to a seat near the stage, where she stayed. Grrl Army came back on and started the next set with “Should I Stay Or Should I Go.” Loud cheers erupted as the opening riff played.

Bobbie sat there, slightly drunk. Throwing up had helped. Bobbing her head to the music, she noticed Tim standing against the wall. She started to rise, only to be tripped up by her own feet. Tim noticed Bobbie as she fell. He threaded his way through the crowd toward her.

Bobbie was cursing her drunkenness as she started to get up. A strong, warm hand was on her shoulder. It wasn’t like when Mary first touched her. It was like her defense shield got the right response. Muscles relaxed, she felt her whole body exhale. Another hand rested on the other shoulder.

“Bobbie, it’s okay. It’s me, Tim.” She seemed to want to fall again before she finally allowed him to help her to her feet. She turned around and faced him, leaning on him heavily.

“No matter where I am, there you are.” She chuckled at her own joke. Tim laughed.

“C’mon, sit down. Need something to drink?”

“That would be good.” He was gone before she finished. He was back before she could see where he went.

“Here.” Tim said, handing her a Mello Yello. She took the can and popped the tab. After a solid swig, followed by a burp, she felt a little better.

Tim burst out laughing, as did Bobbie. He sat with her. She noticed she was looser, more comfortable than she had been. The band wrapped up and the party wound down. Getting the gear stowed was easy with all the extra help.

“Groovy!” Bobbie said as she closed the tailgate on the last of the gear.

“Candar!” Tim said, echoing her quote. She smiled at him. “You know, Bobbie. I like the fact that I can say these things around you. No one ever gets it.” Crossing over to her, he continued. “My mutant power seems to be remembering weird shit.”

“Mine too.” Her eyes widened. She giggled. “Mutant power.” He moved closer.

“Hey,” Kim intoned. The redhead from earlier was on her hip. “Roxx, this is Bobbie and Tim. Guys, Roxx.”

She shook Tim’s hand and grinned evilly, then turned to Bobbie. Her look became absolutely sinister. “Heard sooo much about you.”

Something’s wrong with her. I can feel it. Evil, pure and simple.

As their hands touched, Bobbie was filled with a sense of nameless dread. Her hackles raised, the fine hairs on the back of her neck tried their best to stand up.

Roxx broke away, then kissed Kim. “See ya ‘round.” She walked away in a sway of hips that indicated to Bobbie that Roxx had a tattoo that was awfully similar to the one Melanie had, but different enough to be just another tramp stamp. Looking at Kim, there was a thinner, more dense darkness than she had sensed before. What did it mean?

“That’s your girlfriend? Nice.” Tim said, looking at Bobbie. “I mean, if that’s your type.” He quickly amended.

Thing is, that was my type.

“So that’s Roxx. She better be nice to you.” Bobbie smacked a fist into her palm.

Kim laughed. “Don’t do that. It doesn’t look right when you do it.” Bobbie laughed, so hard she nearly doubled over. “Is she okay?”

“As far as I can tell.” Tim rubbed the back of his neck. Bobbie was still laughing at Kim’s last statement.

“C’mon, bro.” Kim said, pulling on of Bobbie’s slender arms around her shoulder to keep her steady. “Let’s get you home.”

Tim followed them to Heather’s car, where Kim helped her in. “Look, thanks for helping her out. I think this evening is going to mess with her a little.”

He looked puzzled. “I didn’t do…”

“No, one of my more forward friends kissed her to keep this douchebag away, I guess. And..”

“Oh, no problem. I’ll hang out with her anytime. Seems like she gets me. I expect to be in the friend zone, but I’ve gotta try, right? And, Kim. Don’t tell Bobbie.”

“Don’t worry. Not sure she’s ready for that yet.”

“Thanks. See you at the Bakery Tomorrow?”

“Yeah.” Kim said, ducking into the car.

“Bye, Tim.” Heather and Bobbie said as Heather started her car and drove off into the slightly humid night.

“You like Bobbie, don’t you?” Tim was startled. He spun quickly, it was Beth.

Tim put his hand over his chest. “Jeez, Beth. You scared me.”

“Sorry,” she said. “Fun party.”

“Yeah. Hey, what happened to that guy…um…”

“Oh, Steve. He was nice. We talked about food and stuff.”

“He didn’t try..”

“No, silly. He’s just nice.” Beth giggled.

Tim smiled and offered her arm. “Ready to go? Big day at the bakery.”

Beth smiled. “Let’s rumble.”

Chapter 13

At the ring of the alarm, Bobbie wanted to cry. She hurt, her stomach rolled.

Ugh! I need to stop trying to drink. There was a taste in her mouth, a taste that should have…

Mary! Bobbie blushed, her head clearing slightly. Dressing quickly, she crept downstairs to see Kim drinking coffee.

”There she is.” Kim said. “I can see that you remember last night. You look like a dog that just peed in the house.”

“I..”

“Don’t worry. Mary feels just as weird about it. She thinks she chased you away. I think she’s got a crush on you.”

“Oh, God. She smokes. All I could taste was tobacco. She handed me a cup…”

“Yeah, what’s up with that?”

“Ever since…’Bobbie’ everything effects me. Funny thing is, I didn’t think that there was anything special in that cup. It was just beer.”

“You were pretty buzzed.” Kim agreed.

“She just showed up when that guy…” Bobbie shook her head as she seasoned her coffee. “I’ve got such a…”

“Hangover? Yeah, I’d stay away from that stuff. It’s almost like you’re allergic.”

Bobbie was downing her coffee, trying to get at that life giving caffeine. “Kim, I..I.”

“You’re confused? Right? Question is, how did you feel about it?” Kim looked intently at Bobbie, holding her gaze.

“When she grabbed me, I tensed. Then when she kissed me… I…I was Robb again. I forgot about this, but it … I don’t know… smelled wrong? Then I looked down and realized I was ‘Bobbie’, and that was it, I just felt weird. Did I like it? Sort of? But that’s not the weird part.” She sipped at the rest of her coffee.

Kim cocked an eyebrow. “How do you mean?”

“I fell later, and Tim was there. He stopped me from falling and…”

“Go on…”

“When he touched me… It felt… I dunno, comforting? When Mary did it. I tensed.”

“That didn’t happen with Tim.” Bobbie said. “In fact, just the opposite. I felt… secure.”

“See, told you.” Kim swallowed the last of her coffee. “You aren’t gay.”

Great, one confusion settled.

After showering, Bobbie’s head stopped throbbing and her stomach stopped riding the rollercoaster it had been on all morning. She and Kim got to the Bakery late. Everyone was there. Including two new faces, an awkward looking blonde guy they had seen at the party.

And another, vaguely Asian girl with a longish pixie cut and a purple streak framing the right side of her face. There was something about her. “Oh, good. It’s the Duchess of Dessert.” She said dryly.

“Bobbie, Kim. This is Nick and Faye. Nick’s a graphic design student at DCC. He can help with our signage. His work’s pretty good, and he’ll practically work for cupcakes.”

“Which will go straight to my boobs and my hips.” Faye said. Beth and Kim chuckled. Bella and Amber smiled.

Bobbie shook Nick’s hand, then Faye’s. As soon as they touched, she felt a wrongness. A subdued, muted version of Roxx’s. Looking closer, she saw darkness. Hers was unique, unusual. She wanted to jerk her hand away like she touched a live wire, but instead allowed the low voltage to flow through her.

“So, the idea is for Nick to design the logo. We’re gonna need a name, Something we’re gonna plaster all over town. We need to let them know we’re different.” Tim was excited, talking animatedly. Gone was the shoe gazing. Bobbie smiled as she saw Heather grinding her teeth every time he unsuccessfully tried to hook his hair over his ear.

Bobbie noticed that Faye couldn’t stop looking at her. A small part of her liked the attention, a slightly larger part felt wrong for liking it, and the largest part wondered what was so different about her that she gave off such unusual vibes.

Bobbie got up. “Well, I guess we’re going to have to make some of these famous cupcakes, right?”

“Fuck yes.” Kim said.

Beth clapped, signifying her answer.

“Yeah, sure. I’ll talk some things over with Nick. See if we can figure out a direction”

“…And I’ll sit here and look sexy.” Faye said, causing a caustic look from Heather. And with that, they broke. The Band setting up, Bobbie and Beth getting their stations set up. Tim and Nick sitting in front of a laptop. The general stir engulfed everyone. Everyone except Faye, who couldn’t stop watching Bobbie.

“I’ll be back, I need to run to the bathroom. Can you keep an eye on the candy thermometer for me?” Beth said, wiping her hands and hustling out of the prep area.

As Beth left, Faye slinked from where she sat to where Bobbie stood, grabbing measuring cups. “So, how long ago did it happen?”

“Oh, I met Tim and Beth when…”

“Don’t give me that bullshit. How long ago did you have a dick?”

Bobbie dropped a measuring cup, she heard the plastic crack. She spun quickly and Stared Faye right in the eye. As their eyes connected, Bobbie saw understanding.

“Was it Lust? How long ago was it.”

Lust! Justice had warned me about her.

“Please.” She said pleadingly. “I have to know. There’s more than us, you know?”

Bobbie’s eyes widened.

“Lust.” Bobbie’s eyes widened. She whispered the name.

“Why did she do this to you?”

“I think we should go outside.” Bobbie eyed Faye suspisciously as Beth came in and washed her hands. “Beth. Temp’s still good. I’ll be right back.”

Bobbie led Faye outside. Her mind was a whirlwind of activity. She seemed to know. “Lust didn’t do this to me.” Bobbie began. “Justice did. But she did mention Lust”

“There’s more of them?” Faye looked at Bobbie incredulously. “What does this one want? What did you do?”

“I don’t understand.” Bobbie said into Faye’s pleading eyes.

Faye took a deep breath, looked both ways. “I used to be a guy.” She breathed quietly. The effortless confidence she exuded was gone, replaced by a vulnerable teenage girl. “Believe it or not, I used to be a six foot plus man named Kane.” She ran a hand along her body. “Lust did this to me. The first year was some Event Horizon shit. Now I’m this irresistible bundle of sexiness you see before you.”

Bobbie was taken aback. Here was evidence of Lust’s handiwork. Well, Justice had said…

And here, she was. A kindred spirit. A TRUE kindred spirit.

“Liberate Tut e me ex inferis.” Bobbie said. Smiling as she shed a single tear, she leapt forward and embraced Faye.

Faye awkwardly returned the hug.“Anyway, I had to learn everything all over again. If it wasn’t for Nick, I doubt I’d be breathing. What’s your story?”

“Drugs, robberies. I… I got shot. Justice came, said she’d save me if I helped her.”

“What does she want?”

“Not much. Just to be a good person and to help people. I’m being… I don’t know. I’m just different now.”

“No shit.”

“So, you got the Event Horizon thing? Play much Dead Space?”

“Oh, God. Yes!” Bobbie squeed. Faye’s perfect left eyebrow went up.

“So not long enough to know to keep that shit on lockdown?”

“Look, Bobbie? We should talk, but not here. You got a free night tomorrow?”

“Yes! I’ve got so many questions…”

“You never answered my question. How long?”

“About a month? I’ve been really busy.”

“Again, no shit. You’re taking this better than I did. I moped like Janeane Garofalo on downers Got into fights, and was just a pain in the ass. Look, we should get back in there. I need to try these cupcakes I’ve heard so much about. I know you want answers, you can wait till tomorrow. Until then, sister-brother?”

Bobbie laughed, uncontrollably; as she shook Faye’s offered hand.”No one’s ever said that to me before.”

Faye looked back at her, and as their hands shook.

“Then it pleases me to be the first.”

“Transformers? NICE! Oh, nerd roots showing.” Bobbie quickly repostured.

“Allow me to introduce myself.” Continuing to shake.

“My name is Faye. Faye Valentine.”

As they let each other’s hands go, Bobbie’s face fell.” Faye Valentine? How on Earth do you manage to keep that name? I mean, doesn’t everyone know it by now?”

“Girl’s gotta keep some secrets.” Faye smiled as they reentered the bakery.

Beth had done her work and the cupcakes were ready to go in. Faye headed back over to Nick and Tim who were talking excitedly about something. Heather and the rest of the band came into the baking area to the smell of baking.

“Bobbie, I don’t want to have to take all my dresses out.” Heather warned.

“Fuck it,” Bella declared. “Em are good.”

“They won’t be ready for a while yet.” Bobbie said.

“Yeah,” Beth interjected. “We still have to put together the…”

Tim burst into the now-crowded bakery. “Holy… wow, lot of people in here. Ummm, Bobbie, could you come out here?”

Bobbie shimmied her way through the crowd and tried to ignore when her breasts brushed against Tim. A slight tingle, almost a burning sensation lingered almost to the small seating area where Nick and Tim had been working.

Faye, I really hope you can help me. With Tim.

With everything.

“Cheepskates Cupcake Boutique. There’s the logo.” Tim pointed to the monitor of Nick’s laptop. There was a small green bird on rollerskates inside an orange circle. “What do you think?”

Bobbie looked at it, cocked her head and studied it. Something wasn’t quite right.

“Can we make the bird blue?” Bobbie asked. Nick tapped the stylus to the drawing pad twice and the bird changed color.

“It looks better, “ Tim said, lowering his voice. “It’s just that green was Stephanie’s favorite color.”

“The lettering could be green.” Bobbie offered.

Nick, without looking up, said. “Green would throw out the scheme. Blue and orange are complimentary.”

“Don’t worry, Tim.” Bobbie promised, “We’ll get green in there somehow.” Tim brightened some, smiling at Bobbie in a manner so infectious, she returned it.

There was some commotion as Beth called for Bobbie to return to the production area to finish the cupcakes.

“Shoo.” Beth said, waving her hand at everyone except Bobbie. Twenty minutes later, they returned with one dozen each of Mortal Choklate and Great White North.

Everybody grabbed theirs, looking at the edible art before them. Faye and Kim were the first into theirs.

“MMMMMMMMPH!” Faye declared, working her mouth slowly. She set one hand on the table as she swallowed. She panted, staring at the cupcake incredulously. “I think that you just became my new junk food stop.”

Nonplussed, Nick opted to try the Great White North first. His eyes closed, rapt in delicious sensation. Mmmming as he chewed, dismissing the crumbs that landed on his Gungrave shirt.

After cleaning up and stowing their sound gear. Faye and Bobbie exchanged numbers. “Tomorrow?” Faye asked.

“For sure.” Bobbie smiled.

That night Bobbie and Kim were on the roof again.

“So, you made fast friends with Faye. Nick seems cool. Maybe I’ll bring Roxx by next week.” Kim said pensively, staring off into empty space.

“Yeah, I can meet her sober.”

Kim laughed and extinguished her cigarette. “C’mon, we got school tomorrow.”

* * * * * * * * * *

The next day passed in a blur. Classes, the occasional ‘hi’ from some of the other kids in her classes, small talk with Beth and now Tim, who sat far away from ‘slacker’s cove’ as it was called. In Drama, Bobbie’s phone vibrated in her pocket. She flipped it open to find a text from Faye:

Meet me in the parking lot, Ive arranged transpo

After class Bobbie said goodbye to Beth and headed out to the parking lot. She quickly found Faye who indicated Nick’s car pulling into the gravel.

“Go ahead and get in the front. I like to make him think he’s a chauffeur.” Faye said loudly enough for Nick to hear. Bobbie got in the front seat, Nick brushing some chip crumbs onto the floor.

“Dammit, Faye. You can’t just leave your shit up front, then jump in the back.” Nick said, craning his neck. Faye glowered at him. “Yessah, Miz Daisy. I be drivin’”

“Just get us home, Nick. Or I will describe my last period to you in great detail”

"You're kidding." Nick said evenly, not taking his eyes off the road. Bobbie could tell that this was common.

"I have pictures." Faye said, grinning broadly.

Nick mumbled something under his breath as he drove out of the confines of Delacriox High.

“So, Bobbie. I never got to tell you yesterday. But, that may have been the best baked anything I’ve ever had. Did I hear you right, that there’s bacon in them?”

“Yeah,” She said. What did Nick know? She wondered. She thought it best not to bring it up.

“Well, you found a way to get another food group in there.” Nick said

“Hmmm.” Faye purred. “Breakfast cupcakes. Me likey.”

They pulled into the place Nick and Faye called home. Faye shooed Bobbie into her room quickly, closing the door behind her. “Please, sit.”

Bobbie looked at the room. It was a mess, there were food wrappers and video games, anime dvds and various items, some of which defied explanation.

“So,” Faye began, Extending her hand. Name was Kane… Hmmm. Haven’t said that in over a year.”

“Robb.” Bobbie shook her hand again. “I think.”

“Robb, Bobbie. OK.”

“That was Melanie’s idea. Oooh, she controlled everything. First it was playing hooky, then shaving my head…”

Faye giggled. “Sorry, I can’t picture you bald.”

“Yeah, well waking up with all this extra hair was a bit of a shock. So were these.” Bobbie put her hands on her breasts.”

“My change was slower, took a couple of weeks.” Faye said. “If it wasn’t for Nick. I…I don’t think I’d be here.”

“He knows?”

“Of course. He’s my best friend. Has been for years. Don’t think we should tell him about you, though. He’s just getting over losing me.”

“Losing you? Wait were you…?”

Doing the mental algebra, Faye brought up her hands reassuringly. “No, no. Nothing like that. It’s just, he wanted his old buddy Kane back. Friday night Anime marathons, both of us bitching about how we never get laid.” She held up a locket that was around her neck. “There’s a lock of Kane’s hair in here. Nick saved it, and I’ve kept it ever since.”

“I tried so hard to not mope around. Didn’t work. Then I met a girl named Amy. She’s like us. Well, like me. Lust did her. She was a guy named Marten. Lust didn’t just change his sex, she regressed him to 11 years old. Think about that.”

Bobbie wondered about that. That would have been a special type of hell. Puberty, again, parents and playgrounds, again. “I was gonna die. Female was preferable to dead. The next day. I guess when the change was finished. I… I … had a period.”

“Me, too.” Faye interjected. “Thought I was gonna die.” She chuckled at the memory. Also remembering telling Zoe and Rachel the same story and the resulting laugh.

“I’d just recently been shot. I freaked out. All that blood… Kind of silly now that I think about it. But.”

“Yeah.”

“How long before you double clicked your mouse?”’

“Huh?”

“Masturbated? I mean, you have done that, right.” Faye asked

She nodded her head. “Melanie set up a webcam thing and we did this Angel/Demon thing…”

Faye’s face fell as she ran to her computer. After a few quick taps and clicks, she turned the monitor to face Bobbie.

Where she saw Melanie and herself. Bobbie looked away, blushing.

“Sorry. Didn’t recognize you. It’s a hot video. You look different… What’s wrong?” Bobbie’s hands covered her face, she was sobbing. Faye came and sat next to her.

“M..Melanie made me do it so we could make some money. She gave me ecstasy…and…and.” Bobbie collapsed. “Sorry, it’s just…”

“Hormones? I’m sure you’ve noticed a difference. You don’t get mad like you used to? Things make you cry more. Welcome to girl Auschwitz. Where every move courts disaster.

“Hey, we ‘girls’ have to stick together. Hell of an introduction.” Faye said, smiling.

“So.” Bobbie sniffed, regaining composure. “What did you do about guys.”

Faye looked sheepish. “I have a girlfriend.”

Bobbie was stunned.”I… I didn’t…”

“It’s okay, we keep it quiet. What about you?”

“At that party last weekend. One of Kim’s friends kissed me. I guess to save me from being hit on. I kind of liked it, until I remembered I’m not Robb anymore and it smelled funny, . Kind of left me in a funk, then I drank some beer, and most of the evening is a blur, except…”

“Go on.” Faye dug in, hoping for details of the juiciest variety.

“Tim helped me up, and it felt…I don’t know, comforting. Like he wouldn’t let me fall. Ever.”

“Ah, I see. It sounds like you’re not into girls.”

“But, I’m not gay.”

“Honey,” Faye said, cocking a hip sensually. “look in the mirror. How old were you?’

“21”

“And you’ve got a whole life ahead of you, no one will ever know unless you tell them.” Faye pointed out matter of factly.

“Kim keeps telling me I’m not gay, but…”

“What’s her story?”

“Oh,” Bobbie waved her hand.” She’s my sister.”

“You went home?” Faye said, as if stricken. “I only talk to my parents through email now. Did you get ID?”

“Yeah, I knew someone. Son of a bitch wanted me to blow him.”I told them I was Robb’s girlfriend, and that he was dead. They bought it. I told Kim, so she knows, and now there’s you. And Melanie, but, I think she’s probably long gone by now.

“Did you?” Faye quizzed.

“What?”

“Blow him?”

“Eww, no.”

“So, what were you like? Y’know, before.” Faye asked.

“Not much to tell. Wallflower, no real friends, some online D and D, and movies. Lots of movies. I probably know more about movies that most people you know.”

“Probably. I am a gamer, that hasn’t changed. I just keep it quiet. Tell people I’m into hiking.” Faye let out a sly grin. “Getting used to this body was… a journey.”

“The body stuff isn’t so hard. I have to admit I kind of like how the clothes fit. It just seems weird that I like guys now. I guess. Don’t know if I’m ready for it.

“Everybody finds their own time. Having friends helps. Without Nick, Rach, and Zoe…”

“I dropped out of school. I’m gonna finish this time. My mom seems like she’s doing better. I have friends now. It’s… nice.” She smiled. “I had a dream…”

Faye leaned in, listening intently. “I saw me. I mean, I saw Robb. And he told me that it was okay. To keep what there was, because there was so little of him. No friends, no future. Justice told me I’m on the right track. So, I must be doing something right.

“Looks like you made your saving throw.”

Bobbie looked at her, perplexed, then laughed at the reference.

“Well, you’ve got a better handle on this that I did at a month. I think you’ll be okay. Looks like you have friends.” Faye said, adjusting her low neck top.

“Really?”Bobbie looked down. “Yeah, I guess I do. Never did before, Never talked to anyone, got bullied. All my friends were online, You know all those experiences we were supposed to have growing up? Well, not me.”

“My father died when I was 11. He was my dad. I mean, never got fishing or football, but I had to learn to be a man from movies. Worst teacher ever. Kim and I were close until… well, until Melanie. I followed her like a puppy, did whatever she wanted. Wasn’t too sure about the robberies, but she convinced me. Like an idiot.”

“Whenever people ask you ‘didn’t your parent’s ever…’ My answer is usually no. Ask me how many stuntmen were in Die Hard, and I can tell you.” Bobbie smirked.

As they talked, Bobbie and Faye realized that, Bobbie just needed to talk to someone else who had been through a similar, traumatic change. She went home, buoyed as she was by some catharsis.

Chapter 14

She smelled it before she saw it. A cigarette. It didn’t smell offensive or clingy. It smelled soothing, pleasant, instead. There was a hard packed dirt path that seemed to stretch forever, an equally infinite field. A dark shape stood out in the distance.

“Hey,” It called. “Think I could get your help, Bobbie?”

Stunned, she made her way toward the voice. The cigarette smell got stronger.

She gasped as she saw his face. Robb. He looked worse, sicker. His grungy clothes hung oddly on his gaunt frame. The light dappling on the mottled skin of his shaved head.

“Hey, gorgeous.”

Bobbie looked at her funny.

“Only so brash because you’re you, me… whatever.” Robb waved his hand, smoke trailing. Bobbie stared at the cigarette, transfixed. He pulled out his pack and offered her one. “Don’t worry, it’s just a dream. Your body remembers. Go on.” Bobbie took one of the Camels and put it in her mouth. Robb lit it for her. She inhaled. It was relaxing and made her head swim. Robb then produced a joint, and lit it. “Same here.” He said holding in the pungent smoke.

They smoked the joint and their cigarettes. Bobbie was high, the high she remembered. She smiled blankly. So many memories…

“Okay, Now that you and I are on the same page, grab a shovel and come with me.”

“Wai… huh?” Bobbie asked.

“You’re gonna help me bury something.” He said as he started to hack and cough.

“What?”

“Me.” He said spitting a glob that was at least part the red of blood.

Robb told stupid jokes, as if he’d been privy to everything that happened to Bobbie. Bobbie laughed, they were a little dark, but they were funny. He stopped and dug his shovel right in. “C’mon, don’t be shy.” Bobbie also dug in, churning the dirt.

“Way I see it.” Robb began. “Is you’ve got to bury me, if you don’t, you’ll never be happy. Look you may know who directed what and all that, but what did that knowledge cost you? Look at Beth, God, she’s almost like a female me. Probably why you helped her. But that’s my point, I never would have. Not only did you do it.” He leaned on his shovel. “You did it with some Crouching Tiger style.”

Bobbie laughed.

“Look at Kim, you two get along better than we did at the end there. And Mom, I know she loved me, but she seems to get you. Heather seems nice. Pay attention to her. Bella and Amber… Y’know, you have the start of a really great group.” Bobbie looked down.

“And Tim… he’s nice, he likes you, you know? Reminds me of me. It’s okay to admit it. I know about Mary. I understand. But things are different now. Remember how I used to always push away the broccoli in the Chinese food?” Bobbie nodded.

She remembered how she had eaten everything at Bamboo Panda, relishing the crunch and its earthy flavor.

“Anyway, the baking, Tim. Seriously, you could go places I never would have gone. Let’s just say I survived the robbery, then what?” Bobbie hadn’t thought of that. He coughed and spat again.

“You know Melanie would have rolled over on you in a heartbeat. Me? Jail? That would have gone over like a lead balloon. That webcam shit. Her using you, me, again.”

Bobbie agreed as she wiped sweat away from her forehead, making her bangs stick awkwardly.

“Justice gave you this chance. You’ve already done more with it than I would have. Sing, dance… love. There’s going to come a time when you will have been Bobbie longer than I was Robb. I think we’ve all established that you’re not gay. You gonna wall yourself off from everyone? You don’t even like cats.”

They dug in silence. There was soon a large hole. Robb offered Bobbie another cigarette and lit another joint.

“Figure we can do this one more time.” Robb said, lighting Bobbie’s cigarette.

“Forget about all the things I did. They’re long past. Concentrate on now. I know you can do it. You’ve come so far already. Style, I mean, I know I would have been terrified of you.” Bobbie blushed.

“You have talents you don’t even know about yet, and even more will come with age and experience. It’s a little different, not much.

He stubbed out his cigarette and stood. Crossing over to Bobbie, he hugged her. She returned the hug. It was the embrace of two best friends that will never see each other again. Bobbie could feel the tears on her shoulder.

Robb’s tears, cooler than the tears from her own eyes.

“C’mon. No need to cry. It’s better this way. Take care of Mom, and Kimster. Especially Kim. Try to live, have some fun. Get through the bad times. There’s more to life than I lived. Go on out and find it.” And with that, he unceremoniously jumped into the hole.

“Well, fill it in. Let’s do this.” Robb pulled the last cigarette from his pack. “One for the road.” He smiled weakly.

Bobbie wanted to scream, NO. We can fix this, it doesn’t have to be this way. But, she saw the truth of it. He was gone, no going back. Apart from watching movies with his dad, there were no real happy childhood memories. Movie and book trivia was all there really was. Tears streamed down her face as she began tossing dirt into the hole at Robb’s feet.

“Kinda reminds me of Army of Darkness.” Robb said, exhaling smoke. Bobbie chuckled through her tears.

As the dirt reached his neck. “Goodbye, Bobbie. Make it count. Live loudly.”

“No matter where you go, there you are.” Bobbie sobbed as she threw the last of the dirt over the hole, burying the last of Robb. She fell to her knees, sobbing. The high was gone. Looking up, she saw a lake that she somehow missed. She stripped off her dirty clothes and walked naked to the water.

It was on the third step when she felt the wetness creep under her thigh…

* * * * * * * * * *
Bobbie woke with a start and a scream. It took a full three seconds for Kim to burst through the door. “Wha?” Kim said.

“Bad dream.” Bobbie started, feeling the wetness. “Oh.” She said feeling the familiar seep and the dull, throbbing pain of her abdomen. Throwing off the blankets, She ran to the bathroom and rummaged for the pads she had recently put there.

Bobbie installed the absorbent, slightly off. She knew she’d get it eventually.

“Huh?” It was Sylvia, standing in the hallway.

“It’s okay, Mom. Just a bad dream.”

Knowing, her eyes cleared up for a second as their gaze locked. “I know, Bobbie.” She stepped forward and hugged her. “I miss him, too.” She whispered into her ear. Sylvia turned and went back to bed.

Kim was still on her bed when Bobbie came back into the room, giggling.

“What?” Bobbie said, slightly annoyed.

“I know that look. Started your period, huh? Sorry, just. Robb is still in there and…”

“No, he’s not.” Bobbie said distantly, shaking her head. “I think I just buried him. The memories are there. But, I’m just gonna be Bobbie. You said it yourself. What kind of girl do I want to be? I’m not sure.”

“But I’m going to find out.”

Kim smiled. “Well, right on. Sis.” It sounded natural.

“Yeah, sis.” Bobbie echoed, both of them smacking their fists into their palms in unison. They giggled…

Like schoolgirls.

Chapter 15

Bobbie was a little grumpy, but felt lighter than she had recently. Despite cramps, she smiled some, happy to see Beth and Amber who had joined them for lunch to talk about the cupcakes.

“Cooking is all science, really. I mean, there’s the art stuff, too, but the physics of it… Those were so good. I was wondering if you could make some for the bake sale?”

“Bake Sale?” Bobbie asked, Beth’s expression mirrored Bobbies.

“Yeah, we do the big musical in the spring. We hold a bake sale to help fund it. Last year, we used the home ec kitchens. I think it’d be a really big hit.”

To new experiences. “Sure.” Bobbie said. “But only if Beth helps.”

“Of course, silly.” Beth said, suddenly bouncing.

Bobbie survived the rest of the week

The shopping list for the bake sale came through on the following Monday, and Bobbie and Beth were on the case. They had even managed to enlist Tim, who had his own ideas.

“…Well, there’s this restaurant that won the James Beard award that has something called a Chocolate Bacon Crunch Bar. I think we can pull off a cupcake version of that. Thanks Chef Duff.”

He turned to Bobbie and smiled broadly. “And you, Bobbie.”

“Me? What did I do?”

“You got me interested in things again. I wasn’t lost, I just didn’t know where I was going.”

“Ah,” Bobbie said, feigning wisdom. “A zen answer, nice one pilgrim.”

Tim’s eyes widened. “There is no way you know where that’s from.”

“Steve Perry’s The Man Who Never missed, my favorite book.”

“Get the fuck out of here.” Tim said, pulling the battered paperback out of his back pocket.

The timer dinged and Tim spun to pull the cakes out of the oven. Bobbie stood still and noticed a smell, undertones of sweat, wood and leather, it hung in the air. The smell was so… so…

Male.

She remembered that smell, that one of a general floweriness that girls had. He’d been alone with women for over a month now. It seemed alien to her now. Somehow faulty and misleading.

But the other smell, his smell…

It stirred something, something deep and ancient. The lizard part of her brain sending signals that were familiar, faint and distant. Her cramps faded for a second, she smiled. “Rest of the series wasn’t all that, but man….”

The cupcakes were finished, ten dozen each Mortal Choklate, Great White North, and Tim’s experiment, which he dubbed the Womanimal. “Chocolate and bacon, and the restaurant’s name is Animal.”

Ms. Varney, the Drama Club advisor saw the output and was simply overjoyed. “So many. They should sell. Hope you’re ready…”

“Ready?” Bobbie said. “For what?”

“You’re going to work the stand, right?” Ms. Varney asked. Beth answered in the affirmative immediately.

“Umm sure.” Tim said, glancing at Bobbie. “Bobbie? You in?”

“Alright,” She said. “That escalated quickly.” Tim laughed

Where once was great trepidation, Bobbie felt optimism and hope.

“I’m gonna have to get ready for tomorrow.” Tim said absently. “Beth, want a ride home? I just got my dad’s old Vespa fixed. Mean to ride it around. Got two helmets?”

“Ooh, okay.” Beth squealed, Bobbie smiled at him, turning to leave. Tim flipped out his phone. After countless taps and a few moments, he turned to Beth and said “Let’s go.”

As they left, Bobbie felt, well slightly down. Damn hormones. She left to find Kim and walk home.

She found Kim with Roxx, trying to suffocate each other with their tongues.

They separated when Kim’s eyes widened at the sight of Bobbie.

“Hey, Roxx. I’ve gotta go. Until later tonight?” Kim said, a hunger in her eyes.

Bobbie felt it the sheer otherness of her.

“Oh, yeah. See ya then, Tiger. Nice to see you again, Angel.” Roxx said, spiling herself from step to the next viscously like the heaviest cream. Kim leered at Roxx’s rear end as it swished from one side to the other like the pendulum of a grandfather clock.

“MMM, I like her. We’re gonna do such depraved and horrible things to each other.” Kim said uncharacteristically.

Bobbie saw the darkness in her, she had learned to tune it out. It was present in everyone to varying degrees. Even when she saw it go away, the same person would have it back soon. But the echoes of wrongness followed Roxx out like a tide going out.

“I don’t know about her. Something’s not right.”

“Geez, bro. Jealous much?” Kim looked defensive.

“Me? No. I’m not gay, remember?” Bobbie said defiantly. “C’mon, let’s get home.”

“Yeah, we should do that.” Kim said, still staring after Roxx.

Dinner and homework taken care of, Bobbie was ready to go to bed. Kim had taken off with Roxx, Sylvia was out with friends from work. She had the house alone. The squeezing and general crappiness went away after a hot shower, removing bits of batter and frosting. Once out, she began the process of towel drying her hair. Ready for bed, she slipped into her pajamas and…

BZZT! BZZT!

The phone vibrated on her nightstand.

Heather: HEY BOBBIE!! Need to pik u up 2mrw, early, lik 6. B rdy.

Bobbie: Y

Heather: Gt rdy 4 bak sal.

So much for 8 hours

Chapter 16

Bobbie was up at 5, slightly dressed in jeans and a tshirt, a cup of coffee in each hand. Heather was, true to her word, there at 5:59 on the dot.

“Come on.” Heather said. Bobbie had never before seen her like this. No make up, and a baggy shirt and sweatpants. And, Bobbie noticed upon closer inspection, pink fuzzy bunny slippers.

“Thanks.” Heather said, accepting the brew. “ Late night. Be worth it when it’s over. I am so tired. Never got to say this before, but thanks.”

Bobbie sipped at her coffee. “Sure. For what?”

“Since you’ve been around, we’ve gotten band space. And I got to meet Beth. She’s sweet. She helps you a lot. I like her. She needs a woman in her life so bad.”

“And she’s amazing. I wish I could do more to help her. Just glad to get her into a kitchen…”

Heather guzzled a long swallow of coffee. “I’m gonna set up a camera one day and film you two in action. It’s like watching a fish get put back in water.” She guzzled again, finishing the cup.

“Okay, We’re gonna get us dolled up at my house. Besides, you’ve got some surprises coming. You’re gonna be ready”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’ll see. C’mon, we’re here.” Heather practically jumped out of the car.

Heather bolted up to her room, and Bobbie followed. What happened over the next two hours left Bobbie transformed. Her hair had been done in victory rolls, the back tied in with a blue bow. She was wearing a blue swing dress with leopard print around the curves of her breasts. She felt how it clung to every square inch, it felt, somehow right. She randomly thought about the anime she watched while still a child, many of them revolving around tightly fitting power armor. Heather was wearing a similar dress, this one red. Her hair was pulled back in a simple ponytail. They both wore nylons. Heather’s make up was plain, pretty. Bobbie’s was… well, pinup was the only word he had for it. Bold eye makeup and sassy style. She realized, the dress was her power armor.

Heather handed Bobbie a pair of low heels. “Bobbie, Kim tells me you’re not too confident in the heels. These should be okay, just carry your other shoes in your backpack. Gonna want those back at the end of the day. All part of my duty as costume department.”

Heather and Bobbie stepped onto campus decked out like women on the Olivia calendars and the Fargas paintings. They turned heads wherever they went. Bobbie was self conscious. Having been a guy, she knew that at least one person would be gratifying himself tonight over the sight of her. She shook the thought out of her head.

Yeah, and you were one of those guys, enjoy the power. But, remember, with it comes responsibility.

The first part of the day was uneventful until fourth period, which had let Bobbie out early to set up the bake sale. When she walked up to the series of picnic tables, she stopped, stunned. Beth was in a polka dot dress and saddle shoes, ribbons in her hair. Simple, clean makeup. But it was Tim that got her attention.

He was wearing basic jeans and a t shirt. The hair was mostly gone, cut into a flat top, He looked better. Bobbie had to admit, stoner chic making him look like someone who would have been at home touring with Pearl Jam. He looked good, not flashy, clean. His broad shoulders and smooth skin

“You like, Bobbie?” Tim said, his nervousness detectable but not overly so. She smiled. “This is why Beth and I ran off yesterday.” His color changed. “Give you a ride today though.” She could hear that his mouth had gone dry. Her heart felt like an inflating balloon, one filled with… what?

“Cool, Daddy-o.” Bobbie said, smiling. Turning to Heather, she said.” Why are we wearing this? You never told me, and what’s with…

“I told you guys, style interventions for both of them.” Heather said, pointing to each. “How’d I do? I mean they’re only dressed like this today. But.” Heather looked right at Tim and enunciated very clearly. “We will be taking care of that this weekend, won’t we?”

Heather continued. “Oh, that’s right. We dress in costume from the musical we’re doing. This year it’s Grease. I’m excited, because we get to use the whole band this year. We’re going to use the Less Than Jake arrangement of the soundtrack. It’s going to be boss!”

“Well, as long as it makes sense. Let’s set up.” Bobbie said dryly.

It was crazy, there was a clamoring for the cupcakes from the moment they opened. Faye was there first, flanked by two girls she introduced as Rachel and Zoe. The cheerleaders and jocks were next. They had sold every single item by the end of lunch. The only person shocked by the sudden depletion of stock was Bobbie.

“Wait, that’s it?” Bobbie said, looking for another tray.

“That was so cool.” Beth squealed.

Tim was completely nonchalant about the whole thing. As if he knew that this was the only possible outcome. “Better get used to that. Those cupcakes of yours are gonna make you famous. Watch.” Bobbie blushed. “Hey.” Tim said, stepping closer. “I mean it. Those things are a goldmine, Peggy Sue.”

Bobbie felt her hear leap at the nickname. She didn’t know why, but she liked the familiarity it conveyed. Bobbie walked carefully for the rest of the day, her feet tender from the heels. She had changed back into the sneakers and, despite the foot discomfort, floated on air. The change in the air was palpable. It was like the darknesses she saw were muted, subdued. It was during drama class when the P.A. system came to life.

“Students. This is Principal Michaelson. I just want to congratulate you on having the first day I’ve ever seen with no fights, or discipline problems. Keep up the good work. Thank you and have a nice day.”

As Bobbie slung her backpack over her back, she saw Tim on his Vespa. He raised his arm and waved her over. She went over to the vehicle, waving goodbye to Beth and Kim. She had to admit, he looked good. A pleasant buzzing tingle at the pit of her stomach spread out evenly and made her smile as he handed her a helmet.

She smiled as she put the helmet on. She could feel the helmet push her hair down in ways it wasn’t meant to. When she finally got on, she grabbed the metal bar behind the seat. Tim slowly started riding away.

He pulled out into slight traffic and headed toward Bobbie’s house. After a couple of turns, she realized he was taking the long, scenic route. She felt the wind on her face, she was with a friend. It had been a particularly good day. Tim rolled to a stop at the light and looked to his left. A hill slanted down toward the cluster of streets where Bobbie lived. When the light turned green, he twisted the accelerator. The moped threatened to jump out from under Bobbie’s legs. Thinking and moving quickly, she let go of the bar and grabbed onto Tim. Pulling herself into him, she could feel his heat, smell the cheap aftershave he used, and that light undertone of leather and wood. The smells and proximity were so intoxicating. When combined with Bobbie’s already light mood, she hugged him, placing her helmeted head on his back. His body sagged slightly as they reached the bottom of the hill. The rest of the way to her house, Bobbie held on to Tim.

Tim smiled as the world slid by. There could have been zombies or terrorists chasing him and it wouldn’t have mattered. Now, at this moment, he was the happiest guy in the world. He brought the Vespa to a stop in front of the House. Bobbie swung her leg off of the bike, taking care not to expose herself. Tim followed suit. Bobbie took off the helmet, Her hair hung limply in some places where some had escaped the pins, and slightly frizzy where the product was spent. Tim took the helmet from her and locked it to the rear compartment.

“Bobbie, Beth told me about your conversation…”

Bobbie looked blankly at him.

“…I know you say you’re not. But,” He reached out and hooked an errant clump of hair over her ear. “You must be an angel. Everything just gets better when you’re around.” Bobbie smiled up at him.

“See you tomorrow. Angel.” Smiling, Tim remounted the vehicle and rode away. Bobbie walked backward towards the house, smiling. The tingle becoming a glow, there was an excitement inside her body that threatened to burst.

Entering the living room, Kim was watching TV. “Good day, huh?” She said, not turning her attention away from the news.

“Oh, just the best.”Bobbie squealed. Kim looked at her, cocking an eyebrow. “Everyone loved the bake sale and…and…” Bobbie was positively beaming.

“Tim gave you a ride home, took you down the hill. It made you feel special, huh?”

Bobbie’s face fell.

“Beth and Heather conspired on that one. You like him, huh?’

Embarassed, she smiled. “ I.. I think so. He even likes Buckaroo Banzai.”

“What a keeper.” Kim said sarcastically. “Bobbie’s got a boyfriend.” The old singsong voice teased.

Bobbie stared, eyes narrowing. “Shut up! I need a shower.” Bobbie turned and bounced up the stairs, buoyed by happy thoughts or helium. The smile remaining plastered to her face.

Gathering her clothes, she looked around her room. It didn’t seem to suit anymore. She opened the blinds, hearing them creak, Robb had never opened them. He eschewed natural light. Had stopped going outside, playing with Kim. God, did I really close myself off that much? She thought as the water sluiced the day off her body.

An errant jet of water came close between her legs. Her left knee buckled. The smell of wood and leather.

The thought of how she felt when Tim spouted a familiar movie reference.

The way her body relaxed at his touch at the party.

Tim was part of every thought as the water caressed sensitive parts that Bobbie was still unfamiliar with, sending sensation after sensation into her brain. And then it stopped as the water moved away. Not wanting it to end, she turned the water back to its previous position. Waves of pleasure overtook her as she drowned in thoughts of Tim and a tide of tactile bliss. When it finally ended and thought became coherent again. Bobbie stopped.

Did I just… She couldn’t tell if it bothered her or not, only serving to make it bother her more. Finishing her shower, she toweled off and got dressed. Looking in the mirror, the smile was still there, turned down to 10. She went downstairs, back to Kim.

“You’re loud, you know that?” Kim said, changing channels.

Bobbie blushed to her ears. “You.. heard?” She whispered.

“Um, Yeah.” Kim said, smiling. “It’s okay. I’m a little loud myself, apparently.”

Bobbie looked at her, “Roxx?”

Kim smiled impishly. “Yeah.” It was her turn to blush.

“First time?” Bobbie asked.

“Yeah. Oh, it was sooo…”

Bobbie held up a hand. “Don’t wanna know. Got enough pictures in my head right now.”

“Yeah, of Tim.” Kim said, hitting her with one of the couch’s throw pillows.

Bobbie hit her back. “About Roxx. I don’t know about her. Something’s not right about her.”

“Oh, you’re jealous because that was your type, and she’s hotter than your last girlfriend.” Kim’s smile wavered. The darkness had progressed, Bobbie could see that now. Her face hardened imperceptibly.

“I just don’t want what happened to me to happen to you. Kim, I died. Remember?”

“Yeah, in more ways than one.” Kim mumbled

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You’re not exactly the same person now. You need to face that.”

“I think I have.”

Kim looked at Bobbie and through her. “Then talk to Tim. I mean, really talk to him. He likes you, he told me not to tell you. But you like him, and you need Stevie Wonder to point it out to you. You’re scared of cock, aren’t you?”

Bobbie looked at her sister, stunned. She’d never used that word before, well not while Bobbie was around. Bobbie looked at Kim and realized just how much she’d grown up. When did she find the time to get so wise?

Bobbie appreciated the situation. A young lesbian telling a girl who used to be a guy that he was afraid of cock. It would have sounded ludicrous…

…if it wasn’t true.

Chapter 17

“There you are.” Ms Varney said. “The bake sale was such a success, and I understand it was your cupcakes that single handedly made the sale. Just wanted to say thank you.” She hurried of to her classroom. Bobbie walked the rest of the way to Mr. Lesko’s class

The glow from the bake sale carried over until the next day. When the lunch bell finally rang, Bobbie went to find Beth. She found her picking at her sandwich, she perked up as soon as Bobbie showed sat down.

“So, how was your ride home?” Beth asked smiling.

Bobbie smiled back. “Fine.”

“Did you kiss him? Did he kiss you? Did he…” Beth was letting her excitement show.

“Whoa, slow down. He just gave me a ride home.”

“Yeah, on his moped.” Beth said dreamily. “Did you lean into him? I did. He smells nice.” Beth turned scarlet. “I know he likes you, but it was nice to pretend he was mine, even if for only a minute.” She turned her attention back to her lunch, where her sandwich had acquired something fascinating.

“Yeah.” Bobbie smiled, the scent of wood and leather replaying in her mind, his warmth.

His closeness. How her stomach dropped when the seat threatened to drop out from under her. How grabbing and pulling him close just seemed right.

“You two going to the Winter Ball?” Beth asked, pointing to the poster hanging from the awning of the lunch area. Bobbie looked up and saw the sign proudly announcing “Delacroix winter ball 2013: Forever Young” in silver, glittery letters.

During the first round of high school, Robb never went to any dances. A part of Bobbie’s mind drifted to thoughts of Tim and slow dancing.

“…this weekend? Bobbie?” Beth’s hand shook her shoulder gently.

“Hmm.” Bobbie came out of her reverie.

“I said, were you doing anything special this weekend?”

“Oh, just hanging with the band.”

“…and Tim. You know he’s gonna ask you, right?”

“Heya, Bobbie.” Tim’s voice came up behind her, making her eep and jump. Beth snorted laughter.

“Oh, you shit.” She playfully slapped his shoulder as he sat. “We were just talking about you.”

“I can tell, you’re blushing.” Tim smiled. “So Bobbie. Since someone let the cat out of the bag,” he glanced at Beth, who turned back to her sandwich while pulling a chip from the small bag. He cleared his throat, and looked into those blue eyes that went on forever. The hum and munch of the lunch crowd. A detached part of Bobbie’s mind went into Bullet Time.

…Beth slowed mid chew.

…The soda can twirled languidly through the air, destined to reach the trash can.

“Bobbie Sharpe, would you like to go to the Winter Ball with me?” Tim asked, looking for all the world like he just killed the bear.

Her stomach knotted, thoughts of cupcakes gone. She remembered ‘you only have to be bold for twenty seconds. A fluttery feeling ballooned in her belly, festooned with a curious warmth.

Their gaze held. Bobbie didn’t know if it had been twenty seconds or not, but it felt longer. She could feel his confidence; she could see that the answer didn’t matter to him. It was a courage ‘Robb’ never had displayed excepting that one time. She understood the courage he was displaying. Felt it radiating from him.

“Yes.” She said, feeling like she was all that mattered to him at that one, perfect moment. She reached forward, hugging him. She craved that wood and leather smell, his warmth.

Time returned to normal, the sound of one Beth clapping. “Oh, I’m so happy for you, Bobbie. Wish I could go.” Her expression drooped a little.

“Don’t worry, it’s early. I’m sure something will happen.” Bobbie reassured.

“Yeah, Beth. Plenty of time.” Tim winked at Bobbie. “Bobbie, you got anything going on today?”

“Helping Kim with homework, which means I’ll probably write most of it. Got another cupcake to try today.” Bobbie said, wishing it wasn’t true. What she really wanted was to catch a ride home again.

“Well, Beth. Wanna ride home?”

“Oh, yes please.” Beth said, eyeing Bobbie nervously. Bobbie chuckled and waved her hand noncommittally. They were gathering their books when the bell rang.

Kim was lighting a cigarette as they walked through the field. “So, Winter Ball with Tim, huh?” She looked at Bobbie, who stared back in surprise. “What?” She said, exhaling. “Like you were gonna hide that. He asked me first you know. I told him I didn’t know, he’d have to ask you. Look, I knew this was gonna happen.”

“You’ve been Bobbie for a little over a month now. I think the last of your old testosterone worked out. Yesterday proved it, you should have seen yourself.” She smiled. “Giddy as a schoolgirl.”

Bobbie thought about it. She had been noticing things differently, but didn’t really think about it. Now it came into focus. The way she noticed Tim’s muscles that first day in the bakery, The way he made her feel when he was around, the way he smelled. She slowly smiled, it was true, she realized.

“C’mon, princess, let’s go. That paper’s not gonna write itself…”

Chapter 18

The next few weeks passed as summer offered it last dying gasp before the leaves began to change and fall began to lay the town under siege with its unpredictable weather. Classes continued in sort of a blur of days, weekends full of band practice and friends.

Heather had taken Beth under her wing. Bobbie had seen the confidence she showed in the kitchen blossom into something more. She kept her head up more, her movements more sure.

Bobbie continued working on cupcakes. They only had until March to open the bakery. She had many flavors, all with names like Blue Velvet(Red Velvet cake with blue food coloring instead), La Dulce Vita(Dulce de Leche), and The Dragonslayer(That one had a green apple jelly filling and a caramel frosting). They would be ready to open soon enough.

On a Wednesday in late October Tim called Bobbie. She’d been doing government homework when the phone played it’s ringtone. As a practical joke, Kim had changed it to play One Direction’s ‘Beautiful’, and Bobbie had left it to annoy her.

“Hey, Bobbie. Great News.”

“Remember when I said we should try to sell some of these to Daily Grind? They said yes.” He was so excited.

“We’ve got an order for five dozen for Friday. I figure you, me and Beth can knock that out pretty quick. Tomorrow?”

“Sure.”

“Till then. Sweet dreams. Later, sweets.”

She smiled. “Do Svidanya.” She hung up and called Heather.

“Heather? I was wondering if you could give Beth a ride to the bakery tomorrow? Cool, thanks Heather.”

The following day, they all gathered at the student parking lot. Classes forgotten, idly chattering, Heather turned to Beth. “So, any luck finding a date to the dance?

Beth pouted slightly. “No. Not yet. Keep hoping though. No one seems interested”

“Don’t worry kid. You’re going if I have to kidnap someone to go with you.” Heather said, winking at Bobbie.

What’s that supposed to mean? Bobbie wondered.

“Ready, Bobbie?” Tim asked, handing her the helmet, strapping his own helmet to his head and mounting the bike.

“Alright ramblers, let’s get ramblin’.” Bobbie said. Affixing the helmet. She swung her leg over the back of the moped. Bobbie snaked her arms around Tim and scooted her body closer, trying to get as much contact as she could. The thrum of the engine tingled her thighs. She turned her head and leaned in, inhaling his smell deeply. She smiled. All was right with the world as they sped off, into the rapidly cooling afternoon.

* * *

“Kim.” Roxx purred, massaging that spot between the shoulder blades.

“MMmmm?” She responded.

“We should go to the Winter Ball.” Roxx moved her hands further down.

“The ball? O…Ok, didn’t think you’d wanna go.”

“Why?” She bent down to whisper sensually in her ear. “Give up a good reason to see you in a suit?” She nibbled an earlobe.”

Kim quivered with pleasure. “Mmm. Anything for you, baby.”

Standing up, Roxx said, “You carry way too much tension. I’m never gonna get anywhere this way.” Reaching into her purse, she pulled a slightly twisted with cylinder. “This’ll help.” She put it to her mouth and lit it like a cigarette. Kim recognized that smell.”

“It’s not a big deal. Lots of places give prescriptions for this now. They are doctors.” Roxx passed the joint to Kim. She inhaled, it was harsher than her cigarettes.

“Hold it in.” Roxx said, “Don’t choke.” She laughed.

Kim felt a little light headed, she giggled a little at some unidentified humor. “I don’t know why I’m laughing.” The giggle became a full laugh.

“That’s because you’re stoned, dork.” Roxx said as she leaned in for the kiss, bringing her free hand up to caress a breast. Kim reached around to rest her hand on Roxx’s ass.

***

Bobbie was winding down from working in the bakery when Kim came in, grinning ear to ear. “Hey, Kim. Was wondering if you were gonna…” She stopped when she saw Kim’s face.

“What?” Kim said, grabbing a roll from the baking sheet. Bobbie was pale, her eyes wide with surprise.

“You’re fucking high. And don’t bullshit me. Your eyes are red, and I could blindfold you with dental floss.” Bobbie pointed accusingly almost feeling her darkness.. Kim started laughing, a lot more than she should have.

“Well, OK miss pottymouth.” Kim continued laughing.

“I’ll tell mom. Remember what happened to me? I’m not gonna let that happen to you.” Kim’s face went serious as Bobbie went over and hugged her.

Kim wriggled out. “Jeez, Robb. Jealous much?”

Bobbie looked as if she’d been slapped, she stepped back. “What’s wrong, Kimster?”

“Nothing. I do one little thing, and you think I’m gonna get all stupid like you did. I’m not robbing anybody.” Bobbie jerked her head, stunned. “So, I got a little high? Roxx is right, you all baby me too much.” She turned and head up to her room. And that was all.

Was this how I made them feel? If so, I’m so sorry. Bobbie stood there and tried to hold down the tears, Can’t let that happen to her. Not again.

She tried to hold the tears back, gave up, and wept silently. Sylvia came home, and dinner was a quiet affair, with Bobbie eating silently. Afterward, she put food on a plate and went up to Kim’s room. She knocked, hearing nothing she let herself in. Kim was asleep face down on her bed. Bobbie shook her gently.

“Hey, Kim. Get up. Brought you dinner.” Kim stirred.

“Hey.” Bobbie said. “I’m still mad at you, here’s your dinner.”

“I’m sorry, Bobbie.” Kim said, turning over to accept the plate. “Didn’t mean to be a bitch. But, I can handle it. Don’t worry.”

“That’s what I said.”

“Yes.” Kim said, spearing a potato. “But, Roxx isn’t Melanie.”

“You better hope not.” Bobbie said. “See you in the morning.” Bobbie closed the door and went to bed.

Chapter 18

The Daily Grind order was a success and they wanted a weekly delivery. The Signs were due to be delivered just before Christmas and everything seemed to be holding together. Band practice continued. Bobbie walked home alone for the first time in recent memory. Beth and Tim had to do some studying, Heather, Bella and Amber were going to the mall, and Kim was with Roxx… again. It was starting to get dark, Daylight savings time taking its toll on the visible light of the day.

Walking up to the house it seemed quiet, eerily so. The silence and darkness seemed almost absolute. She inserted the key and turned the lock…

“SURPRISE!!’ Bobbie nearly jumped out of her skin. Deafening sound and blinding light exploded around Bobbie.

“Why didn’t you tell me, you had the same birthday?” Sylvia said, hugging Bobbie close. “Happy birthday, Bobbie.”

Never before had a birthday happened this way. There was Beth and Bella , Heather and Amber…

…and Kim, who seemed to be partially attached to Roxx.

They’ve all been so nice to me, made me feel at home. The dam broke, and Bobbie dissolved into happy, joyful tears. Sagging against Sylvia, Bobbie sniffled. She stepped away and turned to everyone.

“Oh, you guys.” Bobbie began, not noticing the slight smear of her eye makeup.”You… nobody’s ever done this for me before.” She tasted her salty tears and bitter makeup through her smile. She sniffled and regained composure.

Beth burst forward first, full of unbridled energy. She hugged Bobbie and gave her her present. It was wrapped in pink wrapping paper, but upon touching it, she knew it was cloth. Ripping it open, she unfurled the cloth, revealing it to be a blue apron. The front had “Cupcake Angel” Embossed on it’s front in purple sequins. A cupcake forming the ‘u’, and a crooked halo resting on the ‘l’.“When I saw it, I had to get it for you. Oh, happy birthday...” Beth hugged her again. “You’re the best friend I ever had.” Bobbie could feel emotion swelling.

Heather had a clean, white box, tied simply with a powder blue ribbon. Bobbie opened it and gave a quick hug. “I know you need a dress for the Winter Ball, and I know you’re busy with the bakery. So, I pulled this out of my closet and altered it. This kind of dress never goes out of style.” She lightly stamped her foot.”Oops.” She said.” Let the cat out of the bag.” She opened it.

It was shiny and blue, the same ice blue as the ribbon. Holding it up, The gown tumbled down to its full length. Bobbie looked at it. The shimmer of the satin, the play of the light on the bodice, it was beautiful. A slight burning began behind her eyes. “It’s beautiful.”

“And don’t think, you’re going out in that dress without hair and makeup.” Heather admonished harshly. A smile broke her expression. “Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.”

Amber and Bella came up together. “This is from us.” It was heavy and rectangular. Ripping the kitten wrapping paper off, she noticed it was a book, An older book with a battered dust Jacket. “We found it, and knew you would like this.” Amber said. Bobbie gathered them both in her arms in a group hug. She felt a phone vibrate. Bella flipped open her phone, glanced at it and flipped it shut.

Looking down at the cover, she noticed it was a cook book. Not just any cookbook, it was an old edition of Larousse Gastronomique, The essential handbook to all things food. “Now if only there was some food here.” Bella said.

“…Some Food HERE!” she repeated, cartoonishly loud.

Ding, dong.

“Bobbie, could you get that, dear? You’re closest.” Sylvia said with a beaming smile. The kind, Bobbie absently noted, from before the death of her husband.

It was Tim, carrying two large pizza boxes. “Hey there, Birthday girl.”

Kim swept in and relieved him of the pizzas. When she had taken the boxes from Tim, Bobbie noticed a pink box with a gold ribbon in his left hand. She felt an irresistible urge to grab him, she gave in. Tim meeting her halfway. He hugged Bobbie close, whispered “Happy Birthday” into her ear. He kissed her lightly on the cheek. She felt his lips long after they left her face, and a warm glow in the pit of her stomach. “Here, this is for you. You’ve helped me so much. With the bakery, with everything.” He hugged her again. That feeling of closeness was better than any drug, if it could be bottled…

She glanced sideways at Roxx, inwardly she hoped that Kim would figure that out quicker that she did. Bobbie moved aside, allowing Tim entrance.

“Well go on, open it.” Tim said.

Bobbie lightly shook the box, listening. Pulling the bow open, she opened the box. Inside, was a small silver charm in the shape of a crossed spatula and whisk. It sat on a thin gold chain.

“You’ve got a baker’s soul, Bobbie. Why fight it? Here, let me help you put it on.” He took the necklace from the box. Bobbie turned around and held her hair off her neck. He moved in close, raising his arms to lower the charm in front of her. He clasped the necklace. She could feel his breath on the back of her neck.

“There.” Tim said, letting it go. Bobbie turned, feeling like the only person in his world that mattered. She spun.

“Perfect.” Tim said, lightly touching the charm as it lay on her chest.

“Tim, that’s so… I’m gonna cry again.” Bobbie started. Bobbie laughed, tears leaking. The smell of pizza drifted around the room. Tim stepped past Bobbie to see the candles put into the pizza. “Oh, you guys.” Bobbie said.

Kim and Roxx were next. “Happy birthday.” She said. It was unwrapped, save for a pink ribbon. The ribbon was tied around several small graphic novels titled Iron Wok Jan. “Comics, cooking. Seemed like a perfect fit.”

Roxx touched Bobbie’s shoulder.

Wrong, wrong WRONG, WRONG… the thought tattooed itself inside her brain. The happiness of the evening strong enough for Bobbie to shake most of it off, leaving a small, suspicious part of her mind to watch.

Roxx handed her an envelope. Opening it, the card said “Happy Birthday, Roberta.”

“I couldn’t find a card that said ‘Bobbie’. But I figured that it’s Roberta, right?” Roxx said, trying to hide a sly smile. A look of mischief behind her violet eyes.

Bobbie looked down to see the card to see that Roxx had signed it “Happy Birthday ‘Bobbie’ xoxo in red.

Bobbie looked at Roxx for a minute. “It’s casual.” She said.

Even though it wasn’t.

After the pizza was gone and the evening wound down, Kim and Roxx disappeared into her room, and the rest of the friends slowly filed out. Promising to see each other the next day.

Left alone, Bobbie walked up to Sylvia. “Oh, Mom. That was the birthday I ever had.”

“Okay.” Sylvia said, lauging while patting Bobbie’s back. “I just wanted to say thank you.”

“Thank me? For what?” Bobbie asked.

“I haven’t felt this good in years. You seem to be good luck for everyone. Beth, Heather…I don’t think Kim’s been happier. Bobbie, we’re all glad you’re here.”

Bobbie thought about that. She felt wanted, For the first time in recent memory.

“You better get off to bed, school tomorrow. I’ll clean up.” Sylvia said, smiling “Good night, Bobbie.”

Bobbie smiled, gathered her presents and went upstairs. The boxes and books went on the dresser, next to her lamp. But it was the card that drew her attention.

Has to be a coincidence…

Has to be.

She heard Kim’s door open and close. The telltale click of Roxx’s heels dopplered down the hall and the stairs. Bobbie quietly snuck over to Kim’s room.

“Kim?” She knocked, opening the door.

Kim was sitting on the bed, staring off into space. “Huh?” She said distantly.

She could see that Kim was high, but she seemed in control. Bobbie hadn’t caught Kim high since that first time, and decided now wasn’t the time for that argument.

“It was a great birthday. Thanks, sis.”

Kim smiled. “Just didn’t think you should be alone, like usual.” She looked ruefully at Bobbie through her slightly glazed, reddened eyes. “I hope you like Roxx, she’s a tough girl, been through a lot.”

“If she really likes you, then she has nothing to worry about. Ow.” Bobbie said, smacking her fist into her palm. Too hard, she shook her hand. “Alright, I won’t do that again, get some sleep. Good night.”

“’Night, “ Kim said.

“Sis.” She finished after a pause. Bobbie smiled as she went to bed.

Chapter 19

“Here.” Tim said, giving an envelope each to Beth and Bobbie. Looking inside, there were two crisp hundred dollar bills in each. “It’s your share of the profit. Wouldn’t be fair if you didn’t get something.”

“Oh, Heather and I can go shopping…”Beth asked, peering into the envelope. She looked back at Tim “What did you do with your share?”

“I bought Bobbie’s gift, and a couple of pizzas.” He smiled at her. “The rest I’m putting back into the bakery. I wanna open the day after graduation. Well, two days.”

“Well, then. That settles it.” Bobbie said, returning the envelope.“Keep it. If we’re going to do this, let’s do it right.”

Beth thought about it, and handed hers back. Tim took one of the bills out and gave it back to her. “Go ahead, go shopping. You deserve it.” He said. Glancing back at Bobbie, “Are you sure?”

“Not this time. Let’s just keep focused on that Daily Grind order. Thanksgiving’s coming up. That means shopping season, that means bigger orders.”

Tim hadn’t thought about that. That was one of the things he liked about her the most, the way she sometimes seemed to solve problems that hadn’t arisen, or effortlessly being there at the precise moment. “You’re right. Got any holiday themed ones yet?”

“Hmm, let me get back to you.” Bobbie said, noticing a slight twitch at the corners of his mouth.

“You’ve always got something cookin’. See ya later.”

Bobbie’s mind started turning. Several ideas were bubbling. As she went through her day, she did her tasks on autopilot. Fruitcake? No real schoolwork was getting done with the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, she made absentminded notes and doodles in her notebook. Candy cane? Looking down she had not only written Tim’s name, but also her own, with tiny smiley faces dotting the ‘i’s. Shocked, she turned the page, somehow not feeling right. Cranberry Orange? Her mind wandered.

Later that evening, Sylvia and was having dinner with Bobbie.

“Mom, would it be okay if Beth and her dad came for Thanksgiving? It’s just the two of them. I think I can take care of everything. I just think it would be nice, they could use the company.” Bobbie asked.

“I don’t see why not. We haven’t had a real Thanksgiving here since…” Sylvia trailed off, remembering that last ‘real’ Thanksgiving.

Bobbie inwardly winced, she remembered. Was that the really the last one?

“Sure.” Sylvia smiled. “It’ll be nice to have some adult company for a change.”

The door opened, it was Kim, she was wearing sunglasses even though it had begun getting dark. “Hey, guys. Roxx and I grabbed a burger. I’ve got homework. G’night.” She had disappeared up the stairs, the sound of her door heard off in the distance.

“Kim?” Sylvia said, raising her voice a little.

“It’s okay, Mom.” Bobbie said. “You did okay with her, she’s pretty smart.”

Sylvia smiled. “Just like her brother.”

* * * * *

It was that time all students dread, finals. There was a palpable darkness as students succumbed to sleeplessness, and endless cups of coffee from Daily Grind. Bobbie had been right about the increase in the order. Mortal Choklate was suffering fatality after fatality, and Great White North was turning into desolate, white wrappers.

Bobbie was showing Beth and Tim her notes for the new holiday flavors. There was a general friendliness in the air. Working with them had become a high point of the week. Every week, Bobbie got her own 80s movie montage, complete with music.

“So we’re going to need the candied fruit, pecans, cranberries and candy canes added to the shopping list for next week.” Bobbie told them. “With the increase in the order , we should be able to add more flavors with no problem, might just take us a little longer.” She spend the next twenty minutes explaining the new flavors. A fruitcake(The Royal Tannenbaum), a chocolate candy cane(The Clark Griswold), and a cranberry orange custard filled cupcake(The John McClane).

“Bobbie, how are you so good at this? We better get started. I have an appointment tomorrow.” Tim said, turning to the mixers.

“Oh,” Bobbie said. “Okay. No problem. Beth.”

“Hmm.” Beth said, looking at the recipes.

“Tell your dad that you’re coming to have Thanksgiving with Kim and I. Just can’t the thought of you two by yourselves.”

“R…really?” Beth smiled broadly.”Of course. I’ll tell him”

Time passed quickly. With songs in their hearts and batter crusted under their fingernails all the prep work was laid out to make the next day’s work go smoothly. Roy came to pick up Beth. She bounded out to the car, Bobbie followed. It was obvious that Beth was breaking the news from the way she got animated. Bobbie knocked on the window.

Beth rolled the window down.

Roy offered his knuckles again, Bobbie bumped smiling.

“So, Thanksgiving at your house, huh? Looking forward to it.”

“See ya at school, Bobbie.” She turned and waved. “Bye, Tim.”

“Later, Beth.” Tim said. He watched them drive away.” So, Bobbie, that just leaves us. Want me to walk with you?”

“Something wrong with the Vespa?” Bobbie asked.

“No,” Tim said. “Just a nice night is all.” He offered her a hand.

“It’ll be fun, I promise.” Bobbie took his hand and felt a rush of warmth. His touch felt good, reassuring. Bobbie lifted her right foot and took the first step. Tim didn’t let go. They started walking. Bobbie realized that she and Tim were still holding hands two blocks later. They talked of many things. Of spaceships and sponge cake, of music and meringue, love and lemons. Bobbie felt so comfortable opening up to him, like she could tell him almost anything. When they finally reached Bobbie’s house, she was wearing Tim’s jacket. He insisted, she protested, secretly wanting to be surrounded by his smell.

“See you tomorrow, Tim.” Bobbie said with grinning eyes.

“On the flip side.” He said. Bobbie realized that she hadn’t let go of his hand as he started to walk away, stretching out the touch as long as she could.

She watched him walk away until he turned the corner.

Entering the house, there was yelling.

“Kim, get back here. You don’t walk away from me when I’m talking to you.” Sylvia yelled, receiving a slam in reply

“What’s going on?” Bobbie asked.

“Kim is in big trouble. I found this in her room.” She held up a cigarette butt. Sylvia stomped upstairs and more yelling was heard. Bobbie stayed downstairs until Sylvia returned.

“Dammit, Bobbie.” Sylvia began, exasperated. “I don’t want the same thing to happen to her…”

“I know, but… she’s going to make mistakes. All you can do is hope they realize what they’re doing.”

“I hope for her sake that she does. I’m starting to dislike this Roxx the way I disliked Melanie.” Sylvia looked like she tasted something rotten. Maybe she did.

Bobbie winced at the mention of her name, and realized she had a point.

Chapter 21

Roxx was getting impatient. “Can’t we just do it now? It would be so easy to…”

“Patience, pet. We could. But it would be so much better if it was closer to the finish line. Don’t you think?” Lust stroked the back of Roxx’s neck

“It’s just a matter of time.” And if there’s one thing Lust had, it was time.

Knock, knock.

Bobbie looked up from the pile of potatoes she was peeling. “Mom, can you get that?”

Sylvia was up and at the door quickly. She opened it to reveal Beth and her father. Bobbie could see that someone insisted that Mr. Rivers visited Heather. His hair had been cut, giving him a less slovenly appearance, and he was wearing a suit and tie. Bobbie could see that he wasn’t comfortable in it, but smiled he had made the effort.

“Hi, you must be Sylvia. Roy” Roy said, shaking her hand. Bobbie thought he looked nervous.

“Here. Wasn’t sure what kind to get.” He flourished a bottle of wine.

“Thank you, Roy. Hi Beth.”

“Hi Miz Pointe. Bobbieeee!” Beth ran past Sylvia into the kitchen. “Need any help? I can get those potatoes. How much longer does the turkey have? When…” She asked all the right questions, and was up to speed in no time.”

Kim came downstairs wearing the same sunglasses she’d been seen in a lot lately.”Takin’ off, Mom.”

Sylvia looked at her.” Where are you going?”

“Roxx doesn’t have anybody. I’m gonna spend it with her, watch some Twilight Zone. Don’t freak out, it’s casual.Just…”

“I don’t like her, Kim. Why can’t you…” Kim coiled, eyes becoming nuclear cooling vents

“Why can’t I what, Mom?” When Sylvia opened her mouth to answer… “Whatever.” Kim slammed the door behind her. Beth looked after her shocked. Bobbie was a little stunned. Sylvia was the most surprised of all, her ashen face saying everything that needed to be said. But no one understood it.

Bobbie understood. All too well, she’d seen this all happen before. It seemed to be playing out the same way. She wouldn’t, couldn’t let that happen. But how to stop it?

“Sorry,” Sylvia apologized to Roy. “I don’t like her girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend?” Roy asked.

“Daddy,” Beth said, selecting a new potato to peel. “She’s, she’s…”

“gay.” She whispered.

“Oh?” Roy looked at Sylvia.

Sylvia looked at the wine. “Bobbie, could you get out the corkscrew and bring some glasses?”

“So, we were eating the contest entries. We could have eaten the million dollar winner. Wouldn’t have known.” Sylvia finished. Roy laughed.

Dinner had been amazing. Bobbie’s stuffing made with ground pork, cilantro and water chestnuts was a hit. The turkey was perfectly juicy. All the extras could have come from a professional caterer. Even the sweet potato pie was a hit. Roy and Sylvia had talked until the bottle of wine was gone. There was relief in both of their voices, the relief borne of adult conversation. Today, for the first time in an interminably long time, they could talk and not worry or care what they might say. The wine loosened their tongues. Beth and Bobbie retreated to Bobbie’s room to discuss the bakery, the Winter Ball…

…and Tim.

Beth absently looked at the DVDs on the shelf. “You sure watch a lot of movies. I’ve never even heard of half of these. But I love this one. Lloyd really loved her. I always thought that huge radio would be heavy.” A picture fell from between …Say Anything and Sword of Vengeance. Beth picked it up and laughed.

“That’s Kim?” Beth asked seeing a younger version of the badass bass player for Grrl Army, one with her hair in pigtails and wearing a bright yellow dress. Bobbie came over and looked at the picture.

It was one of the old family pictures. Sylvia stood there with out of date clothing and a much shorter haircut, Kim in a state of girlish glee. Jeff also stood there, smiling, and finally Robb, a Robb that had yet to know how bad things could get.

“That’s Robb isn’t it?” Beth asked. “What was he like?”

Bobbie stared at picture. It was Robb alright, hair askew and standing at odd angles. “Afraid, I guess.” She saw his life objectively now. “He was afraid of almost everything.” It was weird to hear it out loud. “After his dad died, ” She pointed to everything. “He came home and read books and watched movies. He got brave at the wrong moment. He met a girl who… was bad for him.”

“Oh, I bet he was nice. He was wasn’t he?”

“You would have liked him.” Bobbie looked at Beth, she looked so innocent. She was such a nice girl.”He would have liked you, too”

“You’ll find someone. And they’ll deserve you.”

Beth smiled, “I know. I just wish I had someone.”

“You have me.” Bobbie said.

Chapter 22

Tensions strained at the house as Kim became more and more scarce. Bobbie only really saw her for band practice. Sylvia was at wit’s end with Kim. Bobbie couldn’t help, either. Kim seemed to be unfindable. An awkward conversation with Mary yielded no other information. She was showing up for school, with Roxx, or closed up in her room. Bobbie saw what was happening. She knew this is what it looked like when Robb had started dating Melanie. What could she do? Everything seemed to only serve to push her further. She only hoped she could help Kim see reason soon.

Cupcake sales at Daily Grind had been, stupendous. There was talk of a second order, The new holiday cupcakes disappearing like the season’s hottest toy on Black Friday. Tim had finally insisted that Bobbie take some of the money. The signs were due to be delivered just before the start of the winter break. Talk of the ball overtook nearly all of the social circles, and preparations had begun in earnest. There were banners and posters, photo packages and meal selections, corsages and boutonnieres.

Semester finals breezed by, Bobbie doing quite well. Out of boredom, she often doodled in her pad, or stared around the room blankly. Some found her spacy, but she displayed a level of awareness that bordered on prescience. Kim hadn’t done so well, her grades dipping into ‘D’s territory. The weather started to turn cold and snow began to fall. However; that wasn’t the only chill Bobbie felt.

It was an overcast Saturday in mid December and the morning of the Winter Ball. The members of Grrl Army decided to have their own pre party. Heather, Beth, and Amber helping Bobbie and Bella, preparations took hours. Bobbie and heather walked around with their hair in curlers for at least half the day. Bobbie chafed at the notion, but Heather insisted that this was going to be a special moment in her life, and she was going to look spectacular, even if it killed her. They talked at length about it after Bella and Amber left to finish preparations at home.

“Think of it as a renewal. Where were you last year? Six months ago?” Heather asked, sipping Diet Coke from a can through a straw. “You’ve had a rough year. Leaving your family, losing Robb.” She put her hand on Bobbie’s. “But look at the other side. Since you came to Delacroix… well you helped Kim for what that’s worth. You met us and Beth. I wouldn’t have met Beth. Tim would still be… blecch.” Heather stuck out her tongue. Bobbie laughed. “And the cupcakes, and the bake sale. The bakery…” She saw Bobbie’s nails. “Bobbie, when’s the last time you had a manicure?”

As the sun began to sink in the west, the dying light cast beautiful, irreproducible colors against the newly fallen snow. Bobbie sipped cocoa with a candy cane stir. Her hair was curly for the second time in her life. Bobbie had to admit that Heather had done it better. The curls cascaded over her shoulders, her bangs framed her face. It was tacky to the touch, but Heather assured that it would hold for the night. Her makeup was flawless, Bobbie’s blue eyes nearly glowed, her fingertips lacquered azure. Blue teardrop earrings dangled from each lobe, a string of blue gemstones ringed her slender neck.

And the dress did the rest. It looked positively ethereal on. The strapless dress was a floor length gown made of ice blue satin and tulle. Tiny gems decorated the bodice. It hugged every inch of her waist. This is my power armor now, she mused. She was in Heather’s living room waiting with her and Beth. They were all dressed. A limo had been ordered and they were just waiting.

Beth was similarly made up and also dressed in a gown. “You’re going, period.” Heather had told her, Beth had acquiesced.

“You know, Bobbie. I screwed up royally.” Heather said absently.

“What do you mean? I have listened to you haven’t I?”

“My point exactly. You look better than I do. Have to admit I was right about the color though.” Heather said, her voice tinged with mock jealousy.

The limo pulled up, crunching small errant rocks on Heather’s driveway. The girls left the confines of Heather’s house , light jackets covering their shoulders. Tim jumped out of the back of the vehicle. He was wearing black slacks, shiny dress shoes. A grey, tailored jacket covered his arms, his shirt was white with an ice blue tie and pocket square. Bobbie saw him, he looked… well, grown up. She couldn’t see the shoe gazing Tim she had first met.

Tim’s face fell upon seeing her. Here she was again, proving that she was an angel. The first thing he saw was how her eyes glowed. “Hey there, Bobbie Blue.” He said, an almost imperceptible shakiness in his voice. He hugged her carefully. “You look amazing.” He whispered.

Turning back to the car, Tim waved at someone. An overweight guy stepped out of the car wearing a recent suit. A shriek from behind her called her back to the present.

“STEEEVE!” Beth said, nearly knocking Bobbie and tripping on the hem of her dress. They collided as Steve lifted Beth off the ground slightly.

“I know it’s a little late, but. Beth, would you go to the dance with me?” He said.

“YES!” Beth cried. “Oh, you’re gonna mess up my makeup.” She sniffled.

Heather was walking out to the limo. Bobbie and Tim met up with her.

“Heather?” Bobbie began. “What just happened?”

Heather smiled her evil smile. “Remember that party we played?”

“Of course.” Bobbie and Tim both said, their different experiences causing vivid memories.

“That guy.” Bobbie said. “But he’s in college. How…”

“He graduated last year, he’s 18. I got the paperwork in early. They hit it off so well at the party... She needs this just as much as you do. I paid him to keep an eye on her at that party” She giggled a little

“Heather!” Bobbie looked at her. She’s only 15. Isn’t that…”

“He’s not going to do anything wrong.” Heather said, waving her hand nonchalantly.

“He is my cousin after all.”

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Bobbie asked.

“She might have found out. The three of you spend a lot of time at the bakery. I thought it would do her good. I’m going to make a woman out of her yet.” Heather smiled. “You kids have a good time.”

“Aren’t you coming?” Beth asked.

“I’m Bella and Amber’s ride. We’re going stag.” She laughed. “Now go on, shoo.”

They piled into the spacious back of the limo; Beth and Bobbie, Steve and Kim. The long, black vehicle cruised at a medium speed around Delacroix. Bobbie looked at the town where Robb grew up. It had changed. Some of the old fast food places were still there, boarded up. Bobbie recognized where they were…

His and Melanie’s old apartment, it had been four months since she’d left and hadn’t looked back. The area around their old window had been blackened. She could see from the lack of duct tape that the glass had been replaced. Bobbie wondered who lived there now.

They arrived at The Shelton and stood with the throng of other girls in their multicolored gowns and dresses, complimenting each other. The boys stood around in their suits, trying their best to be adults and spend time with a special someone. Bobbie looked around. It was a little overwhelming. So many people, even everyone’s combined darkness couldn’t pierce the brightness of everyone’s mood.

The banquet hall seated the attendees of the ball as they were served their beef or chicken dishes (Tim and Bobbie agreed it was overcooked and under seasoned.) When the dance floor opened up and the lighting was turned on, the hall became bathed in white, tiny specks of light dancing along the walls. The music started, couples taking to the floor immediately. There was an enjoyable chaos, Bobbie noticed, everyone nervous about everyone else. It was recent dance music, and top 40 standards. The first slow dance was announced as the throbbing music faded out, the synthesized strains overtaking the formerly loud hall. The dancers stopped their modern dances, breaking off into couples. The girls stepped forward, the boys slid arms around the smalls of the girls’ backs.

Bobbie and Tim were no exception. Every movement in the dress caused a torrent of sensations as the satin and tulle brushed against her bare legs. She looked at Tim, who was staring into her eyes, lost.

Let’s dance in style/ let’s dance for a while…

The warmth of Tim’s hand made the nerves in Bobbie’s back dance. The contact of their bodies was nuclear. She felt close, protected…safe.

Let us die young or let us live forever….

He held onto Bobbie, rocking from one foot to the other, keeping pace. He saw the whole universe in her eyes. He could smell lilacs and brown sugar under her perfume. This girl had come out of nowhere and now here she was, slow dancing with him. He couldn’t imagine anyone he’d rather be doing this with right now. Or ever.

Can you imagine when this race is won?

Turn our golden faces into the sun…

Bobbie felt Tim’s closeness, smelled his wood and leather smell. Looked up into that smile, and his soulful brown eyes….

Forever young, I want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever? Forever or never?

Tim’s body pressed lightly against Bobbie, she felt his torso against hers. Her breasts responded and a tingling tightness began to spread out from her center.

Some are like water and some are like heat.

Some are the melody and some are the beat.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Beth and Steve, locked together and dancing awkwardly. Together, they looked like they were having such a good time. Even in the lowered light, Bobbie could make out Beth’s smile. Tim noticed as well. “That’s my cue, I guess.” He smiled.

Bobbie looked at Tim, wondering what it was he meant.

So many adventures couldn’t happen today.

So many songs we forgot to play.

“I like you, Bobbie Sharpe.” Tim said, she could feel the thudding of his heart. “Like you that way.”

So many dreams are swinging out of the blue

We let ‘em come true.

Tim started to lean his head forward, his lips parting. Bobbie was struck, the smell, the heat, his closeness coherent thought was a jumble of mismatched threads. She tilted her head up, parted her lips and closed her eyes.

Forever young, I want to be forever young

Do you really want to live forever? Forever or never?

She let his tongue touch hers, it wasn’t weird at all. This moment completely unlike how she had thought it would be. Their tongues writhed against each other, their mouths pressed tightly together. Swaying and kissing, the song ended. The dj said something and the song changed to something a little more uptempo.

With Bobbie and Tim still dancing to the beat of the song in their heads, eyes locked, lips occasionally touching.

Tim went to go get some punch while Bobbie looked around at the scene. The other couples were dancing in a display of sound and color. With a feeling of such lightness that she felt she must be levitating, it was almost like she couldn’t breathe in enough. Bobbie stood there, drinking it all in. Robb was only a memory, and Bobbie thought of her new life and…

“Bobbie.” There was a hand on her shoulder. With a start, she realized it was Amber.

“Oh,” Bobbie smiled distractedly. “Amber, hey.” She looked around. “Where’s your date?”

“Bella and I came together. We’re lending support to Heather. We did this last year.” She pointed at Beth and Steve.” We decided it’s her turn.”

“You mean you didn’t get dates because..? Why?”

Bella walked up. “Because, you silly bitch. You fuckin’ deserve this. You just fuckin’ rock” She held up her hand in the devil horns and stuck her tongue out, looking highly incongruous in her peach taffeta dress.

Tim returned with the punch. He offered Bobbie a cup. She sipped at it pensively.

“But,” Bella continued, grabbing Tim by an arm. “I’m borrowing him.” Tim’s punch sloshed in the cup, narrowly keeping it all in. Amber grabbed his cup from him as he was led helplessly away by the tomboyish Bella. Bobbie giggled, still intoxicated by the dance.

“Bobbie,” Amber started, brushing an errant red hair from her forehead. “I’ve been meaning to ask you. What’s wrong with Kim? I mean, you live with her…”

Bobbie’s mood was darkened at the thought of her sister. “I don’t know, teen rebellion? She’s been practically joined to Roxx’s hip for weeks. Mom’s mad at her a lot lately, too.”

“There you guys are.” Heather walked up, cup in her hand. “I was wondering where you all got to, where’s…”She scanned the crowd for Bella. “Oh, there she is.”

“Speaking of Kim, anyone see her?” Bobbie asked, suddenly worried. If they saw something wrong…

“Oh, yeah. She’s off in a dark corner making out with Roxx.” Heather said. “I don’t know what she sees in her.”She lowered her voice “could do better”. She brightened quickly “With my mom coming home next week, though, I’ve got too much on my plate to think about it.”

“You’re mom’s coming home?” Amber asked.

“Yeah, she’ll be here for a week, There’s a break in the shooting. So, Christmas.” Heather said. The song ended and Tim and Bella returned.

“You were fuckin’ great, kid.” Bella said, kissing Tim on the cheek. He blushed as he realized that some of her lipstick stuck to him.

“Bobbie,” Amber said, handing Tim’s cup to Bella.”I’m sorry, but I need to borrow him, too.” Amber captured Tim’s arm and back out to the dance floor he went.

“He’s either really fuckin’ nervous, or he’s a fucking awful dancer.” Bella said smiling. “But he’s yours, and he fuckin’ likes you.” Bella seemed like she was just giving Bobbie a hard time. Bobbie smiled.

When the next song ended, Amber and Tim returned to the group. They were all smiling and laughing. Bobbie felt….high. Is that the right word? She smiled at Tim, he smiled back. Everything

They chatted, sipping their punch. When the next slow dance came, Tim offered his hand to Bobbie. “May I have this dance?” Tim offered his hand. Smiling and nodding, Bobbie went out there silently. Welded together, they slowly swayed.

There is freedom within
there is freedom without
Try to catch a deluge in a paper cup
There's a battle ahead
many battles are lost
But you'll never see the end of the road
While you're travelling with me

“I’m fuckin’ jealous. How is it she just shows up, finds the right fuckin’ guy, and we all still fuckin’ like her?” Bella sipped at Tim’s forgotten punch. Amber nodded.

“There’s somebody for everyone.” The redhead said. “My luck, he lives in Zimbabwe.” Heather laughed.

Hey now, hey now, Don’t dream it’s over…

“Sometimes, they’re closer than you think.” Said the singer; eyeing Kim in her dark suit with white tie. She was latched to Roxx’s painted on dress. The unlikely pair disappeared out of the hall and into the night.

Hey now, hey now, when the world comes in
They come, they come to build a wall between us…

After the last dance of the evening, the young revelers spilled out of the Shelton and broke off into groups, each heading for the afterparties. Beth and Steve arrived at the limo, smiling and giggling and holding hands. They had a good time, that much was readily apparent. They were starry eyed, Bobbie noticed. So was Tim, she concluded that she must be too. Steve helped Beth into the Limo, followed by Bobbie. Steve entered, then Tim, finally closing the door.

They didn’t go to any of the parties, but elected to drive around with the sun roof open and take turns standing out of it and staring up at the night sky. Tim stood there with his arm around Bobbie, his touch blocking the chill rush of air that hissed past the car. Bobbie remembered seeing the stars before, but never like this. It was wonderful.

Beth got dropped off at home just a few minutes past her midnight curfew. From the glow of the light, it was obvious that Roy had stayed up late. Their silhouettes merged as they hugged. The Limo pulled up to the bakery. “Last stop, everybody out.” Steve said.

“Bobbie, I’ll give you a ride. C’mon.” Tim handed Bobbie her purse and led her out of the limo.

“What about Steve?” Bobbie asked.

“I’ll be fine, he’ll just drop me off last.” Steve said, waving and closing the door. The limo drove off, leaving Bobbie and Tim standing outside the bakery.

Tim opened the locks, entered the building and hit the breakers. Only this time, the overhead fluorescent lights didn’t come on. Yet the room glowed dimly. Looking around, Bobbie realized that the light came from all of the ovens. She smiled.

“I just wanted one more dance with you before I took you home. I didn’t think you’d mind, and I picked this song especially for this. I knew they wouldn’t play it at the dance. He walked over and switched on the small cd player. Slow, sparse guitars began to play. “So,” He stretched out his hand. “One more dance, Bobbie Blue?” The light glinted over his eyes and teeth.

Bobbie swelled; he had done all this for her. Granted, it wasn’t much, but the gesture touched her. She took his hand and moved in close. Bella was right about one thing, he was a terrible dancer. But the feeling she had when she stood that close to him more than made up for it.

They will see us swinging from such great heights
‘Come down now’ they’ll say
But everything looks perfect from far away
‘Come down now’, but we’ll stay

They danced in the dim glow of the oven lights. “Always wanted to dance with a girl to this song.” Tim said.

Bobbie smiled. “I liked Garden State, too.” This time, she kissed first. She didn’t want the night to end. Everything seemed so… right. Bobbie’s life was heading in the right direction.

Shame I had to cause so much trouble to find this.

Chapter 23

With school out, Bobbie had been going to Heather’s under the guise of being her model. Heather’s mother, Betty; had come home with wild tales of New Zealand and bad stitching. Heather, while happy to see her mother, seemed a little annoyed after the first day. While standing in yet another blue gown with Heather affixing pins to the hem, Bobbie found out why.

“You are such a beautiful girl, Bobbie. You have a boyfriend, right?” Betty asked.

Bobbie got timid. “I …I guess….”

“Heather never has a boyfriend.”

“Mom,” Heather said, annoyance creeping into her voice. “Give it a rest. I don’t want you to start putting Bobbie on a pedestal.”

“It’s just that…”

“Mom, I… ow.” She stuck her finger in her mouth.

“Ok, okay. No need to get all flustered.” Betty backed away slowly.

“What was that all about?” Bobbie asked.

Heather waved her hand. “She’s always on me about getting a boyfriend. I’ll find someone when I’m damn good and ready. You want to get out of here?” Exasperated, Heather started putting her supplies away.

“Anything to get out of this dress.” Bobbie said. Heather smiled. Soon, the pair was off to Daily Grind. At a table usually home to studying students, Bobbie and Heather sat, sipping hot, caffeinated bliss. Between them sat a Mortal Choklate.

“I’m worried about Kim.” Heather said. “She’s been spacey lately. She spends so much time with Roxx…”

“For what it’s worth, Mom and I don’t like her either.” Bobbie said.

“I know that her brother Robb went through something like this, but I don’t think it’s exactly the same. I don’t know if I can live with myself if something happens to her.” Heather said absently. Bobbie wondered where that came from. Catching herself, she said. “Hard to find a good female bass player is all.” Heather pulled a piece of the cupcake off and popped it into her mouth as if to stop talking. Bobbie could see a tightening darkness. It had been gathering a lot lately, but she just figured it due to the stress of the holidays. But, this was something else.

Heather sighed “I guess we should get back. I at least need to finish that dress.”

That weekend, Tim, Beth, Bobbie, and Grrl Army stood at Cheepskates. Their diligent efforts had bought them their sign. It sat atop the door in a large circle of orange and the blue chick in the center. Tim was excited, so was Bobbie. Neither she nor Tim couldn‘t wait to open. A little interior redecorating and Delacroix would have the country’s newest gourmet cupcake boutique. Everyone was excited…

Except Kim, she sat behind her shades, looking for all the world like she couldn’t wait to leave. When her phone rang, she was up and excusing herself. Once she was gone, conversation turned to her.

“I fuckin’ swear. That Roxx…” Bella said.

“Yeah, Bobbie. What’s up with that? She was always so gung ho about the band. Now, she just hangs around with that Suicide Girl wannabe.” Amber spoke up. “I think she was high.”

Bobbie sighed.” Probably.’

Heather looked at her. “Didn’t her brother have a drug pro…” She turned to Bobbie.

She screwed her face up. “Yeah.” Bobbie groaned inside, she didn’t want to remember anymore. Everything had been so much better. But here it was again. Worse, it was happening to someone else, and she seemed powerless to stop it. All the darkness and cupcakes only seemed to draw it into focus. They were right, Bobbie realized.

“She doesn’t joke anymore.” Heather said, her usually sunny expression falling. “Not with us anyway; every time I see her and that… that…”

“Fucking whore.” She spat. Bella and Amber looked at Heather, shocked.

“About fuckin’ time someone fuckin’ said it.” Bella exclaimed. “What the fuck is going on with her? She’s like a different person.”

“I know.” Bobbie said. “I hope for her sake it won’t last.”

Heather sighed. “But it’s going to break her heart. She deserves better than that.”

Beth, who had been quiet during the exchange suddenly looked up. “I don’t like her either.” She said timidly. This was shocking to everyone as well. Beth liked almost everybody, even the mention of Carla Castillo didn’t raise her ire.

Tim finally re entered the room. “Why does everyone look all down?”

“Kim,” Bobbie said. “Well… more Roxx.”

“We don’t like her.” Beth said with finality.

“Whoa.” He looked around. “Well, the signs are up. I guess that means we’re ready. Just need to finish school. A buzzing sounded. Beth jumped as if bitten by an unseen animal. The group looked at her quizzically. Her phone never rang.

“Hi… yes, this is…. Oh, hi Steve.” Beth squealed. Tim and Bobbie looked at Heather, who seemed just as shocked as they were. “I’d love to. Okay see you in a bit.”

Folding her phone, Heather looked at Beth.” What was that all about?”

“Steve just asked me to go miniature golfing with him.” Her face slackened in realization. “I have a date?”

“Fuckin’ sounds like it.” Bella said.

“I better get you ready.” Heather said mocking annoyance. “We’ll see you guys soon. Beth?”

Beth was both stunned and excited, she chatted excitedly at Heather as they walked to her car.

“Yeah, tomorrow’s Christmas Eve.” Amber said. “I should get home. I’ll call you or see you or.. whatever.”

“I’ll roll with ya.” Bella said. The girls got up, gathered their things, and left into the grey afternoon.

“I think we’re alone now.” Tim sang. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Kim. I don’t like Roxx.”

“She seems nice enough.” Tim said, sliding his arm around her shoulder. “Kim seems to like her.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of. She’s been getting high.”

Tim looked at her. “And…”

Bobbie sighed. “I had a problem, too. So did her brother.”

“She’ll be fine, she’s smart. You’re smarter.” Bobbie smiled.

“…and much cuter.” Tim finished, squeezing her closer. The smile continued, but the vacancy behind her eyes told Tim that the subject was far from forgotten.

“So, wanna go out and look at the lights tomorrow? I mean, I know it’s Christmas Eve, you probably have…”

“Sure. I’ll go. Sounds like fun.”

“Oh… I forgot. This is kind of your first Christmas, isn’t it?’

Bobbie reflected. In a way, I guess it is.

“Okay, sounds like fun.”

Chapter 24

It was cold, storm clouds had been gathering all day. Kim was gone, Sylvia was getting ready to leave. Apparently she and Roy hit it off at Thanksgiving and they had continued talking. She absently wondered if Beth had noticed.

She’s been busy with Steve. She thought.

Kim was gone, again. She had been gone a lot. She looked at the miniature Christmas tree that sat on the end table in the corner with presents sticking out from under it at Lovecraftian angles. She remembered an earlier life, one with a larger tree. One with more family members.

Now, things were not even remotely the same. Sylvia was leaving for the night with Roy. She was going out with Tim. The Pointe house would be very quiet this Christmas eve.

“Alright, Bobbie. How do I look?” Sylvia asked. She was wearing a dress. It was an old one, it still fit her, but may have come from the wrong decade. Like the 80s.

There was a knock at the door when Bobbie opened her mouth to speak. Sylvia quickly crossed the room and opened the door. Roy was there, in a slightly different suit, also looking like the 80s never died.

Bobbie grinned a little. “Just fine, Mom. Just fine.”

“Hi, Sylvia. You ready?” Roy asked smiling. Sylvia returned the expression and stepped out the door.

“You crazy kids have a good time, and you have her home by midnight mister.” Bobbie scolded, eliciting a laugh from the adults as they left.

Bobbie looked ruefully as the adults drove away. She needed to get out of the house, she needed a break from Kim…

And Roxx.

Bobbie looked at the clock and decided it was time to change. It was cold, and she knew she’d be walking around. She donned her cold weather gear just in time for the sound of Tim’s Vespa. As she pulled on her sweater, she reflected on what Tim had said.

Before Jeff died, Christmas used to be a big deal; large tree, many decorations…After his death, Christmas became a muted affair. Robb and Melanie never really celebrated either, finding solace in each other’s arms. Bobbie looked into the mirror and brushed her hair a few times. It was ‘Bobbie’s’ first Christmas, she felt it; the ‘Christmas Spirit’. She wasn’t sure if it was a byproduct of everything else that had happened this year, but she felt different. Was different.

Tim rode up not long after, wearing a heavy coat. Bobbie opened the door and pulled a beanie over her hair. It was cold, and there were streaks of clouds that threatened to gather hanging in the sky like ethereal ornaments attempting to find something to attach to.

“Hey, Bobbie. You ready?”

She nodded and started to reach for the spare helmet.

“Uh Uh. We’re walking. All the good lights are down here.” He extended his hand. Reaching into his jacket, he pulled out two cans. He handed one to Bobbie. Tim turned his upside down and pulled out a plastic tab, he indicated that Bobbie do the same. The cans hissed a little as they righted them. They flipped their cans over and…

“Careful, Bobbie. It’s hot.” Tim said, popping the top and sipping. To Bobbie’s surprise, it was. She sipped at hers as they started walking. Bobbie noticed the lights, it had been years since Christmas held any kind of special enticement, for Robb or Bobbie.

They walked and sipped their coffee. Turning a corner, Bobbie and Tim burst out laughing. One of the residents had but a large ‘L’ in green lights and a circle slash in red ones covering their roof. There were the obligatory manger displays, snowmen, and Santas with and without sleighs. Bobbie felt a strange warmth in her hand. Looking down, she realized that she’d been holding Tim’s hand. How long have I been doing that? She felt his hand, the skin was rough. A fleeting memory of young Robert, hold his father’s hand as they crossed the street crossed her mind. She remembered feeling happy to be out with him. Tim’s hand felt pleasant, she felt wanted. But like two different freeways that meet at the same exit, the journey had made everything different.

Tim and Bobbie returned to Bobbie’s house late, they had walked long after the self heating coffee had gone. Walked until the cold began to creep into their toes, after a hug, kiss, and ‘Merry Christmas’, Bobbie crept into the dark house. Small colored lights cast strange shadows on the corner. An oddly shaped form was bunched up on the couch. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was Kim. She was out cold, even Bobbies shaking couldn’t rouse her. Giving up, she quietly went to bed.

The next morning found Kim in the same place as Bobbie came down. This time, her shaking worked. Her eyes looked slightly sunken in, her skin pale. “Ugh.” She said, moving to a sitting position. “Too much last night.” She groaned

“Too much what?” Bobbie asked.

“Drank some vodka.” She smiled. “I was so messed up.”

“Kim…” Bobbie began.

Kim held up her hand. “I’ll be fine, once the coffee gets made.

“…Merry Christmas.”

Her eyelids stretched open. “Oh, yeah. I think I ‘m still a little high.”

Bobbie looked at her distastefully. “Keep it together today, Kim.” She warned.

Booze, pot. Jesus Kimster. This better not go any further.

Coffee was made, and Kim seemed slightly more human. “Merry, fuck it.” She reached into her jacket and pulled out a small package. “Roxx and I…” Bobbie cringed inside at the mention of her name. “…got this for you. “ She yawned.

Sylvia came downstairs to see a wakened Kim and Bobbie drinking coffee. “Merry Christmas.” She said, heading for the coffee maker.

“Merry Christmas, Mom.” Kim and Bobbie said, almost in stereo.