#'i live in this complex in a building by a dumpster' girl huh?? | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

new2otomelol · 6 years

Text

SCM - The Mate - Chapter 4

I might transfer this to Wattpad in hopes it gets a few more readers :-) Any suggestions or comments you may have, please feel free to write. I hope you enjoy. The picture below is not my own.

DRUNKEN HAZE

“Rhea! Oh my, you look sexy, are you here for me?” Teorus quickly announces. I freak out and quickly, but feebly manage to button one more button of my dress. “Baaack off prince sketchy, who are those twooo guys over yonder?” I hear Hue giggle in the background as Teorus pretends to be offended, “Oh, that’s just Aigo and Tauxolouve, they also need your help.” I sigh, I’m so glad I’m not in all my senses. “whooo is I helpin’ today?” I feel someone grab my wrist and drag me behind them, “you’re with me goldie, tomorrow you help out Karno.”I stumble a couple of times until I notice that Leo was my captor, leading me through hallways “ooooh, so pretty” I try, to no avail, to touch the statues ornately displayed throughout the corridors, unfortunately for me, my detainer is as impatient as they come.

Once we enter an elegant room that, honestly, just yells ‘LEO!’ all around, he sits me in a chair next to a fountain and holds my hand, which I yank away immediately. “Look, I need to work and you need to be still, woman.” I lay back on the chair, pick up my book and put my foot on the edge of the fountain. “Nuh uh buster, you touch foot while I read! Happy trails to youuuu!” I commence my reading attempting to stop my head from swaying any further. “Tsk, humans, you’re all the same.” The comment angers me to no end. Yes, I am not human myself, but at the same time, what gives him the right to judge them? Just then I feel someone touch my shoulder and I look up to notice Hue with a cup of coffee in his hands, looking as if he’s trying to stifle a laugh, “Rhea, it looks like you’ll need this.” I quickly take the cup and take a sip, “sooooooo good, thank you Hue!” I re-adjust in the chair and try to place my book on the side, “may I?” he asks as he notices me struggling a little, “please do.”

Leo rolls his eyes as I move again, “be still woman!” I growl at him in response. “Hmmm…. Infinite Jest, is this a good book?” Hue asks. I smile immediately, already feeling better, thanks to the coffee. “Yes! It’s confusing to say the least, but the read is worth it.” Hue takes my now empty coffee cup from my hands and gives me back the book, “I’ll leave you to it then.” Time passes by slowly and thanks to the coffee, so are my senses. “Goldie, it’s been a couple of hours, we’re done.” Leo announces, or commands, at this point, I can care less. I stand up and simply walk away without saying a word. “What? Still too drunk to talk?” This man knows exactly how to get under my skin. “Look, you said I’m done, I’ll take it at face value and go, and trust me, you should leave it at that and keep your comments to yourself.” I make it to the door when he spits out another comment. “What will happen if I don’t?”

Oh buddy, you just angered the beast within. “Alright kitty. You have many issues and an intense complex. Yes, you are an ‘all power-full and mighty god’ as can be evidenced by the way your friends and colleagues respect and revere you; however, you have a strong dislike of humans and you clearly don’t believe in love, based on the wishes I saw you grant during a small period of time. Normally I leave things alone, but you love pushing me, so here I go. People that truly care about you, care about who you are and want to be in your life, in fact, there are a few of those out there hanging around in the living room. Now, love is one of the toughest emotions out there, regardless if you’re human or a god. Finding someone to co-exist with, care for and have them do the same for you, well, it can be nearly impossible at times. That is why people cherish the feeling when it occurs, even if that moment leads to heartache, it is still a worthy emotion to experience and never give up in attaining. Today, you managed to avoid many people’s wishes that might have helped you understand it better. Love is not just a physical thing, that’ just a quarter of what it involves. Now, I’ll end it here because honestly, I can go on forever and I’d rather sit through one of Freud’s lectures again, so until later!” I walk out quickly and slam the door.

Just what have I gotten myself into and why can’t I just shut up? Ughh. I walk back to the living room and find Hue waiting for me. “So, are you ready to head home?” I grunt and reply “you have no earthly idea!” I see him grin a little. “Listen, I know you guys ‘get’ him, but seriously, he needs a lot of help.” Hue shakes his head and motions for me to follow him. “So, Freud, huh? Do you think he was a good man?” Crap, he was listening! Oh well, I nod immediately, I mean, the man was one of my best friends. “Yes of course he was. His theories were a bit extreme during the time, but he had good intentions and really tried his best to help humanity. He was such a gentle and caring soul and man could he…” I stop dead in my tracks realizing that I am about to reveal a little more than I should. “Hmm… it sounds as if you knew the guy personally?” Hue arches an eye brow my way, his blue eyes staring deep within my soul. “I… I merely researched him a little too much.” Luckily for me, we reach my apartment rather quickly. “Hue, thanks for walking me to my place and for the coffee, it helped greatly.” He smiled and opened the door for me. “Let’s talk a little bit more about Freud next time.” I vow to him, “I’d love to, good night!” He closes the door and I melt to the ground. Oh Huedhaut, if you only knew how hard it is for me to be in the same room as you without wanting to mark you as my own. The dragon within me stirs with a yearning I’ve never felt before and my heart beats with a beautiful familiarity towards him.

Weeks pass by and I end up assisting all the gods of the Wishes Department, except for one, Hue; this week will be his turn. Fortunately, we’ve had a good a mount of time to talk and get to know each other more as he takes the time to walk me to my apartment every day. I look out to the balcony and notice the beautiful starts glimmering in the night sky. “Time for a walk! I may not be able to fly for a while, but I really need to de-stress a little.” I pick up the keys, take my phone and head out to the street. Just then, two men show up in front of me, “goddess of fate, you’re coming with us!” By the smell of them, I could tell they were demons. I turn to run, I can’t fight them in an open area such as this. I feel fireballs thrown my away and I easily flip through the air avoiding them.

Once at the end of the street, the men shift and re-appear in front of me. “SHIT!” I yell out and do a cartwheel to the side to avoid a head-on attack, more fireballs dart past me. “Pssst… Alpha, this way…” I look to the side and notice two young girls vowing in front of me with their hair to the side, exposing their necks. Crap! wolf-bearers. “Rhea, we’re not here to harm you, follow us.” I look back at the demons who are suddenly entertained by what appear to be new gods I’ve never met before. I follow the ladies to the end of the alleyway and they take me inside an underground room that was accessible underneath a dumpster. “There, we’re safe! The door is sealed to hide our scent and they won’t be able to enter.” I take a cautious step backward. “What do you want from me, pup?” The girl lowers her head and takes my hand. “I realize you have every reason not to trust a wolf-bearer pack, especially ours, but please hear us out. A long time ago, our second generation alpha was the one after your mother. Because he was never able to find his mate, he obsessed over her and tried many times to claim her for his own. What he did was unforgivable, but we were unable to do anything until a stronger member of our clan defeated him and we received a new alpha. It’s been a couple of centuries since then, but your legend remained alive. Great dragon, we are forever in your debt and we are to respect you as an alpha, always.”

I sit down and try to take it all in, will this ever end? “Okay ladies, I appreciate the gesture, and tell your alpha all is forgiven, it wasn’t his fault to begin with. You don’t have to do anything for me or respect me in such a way. All that I do ask is just to let me be.” The girls smile, and both jump and hug me at the same time. “Great dragon, you are amazing, but we will be there when you need us. You’re half a werewolf blood yourself.” I laugh, “since when have you been okay with the term ‘werewolf’?” The girls pull back and give me a proud look. “Eh, why not, we decided not to fight it. Plus, it sounds better than having to say wolf-bearer all the time.” I sigh, “young-uns.” The girls laugh and lead me up a seat of stairs to the front of a building. “Great…” I interrupt one of the girls, “please just call me by my name,” the girl smiles brightly, “Rhea, thank you and just remember to call us should you need anything.” I feel confused as I don’t seem to have a number or contact information for them. One of the girls takes out a knife and slashes the palm of my hand and hers rather quickly. “Sorry Rhea, but here, shake my hand.” I do as she instructs and we hold hands for a minute when I feel my heart race and soon I feel a strange connection to her. My name is Sara, we are now linked. Not like a mate, but think of me as a friend. Goodbye Rhea and good luck with everything. The girls take off and I stand there in the middle of the night, bewildered out of my mind. I take a handkerchief out and tie it around my hand and walk back to my apartment.

I open the door and suddenly feel someone’s strong arms embrace me. “RHEA! Thank the universe, you’re safe. I… I… thought I lost you. I can’t go through that again.” It’s dark, but I can tell by his voice, this is Hue. My heart beets faster than ever before and my blood runs hotter as it courses through my veins. “Hue, please, I’m alright, you haven’t lost me. I know it’s been hard for you, especially because of what I did before, but it had to be done. Please, for your sake, take a step back, I don’t know if I can hold myself much longer.” His arms shake as he pulls himself away. With a snap, the lights turn on and he sits on my bed, trying to regain his composure his wide eyes fall upon mine. “Wait… how do you? Do you remember? It can’t be a coincidence that you refer to me by my nickname or that you look so much like her… Rhea, answer me!” I stand there dumb-founded, I just keep blurting out everything, but when it comes to him, I can’t lie.

I take a seat on the bed next to him and face him. “I… remember some things as if they just happened yesterday; your face has been a presence in my dreams since I can remember, but the goddess I use to be is gone and I am now a new individual, same soul, but different.” Hue gently touches my face and looks at me with such a tender stare. “What did you mean by you not being able to hold yourself much longer?” Crap, why did I say that out loud?! I sigh and shift away from his hold. “Be… because there’s something different about me, but I can’t tell you, I’m afraid…” Hue takes my hand and my senses go overboard as I stare at him “Rhea, your eyes are glowing.” I gasp and attempt to get away from him, but he quickly embraces me to keep me in place. “What’s going on? You can tell me.” I shake my head and close my eyes. “Rhea, look at me, please…” I open my eyes and notice his face is right in front of mine. “Never in my life have I seen such eyes before; your iris is shaped like a reptile’s and your eyes glow a bright fuchsia, your stars gleam all around; truly magnificent.” The next moment his lips are on mine. Glimpses from my life with him run through my mind and the desire to possess him returns with a stronger hold. Hue deepens our kiss and I lose my sense of logic and brake away from our kiss and continue to kiss him down his neck, “ngghh…” I feel him moan as I unbutton his shirt and feel my fangs extend a little, I must mark him as my mate… wait, NO! He’s a god!

I push him away and take deep breaths. Hue looks at me shocked, but with a smile on his face, “Rhea, it’s going to be okay, what’s wrong? Just then a god I’ve never seen before bursts through my door. “Ms. Rhea Castille, we’ve been looking for you.” The man looks at me with a sharp stare as he adjusts his gloves and fixes his long ponytail. “How you managed to evade those demons, I will never know, but now, you are under our protection, it seems the Dark King wants you and the King would also like to meet with you.”

To be continued…

#scm #scm fanfic #scm huedhaut #scm king #scm dragon #voltage fanfic

12 notes · View notes

leightaylorwrites · 6 years

Text

Leigh Dissects YA Fiction: They All Fall Down (Chapters 9 - 12)

Chapter Nine

Levi certainly wasn’t grieving Olivia’s death…

Of course not. Why would he be grieving his ex-girlfriend? That would imply that he cares about anyone other than you and with this being a YA book, it’s unlikely that a romantic lead would be so complex.

[...] his open varsity jacket making his shoulders look even broader.

A specific sport isn’t named. Does the author think all varsity athletes get the same jacket? There are emblems, symbols, and other things that are specific to certain sports. This is what happens when you base your YA book on your own nerdy high school experiences and don’t do basic research: you get things wrong.

“Why is everyone so certain Levi Sterling is going to jail?” I demand.

You can’t demand a question that has to be answered by multiple people when you’re only with one person. Also, didn’t you, like recently, say he might’ve been a murderer or rapist?

I nod sympathetically, supposing that’s a legit enough connection for a guy like Josh to shed a few tears.

Because for a masculine boy to cry, it has to be legitimized.

Was he kidding? Girls like Olivia and the rest of them on that list didn’t hang out with nerds like me. But guys don’t always know that.

Okay, even if we’re going with the ridiculous idea that people don’t have friends in different circles, the same would be true for boys. Geeky boys and jocks wouldn’t hang out. Why wouldn’t he know this?

“I missed you last night,” he says right into my ear, with a secret, sexy voice that should have every cell in my body jumping up and down.

You’ve spoken for a total of three minutes.

“I had…” Movie night with mom. “Something else to do.”

Why can’t she just tell him the truth? I get it’s geeky but it’s not like you were committing a crime.

A flicker of distaste crosses his expression as he conciders what could possibly have been more important than his game, and his gaze shifts in the direction where Levi had been. “Out with your parolee?”

Dora doesn’t tell him the truth about her whereabouts as a way for the author to throw in cheap tension. If she had a legit reason or given an explanation (like how I said spending time with her mom is ~geeky~), then it would’ve worked. Without that, this is just lazy writing.

“Good thing, ‘cause they're saying he was there and was having a deep and heated conversation with Olivia before she died.”

Did this book have an editor?

“Good thing you weren’t with him.”

He’s said good thing twice in the past quarter page. Either the author discovered a new phrase while writing this chapter, or someone stans NCT.

“Listen, I know it’s not going to be really fun under the circumstances and all, but a bunch of kids are getting together at my house tonight. Will you come?”

Y’all really about to have a party when someone just died. I get the popular kids are supposed to somewhat suck but there’s sucking then there’s being horrible people.

“We’re changing clothes, you freakazoid!”

Outdated reference is outdated. Most of this author’s demographic does not know that song. Has she ever spoken with an actual teenager? In this century?

“His parents passed away many years ago.”

Please be related to the cult I’m probably totally wrong about.

“I never got into the house but I’ve heard it’s amazing, with an indoor swimming pool and a ten-car garage adjacent to some of the prettiest parts of Nacht Woods.”

Good Lord. First, it annoys me when characters who are loaded go to public school with a bunch of people who are nowhere near as rich. School zoning doesn’t work like that, with only one megarich kid and everyone else being middle class. Second, why are we getting this awkward splooge from Generic BFF’s mom instead of having this description when Dora gets to the party later????? Why is this writing so bad? Where is the editor?

“The grandfather, who’s retired, of course, made a killing on Wall Street, as I understand it.”

What is this SENTENCE?! I suck at grammar and sentence structure and all those technical things but damn, I know I could do a better job at this editor who works for an actual publishing house.

“Really hit it huge in the go-go eighties.”

“Where’d they go-go?” Kayla asks, making everyone laugh.

Not me.

“It’s the idiots who can’t handle the peer pressure. But, okay, you girls use common sense.”

Fucking hell. If they’re pressured into drinking then they’re not idiots. That’s why it’s called PRESSURE. And why are we acting like people with common sense don’t drink? They’re not mutually exclusive.

“(...) I’d love to just sit around that table for house with a family that is so whole and happy. But I only have myself to blame for that.”

Shut your melodramatic ass up.

Chapter Ten

God save me.

(..) what feels like a half-mile-long driveway (...) At least fifty cars are in the drive and along the street.

Driveway. It’s called a driveway. You just used it in the last sentence.

She’s cute - and has to be freezing - but, really, nothing extraordinary to look at.

What a fucking bitch. Honestly, Dora, please die.

“We’re going into the woods.”

Yes, now it’s the point in the book where a Native American burial ground is invaded by drunk suburban white teens who literally have no respect for the land. This includes our protagonist. And if you’re thinking she’s going to mention how wrong and disrespectful this is, bring your expectations of this author down. No, further. FURTHER. Yes, that low.

“We’re at Meesha mound.” She leans closer and lowers her voice. “Indian burial ground, you know. Cool, huh?”

“Very.”

To be fair, Dora says her “very” is sarcasm but like?? Nothing is done or said about how horrible it is that they’re doing this. Or even the improper and offensive usage of “Indian.”

She misses my sarcasm and takes me down a dark path.

Obviously bad metaphor is obviously bad.

“I like Sisters of the List,” Kylie Leff says, leaning into Amanda. “We’ve been blood sisters since kindergarten.”

Can I return this book and get cult lesbians instead? Side note, if you want to watch something about a cult lesbian, AHS: Cult was AMAZING and its best season since Coven.

She holds up a single knuckle and Amanda meets it with one of her own in the most feminine and lackluster knuckle tap in history.

We get it. Fem = bad, hot fem = bad, weak fem = bad.

Why was Dora expecting some epic knuckle punch when Kylie only used one knuckle? Does she think she has super-strength?

It’s Candace Yardley, number ten, who up to this point has been virtually silent. Once again, I take a second to admire her dark good looks; she is runway perfect.

Why is this book so racist?!! Having the Asian character be silent until Dora is ready to comment on her ~dark good looks~?? And she has to be at the bottom of the list? What IS THIS?!

She smiles at her best friend.

How many times must we be reminded that Kylie and Amanda are gal pals, heteros, and that this book has no room for lesbians? Petition to save Kylie and Amanda from this hetero dumpster fire.

I take the vodka bottle and let a few drops touch my lips, the flavor like bitter grape cough medicine.

One, you can’t taste much with your lips. Two, that’s not what vodka tastes like.

“You bitches cray.” She sings the last word on a laugh. “But I need to get fried.”

Let’s play “spot the Token black character.” I think the usage of the word cray is a testament to how old this book is. Back when white authors thought it was fun to use cringe aave. You gon finna catch me is SHAKING.

“Thank god that chapter is over” - me after every chapter.

Chapter Eleven

“YOLO, baby girl. Which translates into ‘have some fun.’

Petition to have white authors never write black characters again.

I can smell beer, and the sound of rap is barely drowned out by loud boys and girls laughing. Really? On the night after the girl they all planned to vote for class president next year has died? They either don’t care or… they don’t understand death.

You fucking asshole, Dora. Some people have different coping methods. And, how would you know they don’t care or understand death? Do you think you’re the only person in your whole school who has lost someone?

They don’t know how permanent death is. But I do.

Earlier, we learned that Generic Good Boy is a fucking orphan. He lost BOTH parents. You lost ONE brother. Shut up.

“Like I said… YOLO.”

Stop. I’m begging.

“You know what I remember about you in middle school?” (...) “You were hydrogen in our Dress Like an Element Day in science.”

Listen, I like the fact that Dora and GGB have natural chemistry as characters whereas Dora and GBB are forced like hell. But could the author not think of a more interesting element? Why would GGB remember this in particular? Even if he thought Dora was cute, it would make sense for the element to be something less common and therefore more easy for the reader to see why it was so memorable.

“You’re the Latin expert.”

She’s a junior in high school.

“(...) he lives to meet pretty girls.” The way he says it makes me feel like I really am one of those pretty girls.

Because he just told you his grandfather likes pretty girls? An old man? That makes you feel pretty? Really? That?

“Wait--I want to kill her, er, say hi.”

Ignoring this horrible attempt at humor, Dora is upset with her friend for drinking at a party. I’ll point you to Dora’s weird grape cough medicine vodka from her cult meeting in the woods.

“I play on two travel teams--hey, Ryan--and lots of these kids are from all over this side of the state.”

They came all the way out here for one party? Are there no parties in their own neighborhoods?

“Kenzie.” The older man nods in approval. “Of course.” Flashing an easy, wide smile, he looks down--way down--at me. Instantly, I can see where Josh gets his gifts--his height, the build, the sort of raw masculinity mixed with charm that rolls off him. That’s hereditary, I suppose.

I just threw up.

This man is at least sixty, given that his grandson is a high school junior. And Dora just spent a paragraph lowkey lusting after him. I haven’t witnessed something so grossly uncomfortable since Throne of Trash the series we don’t acknowledge.

“You were absolutely correct, Josh. She is a refreshing change.”

Get it? Because she’s not like those other girls.

“You’ve taught me everything, Josh says, a respectful note in his voice. “Including how to pick quality girls.”

Women aren’t avocados.

He pats my hand and shifts in his seat. “Let’s change the subject. I understand you’re on that list that does nothing but objectify lovely teenage girls.”

You can’t call out the list for objectifying them when 1) you’ve done that since you met Dora, 2) you act like a fucking pedophile while you’re touching her, and 3) you follow up the fact that the list is objectifying the girls by calling the girls “lovely.”

“But his legacy lives on, right back in Nacht Woods.” He angles his head toward the back of the house. “He’s buried there, too.”

So not only has this author disrespected Native Americans with using their burial ground for horror aesthetic reasons, but she’s also allowed a white character to be buried there.

“Not him, per se,(...) but the things that mattered to him. I made a place to honor him.”

I know we need exposition but it makes no sense here. They’ve spent half a page talking about this dead dude, rather than the scholarship Dora wants.

“How do I apply?”

“No application necessary, dear. You just have to finish the ropes course Jarvis built in Nacht Woods (...) You look fairly athletic.”

Oh my god. How many ways can this author metaphorically shit on this burial ground?

“Quit hittin’ on my chick, Rex.”

Dora’s next thought is her freaking out about Josh calling her his girl, which okay, I get. But… shouldn’t she be a tad bit concerned about this creepy pedo man who just offered her a scholarship as long as she completes The Hunger Games?

“She’s a total brainiac (...) I think that’s hot.”

“Quite,” his grandfather agrees.

I’M NOT MAKING THIS SHIT UP

Chapter Twelve

I haven’t had anything to drink since my one sip of grape vodka, but Molly’s borderline tipsy(.)

We’ve got clarification that her vodka was grape flavored (ew) but what the hell is “borderline tipsy”??? Either she’s tipsy or she’s sober. Tipsy is the full in between of sober and drunk.

“But the weirdest thing of all was the texts disappeared about ten minutes after I got it. I can’t find it in my deleted texts, nothing.”

SHE TRIED TO SEARCH DELETED TEXTS AND WAS SURPRISED WHEN SHE COULDN’T FIND ANYTHING ASHJLDFASHLJL

(...) ready for dark looks from my list sisters(...)

We’re really using this name?

But I won’t tell these girls that. They’re wack.

I love 2001 slang.

Also, you guys don’t know how hard it is for me to not make a Malibu’s Most Wanted reference right now.

Having to post all my notes/opinions means I’m having to read over some of the book again and if you can believe it, these are considered the good chapters compared to what comes later.

Using my irritation as free entertainment? Enjoy my writing as free entertainment, too. I’ve got a freebie book called Epic here.

#leigh reads it #leigh dissects ya #tafd review #long post #tafd

3 notes · View notes

danithebookaholic-blog · 5 years

Text

NEW RELEASE!

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Lizzy’s Kiss (Savage Security #6)

By Karen Tjebben

Publication Date: November 21, 2018 Genre: Psychological Romantic Suspense

Synopsis:

Lizzy Adams spent the summer pining for Tyson Smith, the sexy security agent whose instruction at a safety seminar saved her life. Now, every man she meets is measured against the absolute awesomeness of the brawny black man with the soulful eyes, the baritone voice that whispers over her like a velvet caress, and a smile that turns her knees to jelly. Now she just had to get him to notice her.

Tyson Smith had a lot of respect for Lizzy Adams, the spunky teacher who freed herself from the clutches of a deranged miscreant who’d wanted to take her hostage. But his concept of her wholesome ‘girl-next-door’ image was challenged the night she showed up at a company barbeque dressed as a flirty cowgirl. Always the gentleman, he managed to keep his eyes off her assets as she strolled around the farm. His mother had raised him better, but there was no denying that she was every man’s ‘American Beauty’ fantasy. But the night he’d shown up at her doorstep to help her out altered their relationship forever. Between the fear in her eyes and the baseball bat perched on her shoulder, his protective side surfaced, and he handed her a piece of his heart.

Their whirlwind romance is threatened when a man from Lizzy’s past attacks her. Sam Clark wants vengeance for his son. He blames the jurors from Jason’s trial for Jason’s death and crafts a hit list. But killing Lizzy, the scrappy survivor, is harder than he thought. After Sam fails at his first attempt on Lizzy’s life, he resolves to kill her before he’s forced into hiding. He just has to get past the big, black man who appointed himself Lizzy’s protector.

Goodreads

Excerpt:

Sam circled the apartment complex and made his way back to his car. Fate was on his side. Lizzy walked out of her apartment with two trash bags. He’d already scoped out the garbage dumpsters on an earlier trip. In order to keep the apartment complex looking nice, the dumpsters were behind the apartments, tucked away behind tall, wooden privacy fences. That would be the perfect place to take her. Let her die among the garbage and refuse of the community.

He picked up his pace and walked around the opposite side of the building as she walked around to the back on the other side. Glancing around, he looked for anyone who could interrupt his time with her.

Lizzy walked into the garbage area. Two large garbage dumpsters and two recycle dumpsters were tucked out of sight. Setting one of the bags on the ground, she swung the other bag into the garbage dumpster. The plastic bag disappeared into the dumpster. Grabbing the remaining bag, she hefted it into the dumpster too.

Sam stepped behind the wooden slats and watched as she tossed the bags into the dumpster. Her back was to him. The thought of dumping her body into the dumpster brought a smile to his lips. She’d just disappear from sight without a trace. But if her body was discovered, it would be obvious that she’d been purposely disposed of. That revelation would destroy the appearance of a natural, fluke death.

No. He could not throw her away. He could leave her body to be discovered in the garbage area. That would have to be good enough.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Turning around, Lizzy came to a stop when she noticed him. Her lips arched into a gentle smile, but then she paused. The smile slid off her face.

“Hi,” she said, pausing for a moment to take the man in. Was he the same guy that nearly bumped into her minutes earlier? He didn’t have any trash bags. Why was he back here? The beginning tremors of her flight or fight response zapped to life inside her gut.

“Hello,” he replied with a smirk.

That one word, laced with anger, brought a chill down her spine.

He pulled the cap off the needle but kept it hidden in his hands. His knuckles were white from clenching the needle in front of him so tightly. She wouldn’t get past him.

She’d been attacked before. She knew that a stranger could go from intimidating to dangerous in a heartbeat. “Can I help you?” she asked, her voice full of anxiety. “Are you looking for something?”

Sam couldn’t help but taunt her. “I’m looking for you.” He hoped the admission scared her. He wanted to treasure this interaction. Maybe it would replace the nightmares that haunted him.

Lizzy cocked her head to the side, “You were looking for me? Why?” The sinister look in his eyes confirmed the warning bells clanging in her ears.

“Don’t I look familiar?” he asked, taking a step towards her.

This was way past creepy. “Do I know you from somewhere?” Her eyebrows pulled together as she desperately tried to place him. Where had she seen his face before?

“That’s because we’ve met.” He took a step towards her, a fake smile plastered on his face. Once he got close to her, he could slide the needle into her flesh with very little chance of a fight. If it did come to a fight, he knew he’d win. He may be nearing retirement age, but he was still stronger and bigger than her.

“Huh,” she looked around for something to pick up to use as a weapon in case she needed to defend herself. Rocks and some sticks lay on the ground along the fence wall, but she’d never get to them before he’d get to her.

Her flight or fight response flooded her body with adrenaline. Her pulse beat wildly and sweat coated her. “You do look a little familiar. Do you have a child at Carrisburg Elementary School?” If this was a parent from school, this scary vibe would be a first. Parents were always friendly when they saw her outside of school but following her to her apartment building and the trash bin was beyond disturbing.

She tried to think back to her list of students. Did any of them have special arrangements because of family issues? Any custody issues or abusive parents that she needed to be aware of? She didn’t recall any.

Sam bit out a harsh grunt. “No. You don’t know me from school, but you do know my son. His name is Jason. Does that name ring a bell?” Would the callous bitch recognize Jason’s name?

“Umm,” she mumbled. She’d had a Jason a few years ago, but this man didn’t look like his dad.

Sam stood shocked, angered, ready to blow. “You dumb bitch,” he seethed. “You don’t even remember the young man you destroyed. The life you tossed away,” he motioned with his arm as if he were throwing something away.

Damn! Lizzy had no idea what he was talking about, but she knew enough to recognize crazy and dangerous. “I’m sorry. I think you have the wrong person,” she stated as firmly as she could. Should she try to rationalize with the man? Get him to see that she is not the person he’s looking for?

“I’ve never killed anyone, not even by accident,” she stated. She’d been in a fender bender a few years ago, but everyone had been fine. There hadn’t even been a boy in either of the cars.

Her mind screamed for her to run, to get away from this man, but logic kept her feet planted. She had nowhere to go. He blocked the exit. If she ran, she’d be running towards him. And the wooden fencing that surrounded her on all the other sides cut off any chance of escape.

“Jason Clark,” Sam said the name with perfect enunciation. There would be no mistaking the name he said. “Does that ring a bell?” His grimace took on the diabolical look of Pennywise.

Lizzy took in a strangled breath as memories of Jason and his father on the witness stand rushed through her mind. Jason had murdered a man, and she’d sent him to jail.

Purchase:

Amazon

Author Bio:

Karen Tjebben lives in central North Carolina with her wonderful husband, twin daughters, and two hamsters. When her girls left for kindergarten, Karen discovered that she needed to fill her days with something, and that was the beginning of her new career in writing. She loves to create worlds filled with unique characters that she hopes will delight and raise goose bumps on her readers. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and seeing the world through her daughters' eyes.

Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Pinterest / Tumblr / Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

From one bookaholic to another, I hope I’ve helped you find your next fix. —Dani

Have a book you’d like to suggest or one you’d like me to review? Please feel free to leave your comments down below.

#Lizzy's Kiss #Lizzy's Kiss by Karen Tjebben #Lizzy's Kiss (Savage Security 6)#Lizzy's Kiss (Savage Security 6) by Karen Tjebben #Lizzy's Kiss (Savage Security series)#Lizzy's Kiss (Savage Security series) by Karen Tjebben #Savage Security series #Savage Security series by Karen Tjebben #Karen Tjebben #author Karen Tjebben #author #writer #Stolen Kiss (Savage Security 4) by Karen Tjebben #Stolen Kiss (Savage Security series) by Karen Tjebben #Stolen Kiss by Karen Tjebben #Scintillate by Karen Tjebben #publication #November 2018 #psychological #psychological author #psychological novel #psychological romance #psychological romance author #psychological romance novel #psychological romantic suspense #psychological romantic suspense author #psychological romantic suspense novel #psychological suspense #psychological suspense author #psychological suspense novel

0 notes

josephstoontown · 7 years

Text

Repercussions and Reparations, Ch. II

Chapter II of Repercussions and Reparations, a Joseph's ToonTown story.

Contributions by: shinkothetoongirl Word count: 4,274 – Character count: 24,306 Originally written: April 27th - April 30th, 2016 Slightly revised: January 12th, 2017 Split and revised on: August 16th, 2017

Joseph settles in for a long sleep… only to be interrupted by uninvited guests. Repeatedly.

Shinko the Toon Girl and related characters and properties created by and © her creator June, KaBlam!, and related characters and properties created by Robert Mittenthal, Will McRobb, and Chris Viscardi and © Viacom Media Networks Droopy McPoodle and Red created by Tex Avery and © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

[ ↶ Prev. Story | ← Prev. Chapter | Next Chapter → | Next Story ↷ ]

The streets of the Universal District of ToonTown were oddly quiet at 1 AM. Barely any vehicles seemed to be passing by and the singing from much earlier in the day had given way to little more than the occasional cricket chirp. Even the living cartoon buildings seemed to be snoozing away, some silent and some snoring aloud. It was kind of unnerving in a way… but, thankfully for Joseph, nothing of importance seemed to be happening and, before long, he found himself standing in front of a small complex.

A large, blue sign with a red number 6 stood tall and proud at curbside, brightly lit and humming as it clearly indicated the area and building as the “Motel 6.” A parking lot sprawled out from the road to a two-story building a few yards away. As had been the case with Joe’s Diner, everything seemed perfectly ordinary, aside from seemingly being hand-drawn. That made Joseph feel a bit more at-easy as he walked up to a door marked “Check-In”.

“Welcome to the Motel 6!” came a chipper voice from behind a desk. As Joseph looked, he saw an interesting-looking ‘toon girl standing behind a desk. She looked like a human, short and blue-haired, wearing a fuzzy, orange jacket and a plain, yellow t-shirt. “Uh… hi?” Joseph replied. “You… work here?” “Of course!” The girl gave a nod. “I wouldn’t be behind this desk, otherwise!” As she moved, Joseph noticed the girl didn’t seem to be animated very well… It kind of reminded him of Shinko… except that Shinko was drawn far better and moved much less. “You… seem a little young to be working here, is all,” he commented, noting her looks. “Puh-lease…” The blue-haired girl gave a piff and hand-waved at Joseph, rolling her eyes. “I’m in my twenties, dust-mop! That’s more than old enough to work just about anywhere in ToonTown!” “You’re in your twenties?” Joseph blinked. “You look about half that age.” “That’s just my character design,” she explained. “Now, do you want a room… or, did you just come in here to harass me?” “S… sorry…” Joseph cleared his throat before continuing.

“How much is a room for one night?” “$89.99! But, for you, ‘friend?’” she said with a sarcastic tone. “We’ll make it an even ninety bucks! Minus one penny, of course.” The fox suspiciously narrowed his eyes at the cashier. “You… don’t have anything cheaper… do you?” “Well, you could always sleep in the dumpster out back…” she said, smirking and pointing an oversized hand toward the rear of the building. “I could… But, I’d prefer not to.” With a sigh, he retrieved his wallet and handed a 100-dollar bill to the girl. “I hope you can make change…” “Of course I can! Business is booming!” she said as she rang him up. A moment later, she handed him a 10-dollar bill and one copper coin… which, he assumed was a ‘penny.’ “Here’s your keys,” she then said, tossing him a keyring with the number B6 on it. “Your room is on the second floor. Thank you for choosing Motel 6 for your lodging needs. Please, abide by the rules of Motel 6 and enjoy your stay!”

Joseph gave a nod as the lady bowed. Soon after, he noticed her pull out a small, hand-held device, unfolding it before pressing some buttons while staring at something that was generating light. He assumed it was a gaming device and shrugged to himself, exiting the main office and heading back outside. It wasn’t long after that he found his way up to the second floor and to his room. As he unlocked the door and turned on the lights, he thought aloud… “Huh… This isn’t bad.”

A glance around the room revealed it to be a moderate-sized place with a desk, a television, and one queen-sized bed. There were also nightstands on either side of the bed, a dresser to one side, and an open door in the back which led to a small bathroom area. Joseph didn’t really care about any of that, however… The excitement of the day had finally caught up to him and he was ready to get some sleep…

After closing and locking the door, he set his backpack aside, kicked off his shoes, and flopped on to the bed, not even bothering to get into it properly. The comfortable mattress and soft pillow quickly relaxed his body and, soon enough… a knock on the door stirred him from his sleep. He grumbled, rolling over and falling onto the floor from his bed.

“Someone apparently wants to die…” he muttered to himself as he stumbled over and answered the door. “Yeaoh…?” “Hello,” said a slightly muffled voice. Joseph looked around, blinking as he failed to see anyone. A moment later, that same voice called again. “Down here, bub.” The fox blinked and looked down. Standing a little less than half his height was a small, white dog with a tuft of red hair on top of his head. He had baggy eyes, sagging cheeks, and looked mildly depressed… or, maybe, he was just tired – something Joseph could relate to.

“I don’t mean to be a bother,” he said sounding like he had marbles in his mouth, “but, I saw your light was on and was wondering if you could spare a neighbor some ice.” “Don’t these places normally have ice machines…?” Joseph said as he rubbed his face, still trying to wake up from his brief nap. “The ice machine seems to be broken,” the dog calmly said. “Figures… Well… go ahead and knock yourself out, I guess. Just, ya know… speed it up. I’m really tired…” “Oh, thank you, Mr. Fox,” the dog said as he slowly waddled inside. “Red will be ever-so-happy.” “Yeah, yeah…” Joseph replied, watching him. “Wait… Who’s ‘Red?’” “Droopy, dear…”

A voice came from outside. Standing in the doorway was a much taller and much more curvaceous figure wearing a white, knee-high bathrobe. Joseph couldn’t help but stare a little, looking the very attractive redhead over. From what he could see, she had legs for days, short hair done in a lovely bouffant style, and the most crystal-like sky blue eyes he’d ever seen. She also wore red, high-heeled slippers, eyeshadow that matched her eyes, and crimson lipstick. Even without the heels, Joseph could see that she was a little taller than him.

“Come back to bed, Droopy, dear…” she said in a seductive tone. “Your little red Corvette is ready for her test drive.” “Just a moment, my dear,” the dog said as waddled by Joseph, carrying a bucket of ice in his hands. The fox couldn’t help but stare in amazement as the girl leaned all the way down and kissed him on the forehead.

“You know what?” Droopy asked, staring up at Joseph. “I think she’s sweet on me.” “You know it, Droopy, baby…” the girl said, taking the ice off his hands and walking away. “Thank you very much, Mr. Fox,” was the next thing the hound, extending his short arm up toward Joseph. “Y… yeah…” was Joseph’s response as he shook the dog’s hand. “You’re… welcome.” “Have a good night, Mr. Fox.”

With that, Droopy waddled out of sight, leaving Joseph to stand there in front of an open door. For several moments after, the fox could do little more than stare. Were that human-looking ‘toon girl and that little dog… in a relationship? “Oh… whatever…” he suddenly said, shaking his head and closing the door. “Sleep…”

After making sure to turn the lights off, Joseph returned to the comfort of his bed… only to be stirred by another knock on the door. “Ash damn it…” he said in a half-growl, standing back up. “If it’s that little dog again…” Of course, it was. “I’m sorry to bother you, again, Mr. Fox,” Droopy said after Joseph answered the door, “but, my sweetie-pie wanted me to give you something.” The dog reached into his… pocket? He then handed Joseph a five-dollar bill. “This is for the ice,” he explained, “and, for disturbing you. Again, thank you very much. We appreciate it.” Joseph blinked… then shook his head. “You’re… welcome?” “I won’t disturb you again, Mr. Fox,” Droopy said as he headed back down the walkway. “Have a good night. I know I certainly will.” The half-dead tone didn’t really fit the trailing comment he’d made… but, Joseph didn’t give it much thought either way as he killed the lights again and went back to bed. And… for the third time since he’d tried to go to sleep… “Son of a…!” He found himself disturbed by a knock on the door.

The fox had to resist his urge to stomp his feet as he got up and checked the door, again. After sharply whipping it open, he glared down at the figure standing there, half-shouting. “Who in the–!!” However… his words came to a sudden halt. It wasn’t Droopy standing at the door, again. It was, however, someone he recognized all the same…

“H… hello…”

Joseph stared in awe at the nervous figure standing there. Her head was down, though her blue eyes were skittishly looking at him. She also had one hand on her opposite arm.

“Sh… Shinko?” The fox blinked, ears perked. “Shinko, it’s the middle of the night… Whyyy are you here…?” In an instant, she looked away, trying to hide her face. “I… I was worried…” she said, just barely speaking above a whisper. “And, I… I wanted to say… that I was sorry…” “How did you… find me, though?” “Oh!” She rubbed her pointed, bare foot against the floor, hands going behind her back. “I… I went to where I thought you might be… but, the monkey told me you came here. The… the young lady at the front told me what room you were in…” “Oh… I guess that makes sense…” He suddenly perked. “Wait, you want to apologize…? No no, I–” The fox went silent as he found a soft, mitten-like hand covering his muzzle. Shinko was looking right into his eyes with a soft, apologetic smile on her face. “May I come in…?” Joseph slowly nodded… The ‘toon girl removed her hand from his mouth and quietly walked inside, immediately taking a seat on the bed. Shortly after, he followed, sitting opposite of her.

“I want to apologize…” she said, setting her hands on the lap of her blue skirt. “I shouldn’t have acted like I did. It was wrong of me.” The fox blinked. “Uh– uum… Sh-shouldn’t I be saying that to you…?” “You have to understand…” she continued, “I’m under a lot of stress. My life isn’t turning out like I thought it would. Real life isn’t like the cartoons where everything turns out okay in the end… But, when you arrived out of the blue… it was like something from a cartoon… or a dream…” Shinko turned toward Joseph, offering a sad sort of smile. “I’ll admit, I got a little jealous when you started spending money like it was water… but, after spending the day with you… remembering how you used to make me feel when I was smaller… I wanted to do something nice, in return. But…” She turned away, hiding her face again. “Real life isn’t very nice sometimes. I know, some day, you’re just going to go away again. And then, I’ll be here… by myself… alone, again… That made me upset… so, I tried to distance myself… But…” When she’d turned back around, Joseph could see she had tears in her eyes, despite the warm smile on her face. “I don’t want you to go.” She hiccuped a little, giving a soft sniffle. “I don’t mean to sound selfish… But… I… I need you… It’s scary, here… Even with my animator living not too far away, I get scared… and, lonely… That’s why I was so quick to offer you a place to stay. Because I didn’t want to be scared and lonely, anymore…” She leaned over, placing her face in her hands. “I’m sorry…”

Joseph could feel his heart breaking as Shinko sat there quietly crying. She’d put on such a brave face, earlier in the night… seeming so mellow about her living arrangements… But, hearing her confess her fears and watching her break down… it was too much for him.

The fox nudged himself over on the bed, quickly wrapping one arm around her shoulders. She was quick to press her face to his chest, holding him in one frame of animation and continuing to let her emotions out against his shirt. He reciprocated, wrapping his other arm and tail around her, pulling her closer and gently nuzzling her cowlick, his own eyes closing… Neither of them said a word more until Shinko had finally calmed down, several moments later.

“I’m sorry… about that display…” she whispered, leaning up and sniffling with a smile. “I think the stress finally got to me. I don’t really have anyone I can talk to about this stuff… and I don’t want to worry my animator… so…” She rubbed one eye and softly sighed. Joseph softly wiped the tears from her other eye, shushing her and smiling back. “It’s okay… I think we all need a good cry, sometimes.” “Yeah…” she giggled. “I feel a lot better, now, too. Except for this headache, I mean.” “You cried for a while.” The fox said as leaned down, kissing her forehead. She giggled again, smiling and blushing. “So, it’s kind of understandable.” “I guess I needed that…” she whispered, snuggling up against him and closing her eyes. “Sorry I made your shirt a wet mess, though.” “It’ll dry,” he said with a laugh. “As will your pretty blue eyes.” “Now don’t start that again…” Shinko’s blush brightened a little. “You remember what happened last time.” The fox’s ears fell at that and he frowned.

“Shinko?” She opened her eyes, looking up at him. Her smile turned to a small frown as she noticed his own expression. “Shinko, about earlier tonight… I’m–” Joseph blinked as he felt something press against his lips. For a half-second, he’d seen Shinko’s face pressed against his. A half-second later, she could be seen smiling and blushing again. “No more frowns, silly fox…” she said with a playful giggle. Though she was doing her best to reassure him… Joseph still wanted to say what was on his mind.

“Shinko, I’m sorry my kiss upset you. I just wanted to–” Once again, he was silenced by a warm hand on his muzzle. “I wasn’t ready for it…” she whispered, her blush staying on her rounded cheeks. “But… now that I know what to expect… maybe…” It was Joseph’s turn to blush as Shinko put her hands in her lap, cutely sitting in his, their eyes watching each other’s.

“Listen…” she suddenly said. “It’s a bit of a walk back to my place from here. Would… would it be okay if I stayed here with you, tonight?” Joseph’s ears flicked… “There’s… only one bed, though.” “Can’t we share…?” Shinko blushed again. She’d asked so innocently… but, it was clear that she was a little shy about it. The question also made Joseph pause… and, blush all the harder… “I think my head is going to either going to pop… or, burst into flames,” he idly commented, aware of how red he must have looked. “Maybe you should splash some water on your face?” she giggled, giving him a nudge. He hesitantly agreed, letting Shinko slide out of his lap, and walked into the bathroom.

This is crazy…! he thought as he rinsed his face in the hotel bathroom. Sh-Shinko’s being… flirty! I’m sure it’s not my imagination, either… I mean, she’s a full-grown adult ‘toon in mind and body… B-but, I never expected her to be so forward… especially after the night we had… I… I guess she’s not mad at me, after all. Huh. Huh…

Joseph gave a blink as he pondered his own thoughts. After taking a moment to rub his face dry with a towel, he returned to the motel room. “I think I’m– huhnn–?!” The fox felt his face start to heat up all over again as he stared at the figure on the hotel bed. Shinko had apparently changed outfits while he was in the other room, wearing something Joseph recognized immediately…

She’d let her long, orange hair down and slipped out of her white blouse and blue skirt, changing into an oversized, blue shirt and… not much else. She was also laying in a somewhat provocative pose, her left arm under the pillow where her head rested while her right sat on her opposite side. Her upper leg was slid forward at the knee, accentuating the curvature of her small hips under the drawn, blue fabric while the lower leg was straight down.

“What’s the matter, Joseph?” Shinko giggled with half-closed eyes. “You’re steaming…” “Huaaauuaaah…” was all he could say as the ‘toon water, seeming to recognize the opportunity for comedy, was indeed evaporating off his warm head and causing steam. After a few seconds, however… “The look on your face…!” Shinko had rolled on to her back, slapping the blanket and overcome with laughter! “I wish I had a camera!” Joseph just groaned, hiding his face behind the towel. He was a bit embarrassed… but, he was sure the look on his face had been pretty priceless if she was laughing that hard.

Once the two had calmed down, Joseph headed to the light switch while Shinko folded the covers of the bed back. He made sure she’d slid in before he turned the lights off, walking back to her a moment later.

“This bed sure is comfy!” she commented, her eyes clearly visible in the darkened room. “There’s room for one more, too…” Joseph half-babbled before clearing his throat. “Aww, is the cute fox still flustered from before?” The eyes disappeared as he could hear Shinko giggling again. “I can’t help it…” he muttered. “I didn’t know you could be sexy as well as cute…” The eyes reappeared, joined by a tinge of pink underneath. “You… you think I’m sexy?” “Among other things…” Shinko’s eyes turned away from the fox, then, the blush disappearing with them. Joseph’s ears heard sheets rustle and he figured she’d turned around. That seemed like the best time to join her in bed, to him. At least… until… “Eep!” Joseph had only gotten half into the bed when Shinko made a startled noise.

“You okay?” More rustling noises came from the bedspread. He thought Shinko had given a nod, since the bed shifted just a little… and so, he climbed the rest of the way in, pulling the covers up. A second later, he felt a thump against his body. Looking down, he could barely see a blush in the dark, half-buried against his chest. The ‘toon girl had apparently rolled over and cuddled up against him. He couldn’t help but smile as he curled one arm around her, gently stroking her head as he leaned down and gave her a nuzzle. “Sleep well, Shinko…” he whispered. “Good night…” He felt her arms curl around him at that, her face rubbing against his shirt. “N… nite-nite…” she nervously whispered. Despite that, the two quickly fell asleep together, warm in each other’s embrace as friends… or, maybe more than that… –––––

Dawn seemed to come in an instant as ToonTown started up, soft singing filling the air along with the sound of motor vehicles putting and zooming around. Joseph’s eyes fluttered and his ears flicked as he awoke, softly yawning. As he tried to stretch, however, he noticed something holding his arm in place. He blinked, looking down… Something was in bed with him. Something… or someone.

“Sh… Shinko?” he quietly whispered. A blush came over his face as he suddenly remembered what happened the night before. Had Shinko stayed with him the whole time…? “Good morning, Shinko…” he happily whispered, giving the bulge in the blankets a little nuzzle. It didn’t respond, however… “Still asleep, huh?” He quietly chuckled. “Alright… you can sleep in. I should probably get a start on the day, though… But, ah… not before I do ooone thing…”

Joseph tilted his head down, puckering his lips. His eyes closed as he drew the covers back… A moment later, his lips made contact with something soft and fluffy. He drew back shortly after, opening his eyes. “Rest well, Shink–” His eyes widened. “Oh…” To his disappointment… he’d kissed his own tail. Apparently, he’d somehow managed to cuddle up with it during the night…

“It was a dream…” His ears folded and heart sank as he came to that conclusion. “Of course it was a dream, you dimwit…” He scowled at himself. “Cartoon world or not, this isn’t some fairy tale. Sometimes, you just don’t get a happy ending… or, a new beginning.” Joseph gave his moistening eyes a rub with his arm. A moment, he took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “Stop crying…” he half-snapped. “You don’t have time for that. You have things to do, today. Like… look for a job…” With a long sigh, he rolled out of bed and prepared for his day in ToonTown. As he showered, however, he couldn’t help but remember the wonderful dream he’d had about his ‘toon friend… only to start berating himself all over again.

You really have some problems, he thought. Get over it. She’s not interested, anymore. You blew it. That’s what he told himself as he tried to get rid of the images in his head. There was no point in thinking about a dream when reality was staring him right in the face… and, though it wasn’t an ideal one… at least, he thought, it could have been worse.

Joseph gathered his equipment and left the motel room, checking-out shortly after. He then walked out to the pavement, examining ToonTown in the early morning sun. “I… really wish I had some sunglasses,” was his thought as he headed out into the day soon after. As he began to walk, he had one solid goal in mind:

Self-reliance. –––––

Shinko woke up the next morning with a yawn and a stretch. Noting the time, she slipped into some comfy PJs wandered into the bathroom to start her day. About halfway through brushing her teeth, however, she thought to herself… I wonder how Joseph slept? With her breath minty and teeth clean, she walked into the living room… only to find that her friend was no longer there. Where did he go? she wondered. She quickly retrieved a pocket watch on a chain from her hammerspace, giving it a glance. It’s early… she noted, so, he should be here… He… he didn’t leave, did he…?

Shinko wasn’t sure what to think as she came to the conclusion that Joseph was gone. At first, panic and worry set in. Had he run away? Or, had he simply gone back to his homeworld? She didn’t know. As she pondered the possibilities, however, something caught her attention… Sitting on her coffee table was a pizza box from the night before. However, something about it looked different. A closer examination revealed that $40.00 were sitting on top… as well as a writing implement. As soon as she noticed that, she moved the paper and pencil away… only to reveal a hand-written note etched on the pizza box.

Dear Shinko,

I'm sorry for everything that happened last night. You're a good friend and deserve to be treated with respect. That said, I've decided not to stay with you, after all. Don’t worry about me, though. I’ll figure something out.

Thanks for a fun time and take care of yourself.

~ Joseph

A feeling of relief fell over Shinko as she read the note. She took a deep, cleansing breath and blinked her eyes, rubbing one mitten-shaped hand to her cheek to remove a tear that had worked its way out. I wish he hadn’t left… she thought, but… at least he let me know why. She smiled a little more… before something else catch her attention. Hey… there’s more writing.

P.S. The money I left is for yesterday's pizza and gun show. You can’t say ‘no’ and give it back if I’m not there, now, can you?

The ‘toon girl couldn’t help but smile as she read that last part. There was a little smiley face at the end of the sentence and everything… Such a goofball… I hope he finds his way.

With the mystery solved, the rest of the morning was spent getting ready for work. By the time she was dressed and ready for her job at Tiana’s Place – the real-world version of the fictitious restaurant from the Disney movie, The Princess at the Frog, and quite the popular place for ‘toons and humans alike – she kept a small smile on her face. Joseph was alright the last time he was here, she reasoned with herself. He’ll probably adjust, again, and… who knows? Maybe I’ll even see him some time down the road… when we’re both better off. He may even remember more about here, then… Gosh, that would be great!

The thought of her friend doing better and possibly regaining his memories kept a small smile on her face throughout her morning routine. When it was finally time to leave her apartment building, however, she found herself whispering a small wish for him…

“Wherever you are, Joseph… please, be safe…”

#fiction #Repercussions and Reparations #commercial characters #KaBlam!#June #Droopy McPoodle #Red #original characters #shinkothetoongirl #Shinko #Essence of Ragnarok #Joseph Lithius #drama

0 notes