Chapter 22

Writer Notes: Hey long-time, no post? This chapter started out over 1000 pictures and I narrowed it down around 300. As you know (if you follow me on tumblr) I made a lot of stuff for this chapter. So consult THIS POST before asking WCIFs on the soccer stuff. I hope you enjoy the chapter!

Warnings: language! pixelated nudity, suggestive content, inner thoughts, super obsessive girlfriend, mild violence, bruising, yelling, prejudice, flirting, tears, break-ups, and college yo.

Johnny stood bemused by Angela Pleasant. He hadn’t thought she would be this stubborn.  Why did she keep Dustin around? She was intelligent, ambitious, and thoughtful.  Dustin reflected none of these things.

Johnny couldn’t move forward in his plan if Dustin was in the picture.  He was smart enough to know Angela would be faithful and would reject Johnny’s advances.  All the qualities he admired about her were backfiring on him.

Still, he would keep trying.  Surely soon his advice would hit home.

But a little part of him, wanted to help her.  Not because of his plans, because she deserved better.

“Good morning!” Jimmy Phoenix exclaimed.

Angela giggled. “It’s one in the afternoon.”

Jimmy was another issue that Johnny hadn’t foreseen.  Of course Angela was a beautiful girl.  Why wouldn’t other men be interested in her?

Angela seemed to genuinely like him too.  Which made it even harder for Johnny.  What if she broke up with Dustin to only get with Jimmy?  Johnny couldn’t have that.

Jimmy was a senior though.  Maybe time could do Johnny’s work for him.

“Are we one suiter short?” Jimmy smiled at Johnny like he knew all his darkest secrets.  Maybe he did. Did it matter?

“Subtle there, Phoenix.” Johnny gritted. “She’s sitting right here.”

“You guys,” Angela shook her head. “Me and Dustin are fine.”

Jimmy shrugged it off like a joke. What was his deal?  Johnny couldn’t believe his interests to be real.  He was a senior, what would he care about freshmen?  He was on his way out. He should have been concentrated on graduating.  Yet, he sat there oblivious and relaxed.

Johnny couldn’t sit with Angela all day, every day.  He had to keep his grades up if he hoped to play in the tournaments.  It would do him no good on a career path to flunk college.

“He’s uptight.” Jimmy smirked.

“Mid-terms, ya know.”

“But what was that all about?” Angela asked. “You guys betting on if Dustin and me break up?”

“Eh, I caught him eavesdropping the night you and Dustin got into that argument.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, he seemed worried that Dustin might…ya know…”

“Might what?” Angela seemed confused. “Hurt me, or something? Dustin’s not like that.”

“You sure?” Jimmy asked. “The guy doesn’t seem really stable, just saying.”

“I can take care of myself, Mr. Phoenix.”

“I know you can.” he said. “We were just, uh, being guys, ya know? We wanted to make sure he didn’t step over that line.”

“That’s sweet, but you don’t need to worry about me.”

“Don’t need to maybe, but that doesn’t mean we won’t.”

“Hey! There’s my beautiful girl.”

***

Change was a good thing.  At least Lilith thought so.  She was in college now. Time to change her look.

“Hey, baby…uh…did you get more canvas?”

“Whoa! Hey, you cut your hair!”

“Do you like it?”

“Of course, I do! I like anything on you.”

“Even if I was to shave half of it off and do zebra prints?”

“Even then.” he laughed. “It’s your hair, your body, your decision. And you know I’m always going to be in your corner, champ.”

It was always easier with Dirk.  That’s probably what attracted her to him in the beginning.  He didn’t complicate things. He simplified them.

Lilith was the one that complicated things.

“What’s wrong with me?” she asked, mostly rhetorically. “I can’t even woohoo my boyfriend.  Hell, Angela and Dustin have been since like prom or whatever. There’s something wrong with me…”

“Hey, hey, there’s nothing wrong with you.” Dirk drew her into his side. “You’re just not ready.”

“But you are.”

“I’m not until you are.” he said. “And there’s nothing wrong with waiting.”

Yeah, Dirk made things really easy. He didn’t get frustated or angry. He was supportive.  How did Lilith get so lucky to have such an understanding guy?

“I promise, one day I’m going to woohoo the pants off you.” Lilith said.

Dirk chuckled. “I love you too.”

***

“You’re not making this easy for me.” Tank Grunt huffed. “I gotta go, babe.”

“I don’t understand why you can’t take a day off for me.” Ellen Frost whined. “I mean, we already missed half the day any way.”

“Come on, don’t make this more difficult, honey.” he coughed. “I gotta go or the guys will skin me alive.  Now where’s my shirt? Or would you prefer me to walk around school like this?”

She sighed. “It’s under the bed, but you are going to be gone for, like, a week! Whatever will I do without you, Tanky?”

He found his shirt and she insisted on buttoning up it for him. “I think you’ll figure it out.” he laughed. “I can dress myself, ya know?”

“I’ll miss you, my mighty war machine.”

“It’s just three days!” he laughed.

“Maybe I’ll just skip my exams and accompany you to Sims State University…?”

Tank tried not to cringe, but just the thought made his skin crawl. “I’m just going to meet up with my brother and watch some boring soccer games. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Forward!” Sophie Miguel shouted.

“Hey Tank, sleeping in again I see.” Orlando Centowski winked.

“Boy, I know you ain’t missing no classes over a girl.” Sophie teased.

Orlando snorted. “Hey, leave that love, uh, I mean, war machine alone.”

Tank just rolled his eyes. “You guys all packed for the trip.”

“Now why isn’t Ellen going?” Orlando asked. “Because there’s plenty of room on the…”

“Hush, Centowski, she’ll hear you!”

“Somebody needs some space I take it.” Sophie grinned. “I’ve heard she’s the clingy-type.”

“See you guys later,” Tank said.

“Later,” Sophie spurred her feet like Orlando was a horse. “Forward! I need food!”

“Hey, Ripp.” Tank tried to sound enthused.

He listened to his brother for a moment about his melodramatic tale about telling off the professor, being the hero, and blah. He knew it was all just an exaggeration. Ripp probably made a joke and people laughed.  He doubt the professor cared. Then again, La Fiesta Tech was not Académie Le Tour. Maybe they were more strict there?

“Ripp…” Tank sighed. “You should show more constraint. You’re there on scholarship, representing the Tricous…ya know, your girlfriend’s family? Maybe you should act a little more mature and appreciative.”

“No, no, I’m glad you’re having a good time and all, but…you’re an adult now.”

The conversation went on like it always did. Tank was a controlling bastard and needed to lighten up. Ripp was a flower child of freedom, rebellion, and woohoo parties.  SimGod help whoever tried to repress him!

Tank didn’t care. He wanted the best for his brother, but he wished Ripp would grow a little out of that childish behavior.  He wondered what Gvaudoin thought and how she put up with his younger sibling.

“Look, I’m going to the tournaments like you wanted.” Tank said. “Ripp…I’ll be there. Don’t worry about Johnny and me and whatever. I’m an adult. I can handle it. Yeah, I’ll see you then. Bye.”

***

“Hey, just got off the phone with Tank.” Ripp said. “He’s going to the tournaments. It’ll be weird to see him without Ellen hanging off his arm.”

“I thought you liked her.” Gvaudoin made it into a question.

“The last few times I talked to him, he sounded like he wanted to break up with her.” he shrugged. “You know, I support his decision. If they break up, I’m Team War Machine, ya know.”

“I’m glad I have you though,” Ripp hugged her, lifting her off the floor. “And you know I appreciate everything you and your family has done for me, right?”

“Tank give you another talking to?” Gvaddy questioned.

He sighed. “Yeah, but he’s right, ya know? I take you for granted sometimes. I just…I don’t know. Nothing good ever stays too long in my life. I don’t want to screw up what we got because I’m an idiot.”

Fricorith knew breaking it off with Puck was not going to be easy. He truly didn’t want to break his heart.  But they were not meant to be. Jennicor wanted it done. She wanted this messy break up. Why; he didn’t know.

“What’s going on?”

“They’ve been like this all day.” Gvaudoin said.

“Fine just walk away, like you always do!” Puck yelled.

“Bye!” Fricorith snapped.

“Dude, you OK?” Ripp asked gently, in a tone that Gvaddy would never be capable.

“No,” Puck sniffled. “That bitch just broke up with me.”

“Whaaat?” Ripp was not able to mask his surprise, unlike like his girlfriend.

“Sorry, I have to pack.” Puck sniffled. “I can’t stay here anymore.”

“What the fuck was that!” Ripp didn’t mask his emotions. He just let them fly.

“None of your business, actually.” Fricorith frowned.

“You can’t just do that, Fry. You can’t just throw away everything you guys have together.”

“I don’t know why you’re so upset.” Fry said. “Maybe after Puck stops obsessing over Hermia’s new corset you two can hook up.”

“That’s just deflecting and you know it. You and Puck have been together since junior high. Why are you throwing him out?”

“That’s his decision. Now if you don’t mind, we have to get Downtown or we’ll miss the opening of Deh’Javu Modern Art Museum’s new exhibit.”

“Ripp,” Gvaudoin stopped him from continuing. “Let’s just go and try to have a good time.”

“But we can’t just…he just can’t…”

“Although he might not be showing it, he’s hurting too.”

“It takes a lot of strength to show weakness, especially for Fry.”

Ripp sighed. “OK, let’s just drive and see how it goes.”

***

“Excuse me, do you need some help?”

“Yes, I…hello. I’m Vidcund Curious. My nephew told me to meet him here, but…”

“I’m sure he’s around. Mid-terms have all the students working extra hard. I’m Bianca Monty, by-the-way. I’d be happy to help you find him.”

“Thank you. That’s very kind.”

“He won’t be hard to find. He’s big and green.”

“You know there’s actually a petition going on to remove our jolly green giant from the sport ranks.” Joshua Martin said. “Maybe he can still stay on…as the mascot?”

“Nope! I don’t have time to fit you into my schedule to bust each other’s balls.” Johnny snapped.

“Does he even have any?” Heather Huffington whispered. “No, seriously, does he?”

“Come on guys,” Martin said. “We all got mid-terms.”

“Shut up, fruitcake.” Joshua snapped.

“Hey, dude,” Ashley Pitts intervened. “That’s your little brother. He’s not worth it.”

“Fuck you too, Ashley.”

Johnny got to his feet. “I got work to do. So let’s make this quick. We all can’t wedgie the nerds to write papers or have our girlfriends do them. But I suppose you’ll need the most help, Ashley, because your girls have as much brain as much material is covering Heather’s ass.”

Vidcund didn’t really have to ask, but he did any way. “What was that?”

Johnny shook his head, like expected. “Nothing.”

“Well, we’ve found him.” Vidcund smiled at the lady. “Thanks for your help.”

“You’re welcome. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Curious.”

“You hitting up the librarian?” Johnny grinned.

“Would you like your mother to know about what I just saw a few seconds ago?”

“No, no, please, no.”

“All right then, let’s get to business on this term paper.”

***

Tank was in SimHell.

“What if she some way made it on the tarmac and she used those special clinging powers to stick to the side of the plane?”

“Or like, the loneliness of being away from her ‘war machine’ caused a supernatural gene in her body to mutate and she suddenly had powers to stop the plane from leaving and…”

“Hey guys, that’s enough.” Sophie cut-in.

“Why didn’t you just invite her along?” Orlando asked. “It just seems weird that you wouldn’t want your girlfriend to go with you to meet Ripp, at least. I mean, Sophie’s going. Nobody seems to object to that.”

“I just want five minutes alone!” Tank snapped. “Hell, ten would be a vacation! We just started dating at the beginning of the semester and she’s already planning our wedding for SimGod sakes!”

“Did I tell you about the planner? Yeah, there’s a planner already reserved and shit.”

“Hey, Tank…?”

“Hey, my Tanky-wanky-cutie-pie!” Just her baby-talking squeal made his skeleton want to rip itself out of his body and dig its grave. “Did you miss me? I missed you!”

“Thank you for being you,” he heard Orlando whisper to Sophie.

“Yeah…hi, baby, what you doing?” Tank asked. “I thought we weren’t going to see each other until I got back from the trip. We agreed that you wouldn’t go to the airport because that would be too hard on you.”

“I know, silly, but I wanted to surprise you.” She said.

“OK, but you know security’s not going to let you lead me to the plane or anything.” he tried to laugh.

“Oh, they will, because I’m going with you!”

***

“So how do you feel about this Johnny kid for the Llamas?” John asked his brother-in-law. “They say he’s about to break all your college records.”

“Oh yeah, I heard about that.” Daniel just to sound nonchalant. “Good for him.”

“But man, you’ve had those records since your senior year. How long have they been standing? Forty years?”

“Hahaha…twenty. I’m not that old.”

“Hey, just shows you, guys our age-past our prime-are old news.” Abhijeet said. “The kid’s just a freshman too. He might double break the records by the time he’s a senior.”

“You guys suck,” Daniel tried to sound playful, but it came out dry. “Let’s play some pool.”

“Hey!” Kaylynn Langerak was surprised to see her brother, but relieved too. “What happened to the gig at Londoste?”

“Eh, they were short here so I filled-in.” Parker answered.

“Hard day at work?” he asked. “I heard Mary-Sue can be a hard-ass.”

“No, she’s great.” Kay sighed. “It’s just seeing her all the time that’s the issue.”

“Well, don’t look now, but her husband’s in the pool hall with his buddies.” Parker said.

“They’re so cute, playing together.”

“Yeah, John looks terrified.” he snorted. “But Daniel’s been down in the dumps, it seems. Something about a kid breaking his records and stuff. You might let Mary-Sue know.”

“Hey, hottie at the bar.” Joe Carr announced.

Daniel looked over. “That’s Kaylynn. She works for my wife.”

“She’s something pretty to look at.” Joe grinned. “I’m jealous of your wife.”

“Hey, is she single? Do you know?”

“I don’t…” Daniel felt suddenly uncomfortable, almost protective of Kay. He knew she just got out of a bad break up and was vulnerable still. Joe Carr was the kind of guy that profited as a bounce back.  Daniel wasn’t about to let Kaylynn be his next one night stand.

“No, I’m pretty sure she’s seeing someone.” he finally answered.

“Hey!” Daniel smiled. “How are you? Hopefully, Mary-Sue’s not pushing you guys too hard.”

“No she’s a real treat.” Kay shyly looked away.

“Like, I can’t flirt with her, but he can?” Joe whined.

“Hey, that’s my brother-in-law.” John growled.

“Your brother-in-law, is definitely into his maid.” Joe laughed. “Like all up that short skirt on the kitchen table.”

Parker didn’t care about his job. No one talked about his sister that way.

And Daniel regretted everything instantly. How many other’s in the bar heard what Joe said? Rumors spread like wildfire, even if they were lies.

What were they going to do?

When Mary-Sue heard wind of this?

***

“Oh…Fry…pull yourself together.”

He studied his regrown fangs and the translucent of his skin.  Tonight was the night, it seemed.

The exhibit would distract the guests.

Or the guests would distract themselves.

All that he really needed was the right victim.

“It’s so good to see you.” Ripp said. “Gvaddy was actually talking about you the other day. We got a party planned when we get back from the soccer tournaments at Sim State University. It would be awesome if you could make it?”

“That sounds great!” Roxie Sharpe beamed. “I’ve missed you…and Gvaddy too. I really need to talk to her about those toys…”

“Hey, get away from my girlfriend!”

“What’s your problem, man?” Ripp growled. “I was just talking…”

“Whatever, I saw the way you were looking at her!”

“Jonas! Stop!” Roxie cried.

“Don’t touch him!”

“Gvaddy, your eyes…”

“Don’t worry about it.” she hissed. “Look what he did to you…”

Ripp looked from Jonas to Gvaddy. “Let’s get out of here.”

Fricorith laughed. “It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the toilet that erupted into fire, but…”

“So your dad is a werewolf.” Ripp began. “And Fry’s is a vampire. And your grandmother is alive and is also a vampire and…that makes you guys…hybrids?”

“Yes,” Gvaddy said. “And you must not tell anyone about this, not even our friends or your family.”

“Grandma will gut you like a fish.” Fricorith called.

“Whoa, so, what does that make Rainelle? I thought she was just your grandfather’s girlfriend.”

“She is.” Fry nodded. “And Jennicor’s too and also her blood donor.”

“So was Puck your blood donor? Did you just break up with your life source?”

Fricorith frowned. “I don’t feed from my loved ones.”

“And have I missed you turning furry once a month?” Ripp asked.

“I don’t turn.” Gvaudoin offered a smile. “I retain all the strength and temper of a werewolf, but I don’t possess the form.”

“Lucky bitch.” What would Fry give not to feel the thirst of a vampire?  But at least he could walk in sunlight, unlike his father.

“Are you OK with what we have told you?” Gvaddy inquired.

“Well, yeah, you’re still you. Fry’s still him, but I guess it makes things more complicated somewhere, but I don’t know where. Somethings definitely make more sense though.”

Gvaddy smiled. “Good.” they kissed and it wasn’t long for it to grow into a deeper one. Ripp drew her on his lap.

“Aaand I’m out,” Fricorith marched toward the door. “Erase the security cameras so you don’t scar our fathers.”

***

“Hey, guys, I…what’s going on in here?”

“Stella wants to curse a guy that snubbed her this afternoon.” William answered.

“No, I want to summon the reaper!” she snapped. “Curses are for witches. Death is for death.”

“You know, it’s easier to get him on the phone than a Ouija board, right?” Ophelia snorted.

“Well, anyway, if he comes, say hi for me and sorry I missed him.” she continued. “I’m on my way to break up with Sarah and Matt.”

“Good luck,” William smirked.

“OK,” Klara said. “It says to hover your hands over the board and think of your question clearly in your mind. You don’t have to say it aloud, but I suppose it wouldn’t hurt.”

“That’s weird, did the lights just turn off by themselves?” Stella asked.

“What’s that sound?” Klara asked. “It’s coming from the hallway!”

***

It should have been easy to show up, eat a meal, and break up with someone, but nothing ever goes as planned.

They had dessert, which prolonged Ophelia’s plan.  She always had a weakness for dessert.

Maybe that was their plan.  Maybe they knew she was going to break up with them so they made sure to spoil her to change her mind.  It worked.  It always worked.

That made her behavior predictable.

That also meant they knew how to manipulate her.

But it wasn’t like she didn’t enjoy it.  Or enjoy being with them or being reminded what she would lose splitting from them.

But she knew, in the back of her mind…in a small corner…in a dark room far away from her intelligence…

This wasn’t forever.

Perhaps she should just enjoy it until the end? Maybe she would just break up with them while she was away to meet up with Ripp and Johnny?  It would be easier, but cowardly.

***

***

“PHI! I’m so excited!” Stella exclaimed.

“There’s other aliens here!”

“Oh, it’s so good to see you!” Jenny exclaimed.

“Buck, you’re growing so tall!” Ophelia said. “You know, Ripp’s going to be here, right?”

“Yeah and Tank too. We’re having lunch tomorrow.”

“Have you seen my brother, Viddy?” Jenny asked. “He’s suppose to meeting up with us.”

***

“That’s him.” Bianca whispered. “The guy with glasses.”

“He’s cute!”

“Well, hello, nice to see you again!” Bianca beamed. “I see you’re sitting in our section.”

“Hiii! Are you excited to watch the games?”

“My nephew’s playing actually,” Vidcund stood up and offered the man a hand shake.

“Vidcund Curious, and you are?”

“My colleague and good friend, Kent Capp,” Bianca replied.

“Pleasure to meet you!” Mr. Capp grinned. “Bianca said you were tall and handsome. She was definitely right.”

“Kent!”

***

“This line is ridiculous.” Sophie sighed.

“It wasn’t much better one the other side of the stadium either.” Orlando claimed.

“Well, we better get in line or we’ll never eat.”

“As long as I’m with you, my grumpy bear, I’m happy.”

No, now Tank was surely in SimHell.

***

“What’s up with you, Mitch? You should’t have spent all night out to see that flaming toilet.”

“Come on, Martin! You agreed to this. You know I can’t come out or…”

“You care more about your reputation than me, Ashley.”

“That’s not true! I’m sorry. I really am trying. This isn’t easy for me. Everyone’s always had these expectations for me. I don’t know what your brother might do to me or you or…I…I’m scared, Martin. I don’t want to lose you, but I don’t want to hurt you either or live this lie or..I need you.”

“If Dirk scores this point, we win the game!”

***

“Hold up, Beau’s calling me.”

“Yeah, what’s up, bro?”

“Hey, I hate cutting this short, Mrs. Pleasant, but my brother just called to tell me Mom’s in labor. I gotta go.”

“OK,” Angela said. “Do you want me to…”

“Bye?” Angela threw her hands up in the air. “I love you too!”

“Hey, Dad, this is Jimmy Phoenix. He lives with us at the dorm.”

“Oh, as a senior, it’s kind of my duty to make sure the underclassmen are behaving.” Jimmy said.

“Jimmy, huh? He’s cute.”

“MOM!” Angela scowled. “I have a boyfriend.”

“OK, baby, congratulations!” Lilith said to the phone. “We’ll see you there.” she hung up. “Dirk and Johnny will meet us over at the bar.”

“We’re going to go back to the hotel.” Mary-Sue said. “We’ll see you girls tomorrow for lunch. The Smiths are going to be there too.”

***

“I had a lovely time with you and Kent.” Vidcund said. “It was very nice to meet you both.”

“It was nice to meet you too.” Bianca smiled. “Maybe we can get together sometime and have dinner?”

“I’d like that.”

“Goodnight then, Mr. Curious.”

***

“Man, that’s tough, first we lose the game then Juliette breaks up with you? Man that’s not cool!”

“Hey there, good stuff, you’ve been keeping your distance all day.” Brittany purred. “Why don’t you give me a smooch?”

“What the hell, Ash? That’s no way to act to your girl!”

“You’re not my girl.” He scowled. “Whatever, I can’t be near you right now.”

“What was that about?” Joshua asked.

“I don’t know.” Martin said. “I’ll go find out.”

“You don’t have to do that.” Martin whispered. “You’re right. I knew the deal when we got together.”

“I don’t want to hide anymore.” Ashley said.

“Why don’t we get a drink and talk about it first.” Martin offered. “We don’t want to make a scene tonight. We need to make a plan.”

“You OK?” Jimmy asked. “You were super quiet the whole drive here.”

“I’m just worried about Dustin.” Angela replied. “He hasn’t called.”

“I’m sure he’s fine.” Jimmy shrugged. “It’s a long drive back home, right?”

“Yeah, I guess it is.” she nodded. “It’s just…he didn’t even say good-bye.”

“Let’s get out of here.”

“Hey, Josh, taking Martin home.”

Joshua rolled his eyes. “Yeah, whatever, drive safe.”

“Hey ball hog,” Joshua laughed. “Learn to pass. You’re not the only one wanting to impress the scouts.”

“I do believe Dirk is the one that won the game.” Johnny said.

“Only because that Gnome pushed him down.” Joshua shrugged. “None of the highlights are showing that more than you running down the field.”

“Congratulations!” Angela hugged Johnny.

He had a moment to wonder where her boyfriend was before he decided he didn’t care.  Nothing was sweeter than her affection after a game well won.

“You guys only won because you let that freak play.” Romeo Monty spat. “He shouldn’t even be allowed in the league. No other players have supernatural genes giving them super speed and stamina.”

“Are you seriously going to go that route?” Dirk asked. “We won by one point, my penalty point because your brother let the pressure get to his head.”

“Dude, you’re being a sore loser.” Mercutio sheepishly said. “It’s my fault we lost.”

But Romeo ignored him. “Yeah and if he hadn’t played, you’d only have that one point and we would have won the game!”

“If you’re trying to start a feud with Johnny Lightyear get in line.”

“Tank?” Johnny couldn’t mask the surprise and appall in his voice. “What are you doing here?”

“Hey, I didn’t even notice you sitting there.” Angela added.

“Stay out of this, Grunt.” Romeo growled.

“Pipe down, Monty, or I’ll give you a reason to whine and cry like the spoiled brat you are.” Tank said. “Sometimes you win. Sometimes you lose. Get over it. Train, get better, and try again next year.”

“Come on, dude, let’s go.” Mercutio said. “We’ve got an early flight anyways.”

“That was…unexpected.” Johnny confessed. “Thanks, I guess.”

“You’re welcome, I guess.” Tank smirked. “Now do me a favor and no more fights tonight. Ripp told me to be on my best behavior so that’s what I’m going to try to do, no matter how much I hate your ugly mug, Smith.”

“Hey! Sorry we’re late!” Ripp said. “What’d we miss?”

Johnny side-eyed Tank. “Nothing, just checking up. What’s going on, man? It’s so good to see you!”

“Phi?” Tank blinked.

“I didn’t even know she was going to be here.” Gvaudoin said.

“Congrats, man, you guys kicked ass tonight!” Ripp laughed. “Even though, you kicked our asses. The mighty Gnomes have fallen, but I can’t say I wasn’t rooting for you a little bit.”

“You!” Stella stuck her finger at Tank. “You’re the guy that snubbed me yesterday! What? You got a problem with green skin or something?!”

“Come on, bro! I said no fighting!” Ripp shrieked.

“I didn’t do anything,” Tank huffed.

“Don’t take it personally,” Johnny said. “He doesn’t like any of our kind.”

“I thought we were past this,” Ripp added. “Dad’s even coming around. He’s been visiting with the Jenny and P.T. and, even, Lola.”

“You’re just another gross pig, huh?” Stella said. “Get with the times, this isn’t the day of contact anymore! We’re here to stay! Get over it!”

“Hey, hey now.” Ophelia said softly. “There’s no reason for this right now. You’re hurt he rejected you. Take a breath. We’re here to make friends, not bad impressions.”

“He rejected you because he has a girlfriend, you space trash!” Ellen blurted.

“Excuse me!?! Who do you think you are, bimbo!”

“Hey!” Jimmy strummed his guitar.

“Does anyone here play bass?”

********

Additional: In each chapter, I will try to feature a career that Pat Newbie is working on to keep with the Bustin’ Out theme.  In this particular chapter, she was working the Slacker career.  You can find information about Bustin’ Out and the main story’s careers HERE.