The Party is Just Starting:
Cw: Mentions of drug use
Macy’s POV:
Blinky had been asleep on my lap for about half an hour now. It was funny how still they were when they slept. They were always figuring with something when they were awake. But when they slept, it was almost like they were dead. Even their breaths we so slight, if my hand wasn’t resting on their neck I’d think they didn’t have a pulse.
There was a knock on the door, but the person entered before I could answer. What was the point of knocking of you were just gonna come in anyways?
“Blink mama’s getting upset your seat is cold-“
She paused in the doorway.
“Oh, they’re sleeping… huh- now how’d you manage that Newby? You a damn wizard pr something.”
The one they called “baby” asked. I couldn’t help but let out a soft snort.
“We’ll be down in a minute, I’ll wake them.” I have a soft smile.
Baby frowned, which by the looks of it wasn’t an expression she wore often. Her facial lines all went in the other direction, indicating an almost permanent smile of sorts. She seemed to be debating something in her head.
“I’ll tell mama there sleeping- you hungry?” She asked me.
“Always.”
She left out a short laugh that seemed much more characteristic.
“I’ve just never seen them sleep that still before, you sure they’re breathing?” She asked stepping closer.
There was an edge in her tone, almost as if to come off as a threat, Incase Blinky wasn’t actually breathing.
“Relax, they’re fine, just took the edge off” my eyes darted to the ashtray on the night stand.
She giggled slightly. Her mood swings were worse than Hoyt’s.
“Look at you miss bad influence- corrupting my little sibling.” She joked.
I rolled my eyes.
“Oh yeah, they were a real Angel before I got here I’m sure-“ I joked back.
I felt Blinky stir slightly in my lap.
“Look who’s finally awake-“ Baby greeted.
Blinky groaned, lifting their head and turned to glare at her.
“Mama made dinner and it’s getting cold-“
“Shit!”
The shot up, practically scrambling off the bed. I stared after them for a second.
“Hoyt really threw your no swearing rule out the window didn’t he?” I laughed.
They turned to look at me confused for a second, before just accepting defeat and repeating the word in a defeated tone.
“Was stupid anyways-“
They walked back over to the bed, grabbing my hand and dragging down the stairs after Baby. The room was vivid with noise you could hear from the hallway. They were certainly a rowdy bunch, where Hoyt was usually the loudest person back home. Blinky kept their head down as they dragged me to the kitchen. I quickly noticed there were only two seats left. Leaving one for Baby, and one for Blinky. I was about to mention something to them but they cut me off.
“Sit.” They muttered, pushing me down into the seat beside a girl with long brown hair.
It would be cruel to say no to them when they weren’t feeling well, so I sat. I half expected them to disappear into another room to produce another chair, but was pleasantly surprised when they just sat on my lap. I raised my eyebrow as I looked down at them, but they just shrugged.
“Dinner smell delicious mama, sorry I was late, I was napin’” they said sleepily.
I could tell they were playing it up for effect, that Sly bitch. I bet Blinky could get anything they wanted from anyone if they just looked at them the right way. Their big eyes were easy to get lost in. I imagine it was half the reason they avoided eye contact so heavily. People don’t hear much of what you’re saying when they’re looking right through you.
“Thank you for allowing me to join you Mrs. Firefly” I said.
“No problem sugar, any friend of Blinky’s is a friend of ours.” She smiled at me.
She was much lest hostile than my mother, but I doubt any less protective. She had a slightly more intimidating presence, which she overcomplicated for with this bimbo-esque persona. Armour it seemed all the women in this house wore in their own way.
“Who the hell is this?” A gruff voice asked.
“Otis-“ Mrs. Firefly warned.
I trained my eyes on him, observing his body language. He was the one I needed to impress tonight, or at the very least get the approval of. It was important to Blinky that he liked me. I looked down to Blinky for guidance, not sure if I should speak or not. But someone beat us to it.
“Blinky’s got a girly-friend!” Baby said in a sing-song voice.
I heard someone choke up a cough at the end of the table, and a little gasp from beside them. But my eyes were still trained on this Otis, Blinky’s father for all intensive purposes. Blinky was squirming slightly on my lap, clearly uncomfortable that all eyes were now on the two of us. I snaked my right arm around her waist to pull her closer to me and apply light pressure. It always calmed them down.
“Blinky?” Her father asked.
“ie tad?” They asked, not looking up from where they were fidgeting with the table cloth.
If it were up to me I’d just pick them up and take them back upstairs right now. But I knew that would only make the situation worse. I gently squeezed their side for comfort. Otis rolled his eyes.
“English-“
Blinky took a deep breath.
“I’m sorry-“ they said.
“Blinky, dear, you have nothing to be sorry for. Otis is just being Otis.” The woman beside me said.
She went to place a hand on Blinky’s shoulder, I’m sure as a gesture of comfort. But I pulled Blinky closer, cutting off the action. Blinky May trust them, but I didn’t know these people yet. Sure I had to past their silly little test of character, but they were subject to mine as well. Blink, as much as I love them, isn’t exactly the best judge of character.
“The hells that s’posed to mean?” He glared at her.
“It’s means hear the child out Boy!” the man Blinky called ‘Cap’ earlier spoke.
He grumbled under his breath and rolled his eyes, but didn’t say another word.
“Whenever you’re ready Blink” the woman beside us spoke up.
Blinky took a deep breath before lifting their head to speak.
“Um, this is my girlfriend Macy-“
“Girlfriend?” The man sat beside the girl with long white hair spoke.
“Let the girl speak RJ!” Mama demanded.
It seems they took their family dynamic very seriously. Much more traditional roles then in my own family. Despite mine being built by blood, and there’s by strays. It was interesting to observe. Their need for structure, yet desire for total chaos. Blinky oddly fit in quite well with the group.
“Umm, she’s like us so you don’t have to worry about her saying anything. I trust Macy and you aren’t allowed to hurt her…”
She looked directly to her father.
“Ok Otis?”
Despite not being able to see their face, I knew exactly what look they were giving him right now. It was a look few people could resist. Blinky calls them her sad clown eyes. I was surprised by how long he dared to stare back into her eyes. Even I was strong enough to look into them that long.
He narrowed his eyes at them, and Blinky leaned forward toward the table, almost like a silent dare. After about another minuet he backed off.
“You said she’s like us?” The woman beside us asked.
“Mhhmm, Macy’s family is… special. They understand us. That’s where I was when my mo- that woman came into our home. Macy keeps me safe.”
Blinky leaned back into me, and the tension in the room eased slightly.
“You can eat Macy, they won’t try anything.” She said calmly.
“Yes, please, dig in, you must be starving dear!” Mama said.
I had to admit, the food smelt mouthwatering. I’m sure they all had questions, but everyone seemed to be more interested in the food again, which I was happy about.
“I’m Manon, but Blinky and everyone call me Doe Eyes.” The black haired girl introduced herself.
“that’s Spaulding, RJ, Ghost, Baby, Otis and Mama. I’m sure you’ll meet Tony later, he usually eats downstairs in his room. If you ever need anything, I’m just down the hall from Blink’s room.” She smiled at me before going back to eating.
I hummed in response, enjoying the taste of the food. I knew Blinky was mostly out of it right now, but I still wanted them to try and eat. I ripped off a small piece of bread and held it in front of their mouth. The turned their head to the side and groaned, attempting to push my hand away. Manon looked down at her concerned.
“You feeling alright little clown?” She asked.
“They’re fine, just tired.” I said.
“I don’t believe she asked you.” Otis spoke up.
I turned my head to him raising my eyebrow. Blinky just groaned again and turned their head into my chest. The lights clearly being to bright for them. I broke eye contact with the older man and turned my attention back to my partner who was clearly showing signs of regression. I wanted to avoid them having a meltdown so I leaned down to whisper in their ear.
“Why don’t you hide down under the table, away from the scary lights?” I asked softly.
They nodded quickly and I let them go. Nobody really questioned Blinky crawling under the table, clearly used to this behaviour by now. But if they knew the lights were overstimulating, why did they even have them on in the first place? I’d have to talk to Blinky about this later. I’ll be pissed if they knew this was a trigger but didn’t care.
I tried once more to get them to eat by handing the bread under the table. I was pleasantly surprised when they took it. We continued the rest of the meal this way. The family occasionally asking me a few questions. Me asking a few of my own. It seemed everyone was warming up to me, besides Otis. Despite knowing they had no blood relations, it was funny to observe how Blinky was just as stubborn as him.
“So what’s your family like?” The one named RJ asked.
“Um, I have my mama and my brother, they’re pretty good. I love Tommy to death, but then there’s Monty and Hoyt. Not sure if I want to consider them family. Even Blinky hates them, well mostly Hoyt. She tried to bite him.”
A few people around the table started laughing at that.
“I swear Blinky is like a little puppy sometimes.” Baby said.
I chuckled because it was a pretty apt description, despite their fear of dogs. You had to remind them to eat, when to sleep, take them outside for walks or they get antsy. They hide in small spaces when scared. And their biting problem.
“Blink, how you doing down there.” Manon asked.
There was a slight rustle of the table cloth before we all saw a thumb stick up past the table. I couldn’t help but smile at how silly this whole situation was.
“So when Blinky says your family is like ours, what do they mean by that?” Otis asked, not nearly as spiteful as last time.
My grin only grew wider. I suppose there was no point in hiding it. Everyone at this table could be written off as clinically insane. And Blinky seemed confident they wouldn’t care.
“We eat people.” I said flatly.
I swear I almost heard the one they called ghost, choke on her water. A small gasp escaped from Manon’s lips, and baby was laughing as always.
“Wow, your real hilarious kid.” He said sarcastically.
Suddenly, Blinky popped up from under the table and turned to look at him. It seemed their voice was coming back to them.
“They aren’t lying.”
They climbed back onto my lap and sat down.
“Tommy showed me how he does it.”
Everyone was just looking at the two of us, like a third head had suddenly sprouted and merged us together.
“I’m sorry, Blinky you’re dating a cannibal?”
Blinky giggled a little, the high part of the weed finally setting in. It was odd she got tried first, then they’d have a sudden burst of energy.
“And she’s dating a killer, I don’t partially see how one is worse than the other. The people are dead anyways-“
They shrugged, leaning into me and playing with the ends of my hair. Baby giggled gleefully at this as well.
“How much did you smoke Blink, should have known you’d come home and go straight for my Stash.”
Blinky giggled into my shoulder. Manon gave a slightly disapproving look, but didn’t say anything. And Otis was still glaring at me.
“It’s been a long week” the mumbled between giggles. “Did you guys know I love you? Cause I love you!” They said in a sing song tone.
“What do you fucking lace your weed with LSD Baby? The fuck is wrong with them?”
Baby just shrugs before laughing at Blinky.
“Awww we love you too killer clown.”
I suspected Baby had smoked earlier that day too. What a train wreck of a meal this was. Spaulding wordlessly got up from the table and disappeared into the kitchen. I was going to ignore it but he came back with some orange juice and an aspirin. He set them down in front of me, and I assumed they were for Blinky.
“That’ll help”
“Kids a lightweight- but at least they’re happy when they’re high, it’s just the come down ain’t as… pleasant. You can’t get them to take it later, won’t work.”
I gave the older man a thankful nod.
“Not that I’m not worried about those two-“ ghost points to Blinky and her aunt, “but, do you really, genuinely eat people?”
I was trying to get Blinky to take her medicine but they wouldn’t stop squirming, it was like their skin itself was jittery. I frowned.
“Yes, been helping mama in the kitchen since I was little. But we didn’t switch to our meat alternative until uncle Hoyt moved in with us. Once you get a taste for it, you just kinda get fixed-“
I supposed that how Blinky felt about their weed. They were both addictions in their own right. If someone told me I could never eat human again, I’m not sure if I could at this point. And I don’t know if that should worry me or not.
“I don’t mean to be rude, or cut this short. I’m not going anywhere until this one is feeling better. So you can ask your questions later. But I’m gonna take Blink upstairs. If you want Mrs Firefly, I could come back down and do our dishes later. Their eyes are too sensitive to the lights right now, and I’m sure they’re gonna wanna be somewhere quiet soon.”
“I feel like I can see god…” the whispered.
“Nonsense, you go take care of my grandbaby. And as for you-“ she looked pointedly at Baby, “don’t leave your other drugs around the kid. The hell were you thinking Vera?”
I took that as my cue to leave. Of course I noticed a certain ghost follow behind us. It seemed she was quite shy. I set Blinky back down on her bed and told them to stay. Ghost was waiting by the door.
“Will they be ok?”
“They’ll be fine. I’ll just have a long night of partner-sitting ahead of me, but nothing I can’t handle. They might get a little sick in the morning, but I’ll make sure they have breakfast.” I smiled up at her reassuringly.
The girl turned to leave but stopped in the door way.
“Hey Macy-“
“Yes?”
“You hurt them, everyone at that table will subject you to the worst pains you’ve ever known.”
I took her warning for what it was. It seemed like a nice gesture. But I’d be foolish to assume it wasn’t a pointed threat. She meant it entirely. I’d have to work harder to get Otis to like me then. These people were good for Blinky, their actual family. And it was clear that they needed her just as much as she needed them.
Blinky was worth the extra effort. She always will be. I’d do anything for them. I turned back around to find Blinky staring up at the ceiling.
“I wish you could see the stars inside” they said.
I chuckled slightly, crawling into bed beside them and looking where they were looking.
“Just close your eyes my little astronaut, maybe when you wake up I’ll bring the stars inside.”
Im sure they still sold those silly little glow in the dark stars somewhere in town. Manon seemed like the safest bet to get to know. Im sure she’d help me look for some in the morning. Blinky will probably be sleeping most of the day. I want to show them just how important their youngest was to me.
“Goodnight little clownbug, I hope you have silly dreams.”
It was cheesy, but maybe we were allowed to be cheesy sometimes. A few moments of Normalcy in our cursed, wretched lives. Even the worst of the worst deserved to have love, and joy, right?
An: ahhh, finally finished it. I don’t know why writing this chapter was like pulling teeth. But I probably won’t start writing again soon until after I move. But once I’m settled I should have more free time again.
Tag: @myers-meadow-selfship @vincent-sinclair-deserved-better @queer-and-utter-chaos
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The Gangs All Here:
Tag: @oceansrose2002 @vincent-sinclair-deserved-better @myers-meadow-selfship @queer-and-utter-chaos
Blinky’s POV:
I sadly bid goodbye to Tommy, but promised I’d come visit soon. His mother made it clear I was welcome anytime, despite her original hostility. And I told Monty I’d attempt to fix the wall next time and bring my good supplies. I had pretty much zoned out the whole day, my autism being particularly annoying today. Every little thing was making my skin crawl and my head pound. But I was trying my best to remain calm and in control.
Macy pulled up to our usual spot and parked.
“Wanna get some lunch before we head back to your place?”
I nodded. She frowned, lifting my chin with her finger.
“You feeling ok pretty girl?”
“I don’t know what’s gonna happen when I walk through that door Macy. I ran away, yes I told them I was going but still, I was a coward, I left.”
“I’m sure they won’t hold that against ya puddin’ how could anyone stay mad at you?”
She missed my nose and I giggled.
“Want me to go in with you?”
My eyes widened as I looked at her.
“It’s not like I don’t know.”
“I know that you know. But they don’t- know… you know, you know?”
“You’re cute when you don’t think before you speak.” She jeered.
I rolled my eyes.
“I just, I don’t want them to freak out. What if someone tries to hurt you? That would kill me inside.”
“You’re worried about me getting hurt? May I remind you I beat Thomas in our little wrestling contest last night?”
“Yeah you did” I smiled dreamily.
“There’s that smile I love so much! Come on let’s get you some proper food, I’m buying.”
Macy was too tall to put her arm on my shoulder, so she just put it on my head and I playfully glared up at her. I don’t know how she does it. Macy isn’t the happiest of people, at least not on the outside. Most people would probably find her scary or intimidating. Yet she always managed to make me smile, from that first day we met all those months ago.
Miss G greeted Macy and I Happily. As we sat in our spot she set down our coffees, leaving the pot at the table.
“You know you two are my favourite right?” She said.
Macy smiled at her. “Your boss makes the only edible food in this town” Macy joked, “it’s good to see you again.”
“You two deary, you know what you want to order yet? I know this one wants a pastry.” She laughed.
“Yes please!”
“Give us a moment to think, take your time with the other customers.”
Miss G gave us a kind smile and left us to look at the menus.
“Ugh, why can’t that woman be my mother.” Macy quipped.
“I know right. But Luda ain’t all that bad. She’ll get better.” I said, placing my hand in hers.
“I’ve never seen her yell at Hoyt like that before Blinky, I think you starred a wildfire.” She laughed.
“Good, your family needed to get in gear. I swear y’all didn’t say two words to each other that weren’t about me. Do you guys even talk?” I asked.
“Just me and Tommy. Nobody wants to hear what Hoyt or Monty have to say. And Ma, she has her kind moments but we mostly just stick to ourselves. I don’t mind it that much, means I don’t have anyone up my ass when I disappear from time to time.”
“And where would you be right now, if you weren’t with me?” I asked, curious.
“The Glenwood Cemetery in Huston. The place is huge! Everytime I go I read a few new graves and I like to think about the lives they may have had. Oldest grave I’ve found so far was 1871.”
I smiled fondly. Macy had strange interests but I always let her talk about them. I loved hearing her voice when she was happy. It had this little hum, when her tongue moves to fast and hit the top of her mouth. It sounded like little bees in my ears. She had the slightest lisp that she tried really hard to hide, but I thought it added to her charm.
My voice whistled too, ever since I lost that tooth. Sometimes my tongue would poke out from behind it and make a weird little sound. We looked over the menu, I knew it was really important to her that I ate something “healthy” so I put a pause on the could so I could focus. But that didn’t last long when I caught her staring.
“Yes?” I asked.
“Nothing,”
I squinted my eyes at her.
“Did you know you stick your tongue out when your focused?” She asked smugly.
“Pftt, I dont-“ I looked down, “oh. What’s that doing there?” I said.
She laughed airily, loud enough that some of the other patrons looked out way. But Macy was not one to be shy. Sure, she was stand offish, but that was because she didn’t like people. But she was never shy.
“I don’t know how you do it Blink, but I swear you get cuter each day.”
I blushed heavily.
“Hush, I’m trying to focus.”
She held her hands up in mock surrender. Seemingly she already knew what she was going to order.
“What about this? That’s got protein right?”
I pointed to it on her menu.
“A Falafel burger, sure, tons. You sure you’re up for trying it?”
“Mmm, it’s been a good day. I think I can handle a new food.”
“You two ready?”
“Umm yes, can we have one Falafel burger, fries on a different plate please. And I’ll take two of your lunch burritos and a salad for us to split.”
“You kids are hungry today, coming right up. Oh, Blinky the pastry of the day is apple fritters.” She addressed me.
“Apples!” I said, my eyes glowing.
She leaned in to whisper.
“I’ll put a few aside for you in a take out box.”
“You’re the best!” I smiled.
“Anything else to drink? Or just coffee today?”
I turned to Macy, “milkshake?” She grinned wide, “a strawberry milkshake with two straws please.”
“Coming right up. I’ll put extra whipped cream and a Cherry for each of you.”
“You’re a god send.” Macy complimented.
The woman blushed and hurried off to the kitchen.
“You’re only getting a milkshake cause you’ve been so good today. I’m proud of you for how you handled my family. They’re enough to drive anyone crazy”
I pouted.
“I’m always good.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Sure you are Blink, you’re like a little hurricane that sneaks up on people.”
I frowned.
“Oh come on Blink. You know you can’t have all this sugar all the time. You said you were studying medicine, you should know this.”
“Yeah yeah, so it could thicken my heart muscles. Fine, I’ll cut back on my sugar.”
“Wait really, that’s what happens?”
“Mmm, it increases your insulin and it has nowhere else to go.” I shrugged.
“And you still eat the way that you do? Doesn’t that scare you?”
“Not before you, no. And I didn’t have much of a choice. America is stupid, the things that are the worst for you are the cheapest and most readily available. I could buy a watermelon for $3.50 or I could get two boxes of cereal that will feed me for a week.”
“You mean for breakfast right?”
“Breakfast, lunch, dinner… it doesn’t matter, I used to ration one meal a day so I’m not really used to this whole, normal diet thing.”
Macy cringed.
“God Blinky, no wonder you’re so tiny. Your body never had anything to help it grow. The foods not going anywhere ok? You can eat as much as you want.”
“I know that, it’s just hard I guess. Old habits right?”
“Yeah.”
“So, tell me more about this cemetery.” I tried to pivot the conversation on me.
I knew she wouldn’t judge, but I didn’t like conversations focused on my flaws. It made me uneasy.
“Oh my god, you would love it there. It’s so quiet and the grounds keeper is really nice. There’s actually this crypt there a family and build in the early 1900s. They’re son had been missing for years and they thought he was dead, then he just showed up out of nowhere with no memories. Since he was alive, it never got used. He lets me go in there and write sometimes.”
“Wow, that does sound nice. Maybe I could read some of you writing sometime.”
“You gonna show me that drawing you did of me?”
“Eventually…”
“Then you have your answer.”
I rolled my eyes. Touché. The food came and Macy looked likes she had never seen food in her entire life. It was always funny to me how she could eat like there wasn’t enough food in the world. Miss G set the milkshake in the middle of the table.
“You two let me know if you need anything else.”
“Of course, thank you!” I said politely.
I stared at my food for a second, dissecting it with my eyes. Macy has already taken a bit out of one of her burritos. But she waited until her mouth wasn’t full to speak again. She slid some silverware across the table to me.
“Take off the top bun, it will be easier to cut.” She said.
I took the silverware and followed her instructions. I cut it into 6 neat pieces. And separated them on my plate.
“Ketchup?” I asked.
“Try a bite first.” She answered.
I nodded, slowly bringing the food to my mouth. The texture wasn’t what I was expecting, but it wasn’t bad. The flavour was nice, and I smiled into the bite. She looked at me expectantly and I gave her a thumbs up.
“Ketchup.” I concluded.
She let out a little snort from her nose, which made me scrunch mine in return. It was a adorable. I ate about half of it before I reached for the milkshake. It was much better. It was sweet, and cold and it felt nice on my tongue. Macy had mostly been drinking her coffee, and I had a sneaking suspicion she was trying to save most of it for me.
“You can have some you know, we did order to share.”
“You first.” She said.
“You know full well I’ll drink this whole thing by myself if you don’t stop me.” I teased.
“Ok, sassy. Fine I’ll have some.”
She moved the cup between us and sipped from her straw. It was like one of those classic scenes from those 50s movies. To top it off, she scooped up some whipped cream in her finger and put it on my nose. I pulled back, alarmed.
“You did not just-“
“I did, what are you gonna do about it?”
I took a French fry and threw it at her head, but she caught it in her mouth. I glared at her and she just laughed.
“Face it Blinky, you’re even sweeter than this milkshake.” She said.
“I hate you.”
“You love me.”
“I know.”
I moved my plate out of the way, and stabbed my fork into the salad. We got it with no dressing cause I hate dressing. It made the veggies also soggy. Gross. The crispy cucumbers were my favourite part. I was surprised to see Macy was already onto her second burrito. I think it had eggs and meat and cheese, I looked at it in disgust. I didn’t mean to show it on my face, but sometimes I couldn’t help it. Macy rolled her eyes.
“You enjoying the salad.”
“Very fresh.” I said.
She took a break from her monstrosity of a lunch to eat some of the salad with me. I had no idea how she wasn’t full already. I sipped my coffee, the contrast between it and the Milkshake were a little jarring. But it wasn’t bad. The caffeine would help. I’d been sober for almost a week now, and I wasn’t feeling the best. But Macy didn’t need to know about that. I recently learned her middle name was Josephine cause Tommy’s sign name for her was MJ.
He made mine “cute” but signed with a B for my name. How could I argue against it when he himself looked cute signing it. I didn’t want to break his heart, so I gladly excepted the name. It was easier than spelling out Blinky. Tiny’s name already had a sign, so he didn’t need a special one. Miss G came back and she down one pasty for each of us, while sliding the take out box into my backpack with a wink. I smiled at her as she was called away to help someone else.
“Hey M?”
“Yes?” She asked.
“What if I- no it’s stupid.”
“Nothing you can say is stupid Blinky. I say the same thing to Tommy all the time. You both need to be a little more confident.” She said.
“What if I worked here?” I asked.
“Here? It’s not that far from your house I don’t think. Not that I’ve been there yet.” She put emphasis on the last part, “it’s a bit of a walk though isn’t it?” She pointed out.
I hummed.
“But you’d look cute in the uniform.” She smirked.
Of course that’s what she would focus on. The only think more ferocious then her appetite, was her sex drive. And I had unknowingly unleashed that can of worms. Oops.
“I’d have to ask of course. But like, beats working at the gas station. And it’s small enough that even full it wouldn’t be too loud, not that it ever gets too full.”
“Can you handle a job?” She cringed, “I’m sorry that came out wrong.”
“No, no it’s fine. I’ve had plenty before. I think my family will be more lenient on chores if I’m bringing in more money. Plus there’s tips. Only tip we get at the gas station is a middle finger.” I laughed.
“Then go for it. I could come visit you at work.” She smiled.
“And you wouldn’t have to worry so much about me when you’re back home. Now we know they have something healthy I can eat.”
“That is very true.”
When we finished our meal I only had two pieces of my burger left, but I didn’t think it would heat up well. I looked at Macy.
“It’s ok little bug, you did good. I’m proud of you.”
I smiled, glad I was able to please her. I was surprised when she put a whole $20 on the table for tip. I raised a brow at her.
“Made some extra fixing up an old bike and a few days before you called. I’ve got some cash to spend, and she deserves it.”
“Don’t leave it on the table, sticky fingers around here.” I suggested.
We walked up to the counter and slid the money to Miss G.
“Aww thank you cuties, you didn’t half to.”
“Please for all you do for us, I did have a question though.”
“Shoot kid!”
“Are you guys hiring? I’d have to ask my dad but-“
“I would love to have you working here, you’d bring some smiles to this place. Let me go get the paperwork and you can think on it.”
“Thank you.”
We waited by the counter for a second, but that’s when a three boys walked in. Roughly around our age, maybe a little older than me. But they were the rowdy type, that much was evident from the laughter disturbing the peace. I tensed slightly but Macy rubbed her hand up my arm.
The came beside us to sit at the counter, and started hollering for some service. I rolled my eyes.
“Ain’t anybody working here or is it self service?” On of them called.
I grit my teeth, if I was gonna work here I’d have to deal with idiots like this. But they were no worse than the gas station idiots. But when she came back out to hand me my papers and one of the boys said something under his breath, o was beyond irritated. She didn’t deserve that.
“When you’re done serving that fine piece of ass over there, could you help a brother out?” One of the older looking boys said.
I saw his eyes on Macy and I was shaking. She wasn’t very pleased about it either. I said my thank you to Miss G and gave her a look of pity as she walked over to them. What I wasn’t expecting was for one of them to come over while his friends were order.
“You from around here sweetheart?” He asked Macy.
She rolled her eyes turning around.
“No, but my girlfriend is” she put emphasis on the girlfriend part.
I smiled smuggly.
“Why looking for something to do, afraid there’s not much. Why dont you and you’re friend check out Captain Spaulding’s Museum of Monsters and Madmen, if you’re up for a good scare.”
Macy gave me a look, recognising all the months ago when I told her to stay far away. She grinned.
“Yeah, if you’re man enough.” Macy teased him.
“Oh I’m man enough, we’ll check it out for sure. You two hotties gonna be there”
“You bet!” I sent a fake wink. “See you around handsome.”
Macy and I burst out laughing when we got outside.
“So do I finally get to see your Gruncle’s cabinet of curiosities?”
“We wouldn’t miss that for the world.” I grinned.
They deserved it for being rude or Miss G, and Ogling my girls ass.
“You ready for this?”
“As I’ll ever be I guess. Don’t take it to personally if they don’t like you at first. Otis hates everyone.”
She chuckled, “sounds a lot like Hoyt”
I froze, turning to look at her.
“He is nothing like that man.” I said coldly, I hadn’t meant to.
And I know she didn’t mean to insult him. But Otis was nothing like that Vile man Macy shared blood ties with.
“Sorry, that was meant to be a joke. Won’t happen again.”
“No, I’m- I’m sorry Macy I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that. I’m just a little on edge right now.”
“Blinky you don’t have to apologise for having emotions. You love your dad, and I love that you do.”
I smiled at her, getting onto her bike as usual as we rode back to the house. As we pulled up, I’m sure it was loud enough in the house no one had heard us. I grabbed Macy’s hand and lead her to the garden.
“Where are we going?”
“I gotta check on something first.” I said.
I dragged her around the side of the house, and sure enough there was some fresh dirt. We both stopped and looked down at it.
“Is that?”
“My mother, yeah. Rest in pieces I guess.”
Macy snorted and flipped off the pile of dirt. I couldn’t help but laugh along with her.
“Good, good to know that part of my life is over. I never want to think about her again if I can help it.”
I knelt down and started picking some of the lilies I’d planted a while ago.
“What are you doing Blink?” Macy asked curiously.
I held the flowers up to her.
“Gives these to Mama, than at the very least she’ll like you. If Mama likes you, no one is gonna dare disobey her. Not unless they got hit over the head a few to many times, so maybe don’t talk to RJ.” I joked, “that was a joke btw.”
“You’re cute.”
“So you keep saying.”
“It’s true though. And I’ll keep saying it because it makes you blush every time.”
“You’re evil, you know that woman? Total scum bag.” I said.
“Mmm, and do evil women get a kiss from their partner?” She mused.
“I don’t know, are you gonna be nice when we go inside?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Then I’ll think about it.”
She rolled her eyes, setting the flowers down on the ledge near the house and picked me up, spinning me around. I couldn’t help but giggle, and when she finally stopped she pulled me in to a kiss. I melted into it, feeling all the stress leave my body.
“I’ll behave” she whispered, leaning down so her forehead was on mine.
“And I’ll protect you if anyone tries anything.”
“Aww, my little guard dog.”
I glared up at her.
“Come on, let’s get inside. I’m sure they’re worried about you. I would be too if you suddenly disappeared for 5 days.”
I cringed. Yeah not my best move. But I was glad none the less that Otis let me leave. It was nice to be away from the house for a while. I didn’t need to knock cause I had the house key. I pushed the door open and was immediately greeted by the chaotic sounds of my family. Baby was blasting music in the living room, I could hear Mama and Spaulding chatting in the kitchen, and I have no idea what the hell the others were doing at the back of the house but I could hear it from here.
I grabbed Macy’s hand and dragged her into the kitchen. Spaulding was the first to look up. One thing about him, he never forgot a face.
“Don’t I know you?” He addressed Macy.
“We met a whole back, at that farmers market. Blinky here sold me some of your chicken. Which was really good by the way.”
Smart move, Spaulding loved compliments. Especially about his cooking. He, Mama and Otis cooked the most in the house. Manon specialised more in dinner, and Selena sometimes helped with the prep work.
“These are for you Mrs. Firefly.” Macy held out the flowers and Mama gladly took them.
“Oh how sweet, we’re glad to have you Back Blinky. Why don’t you introduce us to your friend here?”
Mama was always hospitable. Which is why I went to her first.
“Mama, Cap, this is actually my girlfriend. Macy. I stayed with her while I was away.”
“Girlfriend?” Spaulding asked amused.
“Mhhhm, she knows about us.” I clarified so they wouldn’t have to lecturing about keeping someone around being dangerous. “She would never tell anyone.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes sir. My family participated in a similar… hobby.” She explained.
Sure saying you’re a killer is one thing, but I don’t blame her for not wanting to tell them right away.
“When did this happen?” Mama asked, ushering us both to sit.
“Since the Framers Market.”
“All that time and you kept ‘er a secret? Not sure how Otis is gonna feel about this.” Spaulding worried.
“That’s why I came to you both first.”
“You staying for dinner sweetheart?”
“If you’ll have me.”
“Of course Sugar, why don’t you go introduce her to the others. Make yourself at home little miss Macy.”
“Thank you Mrs. Firefly.”
“Please call me Mama.”
I gave Mama a quick hug, and kissed Spaulding on the top of his head.
“Can we talk later?” I asked.
“Sure kid, you know where to find me.”
Macy followed me into the living room where I turned down Baby’s music. Not off, just down a little. My head felt like it was buzzing from all the electric guitars. Baby turned to look at me, but her eyes quickly met Macy’s.
“Who’d ya bring for us Blink?” She asked.
I chuckled.
“She’s not for that, Baby, this is my girlfriend, Macy. Macy this is my- aunt? I don’t know we never really defined that.” I laughed awkwardly.
“Aunt, sister, all the same to me. Love this kid no matter what.” She said, holding her hand out to shake Macy’s.
“Can’t say I blame ya, they’re easy to love aren’t they?”
Baby smiled wildly, already approving of the new company.
“We miss ya Blink, it was no fun without ya.” Baby said, wrapping me in a tight hug.
“I’m sure you managed just fine, looks like you were having plenty fun before I interrupted.”
“Mhhhm, RJ got me a new CD!”
“What is he Santa Claus now? Why the sudden interest in gifts?” She shrugged. “You know where the others are?”
“Umm, Ghostie and RJ are watching a movie in his room. And Doe Eyes and Otis-“
“Doe Eyes and Otis what?” I asked suspiciously.
“They’re busy. I’ll let him know you’re home and he’ll come find you later yeah?”
“Alright…”
I squinted my eyes suspiciously.
“She staying for dinenr?”
“Your Ma said I could, that cool with you?”
“Totally cool! You’ll have to tell me where you got the jacket Macy!”
Before they could chat more I was dragging her upstairs to my room, and Baby was blasting her music again. I didn’t want to bother RJ, and there was something suspicious about Baby not telling me what my dad was up to. But we’d see everyone down at dinner so there was no rush. I closed the door and threw myself face down onto the bed, groaning into my pillow.
“I’d say it’s going pretty well Bumble Bee, you had nothing to worry about.”
“It’s not those three I’m worried about?” I said, looking up at her.
“I live with Hoyt, I can handle anything they throw at me. Promise.”
“Pinky?” I asked.
She held out her pinky and locked it with mine, sitting on the edge of the bed.
“You feeling ok Darlin’ you’re getting a little shaky there.”
“Yeah yeah, I’m cool… cool cool.”
“That sounds like something someone who is not cool would say.”
I sighed, crawling across my bed to lay my head on her lap.
“Why did she have to come here?” I asked.
Macy looked down at me, playing with one of my bouncy curls.
“I don’t know Blink.” She said sadly.
“It’s like everything was going good, great even. I was happy. So fucking happy!” I said.
“Did you just say fuck?” She raised a brow at me amused.
“Oh, right!” I said popping up and shoving a few bills in my sweat jar, “gotta pay up for what I said to Hoyt too. Even if he did deserve it.”
Macy chuckled.
“You say that like someone’s making you have the swear jar Blinky. Swearing ain’t that bad, I do it all the fucking time.” She smiled.
“Yeah yeah. I know there’s ways you can do it that aren’t mean, I just, I don’t like they way it sounds coming out of my mouth. Besides, a few more slip ups and I can get you something nice.” I smiled.
“You swearing on purpose to get something pretty for your girlfriend?” She asked.
“I’m just being lazy on purpose, the swearing is still an accident.” I laughed.
“I’m sorry your mom tried to ruin this for you, that wasn’t very nice of her.”
“No, it wasn’t.”
I sat back down on the bed next to her.
“Hey Macy?”
“Yes Blinky?”
I know she sometimes got amused when I said her name, even though we were already in the middle of the conversation. But I couldn’t help it. I liked the way her name felt on my tongue. Short and sweet, the exact opposite of her.
“Do you smoke? Like, smoke smoke?” I asked.
She seemed a little taken aback, but smiled anyway.
“I have before yes… why?”
“Do you want to?” I asked.
Now she was grinning from ear to ear.
“Why you got some?” I nodded.
“Honestly don’t think I can go back down there without it. Everything’s too much right now.”
She ran her hand along my arms again.
“Oh, and we should tell Spaulding that he’ll have some special guest at his showing after dinner tonight. Sure if you ask nicely he’ll let you help.” I said.
“You just wanna see me in action.” She mused.
“I will neither confirm or deny” I said, as I reached over in my drawer where some of my pre rolled joints were.
I made some mini ones, just to tell calm my mind on a regular basis. I didn’t want to be high everyday, but my sensory issues were not getting easier and it was the only thing that seemed to help. But I found a regular sized one jammed in the back. I grabbed a lighter from my nightstand and crawled back over to wear Macy sat. She laid down on her back, and I put my head on her stomach, laying perpendicular to her.
“Your family lets you smoke?”
“They know I do sometimes. Baby smokes too. Doe Eyes and Otis have regular cigs if you want one. I could snag a few for you.”
“My little thief” she ruffled my hair.
I was going to need to be actually stoned to survive family dinner. My nerves where getting the better of me. I mean I knew she was dead, we saw the evidence. So why did I still feel so heavy? So lost? Why the hell was I so scared? I didn’t notice tears start to slip until Macy’s big hands were on my face.
“Hey little bug, talk to me.”
I shook my head. Words were suddenly very hard.
“Hey, it’s ok, you’re ok. You’re safe.” She reassured me.
I gave her a pity smile. She reached over, grabbing the joint from my hand and lit it, holding it out to me. I weakly took a puff and laid back down, screwing my eyes shut. She took a hit herself, I couldn’t blame her if she was a little nervous. Anyone would be meeting my family. I know she tried to play strong and tough, but she was human like the rest of us.
She let my hair and held it out for me again. After a little while had passed and half the joint was gone, she spoke again.
“Feeling any better?”
I gave her a slow nod, signing a little.
“Are you non verbal right now Blinky?” She asked.
I was ashamed to say it, and I knew she’d figure it out eventually even if I didn’t tell her. I wasn’t very good about hiding what was wrong with me. And I didn’t want to have to hide it from her. I just wish it wasn’t there in the first place. That I wasn’t so broken and life wasn’t so much harder for me for no reason.
“That’s ok baby, you’re ok. Do you want me to tell them you aren’t feeling well and will skip dinner?”
I shook my head and sighed “Bad idea. You need food”
She playful glared at the irony of my comment.
“Yeah, you’re right. How about I do most of the talking tonight then? I think I can handle ‘em”
“Ok” I signed.
“And Blinky, it’s ok you didn’t tell me. But you don’t have to hide your autism from me ok? I’m actually pretty sure Tommy is on the spectrum too.”
I gave her a look that said “really?”
“Mhmm. But when you’re feeling better, you have to promise to talk to me more ok? I can’t read your mind, and you don’t have to suffer alone anymore ok? Everyone in this house right now wants what’s best for you, ok? I’m not gonna judge you Blinky, I love you.”
That was the first time she’d said it. I mean of course I knew it, and I felt it, and I hope she felt it too. But neither of us had said it seriously before.
“You love me?” I sighed.
“More than anyone I’ve ever known.”
I was able to stutter out a weak “I love you” before I felt too tired to speak again.
I swear it almost looked like she was about to smile too. She kissed the back of my hand, respecting that I was way too overstimulated right now.
“Just relax Darlin’ why don’t you try to nap and I’ll wake you when they say dinners ready?”
I nodded, closing my eyes and snuggling up to her. Weed dreams were always the strangest.
An: the ketchup thing is so funny to me cause I’m allergic 😭 damn my tomato allergy ruining everything! Will write the others meeting her next, this chapter was just getting kinda long lol.
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