Chapter 10
Jaclyn’s Secret
That morning, Lazaros sat in the bathroom reflecting on his relationship with Jaclyn. He was sick of her and being in a relationship with her. He wonders why he’s with her but when he thinks about it, everything goes black. He sighed and stepped into the shower
After he stepped out of the shower, Lazaros toweled his damp blue-black hair and brushed it. He grimaced at the scratches and bites as he stared at his reflection with disgust. He dabbed alcohol on the scratch marks and bite wounds using a cotton ball. He winced in pain as the alcohol stung him. He could have Deimos heal him but he would ask him questions he doesn't want to answer.
Lazaros was dressed in a gold and purple giraffe print dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows and the buttons undone to expose his gold Italian horn necklace, black pants, and black wingtip shoes with a gold clasp.
He took one last glance out his window to make sure Deimos wasn’t up. He quietly went out to his Ferrari 512BBi opened the driver’s side and climbed inside the vehicle. He shut the door, drew a breath, and adjusted the rearview mirror. He then slid his keys into the ignition, started the engine, and looked behind his shoulder as he reversed out of the driveway. He then shifted gears and drove down Spring Garden Lane making his way to Quffolwed Garden.
~
Lazaros made a variety of breakfasts for the Nuklear crew. He made Belgian banana pecan waffles, raspberry pain au chocolat (raspberry chocolate croissants), German apple pancakes, cinnamon rolls, omelets, and crepes stuffed with fresh fruit and topped with whipped cream. Makayla marveled at the variety and presentation of the food.
Makayla: “What a delicious breakfast!”
Lazaros’s gaze snagged hers. Makayla’s breath hitched in her throat as she stared into his dark purple eyes.
Lazaros: “Thanks, I’m glad you think so..”
He replied in his smooth, velvety voice. The bubble of laughter died in Makayla’s throat when she saw the scratches on Lazaros’ cheek.
Veronika scoffed at the food.
Veronika: “This isn’t breakfast; this is all dessert! Real breakfast includes bacon, eggs, home fries, biscuits, and gravy!”
She fielded scathingly. Makayla ignored Veronika’s prattle and focused on the scratch marks on Lazaros’ cheek.
Makayla: “Lazaros, what happened?”
She pointed to his scratches. Lazaros flinched, trying to fight back the tears. He brushed over the scratches with his fingertips as his bottom lip trembled. He swallowed the lump in his throat.
Lazaros: “...My brother’s cat scratched me.”
He muttered and turned around to leave the kitchen. Makayla knit her eyebrows. I don’t believe that, she thought.
Craig cackled at The Pink Top Tabloid. He held it up showing pictures of Trevor with his face painted blue and he was dressed in his fedora, Tristan shirt, gray shorts, and black Converse.
Craig: “Look at this fat cunt! Holy shit!”
He laughed hard.
Craig: “ ‘cause we left the clown behind we gotta find a new clown and we did.”
Veronika laughed with him and waved her hand dismissively.
Veronika: “Oh, him? Pfftt… He works with my loser brother. He’s Trevor Hinkley. He has two friends who are just as fat and lame as he is. They were his friends in high school and still hang with him. I guess cows herd together.”
She guffawed at her own quip.
Veronika: “He’s on this ‘love quest’ to find a boyfriend and has been for years. This is why Principal Peggy Li kicked him out of Pink Top High and Trevor quit school.”
She added with a snort. Craig howled with laughter at Trevor’s artwork. Trevor’s art was poorly drawn art of himself, monsters, and his old high school principal, Peggy Li. It had bad anatomy, outlined in a ballpoint pen, and colored haphazardly with magic markers.
Craig: “Holy fuck, this looks like a little kid drew this!”
Veronika slapped her knees laughing.
Veronika: “Oh, yeah, he always drew that shitty art! He’s in his 30s and draws and writes like a 4-year-old!”
Her voice rose as her shrill laughter filled the kitchen and dining room. Makayla blew out a puff of hair. She ignored them and gazed intently at Lazaros by the pool having a smoke.
Craig: “Why didn’t ya tell me about this cunt, V?”
Veronika shrugged.
Veronika: “I didn’t think I’d see him again or he’d get any fame.”
Craig slapped his knees.
Craig: “We gotta meet him, V! Since we can’t troll Maxx we gotta find a new troll!”
He said jubilantly. A wry smirk crossed Veronika’s lips.
Veronika: “I like how you think… I couldn’t fuckin’ agree more! So he works at Jumbo Jones—the same place my brother works.”
Craig threw his head back and laughed.
Craig: “Oh, man, Dorkula still works there?”
Veronika: “Hahahaha, of course, he does! He looks after the fruit or some shit and has a thing for Bobby. I wonder if Zoe still crushes on him…”
She chuckled darkly. Craig arched an eyebrow.
Craig: “Who is Zoe?”
Veronika: “Some smelly and ugly fat chick who has the hots for my lame brother. She’s Trevor’s friend or ‘gal pal’ as he calls her.”
She snickered.
~
Lazaros served chicken chow mein, sweet and sour chicken, egg rolls, chicken fried rice, and won ton soup for dinner.
Veronika: “This is enough food to feed your fatty sister and Trevor and his fatty friends!”
She groused. Makayla shot her an icy stare and Lazaros flicked a hateful gaze at her. Craig furrowed his eyebrows and shifted in his seat.
Lazaros: “I am preparing this for the guests staying here. Last I checked, you’re residing at your parents’ place.”
He shot back firmly.
Veronika: “I don’t want to be there with Dorkula and his fatass boyfriend!”
She complained and sank into her seat.
After they finished, Lazaros did the dishes and took his time cleaning up. He didn’t want to return to his house and face… her again. Makayla stood behind him and bit her bottom lip.
Makayla: “Lazaros?”
She asked softly.
Lazaros: “Mmm?”
He peered over his shoulder. She bowed her head and twirled her hair with her forefinger and thumb.
Makayla: “Would you like to join me in my suite?”
She asked coyly. Lazaros paused for a moment and heaved a deep sigh. Makalaya bowed her head and saw he nodded.
Lazaros: “Sure…”
He turned around and dried his hands putting his gloves back on. Craig’s eyes glittered with anger and he held his hand out to stop them.
Craig: “NO, MATE! You’re not allowed near my sister! Get lost!”
He barked. Makayla was about to speak, but Lazaros shoved his hand away as if it were a fly.
Lazaros: “Makayla is free to do as she pleases and frankly, I am SICK OF BEING CONTROLLED!”
He barked. His outburst caused Craig to take a step back. Makayla was also pleasantly surprised.
Craig: “Oh, yeah, you wanna fight like a man, ey, cunt?”
Lazaros gave him a warning glare as he tugged on his glove.
Lazaros: “Craig…, do not test me. Weren’t you going with Veronika to make fun of Trevor and his friends?”
He asked irritably as he stormed past him and ascended the stairs. Craig clenched his fists and growled at him.
~
Makayla met Lazaros in her suite. Lazaros had a bucket of ice with a bottle of Fancy Enigma champagne in it and two champagne flutes. He popped open the bottle and poured the champagne into the flutes. He handed one to her and sat beside her.
Makayla: “...What really happened to you?”
She asked with concern as she sipped her champagne. Lazaros scowled.
Makayla: “A cat didn’t do that.”
She caressed his cheek. Lazaros’ bottom lip trembled. He shook his head and removed his glasses to wipe his eyes.
Makayla: “Lazaros, you told Craig you were sick of being controlled… you knew how Ashley felt with Maxx…”
Lazaros broke down and sobbed.
Lazaros: “Of course, my brother’s cat didn’t do this! I am being abused by my girlfriend!”
He cried. Makayla pursed her lips. I knew it, she thought.
Lazaros: “She treats me horribly!”
He sobbed and wiped his eyes.
Lazaros: “She’s cold and aloof! She always belittles my passions and insults my hobbies! She treats her morbidly obese mother who risked her life for her like a shame and embarrassment and she’s attempting an emotional affair with my own brother and his best friend!”
He wept and continued.
Lazaros: “Last night when I came home late, she accused me of cheating on her! When I confronted her about her horrid treatment of me, she clawed and bit me!”
He bawled as he explained. Makayla wrapped her arms around him. Her embrace felt warm and Lazaros felt himself at ease as he wrapped his arms around her.
Makayla: “I am so sorry, Lazaros… You need to leave her.”
She said gently and caressed his hair. He shook his head.
Lazaros: “I want to but I can’t! She’s like her father, Vadik! I am afraid she will kill me or hurt my brother!”
He sobbed.
Makayla: “Who is this horrible woman?!”
She released Lazaros from the hug and caressed his thigh. Lazaros shivered. He swallowed hard and tried to compose himself. Makayla let him cry it out until his sobbing subsided.
Lazaros: “Jaclyn Kovalenko or Jaclyn Morozova.”
He finally replied.
Makayla: “I am so sorry, Lazaros… She… Jaclyn doesn’t deserve you.”
She blurted. Her breathing hitched as she gazed into his deep purple eyes. His knees gently bumped Makayla’s as he drew closer. He let out a short, gusty breath.
Lazaros: “I don’t want to discuss that thing.”
He smiled genially and draped his arm over her shoulder. The touch was like an electric current moving through her body, heating her in her feminine core.
Makayla: “Me neither…”
She purred and pressed her hands against the wall of his chest.
They gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment until Lazaros pressed his lips to Makayla’s mouth. He wanted to kiss her from the moment he met her. Makayla’s mouth tasted like a combination of lavender and honey, her lips soft and pliable beneath his. He drew her curvy body even closer, his body responding with a fierce rush of blood to his groin. Her large breasts were pressed against his chest, her wide hips against his, and her hands gripped the front of his shirt.
She gave a little mewling sound, her mouth flowering open to the hungry glide of his tongue. He explored her sweet interior, his pulse rate going off the scale when her tongue came into play with his. Her tongue was hesitant at first, but then she made another whimpering sound and grew more and more confident, flirting with his tongue, darting away, and coming back for the sensual heat of his strokes. He put his hands on her hips, holding her to the throbbing ache of his body.
Lazaros wrenched away. Makayla looked hurt thinking he didn’t feel the same until he removed his shoes and socks, and unfastened his belt sliding his pants off. Makayla raised her hands to unbutton his shirt as he passionately kissed her. She dug her hands into his hair as he lifted her top off and unclipped her bra. He slid down her skirt, snapped her panties, and slid those down as they made their way to the bed where they collapsed onto it.
In a smooth movement, Lazaros straddled her shoulders and dropped his head between her legs. She lifted her head and took his cock into her mouth as he ran his tongue lightly up and down her vulva. Moaning, she opened her legs even wider for him and took more of him into her mouth. She gripped the back of his thighs and found his cock hard as steel between her lips. He kissed her clit softly; a gentle kiss followed by several licks. He spread her wider with his fingertips and licked her deeper inside. It felt so good she moaned and Lazaros moaned as his cock was deeper in her mouth. Makayla loved that sound. She never heard a man make a sound so sexy and sensual.
As she sucked him, she ran her hands up and down the backs of his legs and grabbed his ass. He bucked his hips and thrust in and out of her mouth. He teased her with kisses and made her work for more by spreading wider for him. Makayla took his cock out of her mouth and moaned loudly.
Lazaros: “Beg me…”
He commanded and slapped her ass. Makayla jolted and shivered as her legs trembled.
Lazaros: “Beg me to make you cum.”
He ordered. She wanted to cum. She felt on edge and he was denying her orgasms. She never experienced this before but she loved it. She meekly nodded.
Makayla: “M-Make me cum, Lazaros… P-Please!”
She moaned.
Lazaros sat up and flipped her on her back. Makayla panted and spread her legs for him. Lazaros spread her wet folds open and with the flat of his tongue lapped at her clitoris in long slow licks that turned into short fast licks until she was frozen on the bed, paralyzed but with the sharpest, most intense sensation of pleasure. Her breathing increased; her mouth was open and she began to shake uncontrollably.
Makayla: “Lazaros!”
She gasped and went limp as her heart raced.
He raised his head, locking his gaze on her.
Lazaros: “You’re beautiful, Makayla.”
He whispered. She sighed in the aftermath of her orgasm.
Makayla: “Lazaros, I want more, give me more! Ravish me!”
She cried, begging him.
He parted her legs with his hands and settled between her thighs. She encircled her arms around his neck as he surged into her. Makayla moaned as her feminine core clenched. She rolled her hips as he began to thrust. Makayla’s gasp fused with his low groan. He pinned her hands to the bed and thrust into her harder, knowing she could take it, their bodies slapping together. Her flesh gripped him tightly as he surged in deeper. Makayla felt her own climax rising once more. She twitched convulsively and let out a sharp shriek. He increased the pace of his hips as he continued to thrust her. The bed shook with each demanding thrust. She cried out as he came with his rough shout.
They panted wildly, gazing into each other’s eyes, until their breathing settled down, returning to normal. He rolled away to open the window and let some cool air in. He returned to his bed, lying on his back, next to her. She edged closer resting her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. He put his arm around her, brushing his fingertips on her shoulder. They lay in silence for a few moments listening to the crickets chirp outside.
Makayla and Lazaros lay in his bed, saying nothing and enjoying the peace and tranquility. Makayla traced his chest and nipples with her fingertips, which sent mad shivers through him and caused him to laugh softly. She giggled and kissed him.
Makayla: “You’re amazing.”
Lazaros smiled.
Lazaros: “No, you are.”
He replied in a playful tone.
~
Veronika entered their bedroom when Makayla and Lazaros were asleep and took pictures. She crept out and closed the door. She tiptoed downstairs and used the fax machine to send the pictures to someone.
~
In Selene Valley, Blake heard the fax machine make a noise in the living room. He went to investigate as he didn’t think anyone would send them a fax. He grimaced when he saw the pictures of Lazaros and Makayla in bed. He never liked Makayla then and his dislike for her grew more. She didn’t take long to move on, he thought. Blake had to destroy this. He thought Ashley was enduring enough with that clown and didn’t need more hurt. Blake froze when Ashley entered the living room with some tea they made.
Ashley: “A fax came in? Is it about Mum and Dad?”
Their eyes sparkled until they saw the pictures in Blake’s hands. The corners of their mouth dipped and his bottom lip trembled.
Blake: “Ashley, you deserve better than someone who would jump in bed with the first man she meets in another country.”
He said firmly.
Ashley: “...Maxx was right, I am fat and ugly and no one wants me…”
They cried. Blake furrowed his eyebrows.
Blake: “It’s not you, Ashley. It’s her. I never liked her… I never trusted her!”
Ashley: “You don’t trust anyone I like!”
They bawled through angry tears. Ashley stormed off up to their bedroom and shut the door. Blake heaved a deep sigh and slammed his fist on the table. He knew one of Craig’s friends sent this to hurt Ashley and he could only think of Veronika.
Ashley lay in their room with Keke in their arms.
Ashley: “Maxx is right, Ke… He’s my only friend… But I feel so alone… I miss Sunshire… I miss my old friends… I never felt so alone…”
Keke mewed sadly as Ashley sobbed on her.
Someone knocked on their door. Maxx stood in the doorway wearing his leopard g-string and matching socks.
Maxx: “A-Rad, I have JUST the thing to cheer up my bestest buddy in da world!”
He grinned. Ashley sniffed and smiled a bit.
Ashley: “Some cats and cocoa?”
Their cerulean eyes sparkled. Maxx scoffed.
Maxx: “Nah, dat’s lame old lady shit! It’s DA AMERICAN PIZZA MARATHON!”
He held up every American Pizza movie ever made—all eight of them. Ashley burst into tears, crying harder.
Maxx: “Ohohoh, A-Rad, I know dat feeling! I could have cried on American Pizza 7: Pizza Dick Cones when he got da lady babes with pizza shaped like his dick!”
He beamed. Ashley continued to sob. Maxx popped the first film in the VCR and pressed play.
Maxx: “To make da experience better, I’m putting these on da TV during da sex scenes!”
He smirked and held up a cardboard cut-out of his pouty face. Maxx beamed. Ashley laughed a bit, finding the cardboard cut-outs of his face hilarious.
Ashley: “...Th-Thanks for cheering me up… You’re so funny, haha!”
He wiped his eyes. Maxx smiled dumbly.
Maxx: “Dat’s what I’m here for, buddy!”
~
The following morning, Deimos went outside to get the paper. He grimaced when he saw Lazaros’ Ferrari wasn’t in the driveway. He has been gone the entire day, didn’t return, and hasn’t contacted me, he wondered.
While Deimos was at the fish pond feeding Lazaros’ koi fish, Tristan joined him. Deimos brightened when he saw him and wrapped his arms around him. Tristan hugged him back.
Tristan: “How’s your time with Nuklear going? Not good?”
Deimos sighed.
Deimos: “No, it’s not. I hired Lazaros to be their chef but he’s not home.”
Tristan: “Neither is Jaclyn.”
He said evenly, looking at her driveway.
Deimos: “I don’t give a fuck about her.”
He huffed and inhaled Tristan’s cologne on his sports jacket. Tristan chuckled.
Deimos: “Are you disappointed in me?”
Tristan froze and his heart thundered in his chest. He shifted his eyes.
Before he could answer, Celeste showed up.
Celeste: “Hey, guys! Why aren’t you jamming with Nuklear, Deimos?”
Tristan bowed his head. Deimos looked away angrily.
Deimos: “Why would I be? Craig is off fucking waiters from sleazy taverns and stinking up the house with his feet. Nothing is getting done!”
He huffed. I warned you, Deimos, Tristan thought.
Celeste: “I put Funny Feet in Craig’s boots.”
Deimos: “Yeah, but can you make him stop sitting around in his underwear watching shitty shows and fucking sleazy men?”
He challenged.
Deimos: “I got myself in this mess and I can get myself out.”
He looked beseechingly at Tristan, who just smiled and cupped his face.
They saw a delivery truck pull up to Jaclyn’s house. It was a Pizzas, Gyros, & More truck. Deimos raised an eyebrow. Maybe they made a mistake in the address, he thought. He saw the young man bring out five large pizzas, three large sodas, and several other containers. He kept knocking at the door and there was no answer. I thought Jaclyn hated pizza, he thought.
Deimos turned to them.
Deimos: “We’re going.”
Tristan nodded and followed Deimos. Celeste trailed behind.
Deimos: “Excuse me, do you have the right address?”
The delivery boy checked the invoice and nodded. Deimos glanced at it and fished out his wallet from his pocket.
Deimos: “I guess she’s not home. I’ll pay for it.”
He gave him the exact change and a tip. The delivery boy thanked him and went back into the truck, leaving the containers of food, soda, and boxes of pizzas on her porch. Deimos gazed at her door for a moment and put his hand on the knob. He turned it and the door opened. Celeste held the door open for Deimos He cleared his throat, picked up the boxes, and went through the foyer.
Deimos: “Jaclyn? Are you home?”
He called out. They could hear the TV playing in another room.
Deimos set the boxes of pizza and food on the dining room table and the three traveled to where the sound of the TV. There was a door adjacent to the dining room. Deimos opened the door and the three saw it was a family room. It had the same blood-red Victorian wallpaper, dark brown hardwood flooring, and a large ugly flower couch. On the couch sat a morbidly obese white woman. She had ice blue eyes, and long golden blonde hair, and resembled Jaclyn in the face. She looked impassive and drained. She was dressed in a flowered muumuu and was watching TV. Deimos, Tristan, and Celeste couldn’t believe what they saw. Was this Jaclyn’s mother? Tristan wondered. Jaclyn never allowed people into her house and told Lazaros her mother was estranged.
Deimos: “Excuse me, Ma’am?”
He finally said. The woman gasped and turned to Deimos, Tristan, and Celeste, gazing at them with wide, frightened eyes.
Tristan: “Hello, sorry to bother you, miss! We mean no harm. Your food is here.”
Deimos put his hands up.
Deimos: “…Someone came from Pizzas, Gyros, and More with food. I paid for it.”
He said with hesitance. The woman’s bottom lip trembled.
Woman: “W-Would you bring it to me, please?”
She asked genially. She had a Russian accent. Deimos meekly nodded and went back to fetch the pizza.
He carried the table over and dished up the pizza, handing her several other containers, and poured her a glass of soda.
Celeste: “Is this all for you?”
The woman nodded as she shoved the pizza into her mouth.
Woman: “Thank you for paying for this.”
She said warmly. Deimos slowly nodded.
Deimos: “I’m Deimos Katsaros. I’m your neighbor.”
Tristan: “I’m Tristan Trémaux. I’m Deimos’ best friend.”
He smiled.
Celeste: “I’m Celeste! I am a part of their found family!”
She raised her hand. Deimos and Tristan looked at her as if she had three heads.
Celeste: “Pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza either.”
She pointed to the slice. Vera drew back and Tristan frowned at Celeste.
Tristan: “Celeste, please don’t.”
He chided her gently.
Woman: “My name is Vera Kovalenko. Nice to meet you.”
She is Jaclyn’s mother, Deimos thought.
Deimos: “When did you move here?”
Vera: “I lived here since Jaclyn moved here.”
Deimos and Tristan were shocked to hear this. Jaclyn hid her mother away, but why? They wondered. Tristan surveyed Vera for a moment. Now her hatred for fat people makes much more sense, he thought.
They heard the door slam and the clicking of heels against the hardwood flooring. The door swung open. When Jaclyn saw her mother eating all that food and Deimos, Tristan, and Celeste sitting with her, she saw red.
Jaclyn: “WHO SAID YOU COULD COME IN HERE?!”
She barked. Deimos rose.
Deimos: “A pizza delivery boy came! No one answered, so I paid him!”
He countered, his voice as sharp as hers. Jaclyn seethed at him.
Jaclyn: “I never said you could come in or pay for this junk! This is why she’s this way because of you!”
She barked. Vera looked hurt and kept eating more food. Deimos took a step back and sneered at her.
Jaclyn: “Look at what you did!”
Deimos: “This is NOT my fault, Jaclyn! You kept her from everyone! Why?!”
He flared.
Jaclyn: “LOOK AT THE SIZE OF HER!”
She hissed. Tristan glowered at her.
Tristan: “So this is why you hate people. You do make fun of fat people all the time!”
He said, as his voice rose. Vera looked deeply hurt.
Deimos: “Don’t you dare blame him for any of this.”
He interjected and stood in front of Tristan. Jaclyn seethed at them.
Celeste: “Let me get this straight… You’re more embarrassed of your mother than your footstink. Holy shit, I think you were another Radinka 2.0 but this takes the cake!”
Jaclyn bared her teeth at her.
Jaclyn: “DO NOT COMPARE ME TO THAT SKELETON WOMAN!”
She bellowed.
Deimos shoved Jaclyn aside and stormed into the kitchen. Tristan and Celeste followed him.
Deimos: “Fuck you and your stinky feet! I am telling Lazaros!”
He snapped.
Jaclyn: “That’s not your place, Deimos! Are you telling Lazaros because… you and Tristan want me?”
She asked softly. Deimos spit in her face. Jaclyn looked indignantly at the spit.
Deimos: “I don’t want you and neither does Tristan! We want you OUT!”
Jaclyn: “It’s Ivy, isn’t it?! That woman is putting you two up to this!”
She cried.
Tristan: “Or it could be you’re hiding your mother away from the world while you continually abuse and mistreat her. You have no compunction, Jaclyn.”
He clicked his tongue and shook his head. Jaclyn looked down at her chest and huffed.
Jaclyn: “Of course, you would mock my cup size because Ivy’s are bigger! I expect better from you, Tristan!”
She flipped her hair. Tristan and Deimos gaped at her.
Tristan: “What are you talking about?! I never mentioned anything about cup size! Do you think I only want women with a size DD and up? Like you want men tall enough so you can wear your heels? Why the double standard?”
He challenged.
Jaclyn: “I don’t see an issue with that, Tristan. I need to wear my heels. I can’t wear flats like some fat unfashionable slob.”
She shot a glare at her mother in the living room.
Celeste: “My money is on she wouldn’t date someone fat either.”
She nodded. Tristan sighed and shook his head. Bless your heart, Celeste, he thought.
Deimos: “What was your first clue? She’s obsessed with dress sizes and locks her mother away from the world.”
He said dryly.
He stormed out to his car, leaving Jaclyn there scowling at him. When Deimos sped down the street, Tristan and Celeste saw Victor with Oliver in his arms. He was dressed in an ivory button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, a brown vest, bell-bottom jeans, and brown flip-flops. His hair was in a braid cascading down his back.
Celeste: “Who’s that?”
Tristan: “Papa!”
He waved to him. Victor approached them.
Tristan: “Papa, this is my friend, Celeste, and Celeste, this is my father, Victor Trémaux!”
Victor: “Hello! It’s nice to see Tristan with so many friends! Tristan, where did Deimos go?”
Tristan planted his hands on his hips.
Tristan: “Likely to tell Lazaros about his girlfriend’s morbidly obese mother she keeps hidden away.”
He said curtly. Victor cupped his mouth.
Victor: “Why would she do that?!”
Celeste: “ ‘cause to Jaclyn, fat is the arsenal of all sins!”
She nodded.
Tristan: “I think you mean cardinal of all sins, but yes.”
He corrected her gently.
Victor: “Is Deimos going to the house where his band plays? Would you take me, Tristan? I want to see them play!”
He said breathlessly. Tristan sighed.
Tristan: “You will see playing but not a band playing.”
Celeste: “I don’t think we should tell your dad what Craig is playing.”
She suggested.
Tristan: “You don’t think?”
He asked sharply.
~
Deimos drove to Quffolwed Garden on his way to the Flores Hacienda. He saw Lazaros’ car there and parked in front of the guest wing. I fucking knew it, he thought.
He went upstairs and went to the first room opening the door. He entered the room and saw Lazaros in bed with Makayla. He heaved a deep sigh and shook his head. He flicked his gaze and saw scratches on his face and a bite mark on his neck. He paused. He didn’t think this girl gave it to him but… he felt a knot form in the bottom of his stomach. No…, he thought. Jaclyn…, he mused.
Craig stormed into the room angry as a hornet. He had a Danny Donger’s sticker on his chest.
Craig: “OI, CUNT! THAT’S MY SISTER! GET OUTTA HERE! DON’T COME BACK, CUNT!”
He barked. Makayla covered up and glared at Craig.
Makayla: “CRAIG?! What the fuck?! GET OUT OF HERE!”
Lazaros’ eyes fluttered.
Lazaros: “D-Deimos, what are you doing here?!”
He asked groggily and yawned.
Craig: “Oi, I’m talkin’ to ya, cunt!”
He snapped at Lazaros and turned to Deimos.
Craig: “What are you doing here?!”
He huffed.
Deimos: “Looking for my brother but I’m also a part of the band living here… The band that never makes music.”
He said dryly. Makayla bowed her head.
Makayla: “I’m sorry… I’ve just had a lot on my mind…”
She sighed, looking at Lazaros’ scar with concern, thinking of Ashley and feeling conflicted about what she had just done.
Tristan entered the room with his father, Victor.
Victor: “Hello, I came to watch the band play.”
Deimos: “Stuff is being played but not instruments.”
He glared at Craig.
Craig: “I am working on it, yeesh!”
He huffed. Makayla bowed her head in shame.
Makayla: “I’ll go get my guitar.”
She said and rose to get it. Victor clapped his hands.
Victor: “I would love to see you play!”
His eyes sparkled.
Tristan: “Let’s go downstairs, Papa.”
He said gently and led him out of the room.
Deimos: “I’ll be talking to you, too, Lazaros!”
He ripped off the Danny Donger’s sticker off Craig’s chest, stormed out, and slammed the door behind him.
Craig: “OW! OI!”
He yelped in pain like a little girl and then tuned to Makayla.
Craig: “I’ll be talkin’ to you, too, Makayla!”
He huffed and stormed off.
Fabien was in the doorframe of Craig’s room wearing just his green plaid pajama bottoms.
Fabien: “Lazaros banged your sister. I am not surprised. He loves fatties.”
He chuckled. Craig pouted and folded his arms across his chest.
Craig: “I’m gonna kill him!”
He growled. Fabien touched the outline of the sticker glue on Craig’s chest.
Fabien: “This city is full of fatties, Craig.”
Craig smiled a bit.
Craig: “Good, so he can fuck off and fuck them instead!”
~
Lazaros came downstairs in his robe. Deimos was on the couch with Tristan and Victor waiting.
Deimos: “You could have come to me if Jaclyn was abusing you…”
Lazaros bowed his head.
Lazaros: “You’d ask questions—”
Deimos: “Of course, I’d ask questions!”
He interjected.
Lazaros: “I didn’t need you to tell me to leave her or ask me why I put up with her, Deimos! Sometimes people want emotional support but you never give that! There IS no solution!”
He cried.
Deimos: “There IS. Leave her!”
He said firmly and stomped his foot.
Lazaros: “You don’t know what she’s capable of!”
He shot back firmly on the verge of tears. Makayla sauntered into the room and sat by him.
Makayla: “...What is she capable of, Lazaros?”
She asked gently, putting her hand on his.
Lazaros: “A lot.”
He said vaguely.
Fabien: “Why are you with her, Lazaros? Don’t you chase fat fucks?”
He asked sharply and pointed to Makayla. Makayla was taken aback and glared at him. Tristan and Deimos both glared at Fabien. Victor shrank uncomfortably in his seat.
Makayla: “You’re so rude! What is your problem?”
Lazaros: “I guess so?! But I don’t know why I am with Jaclyn! When I try to think of it, I draw blanks!”
He cried.
Fabien: “I don’t see the appeal in fatasses… But I see is less in Jaclyn.”
He shrugged. Makayla glared at him.
Makayla: “Well, I don’t see the appeal in you!”
She fired back.
Deimos: “You keep asking the same stupid question! I don’t see the appeal in sleazy waiters at dumpy bars but our king of the jungle loves them!”
He angrily rose and braced his feet apart.
Makayla: “Thank you, Deimos.”
She nodded and glared at Fabien.
Tristan: “Even though Fabien’s manners and intelligence leave much to be desired, he might be onto something, Deimos. I know, color me surprised.”
He said dryly. Makayla looked confused.
Makayla: “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”
Victor: “What do you mean, Tristan?”
Lazaros: “Yeah, what do you mean?”
Fabien: “He’s coming to rescue Deimos again!”
He sneered. Deimos saw red. He charged at Fabien and delivered a hard punch that sent him crashing into the TV and his head went through the screen. Tristan’s jaw dropped. Victor cupped his mouth. Makayla smiled and then laughed. Craig’s door burst open and he came bolting down to the commotion.
Craig: “WHAT THE FUCK?! FABIEN?!”
He rasped, marching over to Fabien, and tending to him. He held him in his arms and looked around the room.
Craig: “WHO did this?!”
He seethed.
Deimos: “I did it! I am sick of him! I am sick of listening to him and looking at him!”
He snapped. Craig locked his jaw and clenched his fists.
Craig: “You’ve made a BIG mistake, little man! Let’s take this outside like men!”
He huffed. Deimos delivered a hard blow to Craig’s stomach and the impact sent him through the window, crashing through it. Craig went flying through the air with a mighty roar. Fabien’s cuts and scratches healed before their eyes.
Tristan paused and felt a smirk tugging at his lips. Victor cleared his throat. Makayla was stunned beyond disbelief at what she just witnessed. She couldn’t believe her eyes. Lazaros hung his head, feeling numb. Deimos spun around and huffed.
Victor: “So Tristan, what are you getting at?”
He smiled. Makayla gaped at their reactions or rather lack of reactions to what just happened.
Tristan: “Uh, Jaclyn is controlling Lazaros’ mind somehow.”
He said in a small voice. He cupped his chin. So why didn’t she use this mind control on Deimos or me despite wanting us? He wondered. Lazaros froze on the spot. He tried to think but every time he did, he drew blanks.
Makayla: “...What do you mean controlling his mind?!”
She pressed.
Tristan: “She’s using mind control to keep him in a relationship with her but I don’t know how. She wants Deimos and me but we were never under her control.”
He replied.
Deimos huffed and sat by Tristan.
Celeste: “Oh, is she controlling his mind with her foot stink?”
She showed up.
Victor: “Oh, hello, it’s your friend, Tristan!”
Tristan: “I know, Papa. She… pops up.”
He sighed.
Tristan: “Anyway, no, because we all smell that and she isn’t controlling our minds.”
Lazaros: “I don’t know! Stop pressing me!”
He cried.
Suddenly, the door swung open and they heard someone shouting “WHAT THE FUCK?!” They turned to see Veronika standing there.
Veronika: “Who are all these people and what the fuck happened here?! Craig?!”
She rasped when she saw Craig lying on the ground covered in glass.
Deimos: “I kicked Craig’s ass is what!”
He snapped at her.
Veronika: “WHAT?!”
She fumed at him and marched over to Craig. Craig glanced up at her, groggily.
Craig: “O-oh shit… hey, V!”
He slurred.
Veronika: “HOW COULD YOU?!”
She rasped. Makayla swung her gaze over at Fabien. Uh-oh, here we go again, she thought.
Veronika: “HOW COULD YOU LET THAT LITTLE MAN BEAT YOU! YOU’RE WEAK!”
She rasped, kicking Craig on the floor and pointing at Deimos. Deimos looked unimpressed.
Craig: “OWWW!”
Veronika: “I’ll get Father to pay for these damages and it will come out of Larry’s paycheck for Headbanger’s Hellfire! When I come back, I better see you man the fuck up, Craig!”
She barked and stormed to her Lamborghini. Tristan made a face. I wanted to listen to Headbanger’s Hellfire; I need it to sleep, he thought glumly.
~
Veronika arrived home in her black Lamborghini. The Woods manor was a Mediterranean-style mansion with a terracotta roof and driveway. The cream-colored walls were illuminated by lights beaming down on them. The master bedroom sat perched on top of the three-car garage with large archways surrounding it. There was a large double door to the entrance of the home with stained glass windows. She stomped into a spacious parlor with a marble staircase. A crystal chandelier hung above their heads with various portraits of oceans on the walls.
A tall white man stood at the top of the marble staircase, dressed in loafers, a dress shirt, and khaki pants. He wore his salt and pepper hair swooped over. He was Randall Wood, the father of Veronika and Larry and the biggest music producer in both Australia and the US. He produces SolarisFest, PinkFest, and owns PinkFM.
Randall: “Veronika, this is TERRIBLE news! Your brother has been in an accent!”
He cried and made his way downstairs. Veronika looked up at her father and smirked.
Veronika: “No, father, this the best news I had all day. Is Larry dead?”
She asked.
Randall: “No, but he’s in critical condition!”
He sobbed. Veronika’s smile faded.
Veronika: “I don’t care, unless he’s DEAD! I am sick of him, Father! He has been a blight to the family for years! But me? I am a manager of a band.”
She said loftily. Randall smiled and nodded.
Randall: “You are so resilient… just like your mother! How I miss her, Veronika!”
He cried and they hugged. And we’d have her if it wasn’t for Larry, she thought angrily.
~
A tall, wiry elderly white man with a black fedora hat stood outside Larry’s room. He has a narrow gaunt face with a prominent ski-jump nose and a pronounced cleft in the chin. Dark sunglasses obscured his eyes. He was dressed in a black peacoat, black trousers, pointed dress shoes, and had black gloves on his hands. He overheard the doctors and nurses say they never had a case like this when a Xupran bit them. He put his hands behind his back and turned to a short, stocky white man with frizzy dark hair.
Man: “Sir, it wasn’t a success. It didn’t work on him. He’s not responding.”
The elderly man’s breathing hitched. He bowed his head and nodded. He folded his arms behind his back and walked away. After many years, I’ve not been successful in finding the perfect specimen, he thought.
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