Chapter 13
Sex Bees
A Latina party girl who looked ready to go clubbing no matter the time of day sat in a private jet. She had teased-out white hair with light pink stripes on each side of her eyes, large purple eyes with long black lashes, and long ice-pink fingernails. She was dressed in a white bustier with a white blazer over it, a white mini skirt, and white pumps on her feet. She wore several gaudy bracelets and bangles in pink, purple, and white. She is the twenty-three-year-old daughter of Basilia Flores. She is the second eldest daughter and loves to have a good time.
She sat across from a cigar-chomping, heavyset, middle-aged Latina woman with an air of ruthless authority. She was dressed in a white pantsuit, the sleeves on her blazer rolled up to her elbows, and high heel sandals on her feet. She had her platinum blonde wavy hair styled up in a high bun with her bangs parted and framing her round face. She is Basilia Flores, one of the most ruthless, notorious crime bosses of the Pink Top City underworld as well as the mother of two girls and three boys.
Felipa was on board her mother’s private jet with her mother, Basilia, her right-hand man, Carlos “Carlito” Ruiz, and various henchmen. Basilia was taking a trip to Selene Valley to meet with Randall Wood, someone from Pink Top City she knows well. Carlito was a big and tall Cuban man who stood over seven feet tall. He was at least seven feet and four inches. He had dark circles under his dark purple eyes, a large nose, and full lips that formed into a deep scowl. He wore his white hair slicked back. He was dressed in an ivory suit with a purple top with a few buttons undone to expose his gold necklace, and ivory shoes on his feet. On his fingers were several rings.
Felipa didn’t want to go because she wasn’t allowed to take any of her friends and didn’t know anyone in Selene Valley. She hated being alone more than anything. She hoped she would make some new friends and maybe fuck someone hot there.
When Basilia, Felipa, Carlito, and her henchmen arrived in Selene Valley, Felipa was very confused. They drove on the left side of the road, not the right. Their mailboxes were red, not blue. It was autumn back in Pink Top City and it was spring here. Nothing made sense to her. It was as if she was on another planet. Felipa wished she never came but her mother insisted a trip would do her good.
~
Ashley sat on the couch watching TV and munching on their cupcats and cookies. Blake stared down at his sibling with a worried look.
Blake: “Ashley, you’ve been doing this since you learned Makayla was sleeping with that man.”
He said firmly folding his arms in front of his chest. Ashley heaved a sigh and shed some tears. It’s not just that, they thought. It’s everything, they thought.
Blake: “Unfortunately, this happened but you and Makayla were not dating each other. Nothing was official. She didn’t cheat on you.”
He added. Ashley huffed.
Ashley: “Blake, I don’t need this now! Don’t I get this enough from Maxx?!”
Blake bowed his head and sighed.
Blake: “Ashley, it’s not a slight against you. You and she were not dating and were never intimate. Do I think she jumped into bed too quickly? Yes, but she is not committed to you or anyone. She is free to do as she pleases.”
He said firmly but gently. Ashley sighed sadly as their bottom lip trembled. Blake drew a short, gusty breath and hooked his thumbs in his jeans.
Blake: “...Blair gave you his number… Why don’t you give him a call? Just… don’t turn to that clown, whatever you do. He will drag you down with him.”
He said as he lit up a cigarette and went outside on the porch. Ashley thought about his advice. Maxx came out and laughed at Ashley.
Maxx: “A-rad, if you eat one more cupcake, you’re gonna explode!”
He cackled.
Maxx: “Wanna head to da clubs tonight, bud?”
Ashley furrowed their eyebrows.
Ashley: “No, I wanna watch TV and get fatter.”
They hissed. Maxx cackled shrilly.
Maxx: “Yer gonna get fatter if you keep eating that way, A-rad! I’m headin’ to da clubs! Would love my best bud to join me!”
Ashley curled up with Keke.
Ashley: “I got plans, Maxx. Maybe later…”
They grumbled. Maxx stomped his foot.
Maxx: “Oh, whatever, ya landwhale! You can bake with your lame cat and eat anytime! This is a one-time chance with Maxxy! You’ll regret it, ya double-chin fatty!”
He barked and grabbed the tray of Ashley’s cupcats, cookies, and pastries they intended to sell at the bake sale. He threw them out on the lawn. Ashley could not cry anymore. Their eyes were dry. They just did not care. They slumped on the couch and thought more about what Blake said. Maybe they could call Blair. They could use emotional support now.
Ashley went to the kitchen and thumbed a scrap of paper with Blair’s name on it. They picked up the phone and dialed Blair’s number, including the country code. They heard the phone ring and twirled the phone cord with their fingers.
It was twelve-thirty in the morning in Pink Top City. Blair’s eyes widened as he rose. Who is calling me at this hour? He wondered and went into his room to pick up the phone. Celeste left his room to give him privacy.
Blair: “Hello?”
Ashley: “Blair! It’s me, Ashley!”
They cried. Blair smiled.
Blair: “Hello, Ashley! I didn’t think I would hear from you! I am glad I did!”
Ashley: “I… I need some emotional support… Maybe advice…”
Blair knit his eyebrows.
Blair: “What’s wrong?”
Ashley: “You remember that girl I liked? Makayla?”
Blair: “Yeah?”
Ashley gulped and his bottom lip trembled.
Ashley: “So, Randall Wood sponsored her and her brother to live in the US to perform under his label. She’s gonna be living there… We didn’t date and we didn’t kiss, but we tickled. We were friends but I crushed on her… Yesterday we got a fax with a picture of her in bed with someone else… of course, she’d want someone like him… I feel so foolish to think she ever wanted someone like me… when she’s with someone like him!”
They broke down crying. Blair knit his eyebrows.
Blair: “Ashley, I am so sorry… I wish I could be there for you…”
He said empathetically.
Ashley: “I am so tired of being mistreated by Maxx… Blake tells me not to get upset because we didn’t date and she’s not cheating but I can’t help it!”
They bawled.
Blair: “Ashley, I am sorry this happened and that is terrible… I know you two weren’t dating but isn’t it kind of… quick for her to get intimate with this man?”
He said with strain.
Ashley: “Y-Yeah…”
Blair had a lot he wanted to say but didn’t want to hurt Ashley’s feelings.
Blair: “Maybe you should focus on baking or selling your delicious baked goods so you don’t think of this… Sadly, we have no control over what Makayla does.”
He sighed.
Blair: “But I think your biggest problem is not this but Maxx… I think you should consider cutting ties with him. He seems like a really bad friend. He’s not there for you now.”
Ashley pursed their lips and swallowed hard.
Blair: “I am sorry Makayla did that to you, Ashley, but everything happens for a reason. Who knows? This may be leveling you up to take on a bigger challenge.”
He smiled. Ashley smiled a bit and nodded.
Ashley: “You’re right, Blair. I feel better meow!”
Blair: “I am glad to hear that!”
He cheered.
Blair: “Look, feel free to call me whenever you need me. I will be here for you.”
He smiled.
Ashley: “Of course, dude! Thanks for being a good friend, Blair. It sucks you live so far away!”
They groaned.
~
It has been a week since Felipa and her family were in Selene Valley. Everything about this place confused her and she felt so lonely in this place. She and her family are staying at Randall Wood’s summer home here but it’s not summer in Selene Valley but winter. That evening, she had Randall Wood’s chauffeur, Martin, let her off at Miss Behaven—the largest strip club in Selene Valley. It was a large burgundy building with “Miss Behaven” written across it in neon pink letters. Silhouette artwork of women was plastered in the dark windows with a loud thumping bass echoing from inside the walls.
Felipa entered the establishment and had to pay the bouncer a ten-dollar cover charge. The club had red walls, comfortable red leather tub chairs with accents of purple in the lighting, and the catwalk stage that had two poles and seats alongside it. There were several tables with a purple light in the center of them. Three staircases were leading up to a balcony where the VIP and champagne rooms were located. At the end of the area, was a large stage with two poles on it, a mirror in the back, two disco balls hovering over it, and seats surrounding the stage. To the left, was a huge bar with stools and poles on the bar when the dancers to a bar dance. The DJ announced a stripper named Kitten was going to dance next and he instructed the audience to hang tight for her performance.
Felipa moved through the crowd and sat at a table. Her mother was up in one of the VIP rooms talking with a local mob. A waitress approached Felipa.
Waitress: “What would you like to drink, love?”
She asked Felipa. Felipa moaned and knit her eyebrows.
Felipa: “A watermelon daiquiri.”
She sighed. The waitress brought her drink back. Felipa paid for it and sadly sipped it.
Suddenly, Maxx approached her. He was dressed in tight hot pink leather pants, a blue leopard print vest opened exposing his bare orange chest, and a red bandana. He pulled up a seat next to her at the bar. He looked like a rejected member of the glam rock band, Torturgazm. He swished his hair back and raised his brows at Felipa.
Maxx: “ ‘eyyyyy, baby!”
He gazed into her large purple eyes with a shit-eating grin. Felipa snapped out of her stupor and noticed Maxx speaking to her. Her eyes immediately lit up.
Felipa: “Hehehe, hi! Are you from here or do you work here?”
She asked excitedly.
Maxx: “Well, ‘ello there! No, baby, I’m from Angel City, baby! I’m just in Selene Valley on tour with my mega-famous rockin’ band: ‘Sex Beest.’ ”
He leaned up against the table, with his arms and legs spread out.
Maxx: “I'm Maxx! What’s yer name and where are you from, baby?”
He wiggled his eyebrows. Felipa let out a peal of giggles.
Felipa: “Angel City, huh? They have the same accents there as they do in Australia? I never knew, because no one wants to talk to me! And my geography teacher failed me because I didn’t know all the states!”
She puffed her cheeks in frustration and exhaled, gazing back at Maxx with a smile.
Felipa: “I’m Felipa Flores and I come from Pink Top City, Palm Tree State in the US!”
She chirped.
Maxx: “Your daddy must have been a baker, cause you got the nicest set of boobs I’ve ever saw!”
He shot her a fingerbang. Felipa giggled and reddened.
Felipa: “Awwww, thanks, Maxxy but no, Daddy was a crime lord!”
She replied and bat her eyelashes at Maxx. He rose, spun around and wiggled his ass and turned to face her again. He sat down and leaned over smirking seductively at her.
Maxx: “You’re so hot, that when I look at you I get a tan! See, baby!”
He purred. He rose and stroked up and down his scrawny torso. Felipa beamed and giggled loudly.
Felipa: “Wow, I didn’t know you were so romantic.”
She said dreamily. A brazen smirk curled across Maxx’s lips. He was not expecting her to take his “charming” pick-up lines so well.
Maxx: “Yup! I’m a real romantic, Filly-Babe!”
He replied proudly. Felipa giggled loudly.
Felipa: “Filly-Babe! I love that name you gave me! I never met anyone so romantic in my life!”
She swooned.
Felipa: “I’m staying with Randall Woods with my mother but I reeeeeally don’t wanna go back because it’s lonely and boring so can I go back with you to your place?”
She asked with dewy eyes. Maxx dropped his drink and dropped his jaw. His drink spilled all over his pink glittery pointy boots. He was too much in disbelief to care about his drink all over his gaudy boots.
Maxx: “Wh-Wha?!”
He stammered, feeling his euphoria soar, and could not believe a girl agreed to go back with him.
Felipa: “Are you too famous a rockstar to take me back?”
She clasped her hands and giggled.
Felipa: “You remind me SO MUCH of Vivienne Vivacious. I would LOVE to see him perform live… and meet him backstage.”
She dipped her eyelashes and purred. Maxx clenched his fists and growled.
Maxx: “Well, why ya gotta focus on ‘im when you got Maxxy ‘ere?”
He said with strain and pointed to himself. Felipa giggled loudly.
Felipa: “That is true, Maxxy!”
She purred and caressed his chest. Maxx shivered and had the biggest grin on his face.
Maxx: “Ohohohohoho, Filly-Babe! Wait until you ride da beest! CUM ON!”
He said loftily and thrust his hips. Felipa rose and took his arm.
Felipa: “Well, let’s go, Maxxy! Show me your rockstar moves!”
She giggled as they left the establishment. Maxx could not be happier.
~
They got a cab back to Ashley’s house and got out with Felipa pairing the fare. Felipa saw the Keke doppelganger.
Felipa: “Oooooh, cute cat! Does he lick feet?”
She giggled. Maxx shifted his eyes and beamed.
Maxx: “He sure does! ‘Eyyy, uh, cat?”
He shot a fingerbang at the Keke doppelganger. He just stared. Dr. Ellis Hoffman observed the scene through binoculars. This is the only time he has brought a girl home, he thought. He jotted this down in his notebook titled, “The Xupran.”
Maxx barged into the living room showing Felipa off like a trophy to Blake and Ashley.
Maxx: “OWWWH! Maxxy’s here with a hot lady babe!”
He hollered. Ashley gaped owlishly at Maxx.
Maxx: “Isn’t she so sexy, A-rad?!”
He grinned smugly, rubbing it in their face.
Maxx: “While Makayla is bangin’ another man, Maxxy got Filly-Babe!”
He cackled loudly. Ashley shrank in their seat looking broken-hearted. Felipa knit her eyebrows.
Felipa: “Awwwww, Maxxy, that wasn’t very nice!”
She chided him gently. Maxx waved his hands.
Maxx: “I-It’s just buddy banter, baby!”
Ashley: “Sure, it was…”
They muttered and heaved a sigh.
Blake cocked an eyebrow.
Blake: “...Okay, how much did you pay her?”
He asked. Felipa snickered and waved her hand dismissively.
Felipa: “He didn’t, silly. He offered and I came because he reminds me of Vivienne Vivacious! He’s a famous rockstar from a band named Sex Beest!”
She sang. Maxx held up a forefinger.
Maxx: “Hang on, baby! Owwwwhh!!”
He exclaimed as he rushed into his room and came back with a glamour shot of himself and a t-shirt. Felipa gasped with stars in her eyes. She cupped her cheeks, grinning widely. Maxx beamed as he signed his autograph for her in his chicken-scratch handwriting that read: “Dear Filly-babe yer so sexy! I wanna put my sex beest if yer pussay! From Maxxy Malone of Sex Beest.” Felipa grabbed the poster and her screams filled the room causing Blake to flinch.
Felipa: “OH, WOW! I GOT AN AUTOGRAPH FROM A FAMOUS ROCKSTAR!”
She squealed loudly dancing all over the room. Maxx grinned inanely, taking all of this in and reveling in it. Felipa planted her lips on Maxx’s lips on the posters leaving a kiss mark on them. She showed it off proudly to Blake and Ashley. Maxx pouted.
Maxx: “Ooowwwhhh, how ‘bout leavin’ that on da real beest?”
He folded his arms across his chest looking like a spoiled child. Felipa took his arms and mashed her lips on his. Maxx’s eyes widened and he thumped his feet like a rabbit. She kissed all over his face leaving lip prints on him. Maxx felt himself melt.
Felipa: “Shall we take this to your room…, Sex Beest?”
She said seductively, gazing at him with bedroom eyes. Ashley’s, Blake’s, and Maxx’s jaws dropped.
Maxx: “Y-Y-YES, BABY! CUM TO MAXXY!”
He hollered, taking her to his bedroom with the Keke doppelganger following them.
Ashley and Blake sat there in bewilderment. Blake folded his arms and appeared pensive. Ashley thought Felipa’s behavior toward Maxx reflected their own when they first met Maxx. They recalled how amazed they were at Maxx and then when Maxx changed, the rose-tinted glasses slowly fell off until they saw Maxx for who he is. But so many questions are still unanswered, they thought.
~
Felipa and Maxx scrambled into his bedroom. He began tearing his clothes off like Christmas wrapping paper. She bit her bottom lip and watched him as he undressed. She slipped off her heels, unzipped her skirt, removed her top, shrugged out of her blazer, unclipped her bra, and slide off her panties. Felipa was there, standing before Maxx naked. Maxx gazed at her with lust in his eyes and panting like a rabid dog.
Maxx: “CUM TO MAXXY, BABY!”
He howled. She smiled and flopped on his mattress bed in the middle of his floordrobe and dirty dishes. Maxx got on top of her holding his tiny orange cock in his hand. Felipa licked her index finger seductively.
Felipa: “Fuck me like a beest, Maxxy…”
She whispered slowly.
Maxx: “WAIT! We need some rockin’ tunes, baby!”
Maxx rose quickly to slide a cassette tape into his boombox and played a well-produced glam metal track called “I fuck hard like a Sex Beast.”He slammed on top of her with his member and slid it into her thrusting.
Maxx: “OWWWHHH!! OWWHHH!!!”
He moaned like a dying cat. Felipa looked up at him with a look of bewilderment. Where is the foreplay? She thought as she stared at Maxx with confusion.
Maxx: “OOWWWWHH!!! AUUUUHHHH!! BWWWWAAAHAHHH!”
He screamed strange animal noises. Felipa lay there caressing Maxx as he thrust awkwardly into her.
Maxx: “EEEEUUUGGHHHHH!!”
His eyes rolled into the back of his head.
Maxx: “Wait, baby! Are you on da pill, baby?! I don’t want no Mini-Maxxy’s runnin’ around!”
Felipa gaped at him in confusion.
Felipa: “Y-Yes, I am…!”
She replied and blinked. Maxx continued to thrust and make strange sounds.
Maxx: “Are you SURE you’re on da pill, baby?!”
He asked again and thrust.
Felipa: “I said I was!”
She replied, her tone taking on a trace of an edge.
Maxx: “ARE YOU SUUUUUURE YOU’RE ON DA PILL?! I’M GONNA CUUUUUMMM!!!”
He moaned.
Felipa: “Yes, Maxxy!”
She said sharply.
Maxx: “AAAAAAAALAHUGGGGHHHH!!!”
He gargled and climaxed in her. Felipa rolled her eyes and moaned, faking her orgasm. Maxx pulled out and grinned dumbly.
Maxx: “That was amazing, baby! It’s a good thing you’re on da pill!”
He exclaimed. Felipa stared up at the ceiling as if she had seen a ghost.
Felipa: “...How many girls have you fucked?”
Maxx: “Owwwwh, you’re Maxx’s lucky two-hundred thousand, baby!”
Felipa gaped at him dubiously. The Keke doppelganger put his paw on his face and shook his head.
Before she could say anything more, they were startled by a tapping at the door. Blake stood in the doorway.
Felipa: “Are you wanting to fuck me?!”
She looked at Blake beseechingly. Maxx growled.
Maxx: “What do ya need, Mr. Doom ‘n Gloom for, baby?! Ya got MAXXY MALONE OF SEX BEEST!”
He whined. Blake looked unamused.
Blake: “Not interested.”
He replied evenly and suddenly a smirk crossed his lips.
Blake: “So, Maxx, plays in a band?”
He began and lit up a cigarette. Felipa’s eyes sparkled and she beamed.
Felipa: “He does!”
Blake: “Maxx, you should play for her sometime. You should serenade this young lady with one of your ‘masterpieces.’ ”
He suggested and blew out a puff of smoke. Maxx pouted.
Maxx: “I can’t, asshole. My guitar is in da shop!”
Felipa’s eyes glittered.
Felipa: “THAT IS A GREAT IDEA!”
She shrieked. Maxx flinched.
Blake: “It is a fantastic idea… You claim Sex Beest is famous, so why don’t you perform or play just for Felipa…?”
He smirked and chuckled.
Felipa: “WOW, IT IS A GREAT IDEA! HEY, I could get my mother to have you headline at Miss Behaven!”
Maxx managed a strained smile.
Maxx: “B-But, b-baby, I can’t… My guitar is in da shop bein’ repaired!”
He whined.
Felipa: “That’s okay, Maxxy! My mom can rent or buy you a new one! I will let her know!”
She giggled.
Maxx: “But my bandmates are still missin’!”
He protested and threw his arms up.
Maxx: “Aw, shucks, I can’t perform! I’m sorry, baby…”
He feigned a grimace. Blake smiled reveling in all of this.
Felipa: “If we have to, we’ll hire someone to fill their roles!”
She giggled and patted his shoulder. The color drained from Maxx’s face.
Felipa: “Tomorrow, I will talk to Mama about getting you headlined at Miss Behaven!”
She said doggedly. Blake chuckled darkly.
Blake: “Ashley and I look forward to you performing… Since you entered our lives, it is something we’ve always wanted to see…”
He smiled and closed the door, eagerly awaiting Maxx’s downfall. The Keke doppelganger smirked at Maxx. As do I, he thought.
Felipa threw the covers over her and Maxx and she sighed happily.
Felipa: “I am so excited to have a mega-famous rockstar make a song just for me. My Mama will love you, Maxxy! Good night, Sex Beest!”
She kissed him and turned over. Maxx spooned her still looking as if he saw a ghost. …How will I get out of this? He wondered.
~
Maxx woke up to something jabbing him, he rolled over to see a note beside him in the bed. He sat up scratching his head groggily and unfolded the note to read it. It read, “Maxxy, will be meeting with Mama to have Sex Beest perform tonight! She would love to meet you before! Love, Felipa!”
Maxx: “...Shit!”
He fumbled out of bed and barged right out of his room.
Maxx: “A-Raaad! A-rad! You need to help me!”
He wailed as he ran out of his room. He bolted into the kitchen, living room, and Ashley’s bedroom. Ashley was nowhere around. Maxx’s knees shook as he felt his anxiety soar. He heard the door swing open.
Maxx: “ARGH!”
He jumped out of his skin and his heart hammered in his chest when he saw Felipa. She gave him a little wave with her fingers. Maxx trembled and smiled crookedly.
Felipa: “Let’s go meet Mama and get her to headline Sex Beest!”
She giggled and took his arm. Maxx forced a wide shit-eating grin.
Maxx: “Baby, I-I need to shower first…!”
He stammered. Felipa puffed her cheeks.
Felipa: “You smelled that bad when I met you! Come on now!”
She yanked him out of the house.
Maxx: “ARGH!”
~
Felipa and Maxx sat across her mother, Basilia, and her henchman. Basilia pressed her manicured hand against her forehead and heaved a deep sigh. She raised her head to lock it on Maxx, who shook and trembled in his seat. Basilia surveyed Maxx through dark, narrow slits.
Basilia: “So, Felipa, you want me to pull strings to have this… pile of whale vomit perform at this club tonight?”
She asked as she gesticulated to Maxx with her hand. Felipa vigorously nodded.
Felipa: “I do, Mama! Sex Beest is wicked cool and mega-famous! I got to… meet a mega-famous rockstar!”
She said with strain. She did not want to admit she fucked him because the sex was the worst she ever had. Basilia harrumphed. She sat back in her seat and put a cigar in her mouth. Carlito lit it for her. Basilia blew out smoke.
Basilia: “Never heard of Sex Beest.”
She said gruffly. Maxx trembled in his seat wanting to scream but his fear was greater than his anger.
Felipa: “Maxx will sing a song for me! His bandmates are missing but we can get replacements and rent instruments!”
She insisted. Basilia gave a short, rumbling laugh.
Basilia: “Missing bandmates, huh? Needing instruments? Is that so?”
She chuckled darkly again. The sweat on Maxx drenched the lounge seat. He nodded meekly.
Basilia: “All right, Maxx… You say Sex Beest is ‘mega-famous’?”
She quoted with her fingers.
Basilia: “You shouldn’t need little ol’ me to pull strings for you… but all right, I’ll bite.”
Her smile spread to show her teeth.
Basilia: “You and your little band can perform tonight…”
She said coolly. Maxx swallowed the lump in his throat as his fear skyrocketed. Basilia blew out more smoke and leaned forward.
Basilia: “However…”
She began with that gleam in her eye.
Basilia: “If your performance is less than stellar and you make a fool out of my daughter and me, your head will be served on a silver platter to me.”
She said in a warning tone as she shook her forefinger at him. Maxx urinated in his pants but couldn’t let anyone know.
Basilia: “You’re dismissed. Off with ya.”
She waved her hand and the two rose from their seats and left.
Felipa: “What’s wrong, Maxxy?! You look like you’ve seen a ghost?”
Maxx: “I think I just pissed my pants, baby… JOKING! HA!”
He groaned, glancing down at the wet spot on his pink leopard print pants.
~
Ashley was baking cookies. Maxx sauntered into the kitchen, planting his face down on the table, sobbing. Ashley paused and turned around.
Ashley: “...Uhh? Is something wrong, Maxx?”
Maxx: “My life is OVER, A-rad! You gotta help me! It’s a life or death situation!”
He whined into his arms.
Ashley: “...Why? Did you run out of fake tan again?”
They ask dryly with exhaustion in their tone. Maxx pounded his fist on the table, startling them.
Maxx: “NO, A-rad! Da mafia is gonna kill me!”
He bawled. Ashley gaped at him incredulously. Maxx shook his head and sobbed.
Maxx: “Felipa’s mum is a mafia lord and she’s makin’ Sex Beest play live this weekend or she’ll kill me!”
He cried.
Ashley: “Oh…”
Maxx: “H-how can we play when my bandmates are missin’?!”
He pleaded.
Ashley: “Uh…”
Ashley’s eyes shifted.
Maxx: “A-rad! You have to help me! You’re my best buddy and only hope! You’re so smart… and handsome… and slim… and cool!”
He said with strain.
Ashley: “...Don’t push yourself too hard, Maxx… I know it’s hard to be nice to me… Why do you call me lame and fat then?”
They challenged, slipping off his oven mitts and focusing on Maxx.
Maxx: “Oh, A-rad, that’s just buddy banter! I joke with love!”
He waved his hands dismissively. Ashley bowed their head.
Ashley: “I hope so, dude… I hope you weren’t saying that stuff to hurt me… like, I know I’m fat and I’m sure you know you’re orange, but I wouldn’t say you were with the intention to hurt you, you know what I mean?”
Maxx stomped his feet and flapped his arms like an angry goose.
Maxx: “HEY! I’m not orange, A-rad! I didn’t call you that! Doom n’ gloom was making fat jokes about you, but I stopped him! Remember when we went to that boring garden place and you said there’s plenty of A-rad to go around! He was gonna make a fat joke, but I stopped him!”
He caterwauled. Ashley scratched the back of his head, looking confused.
Ashley: “I am certain he wasn’t making a fat joke…”
They said incredulously. They tilted their head and scratched it.
Maxx put his hands on Ashley’s shoulders and shook them vigorously.
Maxx: “OH, WHATEVER! A-rad, look! My bandmates are missin’, but we have this gig coming up at Miss Behaven, and I need some cool cats to fill in for them! You’re the perfect match!”
Ashley: “Wait… you want me to play in a band with you and fill in for your missing members?”
They paused, glancing up at the family portrait with their missing parents.
Ashley: “Uhh… I dunno, dude… I don’t even know how to play an instrument?”
Maxx: “Come on, A-rad! It’s easy! You just gotta pluck some strings! How hard can it be?!”
He huffed and stomped his foot.
Ashley: “I dunno, dude… I don’t even have ‘da rebel rocker look’ …you said yourself… I’m too fat ‘n lame for rock ‘n roll.”
They gestured to themself in their paisley clothing, cat apron, and paw oven mitts, poking themselves in the stomach.
Maxx: “PFFT! I was just joking, A-rad! You’d be… purrfect! Get it? You like cats! You got da right look n’ cool factor! Just wait until I glam you up in da sexy outfit I bought ya today!”
Maxx beamed and shot them a finger bang. Ashley paused and thought about it.
Ashley: “...All right, Maxx… I’ll do it, but you have to promise me you’ll be kinder and maybe clean up after yourself more?”
Maxx: “It’s a done deal buddy!”
He shot them a finger bang. Ashley smiled, feeling hopeful.
~
When evening came around, Felipa got out of the cab and dashed to Maxx and Ashley’s house knocking on their door.
Maxx was teasing Ashley's hair in the bathroom. He dressed them up in a glittery vest, Sex Beest t-shirt, tight leather pants, and white cowboy boots.
Ashley: “Ow! You’re pulling too hard!”
They cried. He sprayed glitter hairspray in Ashley’s hair. Ashley coughed and fanned their face. Maxx heard the knocks, tossed the can on the floor, and made a beeline to the door. He saw Felipa there.
Felipa: “Hi, Maxxy…”
She purred.
Felipa: “Are you ready?”
She chirped. Maxx stroked up and down his scrawny orange torso.
Maxx: “Baby, Maxxy Malone was BORN ready!”
He said loftily.
Ashley, Maxx, and Felipa gathered into the cab and drove to Miss Behaven. Blake looked around the house and called Ashley’s name. Where are they? He pondered. He heard about “Sex Bees” performing tonight on the radio and he wanted to take Ashley to watch the clown show unfold.
~
Maxx and Ashley sat around backstage, getting prepared to go on next. Ashley was strumming random chords on a knock-off Gibson Flying-V, it kept sliding around on their lap. Maxx skulled down his goon sacks as he nervously looked up at the clock on the wall. Showtime was fast approaching and just around the corner now.
Maxx: “So, A-rad, how’re the tunes comin’ along?”
Ashley: “I think I’ve got it down now! Here’s this rad song I just wrote!”
They strummed the E-minor chord on the guitar.
Ashley: “Silly cat! Why you gotta eat that!”
They strummed the E chord again
Ashley: “No! Get off the bench! Don’t eat my pie! NO! NO!”
They sang loudly and strummed the A chord intensely.
Maxx: “A-rad! NO! IT SUCKS! We’re supposed to be making a song about Filly-babe!”
He snapped and stomped his boot.
The music suddenly stopped, so that the DJ could make an announcement.
DJ: “All right, everyone! Tonight we’re hosting a special live performance by a band from Angel City! They’re called…”
He paused.
DJ: “...Sex Bees…”
He announced, trying to suppress his laughter. There was a ripple of laughter throughout the club.
Maxx: “It’s Sex BEEST! WITH A T! T! T!!”
He screamed from backstage. There was more laughter in the audience.
Maxx sauntered on stage with Ashley on the guitar. Blake’s jaw dropped when he saw Ashley with Maxx.
Blake: “What the Hell have you gotten yourself into, Ashley…?”
He muttered and cupped his mouth.
Maxx grabbed the microphone and raised his arm into the air.
Maxx: “OWWWWH! WE'RE SEX BEEST! WITH… A… T!!!!”
He slurred his words.
Maxx: “Th-This is a song… This is a song about my babe, Filly, babe! It’s called: FILLY BABE!”
He pointed to Felipa in the audience and winked at her. Felipa screamed with joy when Maxx pointed and winked at her. She rose from her seat and cupped her mouth with her hands
Felipa: “PLAY MY SONG, MAXXY!”
She shrieked.
Ashley: “Hit it, A-rad!”
He pointed to Ashley, signaling them to start playing. Ashley nodded and started strumming their guitar.
Maxx: “FILLY-BAAAAAAAAAAAABE!!”
He wailed shrilly and thrust his pelvis in the air.
Maxx: “...uhh... why you gotta be so hot!”
Maxx squealed loudly sounding like a cat’s tail caught in the door, stumbling to make up lyrics on the spot.
Ashley’s eyes widened and their mouth was ajar.
Ashley: “...W-wait, did he just totally rip off my song? …H-he totally can’t sing at all! That means…”
They muttered as they monotonously strummed the same chord, caught up in their thoughts and doubts about Maxx and the legitimacy of ‘Sex Beest’
Maxx: “...Y-YES! I wanna eat your PIIIIIIIIEEEEE! YES! YES!”
He wailed as his voice rose shrilly, dancing around the stage with the microphone pole. Basilia watched the performance, her cigar dangling from her mouth. Carlito inhaled sharply and exhaled.
Basilia: “What is this? I thought they were musicians, not comedians.”
She snapped and slapped her knee angrily.
Blake rubbed his temples as Maxx’s voice grated on him. He didn’t think he could possibly get any more insufferable than he already was. Nevertheless, his façade would be blown now after this, and that made him very satisfied. It sucks that he had to drag Ashley into his mess, but hopefully, Ashley will see him for what he is now, and he will never have to deal with Maxx and his antics again, he thought.
Maxx lay on stage rolling around like a cat, locking his eyes on Felipa.
Maxx: “Your hair is like marshmallows, and your eyes are wild violets!”
He shrieked.
The crowd booed at them, throwing beer cans and drinks at Maxx. “GET OFF THE STAGE, FUCKWIT,” bellowed one of the men in the audience.
Basilia: “Mija, I am sorry that this bastard did this to you…”
She said tenderly to her daughter. Felipa looked at Maxx with stars in her eyes.
Felipa: “Mama, what are you talking about?! This is the most romantic song anyone has wrote about me!”
Basilia gaped at her daughter as if she had two heads.
Maxx: “Oh, booo! What, are you all, ghosts?!”
He slurred, and tripped over, landing facedown on the stage.
Basilia: “If you can, escort the other one outside. I want a word with the fuckhead alone.”
She leaned over and whispered to Carlito, locking her glare on Maxx. He nodded and rose. Ashley panicked as tensions rose in the audience; he ran off the stage with his guitar. He ran into Blake and he nodded to Ashley as he escorted them out of the premise.
Basilia turned to Felipa with a warm smile.
Basilia: “Mija, it’s late. Moustafa will take you back to Randall Wood’s manor.”
She offered genially.
Felipa: “I wanna stay with Maxxy!”
She jumped in her seat and whined.
Basilia: “He had a bit much, mija. He is not feeling well and he might have to go to the hospital.”
She crooned. Felipa gasped and put her hand to her mouth.
Felipa: “Oh no, is he hurt?”
She asked as tears welled up in her eyes. Basilia motioned for Moustafa—her driver. She instructed him to drive her back to Randall Wood’s manor. Felipa whined and tried to protest, but Basilia insisted she go back to Randall Wood’s manor. Moustafa led Felipa out while she was in tears.
Carlito seized Maxx by his head, lifted him off the stage and tossed him onto the lounge as if he were a ragdoll and Maxx shrieked. Basilia slapped him on the shoulder and grabbed it digging her nails in.
Basilia: “You, me, puto, we have to talk.”
She said darkly. Carlito joined them towering over everyone.
Maxx: “Puto? My name is Maxx... Woah, keep it, calm lady babes, you will all get your autographs! Just wait in li—”
He slurred and staggered. His face suddenly turned green and he flung himself forward, throwing up all over the floor. Carlito’s face twisted with disgust. He marched to him and delivered a karate chop to the back of his neck knocking him out.
Basilia: “Get this fuckhead out to the car now.”
She ordered. Carlito picked him up and swung him over his shoulder.
~
Ashley tried to get the glitter out of their hair as Blake drove them home. Blake let them sob it out and did not say anything to them. He heaved a deep sigh.
When they entered the house, Ashley crashed on the couch sobbing. Blake sat with them, comforting them.
Ashley: “I feel like such an idiot, Blake! I’m so stupid! He was lying to me the whole time and using me!”
He sobbed.
Blake: “You’re not stupid, Ashley. You were just… trying to help someone you thought needed help, but… some people can’t be helped.”
He said gently but firmly. Ashley grounded their eyes with their fists and sighed.
Ashley: “...I’m so sorry for putting you through this…”
They sniffled. They raised his teary gaze to Blake.
Ashley: “...Why did you let this go on all this time?! I know you wanted to kick him to the curb from day one… so why didn’t you?”
Blake drew a long breath and adjusted himself on his couch.
Blake: “Because, then you wouldn’t have learned anything, Ashley. I can’t fight your battles for you and you needed to learn this. There’s no use in me telling you someone is bad… you’re not going to listen. You need to see it for yourself.”
He explained. Ashley folded their arms over angrily.
Ashley: “Well… I don’t want to see him again…”
They wept.
Ashley: “I am also done with Makayla… Don’t tell me she and I weren’t seeing each other! I felt it and she slept with some other dude when she landed in the US! I meant nothing to her! I meant nothing to ANY OF THEM!”
They curled up and sobbed. Blake sighed and leaned back. He was going to say something but stopped himself. It wasn’t the place or time, he thought. He was glad that this was the end of Maxx—the literal end. He knew when people crossed the mafia as Maxx did that they didn’t last long.
~
Basilia and her henchmen drove Maxx to the side of the road at the top of the cliff. Carlito grabbed Maxx and dragged him to the edge of the cliff.
Basilia: “Any last words before you die?”
Maxx: “N-No! Wait, baby! Maybe we can sort somethin’ out! How about instead of killing Maxxy… you fuck Maxx?!”
He purred. Basilia narrowed her eyes into slits.
Basilia: “Dispose of this trash, please.”
Her henchmen wordlessly nodded and drew their guns. They all shot him in the chest, legs, and head, sending him flying over the cliff. Basilia and her men looked at Maxx’s mangled body floating in the ocean. She spat and they turned away, leaving him there.
~
A shadow loomed over Maxx’s body. The person knelt and turned Maxx over. They rose and the moonlight shone on Dr. Ellis Hoffman. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and gazed down at Maxx in astonishment. He’s alive, he thought.
Ellis: “We’ll take you to the facility for some observation… This ability you have… it’s fascinating and we’ve seen nothing like it before…”
He whispered loudly. A guttural sound bubbled from Maxx’s lips.
Maxx: “F-Filly-babe…”
He choked.
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