[2254] Pity Party

Jem:

I try to find me and Juillet some masks. It STINKS.

 I go to to the sink to look for a medical case and see and smell burning.

"Hey!?"

I think the blonde guy must have the hot water on too much to be BURNING but as I slapped his hands away I felt normal temperature. 

What?

"Stop it, what are you doing?"

I look around. This happened as soon as MER left   what did that slaver DO.

Beolan:

I find it loud and nosey from the coasters so close to the rafters. 

The big sky down is not a bad spot to perch but there are always drones or feris wheel viewers passing by. 

You are NEVER alone here.

*shutters*

Speaking off...

I narrow my gaze at Meridieth unsure what to think given how her friends accused me earlier. 

"What if I dont want the party?" I reply and watch her reaction for any signs she CARES.

Desmond:

I felt a lack of connection to everything and the senses. Besides the smell, it was as if everything else was distant and detached. There was pain in my hands but it had been so muted. There was a muffled sound that I couldn't make out.

Then I saw myself washing my hands and then I saw the blonde girl.

I jolt back to my body when my hands get slapped away. The sound of running water suddenly sharpens when I get slapped and I hear it clearly.

I blink and look at the burned hands. They burned and bubbled and blistered.

I stare at it for a moment longer then look to her then glance around the kitchen confused.

"I um..." I squint distantly in thought. "The King... Said to... Wash up..." I say slowly as it starts to come back to me through the fogginess.

I pause and then look to her.

"Better hands then..." My eyes slide away distantly. "then..." I trail off unable and not wanting to talk about the horrors. My mind fills with childhood nightmares of bath time hunts and attempts and the terror of sleeping and if I'd be snatched and forced then too and then the nightmares that would come when sleep did happen.

Meredith:

Beolan asks a question I did not know the answer to.

........................

"I don't understand."

After all that hard work and he doesn't even want it?!

Typical...

I cross my arms and shake my head in annoyance.


"I don't know.. I guess you could always just not go?"

How am I supposed to know??? He is acting as though I am the one forcing him to do this!

Ettie:

I felt embarrassed, I came to help and failed.. again. I rub my eyes wishing I could do better but I mess everything up. They should send me ..back..to the rehab place. I tear up thinking about it, how I made Mom mad at first. I still didn't understand, if I was lost why did they act like that. Why weren't they happy to see me.

I smelt burnt flesh and stop dwelling on my insecurity as I look over. 

The smell of the food was awful now someone was brunt. Whatever did I miss?

I shake Tully one more time and then rush over. A blonde girl, who was new was staring with a sierous look.

(Jem): "He told you that knowing you'd burn?" She inches closer to her sister and whispers something in her ear. "..be careful with that king.. look he must have brainwashed him."

I hold up some white cloth medical gloves to Desmond trying to help.
My stomach churns again looking at the white sterile gloves remembering white labs, padded rooms and straight jackets.

I put a Dane wings sticker on the gloves so Desmond doesn't feel bad how it makes me feel bad.

Like being a paitnet ..people are scared of.

Meredith:

Beolan responded to me in a way which made me feel stupid.

Like I should know something I clearly did not.

I glance down trying to think but I just felt insecure now and offended.

He then comes at me with something completely ridiculous.

The gall.. I can't believe he was seriously mocking me right now! What did I ever do to him?

I glare at him like one would any other sort of bully and snap back.

"Ha - ha. You are so funny!"

I say sarcasticallly before rolling my eyes at him.

I am weak I get it!

And despite my best efforts to try and prove myself it just wasn't ever really enough was it?

People will always see me as weak and pathetic. Beolan just so happens to be the only one blunt enough to be honest about it.

I just wish he didn't keep throwing my insecurities at me like this again and again.

I wanted to say something back, something to make him feel how I was feeling but I could not.

I freeze up.

Instead my reaponse left me open for further attacks and all i could do now was just... interalize.

"Are you done? Or is there something else you would like to include?"

Desmond:

Juliet shivers imagining touching the texture of the burns as she stares at my hands.

I hear more words grounding me from my thoughts.

Juliet's eyes widen at her sister's words and she nods. More raven mind superpowers. But how without antennas? Juliet considers this.

(Juliet): *whispering back.* "Yeah. He already mind probes. Maybe he can put stuff in too while he does? Brain pecking. Peck. Peck. Peck."

Juliet bops her head forward and back as she says her pecks.

Well, now that I think about it he didn't specify water... And it was generalized...

It was my fault this happened. Not the Kings.

I look down at the floor feeling dumb.

Slump shoulders.

I look up when a flash of white catches my attention and I see the gloves from Ettie.

I smile.

"Oh.. Thanks."

I wince an eye as I try to put them on my hurting hands and shiver at the pain curling into my stomach feeling sick. I can't help but frown at the sensation.

"It's... It's n-*wince*nice to see you up. A-" *I pause leaning forward to swallow feeling bile rise up my throat.* "and okay."

Desmond:

Monster... Stripes... Big teeth...

As if I couldn't feel down enough already.

Is that how people might view me... That way too...?

I guess I should try to stay in this form more often then... At least then Ettie and others wont faint and be upset or scared...

Better ugly then... that...

I think sadly.

"Oh.... Okay.... Thanks..."

I grimace in a wince at the pain in my hands and look down to find myself unconsciously trying to pick at my nails through the gloves.

At least maybe my nails will have a chance to grow now, I think to myself hopelessly, knowing it wouldn't actually matter anyway. They'd be gone again as soon as my hands healed. I couldn't help it and I didn't know why.

I glance around.

"Think you're going to stay? For the birthday... thing?"

However much of a 'party' this could actually be.

Seemed more like just a probably disgusting meal. Though maybe this was just the food guild portion for it and the other guilds were also setting up stuff... For Beo...

I look back to her.

Beolan:

I frown at how Meridieth took that. 

Anything I say would just make it worst... 

She confused me so. What happened?

With DEEP irradiation I walk off down the hallway going nowhere in particular...

..... just anywhere the other direction from the Food Guild.

Ettie:

I look at Desmond's hands feeling so bad for him. Hopefully the gloves will keep him protected till the skin grows back. 

Since he can't wash them to keep it clean.

I shutter thinking about water... 

It didn't burn me but I felt a little wary of it sometimes. Drowning.

He asks me something, the party?

For..Beo.

"I..should..shouldnt I..." I lower my gaze.

"I'm go..na make..something.." 

Its rude to go empty handled and I didn't help at all with the cake.

Desmond:

"I... Guess?" I shrug. "I just know you'll lighten up and brighten my vibes if you do."

I pause as another wave of pressure teases my thoughts and sensations in my throat.

Glances at the sink, hoping if I hurl from the hand pain it'll be in there at least. But I'll have to leave this foul smelling room at some point for... The party... Ugh. Hopefully I'll feel better once I get nose blind to the smell... The other room probably smells like cooked meat and sea food in there now to with the cake...

I look back to Ettie.

Yes.... I could certainly use the happiness today that I feel just looking at her.

I smile. "Okay."

I look past her distantly as a thought worms it's way into my brain of other... Birthday occurrences causing my eye to twitch.

The singing... The dreadful horrible singing!

I feel myself break out into a sweat already just remembering those terrible misleading words...

'Happy birthday to you'

Happy!? What is so happy about that freaky harmonizing!? It's like something terrible could happen at any moment! Like our ears will start bleeding or I'll minds will get weird by the sound energies frequencies man! It's horrible!! Another year another physical and mental test and bout of terror to make one 'feel alive' free it, I guess.

Ugh! As if I couldn't feel any worse!

My stomach boils and I quickly turn to the sink and vomit.

Ugh....

"Just... Uh... If you're leaving to get stuff. I hope you get back soon... We'll-"

I sniffle and refocus my attention onto her.

"I'll need the counter energies."

I look back at the sink.

...

Or maybe it could be missed if left...

But how could I help her... Handless like this?..

I bump the handle of the sink with arm to turn it on to wash the ick down and wince. 

She might not want me to go with her either after just hurling... Wrinkles nose.

Meredith:

Beolan walks away.

I walk back to the food guild.

"Beolan doesn't want the party."

I anounce to the group before proceeding to the back kitchen to wash my hands.

Ettie:

My eyes go wide at how sick Des was.

I cant even give him anything...I'm a terrible nurse...  ;(

"Pwease re..st.."

I reach out to pat him when he leaned on the sink, but was afraid he'd think I was attacking him from behind.

Then they will send me back...or.. maybe just send me back for being such a failure.

Tully was still hurt too. 

I wasnt strong enough to drag him - she COULD.

I cant do anything.

I hurry out glad Mer was back. Mer will know what to do 

Meredith:

I finish washing my hands and see young Ettie heading my way.

"Yes?"

I question not sure if I liked her energy.

Is something wrong?

(Waitress Bot) ((Oh me Oh my, sure took your time gettin back now didn't ya?))

I roll my eyes at the robot, trying to keep an even temper.

Desmond:

I try to follow Ettie's infinite wisdom and rest.

Takes a deep breath though the ill feelings whirling in my being from the hand ache.

I was going to sit on the floor against a wall but then thought how would I get back up with my hands injured without forcing someone to help me?

Mmm...

Goes and sits at an actual table and looks over myself and the table wondering what to do with and where to place my hands that won't make me feel even worse.

A slider server rolls over to me and announces how many hours are left in the day for the birthday party.

I glance around and then look back to the server.

"Hours Bay Bay is missing apparently. Not me." I wink at the waitress and then look back down at my predicament.

Rests elbows on the table. Maybe if I keep my hands like this they'll go numb with bloodloss.

Meredith:

Ettie directs my attention to Des.

I scan the room and see him at the kitchen table behind another bot.

His hands looked horrible.

"Des??? What happened?"

I approach him.

There must be towels or something we can wrap his hands with until the skin heals itself.

I cringe.

Yikes.

Desmond:

I sigh feeling awful.

And the answer to that question only made me feel worse...

So... uncomfortable. The anxiety, the humiliation, and a tinge of dread.

Lowers forehead onto the table.

"I... don't want to talk about it..."

....

"So.. What's up with Beo?" I ask, hoping to just talk about anything... Anything else.

Meredith:

I respect Desmond's wishes and sit down next to him.

Ettie had the medical bag after all. There really wasn't much more I could do.

Though I must admit, having healing powers right about now would be pretty awesome.

Des asks about Beolan.

*Sighs.*

"He doesn't want to come to his party."

I fold my arms annoyed.

After all this work. Why did we even bother.

"He's probably just doing this for more attention."

I speculate out loud.

"And can we discuss that cake for a moment? Gross right?"

A meat cake. Makes me want to quit eating the stuff altogether really.

Desmond:

I raise my head back off the table but make sure to avoid looking at anyone.

"Maybe... Could be..."

I couldn't fault her assumption on the matter.

"Plus Crystal did go off on him... Probably harshed his mellow to even want to party after that."

...

"And yeah, it is."

I look at the 'cake'.

...

"Think all that sushi on that meat just sitting out is gonna give the King or anyone who eats it food poisoning?.. That just... Can't be right...? Right?"

Meredith:

Desmond talks sense to me.

I fold my arms in a firey mood as my feelings were HURT.

His further analysis of the cake makes me want to hurl.

"Ugh. Maybe? I know it will definately make me sick."

Maybe some alien creatures can handle things like that.

Feels even more HURT at the exclusivity of it all.

"I left him. Should I have, I dunno. Forced him to go?"

Yeah, like I could do that...

Desmond:

I tilt my head up pondering what that would have looked like.

"Hmmm.. The would have been a sight..." I admit.

Then finally look at her, taking in her body language.

I lean towards her conspiratorily.

"Would you drag him by the ankle, the wing, the arm, the ear or... A different way?"

I tilt my head. "Like say, perhaps a game of fetch?" I add with a smile and a wink trying to lighten the mood.

Meredith:

It was hard not to break a smile at Desmond's attempt to lighten up the mood.

.................

I shake my head and smile anyways.

"I at first thought about just screaming at him until he joined the party but that is a bit dramatic isn't it?"

*Sighs*

"If I was stronger I would definately.grab him by the ankle and pull him back, kicking and screaming the whole way "

I laugh a little to myself at the imagery before looking back at Desmond.

"What would you do?"

Desmond:

(Juliet): "Ooo. Sure! It's so pretty Jem!" She compliments the lighter.

Suddenly more people show up.

"Well maybe now my answer will be left to the imagination..."

I look around for Beo but don't see him.

Suddenly I feel panic build in my chest as the music starts and I start to hyperventilate.

I feel like I can't breathe.

I stand up, hunched over gasping and gaze around in a haze of confusion. The music. The music is everywhere.

What's happening??

Need to get out! Need to get out!

Something is happening! I feel a deep sense of dread and horrible doom.

I choke.

There's a pounding in my ears from my heartbeat, but all the rest of the sounds the horrible, horrible sounds seem so far away. So muffled, yet everywhere. I don't understand.

My head sways and I see me... I see me and Mer... I see the whole room... So far... Far far away...

Meredith:

Desmond leaves his response a mystery.

I smile at him but say nothing.

In the background, Gregorian checks over the party and seemed just as traumatized as the rest of us with that cake.

That sassy BLOND girl from our decorating team tries to put me on the spot, asking about Beolan in the most obnoxious sort of way.

Lucky for me I was saved by the music, unlucky for Desmond he did not appear to be enjoying himself. At all.

"Come on Des."

I get up and loop arms with him trying to get him to follow me out into the quiet hallway.

Meredith:

We are drenched in meat juice.

Ew ;(

Bash and Beolan enter our scene and burst out laughing.

I get angry at that and pick up whatever meat I can find, pelting them both with it.

Poor Desmond was still in distress.

I take a moment to try and calm down before grabbing him again and trying to pull him out of this place.

Gross! Gross! Gross!

Juliet:

Eep! My face gets splooshed!

Eyes squeezed shut but my eyes still burn.

My face streaks with wetness, not from sadness or fear but a combo of the meat juice in my eyes and my eyes watering trying to get it out while my eyes are tightly closed.

I feel sister hold me and I hug her back.

Right... Right! The drama.

(("Ooo! This was perfect then!"))

The Director is brilliant! Such a perfect scenario! Great timing!

I can't wait to see the scene on film! I can just imagine the reactions!

I hear the scary King and cling closer to Jem afraid.

I shiver hearing laughter.

(("Oooo.")) I whisper think quietly to Jem conspiritorially. (("Sounds like things are gonna get good."))

Desmond:

I sway out of it feeling ill and overwhelmed at all the sensations. First, it was music, that's still leaving my mentally cloudy and confused. Now it was all the blood and meat smells and all the visuals of all the upset people.

I keep my arms stiff and hands up and out ahead of me while arm-looped to Mer trying to touch anything with my hands.

Though my already pained hands start to tingle from blood loss.

"Hughhh."

I hunch over feeling nauseated again from all the sensations.

I tense, dry heaving.

Meredith:

I pull Desmond out of the room but the meat smell was so strong, it stunk up the whole level.

We are definitely going to need to air that out

At least the music was a bit more muffled.

I keep pulling him along until we get to the nearest infirmary.

A worker sees Desmond's hands and gets strait to work

Something tells me the King is still going to want to finish the rest of the party after this.