Episode 21 (7.3)
November 19, 2008 02:02 PM
* * *
Isabel swayed on the stage, ignoring Julio standing next to her and Lynne trying to unsuccessfully hand her a winning trophy. Tim stared up at her, imploringly and she felt like the room was spinning. Trying to unsuccessfully steady herself, Isabel finally bolted from the stage, rushing through the crowd and out the kitchen doors. There were confused mutterings and general uneasiness in her wake. Julio looked around, completely confused, while Lynne struggled to come up with something to say. Levy emerged from the back, holding a shoe, and took the microphone.
“It looks like Miss McCaulley took the Cinderella exit,” He held up the shoe and those closest the stage started to laugh. “Thank you, Mr.” Levy held up the microphone to Julio.
“Martes,” Julio answered, though his eyes didn’t leave the door that Isabel had just rushed out from.
“Mr. Martes, I hope you and Ms. McCaulley enjoy your prize. Now it’s time for the Best dressed teenager.” Levy handed off the mike to his daughter, who mouthed “thank you”. Julio exited through the back curtain, followed by Levy.
Misha stood at the bottom of the steps, looking concerned. “What happened? What did you say?” She accusingly looked at Julio, who remained confused and startled.
Jillian was more gentle, “Julio, did Isabel say anything to you?”
“No, she was fine and then she appeared at the stage and she was distracted. I should go find her.”
“Hold it, Romeo, I’m still not conv-”
“Misha, enough.” Jillian cut off her daughter’s friend midaccusastion. “She went out the front door,” she said to Julio, “we should go check to make sure that she’s all right.” The two made their way to the exit, with Misha trailing behind them. Allan and Jason broke through the crowd to the “Dorothys”.
“Stay inside,” Jillian pointed at her two sons, “We don’t need her being overwhelmed.”
“Mom, do you think he-” Jason asked.
“Yes.” Is all Jillian could muster, intuitively knowing who was involved and feeling a wave of guilt wash over her. “We have to go,” She pulled Julio along and the two went out the front, Misha in tow.
* * *
Isabel burst out the front door then turned and ran down the alleyway. She collapsed against the back wall and fought back the urge to throwup. She heard the back door open, but didn’t look up. Tim stood looking over her, conflicted. “Iz?”
She turned on him, eyes red, anger on her face. “How dare you.” Tim looked confused, not expecting this reaction. “Was the first time not enough? You had to come back to try and mess with me some more?”
“That’s not what I’m here for.” Tim pleadingly answered, “Isabel, I love you.”
She laughed, bitterly “Oh my God, Stop! Just stop!” She slammed a finger into his chest, “You left me, Timothy. You left me at that airport and you didn’t have the guts to tell me you were going to do it. I was blind sided, devastated. Do you know how worthless you made me feel?” She turned away from him, not wanting him to see her tears. “We spent three years together and you couldn’t even discuss anything with me. You got on a plane and left.”
“It was a mistake, Isabel.” Tim moved forward, putting his hands on her shoulders, “I know that now. I wasn’t thinking.”
She threw his hands off, “You were thinking. About yourself, like you always do.”
“That’s not fai-”
“Like tonight. I’m having fun here, with a man I really like, and you come waltzing in with your ‘grande, surprise’ ending.” She felt like screaming, her face was already red, but she was managing to maintain a steady voice.
“I tried to see you days ago,” Tim answered, defiantly. “I went to your work and your house, but everyone seemed unwilling to let us talk.” He counted off on his fingers, “Molly, your mother, your brothers, they all thought they new what’s best for us.”
That floored Isabel. Her family and her friends had kept Timothy’s arrival secret from her. It didn’t, however, change how she felt towards him. “There’s not an us anymore, Tim. When you left me, it tore me apart, but I moved on.”
“What, with him?”
“No, this has nothing to do with Julio!” Jillian, Misha, and Julio emerged from the alleyway, unseen by the two arguing. “I’m tired of being mistreated and tossed aside whenever you were busy or didn’t have the time. I’m tired of being second to your job. I’m tired of all your games and your surprises because you can’t show human emotion when we’re together.”
“Iz, I love you. I came back for you, so that we could be together.”
“So you’d be staying then,” she asked.
“No, I want you to come with me to California.”
She laughed, “You want me to uproot my life so that I can come make yours happier. You know what Tim? No. You’re so smooth and crafty, but your just scared of getting close to anyone so you push them away. But at the same time, you’re so desperate to not be alone. If I moved out there, nothing’s going to change. I’m done, Tim. I’m so done.” Her speech over, Isabel finally noticed the others standing there.
Tim turned also, completely blown away by her response. He’d expected conciliation, but found only defiance and anger. He cut his losses and pushes past Misha and Julio, walking away. Jillian stepped forward, but her daughter held up her hand. “Don’t.”
She looked towards Julio, but he seemed to be taking things in. “Julio, I’m sor-”
“What was that all about?”
“That was-That was Tim. He was my ex-boyfriend.”
“Recent ex?”
“They broke up a few days before she met you, Romeo.” Misha threw in, then shutup when she caught the look from Jillian.
Julio nodded, “How long were you together.”
Isabel seemed confused by the questioning and exhausted from the emotional fight. “Three years,” she croaked out.
“You date someone for three years and you just happen to forget to mention it? What else are you hiding from me?” Isabel’s eyes widened.
“Julio, it’s not lik-”
“I need time to think Isabel,” Julio turned and walked out of the alleyway, pulling apart his costume as he did. Isabel watched him leave, tears rolling down her face. The twin Dorothies, Jillian and Misha, stood behind her, watching her with concern.
* * *
“The winner of the family costume competition are... The Bradys!” Shelly eyes widened in happiness. She turned and offered a faux smile to their competitors, then rushed up unto the stage, pulling Nicki along with her. Jackson stood with his father, who was swaying.
“Come on, Dad.”
“Come on, yourself.” Edmund brushed his son off. “You go hop along and play your mother’s silly little dress up games. I’m fine where I am.” Edmund went to lean against a barrel, but it tipped over and he ended up sprawled on the floor. Jackson groaned, then pulled his father up.
Edmund leaned into his son, “I am not going to parade on that stage anymore like, like a poof for all these people.”
Jackson growled, “Now listen here, Dad. I don’t know why, but this is important to Mom. It’s the one thing she’s looked forward to for the last few months, up in that room sewing. The only reason I would ever wear something so absolutely ridiculous as this costume is for her. We are going to go on that stage because it means the world to her and I will not see that woman hurt. So either you come along on your own or I am going to drag you up there. There are worse things than the town seeing you in costume Dad,” Jackson leaned in and whispered, harshly, “Like everyone in the town seeing you drunk.”
Edmund looked at his son, looking ready to argue, then slumped and gave in. The two stumbled up the steps, Jackson supporting his father, and emerged to join their waiting mother and sister. Shelly triumphantly held up the trophy to a smattering of applause.
* * *
Isabel threw open the front doors, carrying her dress high above her legs. Her mother and Misha trailed behind her. Allan, Jason, and Alicia met them on the middle of the floor, while Molly, Shane and Carleen stood back. Isabel twirled around and pointed at her mother, “What?”
Jillian was startled, “I just wanted to make sure you were all right.”
“Why, because I can’t take care of myself. Oh that’s right, you don’t think I can. That’s why you forgot to tell me that Tim was back.”
“I was trying to protect you.”
“Am I five?! Since when do I need protection?” Isabel looked at her family and Molly, “How dare you not let me decide if I could handle Tim being back.” She was near tears, “I had to find out here, in front of all these people. You let me get ambushed!” Molly and Allan exchanged a guilty glance, while Jillian herself seemed ready to burst into tears herself.
Jillian reached forward, “I didn’t want to see you hurt again. I told him to leave you alone.”
Isabel screamed, “JUST STOP! You told him?! Since when were you involved! You know what Mom, this isn’t your life. Just because you’re not dating doesn’t give you the right to meddle in everyone else’s business.”
“Iz, that’s enough,” Jason stepped forward.
“You know what, ‘big brother’, save your advice for someone who cares.” Isabel held up her hand. The entire party had stopped to watch the outbursts and Isabel now felt embarassment mixing with anger. She was on the verge of tears as she struggled to deal with Tim, Julio and her family. She finally just collapsed unto her knees, unable to stand it anymore. Misha rushed forward and helped her up; Isabel accepted her hands, but knocked away Alicia. Alicia, hurt, turned and pushed through the crowd, as Isabel was led out the front door by Misha.
Shane saw her rush past him and went to follow. Keira, grabbed his shoulder, “Shane, can we-”
“Not now Keira!” Shane shook off her arm and followed Alicia out the kitchen door.
Carleen turned to the party-goers. “Look, we’ve seen enough. Party’s over, folks, thank you for coming. Please speak with our Lurch about receiving a pass for five free coffees. Good night.” Carleen began to push out the nearest guests around her. The crowd began to murmur and move towards the exits.
Lynne walked by her mother, “Five coffees for free?!”
“Lynne, would you rather them be talking about the party for other reasons?” Carleen moved over to Jillian, who was standing there in a trance. “Come on, hun, let’s get you home.” Jillian nodded weakly. Abby brought over Jillian’s coat and wrapped it around her shoulders. Carleen glanced over at her husband, who nodded.
“Go, we’ll close up here.” She mouthed thank you and I love you. The three women began moving and in their wake, the crowd began to break up and follow.
* * *
“Are all parties this interesting,” Regina glanced at Lee.
“Usually the big event is a fight over who had the best costume. I’m sorry if this was completely crazy.”
“Lee, my only other options for tonight was to sit in my room and do some homework. This is a refreshing alternative.” She looked away from him, smiling. “Besides, I really liked the company I was in.”
Lee didn’t understand the comment at first, then jerked his head in her direction. “Re-really?”
She gently pulled him into a kiss, then broke off. “Really.”
* * *
Nicki, Jackson and Allan walked over to Jason, who was waiting at the door for his siblings. “Hey, I know I was supposed to catch a ride with ya, but” he motioned at the Bradys, “wanted to head out for a bit. You mind?”
Jason shook his head, no. “It’s all good, bro. I think I can handle driving home by myself. I’ll catch ya later.”
“Stay good, Jay.” Jackson and Jason fist pounded, then Nicki leaned in to give him a kiss goodbye. They left, each taking a certificate from Lurch. Jason glanced around the room, looking for any sign of Alicia. As Lynne slid by with more printouts, he reached out to stop her.
“Have you seen Alicia?”
“Not since the show,” Lynne added with a little sarcasm. Realizing her snarkiness, she ammended, “She might be helping my father begin the clean up, Jason. We’ll send her home in a few.”
Jason shrugged, “I’ll catch you later then. Uh, good party.”
“I think it’ll be remembered for some time to come,” Lynne teased, then gave her friend a hug. Jason turned and left. As he stepped out in the night, now chilled, he noticed Darren leaning against the side of the building. Jason dug his hands into the pockets of his pants and walked over.
“Uh, hey.”
Darren looked annoyed and upset; he pushed himself off from the wall. “Hey.”
“What’s going on?” Jason glanced around, looking for his girlfriend.
“She’s not here.” Darren guessed what Jason had been looking for. “We got in a fight, she left me here about thirty minutes ago.”
Jason was swinging slightly, a little nervous; “I guess it was a good night for that. Fighting I mean. Like you know, with my family, back in there.”
“Yeah, everything ok? That seemed really intense.”
Jason shrugged, “It is what it is. So, uh, do you need a ride home?”
“I don’t want to impose.”
“Your totally not.” Jason pointed down the street. “My car’s down this way.” They walked off.
* * *
“Alicia?” Shane glanced into the garage, following the sound of soft subs. Hey bud, you in there?”
“Leave it, Shane.” The voice was chocked with tears. He entered anyway, finding her sitting on the floor, arms crossed over her chest. He sat down beside her and for a moment neither said anything. Then Alicia softly added, “She’s been like that since Dad died.”
“Isabel?”
“No, Mom. Iz was right, she’s never really gotten over it.” Softer she added, “She’s not the only one.” Alicia glanced up at Shane, “It’s not that we’re dysfunctional, we’re just all so afraid that somebody is going to get hurt again that we keep things from each other. We all just bottle things up.” She wiped away a few tears. “It’s hard to bottle it up.”
Shane wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close. She leaned into his shoulder, her wet face resting against his neck. He kissed her forhead gently, then found himself trailing down. Their lips met and their hands began to roam over one another; Shane lowered Alicia to the ground, gently, his mouth continuing to find hers.
* * *
“You all right?” Molly glanced up from her seat on the stairs of Amegro. Tyke was standing over her, hands dug deep in his pockets, his hair mussed after being kept so long under his bowl hat.
“I’m fine,” Molly lied.
Tyke sat down beside her and stared at the pavement. “Look, you were right before. I’m not all that good with taking life very seriously. It just ain’t my thing, ya know. But that doesn’t mean I don’t see when someone else is hurting and lying about it. What went down in there was a bit dramatic.”
“And probably none of your business,” Molly snapped.
“True, but see, this is where I live.” Tyke pointed backwards, “So I eventually have to get in my door. But waiting outside is a pretty woman who’s upset and I can’t bring myself to heading up until I know she’s going to be ok.”
Molly glanced at him, “That line was a little better than the others.”
Tyke smirked, “That time I wasn’t trying.”
“Well, there ya go.”
Tyke stood up and offered Molly a hand up; She took it and stood next to him. “So, you maybe want to come up for a bite or to chat?” Tyke seemed sincere in his invitation; Molly thought about saying “no”, but she could admittedly did not want to be alone.
“If I say yes, we’re going to be clear that nothing is going to happen.”
“I respect that.” Tyke took out his key and opened the door to Amegro, he held it open for Molly and the two disapeared inside.
* * *
Jason pulled upto Darren’s place and put his car into park. He leaned over to glance up at the apartment building, “Not bad. And it’s pretty damn close to work.”
“Yeah, they’re cheap too.” Darren rested his hand on the handle, but didn’t get out. “So, uh, thanks for the ride.”
“Not really a problem, bud. I wasn’t about to let you stand on that corner all night.”
“Well, that already puts you one up on Samantha.”
Jason laughed, uncomfortably. In a rush, Darren leaned forward and smashes his lips against Jason’s. Startled, McCaulley pulled back. “Wow, wha-” Darren opened the door and leapt out. Jason struggled with his seatbelt, threw open the door, and chased him up the walkway.
“Wait, dude, stop, wait.” Darren turned and Jason paused right in front of him. “What was that about?!”
“Leave it!” Darren looked distraught.
Jason was equally upset, confusion completely written on his face. “Darren, your totally sending me mixed signals here, I-”
“I said leave it!” Darren pushed Jason away, but McCaulley quickly recovered. Angerily he grabbed at Darren’s shirt and fell into him. Without a further thought, Jason pulled the other man into a kiss. Darren melted into his arms and for a moment they stood in front of the building, lips locked. Darren finally pulled back and rushed off, leaving Jason standing there in the wet, night grass.
Posted at 11/19/2008 by beck | Comments? (1)