Starting New: A World Apart

Chapter 5: The Fire

Gumball awoke to the sounds of rain outside. It was quietly pitter pattering on the roof and outside onto the pavement below. It seemed to bring a sense of calm in Gumball. He really was always eased by the sound of rain. Only when he was stuck in the rain did it become irritating. Having matted fur didn't help in that regard. But now, he was listening to it in the comfort of his home...next to his mother. Gumball turned to face Nicole. He saw her sleep soundly next to him. It then occurred to him that she was smiling while still fast asleep.

'I wonder if she's dreaming. If she is, I wonder what it's about?' Gumball thought as he decided to kiss her on her forehead.

Gumball wasn't born yesterday. He knew his mother was hurting last night. They both were. But only after she punched that tree and broke down in his arms did he know that she had it worse. Much worse. This made Gumball's ears twitch. This was unhealthy for her. She shouldn't be like this. He always looked up to his mother for comfort and security, not the other way around...

Gumball then thought of something. What if that was his problem? What if he and their entire family had solely relied on her for nearly everything? This thought was slowly crushing his spirits and opening a new door to reality. It was like placing everything on a table with only one wobbly leg. It was bound to break and fall eventually...

Gumball felt tears start to well up in his eyes. How could he have been so blind?! He knew his mother was strong, but to have the problems of everyone focused on her, along with her own problems combined with years of back breaking work; it was like a ticking time bomb. No wonder she seemed so angry at them for the simplest things of things. It was the only way she could vent...

Gumball wiped his eyes, leaned in and hugged his sleeping mother. He needed to change. Not just for his sake...but for hers. He was going to be more independent. Gumball let go of his mother and kissed her forehead one final time before heading downstairs. Making a surprise breakfast, in Gumball's eyes at least, would be a wonderful thing for his mom. She would always make them breakfast before school, so why shouldn't Gumball return the favor?

He opened the still very strange fridge, and pulled out a few items. Eggs, cheese and some milk. He was going to attempt to make an omelette. Sure he had...attempted to cook something before, a cake in fact, but it didn't go as smoothly as he had hoped; considering he had forgotten a few key ingredients. But Gumball was determined he could at least make an omelette right. How hard could it be?

After a few "failed" attempts, Gumball had done it! He had made a successful omelette. He flipped his magnificent creation onto a plate and set it to the side, very carefully. He had been glad he knew how to work the stove right. Better yet, he was glad it turned on when he tried it. He still was leery touching strange things in this house, considering many things were still unknown and freaky to both him and his mother. But regardless, he had done it to the stove; for his mother's sake. Gumball poured a glass of milk and placed an apple next to the omelette. He then carefully walked up the steps with a big grin on his face. His mom was gonna love this!

Nicole was dreaming a wonderful dream. She felt so happy. She was skipping through a green grass meadow and having sunshine pour onto her body. She felt light as a feather. She opened her eyes and saw Gumball on top of a hill in front of her. She skipping over to him, now in a faster pace, and finally stopped. He was smiling up at her. This made her body feel warm. He then outstretched his arms for a hug. She bent down and hugged him with all the love she could muster. She felt so happy... When she opened her eyes again...she saw Gumball was gone. In his absence, just a few feet in front of her stood her husband, along with Darwin and Anais. They all had angry glares. Nicole stepped forward and reached to hug them too, but they backed up; away from her grasp. Nicole felt tears in her eyes.