The Trials and Tribulations of a so-called Trouble Teen

Chapter 79 - Boom Boom Pow

Today was meant to be my relaxing day, my do-nothing-day, but of course Abuelo has roped me into running errands with him. I'm not sure what the hell Abuela and Olivia are doing meaning they're unable to go with him as they usually do. I don't have the heart to say no. I can't be making Arlo feel sad and lonely, he got enough emotional neglect as a child as it is.

Ao: [driving] Evin I need to ask you something.

E: What is it?

Ao: Don't you find Maya's parental abandonment situation a bit... odd?

E: I do. They told her that they were leaving at a given date and then... smack bang they're gone and took everything.

Ao: Something's bound to have happened to her on the night before they left.

E: My suspicions are around there having been an explosive argument between the three of them that led to them just getting up and leaving, or them otherwise manipulating Maya that one last time. I'm surprised they didn't leave any Gucci bags.

Ao: I'm tempted to higher a private investigator, but I think that might be taking things too far.

E: You're obsessed with private investigators aren't you?

Ao: Well... We hired one to try and find your mother but as you can see that didn't go to plan.

E: How much did that cost you?

Ao: You're gonna kill me aren't you?

E: Yes.

Ao: The total came to about £5,000 in the end.

E: My god. Wait, how the hell did I not know about any of this?

Ao: You were only a toddler.

E: Only thing it cost me was an emotional breakdown which led to me giving Maya either a bloody eye or a black nose. Or both.

Ao: [realises error] Don't you mean bloody nose or a black eye?

E: What did I say?

Ao: Black nose and a bloody eye.

E: I mean, it could've been that way. Anyway, scrap that. Arlo I am fucking terrified for tomorrow. The show, my mother, I don't even know if Eden has been told anything about what's going on.

Ao: I'd like to imagine she does now. What have you planned for the show?

E: Oi, no spoilers.

Ao: Are you a member of Blur now?

E: I've always been. We do live in a very big house in the country after all.

Ao: Our house is tiny compared to our neighbours.

E: We also have an awful lot of residents in our house. You, Abuela, Olivia, papá, Val, Maya, myself. Dan and Casey are the part time residents at this rate. [giggles]

Ao: If Casey wants to move in to be with you, he's free to do so.

E: And Dan?

Ao: Dan can come to if he wants. Set up their own bedroom for them.

E: I can tell where Graham gets his "hell yeah, lots of kids" energy from.

Ao: I just want everyone to be roofed and in a safe space. [parking] On the topic of safe space, we better start these errands.

E: You're right. ¿Abuelo?

Ao: Yes darling?

E: Do you mind if I went around and spent the birthday donation money while we're here?