Unexpected

Chapter 20: Work for Monkeys

Going back to work for Norman was the hardest, especially after the news hit. Paparazzi flooded Norman and Emily's paths so they could get all the details of thwor disappearance and return. What crushed their bones was moment their parents got involved. Parents, no matter how old you get, still treat you like babies. When Emily's parents were told by a townie that their daughter was seen hoksing hands with Norman- all hell broke loose. They bombed her with phone calls, they texted her like mad, they demanded to know why their daughter had been missing for a month with no word becore hand.

And when Emily told them of the news- she stupidly expected them to keep the marriage a secret. She expected them to understand why she had wed Norman privately and didn't invite them. But no. They were pissed. They were upset. True they loved Norman deeply, but found the age difference to be a problem. The demanded a divorce. They demanded a prenup. But being stubborn and bull-headed, Emily stuck her tongue out to them and rebelled.

She told them it wasn't their concern what age he was or why they eloped. She refused to take their idea of a prenup. So poking the bear, they let the information loose- causing everyone in America to take part in the news.

Norman's mother on the other hand was thrilled. She enhiyed the thought of her son being married again and to a pretty young lady at that. His mother detested Cecilia when she met her. She found Norman dating a twenty year old to be obscene and impractical. She didn't care for the girl's attitude, let alone loose appearance. She found Cece a little vain and a bit of a door knob- everyone got a turn.

Emily on the other hand- well she wasn't much better in age, but has an old soul. Her clothes were mostly appropriate, her attitude was charismatic and gentle. Not to mention she sent her a birthday gift before Norman and her were dating. She was always so kind and friendly to everyone and everyone seemed to love her. So Norman's mother was proud of the couple.

Trying to walk to set this afternoon, the crowd floods around him and he shoves his way through. Once behind the set walls, he leans againat them and takes a deep breath. He never thought his marriage would generate so much media coverage.

"Hey, why are these people bombarding set. It's supposed to be restricted." Gimple asks as he steps closer to Norman.

"Because I was on vacation with Emily and someone spilled the beans about our eloping." Norman hugfs and heads towards his trailer.

"Well we're coming up on the Negam scenes and I don't need leaks. So either confront the crowd or we're all gonna have bigger problems." Scott walks off angrily and Norman rolls his eyes. Scotts been nothing but a dick to him the passed few months- ever since AMC asked him to have a motorcycle show, Gimple has been out to get him. It's not his fault he loves his job and the fans love him. He doesn't know why.

Walking into his trailer, bags of letters and things are stacked upon the table and bench seat and all Norman can do is sigh. Life was less complicated when he was hiding his relationship with Emily. He loves her to death, but the paparazzi are tying a gnoose around his neck. Getting changed, he tugs on his outfit for the day and notices a hole in the shoulder area. Just as he's about to question it, Greg walks in and looks grim.

"What the hell is this?" Norman asks as he tosses his winged vest at Greg. Greg tosses it back.

"Your costume."

"But why is there a hole in the shoulder of it?"

"They pulled your number Norman."

"What?"  Greg rubs the back of his neck and can feel the heat rise in bith their bodies.

"It came down from the board...with all this...this focus on you- it's getting harder to film privately. We watched one of the episodes and there was a news van in the backgrouns if the bazooka shot. Now people are trying to make it an easter egg for something bigger....it's getting harder to protect you." Greg says remorsefully and Norman raises his eyebrows. He didn't know his eloping would cause this. "I keep fighting for ya, but the board decided and...and I can't fight any more. My hands are cut off. My opinion is nothing to them any more. I'm sorry."

"But...but it's not in the script. I reaf the whole script- it's not Daryl's time!"

"Well they changed it. Even if Negam doesn't get Daryl with the bat...it's gonna be the bullet they're putting in ya." His head feels puffy and clouded. Sitting down, Norman can feel every fiber in his body deteriorate. "I'm sorry Norman. You know this is exactly what they did to Emily, right?"

"What?"

"Beth was gonna live. They had it planned for Bethyl to happen, but the fans were picking up too much hidden coverage that the board had to stop it. All those easter eggs they've found were right, but the thing about the board is- they hate revealers. So...so they changed the script and changed Beth's fate."

"They took Emily's job because some fans are too invested? Seriously!"

"And they're doing the same to you. It's a cruel world they built. Robert is just as upset, but Gimple wants Rick to be the fan favorite- not some thought up character who wasn't supposed to make it passed season two." Greg sighs and shakes his head before going to the door. "They blew themselves up on this one. Once Daryl's gone, the whole show is going to collapse and everyone will be out of a job. I'm sorry Norman....tell Emily congrats for me."

Staring at the closed door, Norman feeks his heart clench and anger course through him. He never saw this coming. He never thought it wouls come to this. But the confirming look on Greg's face said it all.

They are all fucked.