Bloody Blue Lips

Ch 12: The Fiery Sunset

The Past: 

     When Mercury and Freya shuffled up the porch steps and into their house, their mom had already put the snickerdoodle cookies on the living room table and a huge wrapped present was by the TV. It seemed like the speaker had been wrapped in a hurry. Mom had most likely taken a roll of wrapping paper and danced around the speaker. Just put a bow on top and it'll be fine. 

     "Happy birthday honey." Mom said as she hugged Mercury. She then proceeded to kiss him on the forehead. 

     "Ugh, mom. Don't kiss me!" Mom laughed at that. She was in a good mood. 

     "Cookies or present first?" Mom asked.

     "Both!" Freya and Mercury said in unison. They all laughed. It was a happy day. 

     Mercury went for the poorly wrapped present as Mom and Freya went for the cookies. Mercury was careful when trying to remove the tape and wrapping paper. (No doubt there was more tape than actual wrapping paper). Mercury did his best to act surprised saying wow and smiling happily. Mom saw through it and turned to Freya. 

     "You told him?" 

     "Oops." Freya smiled. 

     "Oh, Freya." Mom was a little disappointed.

     "No mom it's my fault," Mercury said. Freya's jaw became spaghetti. She was really surprised that Mercury was taking the blame. She must've said something right on the walk home.
Mercury smiled, "Thank you both." Huh, what a good guy. What had gotten into him? He sat down and joined the two for cookies. 

     "How was school sweetie? Did they sing for you?"

     "Yeah in Math they did. It was kind of awkward." 

     "Did any girls ask you out?" Mom nudged Mercury and smirked.

     "Eww, mom!" Mercury was clearly annoyed. He hadn't told mom about Selene and he wasn't planning on it either. 

     "Well, you have invited people over right?" 

     "Yeah, it'll just be the usual though. The band and some other guys."

     Freya spoke up. "And I have permission from the birthday boy to leave tonight."

     "Oh, you don't want to stay?" Mom asks.

      "I'm not a fan of sausage parties mom."

     Mercury laughed really hard at that. Luckily their mom didn't catch on to inappropriate jokes. 

     They all ate their fill of cookies and Freya did the dishes while mom and Mercury moved the speaker into the basement. No doubt it'll be super loud when they have band practice. Freya would be unable to contain her annoyance if they practiced with it but mom was having a strict talk with Mercury while they were moving the speaker. She was explaining it was only for concerts but Freya was doubtful that would happen.

     As she did the dishes, Freya wondered how much money the speaker had cost. It had been her idea but mom had gone out and bought it. She might have gotten it from the new man she was dating. Freya and Mercury hadn't met him yet but Freya could tell. Her mom had been going out more than usual and it was always the same man in a blue car who picked her up. Freya had seen him give her mom flowers and hugs from out her window. It was sweet and she was really happy for her mom. 

     "All done." Mom said walking in the door with Mercury.

     "I'm gonna go get changed," Mercury said in earnest. Freya nodded. 

     "What are you thinking about?" Mom looked at Freya who had just finished with the dishes. 

     "I was thinking about how you managed to pay for the speaker." Freya was honest.

     "Oh, you don't need to worry about that." She smiled.

     "Is it the secret man that comes by?" 

     Mom laughed. "There's no secret man." 

     "Yes, there is." Now Freya was the one nudging her mom. "He comes at night in a blue car and gives you flowers. You're dating someone." 

     Mom blushed and then laughed again. "I thought I was being discreet!"

    "Who is he?" Freya smiled. 

     Her mom paused. "He's just a guy I like."

     "Does he know you have kids?" 

     "Yeah. He wants to meet you both but I've been putting it off."

     "Why? I want to meet him too you know."

     "I don't know it seems like too big a step. And I've only known him a few months."

     "Oh well... I'm ready when you are." Freya said in support. "Okay, I'm gonna go get ready too." 

     "Where are you going again?" Mom asked. 

     "I'm going to see the guy from yesterday. His name is Kubera."

     "Ah." Mom nodded and looked delighted. "Just remember to call if you decide to stay instead of coming home tonight." She winked.

     "Oh my god, MOM! I doubt that'll happen."

     "Mmhmm. Just use protection." She smiled. Freya rolled her eyes. Eww, why was her mom like this?

     Freya walked with her head down into her room. She regretted telling her mom about Kubera. Tonight she might find Kubera and Selene were together. Together in bed that is. Her family had been through so much and now Mercury was heartbroken by Selene on his birthday. And Kubera had been the one to bring it up on his birthday. On his birthday! It was so inconsiderate. Then he had proceeded to go to Selene's house, forgetting about the promise he had made to Freya. Most likely he wasn't picking up because they were sleeping together or he was so high he couldn't get up. Freya was furious thinking about it! 

     She was going to look bomb when she went to yell at him that was for sure. She put her hair up and her red lipstick on. She wore her tightest dress and heels. She grabbed the car keys and headed straight into the fiery sunset.