Chapter Sixty-one: What Goes Up Must Go Down

Chapter 61

What Goes Up Must Go Down

Vanessa lay in her bed, glumly staring at the ceiling. She wore pink pajamas with white bunnies on them. Her bedroom had pink wallpaper with white bunnies, a walk-in closet with a white door, white dressers, and a vanity. By her vanity, she had a corkboard of pictures of her with her friends from Apple City. There was a pink shelf with rabbit plushies, some books, and photographs of her with her father. Her bed was a pink queen-sized bed, which had a pink bedspread with white bunnies and a heart-shaped headboard and footboard. On the floor were her bras, panties, clothes, a box of period pads, and hairbands strewn on the floor.

It has been five days since she saw those and she never left her bedroom, except to use the bathroom and shower.

Someone knocked on her door. The door opened a crack and Sylvia poked her head in.

Syliva: “Good afternoon, Vanessa. How do you feel?”

She asked calmly. Vanessa didn’t answer.

Sylvia: “Ashley made a batch of delicious carrot muffins!”

She nodded. Vanessa turned around and tears filled her eyes. Sylvia drew a long breath. She entered her bedroom and closed the door.

Sylvia: “Look, Vanessa, I know this hasn’t been easy for you and you’re allowed to feel your feelings but this is becoming detrimental to your wellbeing.”

She began.

Sylvia: “I am not one for being in love. I respect if one chooses to fall in love and realize it can be beautiful when two people fall in love but I do not understand this, so I can’t say if my advice would be helpful. This is not my expertise.”

She admitted.

Sylvia: “Perhaps you could confide in a friend or talk to a support group. You need a support network and you will get past this—promise.”

She said with a smile.

~

A beat-up Chevrolet Citation rolled up in front of the Donati manor. Gabriel got out of the car, his arm in a sling, and opened the passenger door. Robin stepped out wearing a strapless black dress, black opera gloves, black heels, a string of pearls around her neck, and a black derby hat. Gabriel went ahead of her and rang the doorbell. Shauna answered.

Shauna: “Yes, can I help you?”

Robin: “Robin Rénard! I wish to speak to Vanessa Vitali!”

~

Someone knocked on Vanessa’s door. She didn’t reply. Gabriel opened the door for Robin. Robin entered the room and glared indignantly at the tacky rabbit decorations and pink. She couldn’t show her disgust. She needed this girl to destroy Percy’s lemming.

Robin: “Bonjour! You must be Vanessa! I’m Robin Rénard!”

She sang. Vanessa didn’t answer her.

Robin: “I heard about trouble in paradise between you and Jaxon Tachibana!”

She added loftily. Vanessa lay in a fetal position and cried.

Robin: “Look, sweetie…”

She withdrew a handkerchief to sit on and sat on her bed patting her back.

Robin: “What that little slimeball did to you was unforgivable. I know just the person to help you. Go on her talk show and tell everyone what Jaxon did to you. That way, he will not hurt another fair maiden again.”

She withdrew something from her purse and handed her a flyer of a young Black woman with big purple hair. Her hair resembled a poodle with voluminous locs climbing high above her head and bangs that shaped her face. She folded her arms with an air of confidence about her. It had “With Whitney” in cursive pink neon letters.

Robin: “She will help get you justice.”

She smirked and patted her back. Vanessa stared at the flyer and took it, gazing at it.

Robin: “Just do what I say and I will get you who you truly want.”

She said as she flicked her gaze to a picture of Hiroto Tachibana on her corkboard with hearts surrounding him.

~

Jaxon lay in bed sleeping in the nude. The door burst open and Rufus marched in.

Rufus: “Jaxon, get the fuck out of bed NOW! We have a problem!”

He said with panic in his tone.

Jaxon: “What is it now, Rufus?”

He groaned, pulling the covers up over him. Rufus pulled the bedsheets off him.

Rufus: “GET UP, JAXON! NOW! We’re going to lose EVERYTHING!”

He barked and tossed Jaxon’s red silk robe with a dragon on the back to his bed.

Rufus: “It’s on TV! Come down to the living room!”

He commanded and left the room.

Jaxon: “WHAT?! What’s on TV?!”

He huffed and shot up from the bed, shrugging into his robe and tying the sash.

Rufus was down in the living room with Percy, who sat at the bar drinking a cosmopolitan. Rufus paced around the living room, muttering to himself. Percy cupped his face and drew a long breath. When Jaxon entered the living room, Noah handed him a glass of whiskey. Rufus turned to Noah.

Rufus: “Turn on the TV, Noah, please.”

Noah nodded and turned on the TV.

On the TV, Whitney Sinclair sat in her seat for her talk show “With Whitney.”

Whitney: “Have you ever longed for love, saving your first time for the man who will give you the world only to snatch it away because of lies and deception? Our guest today is going to tell us all about the lies, deception, and abuse of the frontman of Steel Axe. Everyone, welcome Vanessa Vitalli.”

The camera panned to Vanessa who sat next to Whitney. There was a round of applause from the audience.

Whitney: “Vanessa, thank you for coming today. So tell us what did Jaxon Tachibana do to you to get you into this state?”

Vanessa’s bottom lip trembled.

Vanessa: “He came up to me in the Pink Flamingo Mall on Love Day. He said I was his true love. He said it was love at first sight. He said beautiful words no one ever said to me. He took me back to his hotel and we made love. I cried in his arms because I never felt so loved and he said he wanted a future with me. When we looked at the rings, I think he wanted to propose to me.”

She said as she cried.

Vanessa: “But it got worse. He was mean to me. He would yell at me for no reason. He would flirt with other girls. I think when he hit the walls and stuff, he wanted to hit me. I was so scared!”

She broke down crying. There was an “awwwww!” in the audience. Whitney looked at her with sympathy and handed her a facial tissue.

Whitney: “Take your time, sweetie.”

She said gently. Vanessa sobbed for a few minutes.

Vanessa: “He was so mean to me and is always angry about Maxx Malone getting more attention. He would take it out on me! Then he drove me to Lazaros’ house, taking me by my arm and he hurt my arm, and he said we’re done. He lied to me and deceived me! I gave myself to him and bared my body and soul and he did this to me!”

She bawled. The camera showed women in the audience crying for her. Whitney hugged her as Vanessa cried on her.

Whitney looked at the camera.

Whitney: “Jaxon, if you’re watching this, shame on you for deceiving a young lady and abusing her. You may present yourself as this charismatic rockstar but I see you’re an abusive, manipulative liar who just tramples on the hearts of young women, taking them for granted. Shame on you.”

Noah turned off the TV. Percy shook his head. Well played, Robin… for now, he thought.

Rufus: “We are FUCKED! I just received a call that Tortugazm’s manager is on the way! WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?!”

He pressed his hands against his bald head. Jaxon’s jaw hung wide open, speechless with rising fury that pulsed through his entire body.

Jaxon: “WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?!”

He roared.

Jaxon: “THAT LYING LITTLE BITCH! I never fucked her! I NEVER said I loved her and I NEVER said I wanted to MARRY HER!”

He rasped, kicking up objects around the room, seething with rage.

Someone knocked on the door. Rufus froze, shaking like a leaf. Noah inhaled sharply. He answered the door. Standing before him was a tall Hispanic man with slicked-back dark blue hair. He wore a pink Italian-cut suit with leopard print lapels, diamond buttons, cufflinks, a pastel yellow pressed shirt, a leopard print tie, and black alligator shoes. Rufus ran to him, his hands in a praying pose.

Rufus: “Fernando Molinero! Wh-What brings you by, sir?”

He placed his hand on his shoulder. Fernando smacked it away and brushed his shoulder off with a handkerchief.

Fernando: “Hello, Jaxon. I saw the Whitney show. I think you know why I’m here. As Vivienne’s manager, I tell people to fuck off because Vivienne is too nice to and let me tell you something, kiddo: what I saw is bad news and it’s going to bring Tortugazm down. Tortugazm doesn’t need to have your shit attached to it. So let me cut to the chase: We’re cutting you loose. Sorry, kid, maybe leave your prick in your pants next time?”

He shrugged and clicked his tongue.

Jaxon’s heart leaped out of his chest and he felt as if the floor had been swept out from under his feet and he was falling and plummeting down every floor of this building.

Jaxon: “WHAT?! NO! YOU CAN’T DO THIS TO ME!”

He bellowed and pleaded with them.

Rufus: “Oh, Fernando, this is a misunderstanding! None of this is true!”

He stammered and Fernando rolled his eyes.

Fernando: “Yeah, this is what they all say. I’m here because Vivienne is too nice to call you out on your bullshit, Jaxon. I’m not.”

He said firmly.

Jaxon: “B-But it’s NOT true! That stupid lying BITCH!”

He rasped, throwing his glass of whiskey at the wall where it shattered upon impact.

Fernando: “Whatever, now you can spend your days seething about Maxx. I got a real band to run.”

He said dryly and headed to leave. Jaxon seethed, clenching his teeth and his fists.

Percy: “Except… she is lying, sir.”

Percy interjected. Fernando swung his gaze to Percy and raised an eyebrow.

Percy: “Robin is behind this. Your see, she put this girl up to destroy Jaxon because of me.”

He nodded. Jaxon turned to Percy, surprised.

Jaxon: “Robin?”

He recalled Celeste mentioning her.

Fernando: “He still fucked her, Percy.”

Jaxon: “So? It was consensual and I thought we were just having fun! She deceived ME!”

Percy bobbed his head.

Percy: “I am aware, darling, but the rest is a magical fairytale.”

Fernando: “You got proof?”

Percy’s eyes glittered.

Percy: “Yes.”

He smiled and licked his lips. Fernando folded his arms behind his back.

Fernando: “You have four days to prove this is bullshit and clear your name. If not, we’re done.”

He concluded. Rufus ran to him and hugged him.

Rufus: “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!”

Fernando kicked him off and wiped himself down with a handkerchief.

Fernando: “Well, then GET TO IT!”

He snapped and stormed out, slamming the door. Jaxon exhaled and slunk to the floor.

Rufus turned to Percy.

Rufus: “You have proof? Wonderful!”

He clasped his hands.

Jaxon: “You fucking lifesaver!”

Percy: “No, darling. I bluffed. We have four days to think of a solution!”

He raised his glass.

Jaxon: “WHAT?!”

Rufus: “Fucking great!”

He said dryly.

Percy opened the phone book and pointed to a page of an ad for Trémaux Law Office with Tristan folding his arms.

Percy: “Rufus, take Jaxon to this lovely ice prince and he will help you.”

He smiled tightly. Rufus gaped at him and pursed his lips.

Rufus: “Of course, Percy.”

Jaxon: “Wait… Tristan Trémaux?!”

He gaped at him and laughed.

Rufus: “He’s a lawyer who specializes in these cases.”

He replied to Jaxon and smiled tightly.

~

Jaxon and Rufus arrived at the Trémaux law office where drinks and food were splashed on Jaxon from people throwing their stuff on him. Rosemary gaped at him when they entered the office. Rufus looked beseechingly at her and laughed awkwardly.

Rosemary: “Mr. Trémaux is ready to see you, gentlemen.”

She said slowly. Jaxon groused down at his food-stained flame suit.

Jaxon: “That sniveling blue-haired-bitch is going to pay.”

He huffed and marched into Tristan’s office.

Tristan sat behind his desk. He wore a light purple pressed shirt, dark purple tie, black waistcoat, black pants, and black wingtip Oxfords. Oliver and Frankie were in the office batting at each other and play fighting. The room’s scent lingered with Tristan’s cologne. The door opened and Rufus and Jaxon entered. Tristan smiled and his smile faded when he saw the food on Jaxon.

Tristan: “Yikes.”

His tongue flicked over his lips.

Jaxon: “Tell me about it.”

Tristan: “Can I get you gentlemen anything? Coffee, tea, water?”

He asked awkwardly.

Jaxon: “How about a whiskey?”

He asked. Rufus drew a long breath. Lord help me, he thought.

Tristan: “I don’t have liquor here. We don’t drink on the job.”

He said tersely. They heard smacks from Oliver’s paw hitting Frankie followed by a hiss. Jaxon pouted. God, I need a drink, he thought.

Tristan: “So, I saw the segment on With Whitney. Talk to me.”

He clicked his pen to take notes.

Jaxon: “It’s all BULLSHIT!”

He began.

Jaxon: “I NEVER told her I loved her and never wanted to marry her! Isn’t it obvious? Obviously, I just want to have fun! I don’t do love or marriage and I thought that was clear. I never promised that. It’s not my fault she’s stupid! She’s making me look bad!”

He folded his arms across his chest. Tristan took notes down.

Rufus: “Vivienne’s manager, Fernando Molinero, paid us a visit to say he thinks it’s in Tortugazm’s best interest to cut us loose because of the slander.”

Tristan nodded and jotted down more notes. He raised his head to lock his gaze on them.

Tristan: “You want to sue for defamation of character.”

He said calmly.

Rufus bowed his head.

Rufus: “Yes.”

Jaxon: “YES!”

He nodded vigorously. Tristan nodded and took down more notes

Tristan sat up and folded his arms, staring at them.

Tristan: “I’ll accept your case.”

Jaxon’s face lit up.

Jaxon: “Fuck yeah! You’re the best!”

He said with glee.

As Tristan was going to speak more, his globe came crashing down and broke open. Tristan winced and turned his head to see Frankie and Oliver playing. Tristan drew a long breath. These two are testing my patience, he thought.

Tristan: “So, Jaxon, did you break things in your place with the intention to hit her?”

He asked him.

Jaxon: “No, of course not! I’m not that kind of guy!”

He countered.

He nodded and flicked his gaze to Rufus.

Tristan: “Would you give us some privacy, Rufus?”

Rufus raised his eyebrows. Jaxon smirked. Privacy, huh? He thought.

Rufus: “Oh, of course.”

He rose from his seat and left the office, closing the door behind him.

Jaxon turned back to Tristan with a smirk.

Jaxon: “So, you wanted some privacy with me, huh?”

Tristan drew a long breath and raised his eyebrows.

Tristan: “I know you have a temper and a burning hatred for Maxx Malone. I am interested in why this is and wondered if it could help our case. I would love to pick your brain and understand this. He’s someone who can’t sing or play an instrument and sings about the same topics, getting bad reviews. I want to know why he angers you so much.”

He cross-examined him. Jaxon pouted with disappointment that was what he wanted to ask him privately.

Jaxon: “You said it yourself. He can’t sing for shit. He’s a disgrace to glam metal. When people think of glam metal, they think of that clown and lump us in with him! Steel Axe deserves that spotlight instead! We actually have talent! The fuck is wrong with society to celebrate a talentless hack like Maxxy Malone?!”

He ranted bitterly. Tristan folded his hands over and gazed at him.

Tristan: “If you read the reviews he receives from metal magazines, they agree with you and say similar things. No one is celebrating him or lumping him in with glam metal. People are laughing at him.”

He said coolly.

Tristan: “Why did you engage with Vanessa and why do you do this? I noticed you have this pattern of warning to bed down various people, myself included.”

He cleared his throat.

Tristan: “I don’t hold a grudge against you anymore. I have bigger fish to fry.”

He smiled tightly, thinking of Dougal and then Robin.

Jaxon: “I dunno, because I thought she was cute and she was there.”

He shrugged.

Jaxon: “I just want to have fun and fuck people I find hot if they want to fuck me, too. Is that a crime?”

He added. Tristan shook his head.

Tristan: “Not at all. I just find this way of life you live…”

He leaned closer.

Tristan: “Interesting…”

Jaxon smirked.

Jaxon: “Ohh, am I tempting you to the life in the fast lane?”

He wiggled his eyebrows at him. Tristan snickered.

Tristan: “No, I just like to… study people. It’s fun for me.”

He admitted and leaned back in his seat.

Jaxon: “Well, you can study me closely all you like, if you ever change your mind.”

He winked at him. Tristan just laughed. He found his answers amusing.

Tristan: “Celeste told Deimos and me about your… outing last night. Sorry about Dougal. He’s a big problem for us. Anyway, aside from him, the stuff she tells me that you’re a thrill-seeker, right? Not too keen on slower stuff like swan boats or Ferris wheels and such; you crave the thrill rides.”

He tapped his pen.

Jaxon: “Never in my life have I EVER met anyone so disgusting and ugly!”

He shuddered, holding his hands up. Tristan twisted his mouth and agreed.

Jaxon: “Yeah, I like to live my life on the edge!”

Tristan: “Celeste was submissive around you, which is something she doesn’t exhibit around Fabien, me, or my father, especially my father. This is why Oliver is glaring at you.”

He nodded to Oliver just glaring at him.

Jaxon: “...What do you mean?”

He blinked mutely and then turned to the cat glaring at him.

Jaxon: “Why is that cat angry with me?”

He laughed.

Tristan: “Oh, Papa and Oliver are close and Papa was hurt Celeste went with you. My father has taken a shine to Celeste.”

He admitted. He didn’t want to divulge much more about his father’s traumas. Jaxon blinked mutely at him.

Jaxon: “...Your father crushes on Celeste?!”

He laughed, imagining an elderly man in his head.

Tristan: “Yes, he does.”

He twirled his pen between his fingers.

Tristan cleared his throat and crossed his legs.

Tristan: “I don’t believe you could concoct an elaborate scheme as Vanessa claims. I also believe you’re a TERRIBLE judge of character and cannot read the room well. This is your undoing but I will prove what she said is false. I will send her a letter and we can take this to court or I can mediate an agreement to get her to come clean.”

He explained.

Tristan looked at his notes. “Fascinating human guinea pig. A dolt. Interesting, though. Surface level responses. Possible family trauma and troubles at home cause him to rebel against his conventional upbringing. Didn’t Fabien mention to me Jaxon was in an arranged marriage? That explains a lot. How on Reona did he get Celeste to be submissive?! I must get to the bottom of this.”

Jaxon glanced down at his notes and shot up from his seat in a fury.

Jaxon: “HUMAN GUINEA PIG?! A DOLT?! My past is NONE of your business! Sounds to me like you’re jealous that a hottie like Celeste is submissive to me! And you say I can’t read a room? I can read your notes! You men in suits are always so uptight and think you’re better than everyone else!”

He fired at him. Tristan raised his eyebrows.

Tristan: “Well, you’re more intelligent than Craig is!”

He finally said.

Jaxon: “THANK YOU!”

He threw his arms up.

Tristan relaxed his shoulders.

Tristan: “Jaxon, I am saying I know you didn’t do this and are a terrible judge of character. I know what Vanessa is like and she likely went on and on about how she is in love with you and you should have ceased it there.”

He said gently but firmly. Jaxon pouted.

Jaxon: “It’s not my fault I’m so loveable!”

He whined.

Tristan: “For the record, I am in love with a metal musician so I am not uptight and think I am better than others. I don’t say people should praise me. That would be you, Jaxon.”

He said wryly.

Jaxon: “You called me a guinea pig.”

He pouted.

Tristan: “That’s on you for taking it negatively. I find you fascinating to study…, unlike Craig.”

He smirked.

Jaxon: “Gee, thanks.”

He sank into his seat.

~

After work, Tristan told Deimos and Celeste about Jaxon’s case and accepted it. Deimos was less than pleased.

Deimos: “After what he did to you, why are you accepting this dipshit’s case?”

He asked scathingly. Tristan sighed and crossed his legs.

Tristan: “I screwed him over more than he did me, Deimos. All he did was throw a tantrum that I wouldn’t have sex with him but I checkmated him and exposed him with the truth. Yes, he has his issues but someone is slandering him and he could lose his work.”

He said gently but firmly.

Deimos: “Maybe he should use his talents to become a gigolo. If he’s going to fuck others, why not get paid?”

He huffed.

He glared at Celeste.

Deimos: “And why would you go near him after what he did to Tristan?!”

He hissed.

Celeste: “He didn’t do anything that bad to him.”

Deimos: “Yes, he did. How dare he yell at him for not sleeping with him? No one speaks to Tristan this way.”

He growled and folded his arms over his chest. Tristan smiled and kissed Deimos.

Tristan: “He got his karma.”

He said softly.

Tristan: “Anything more is overkill.”

He patted his arm. Deimos softened to Tristan’s touch.

Deimos turned to Celeste.

Deimos: “And that claw ride… I heard some foot lover say he loved watching your feet and complained of Jaxon’s footstink. Why didn’t you speak up?!”

He huffed. Celeste paused.

Celeste: “I knew it was a sore spot for him and he doesn’t like it when you criticize him. I just wanted to have a good time and not have an argument.”

She replied and scratched her head.

Celeste: “Besides, it’s not nearly as bad as Craig’s or Jaclyn’s feet.”

She said nonchalantly.

Deimos: “You could be submissive to Blake or anyone else.”

He pouted.

Tristan: “I believe he’s with Andreas, Deimos.”

He patted his shoulder. Deimos relaxed and sighed.

Tristan: “Celeste is right, though. He is very sensitive to criticism.”

He nodded and licked his lips.

Tristan: “There are two kinds of people who react harshly when met with criticism: those who were never criticized and those who were always criticized.”

He concluded. Deimos raised an eyebrow.

Deimos: “Do you think he had a spoiled upbringing as Maxx did where his parents praised everything he did?”

Tristan pursed his lips and shook his head. He cupped his chin.

Tristan: “Quite the contrary. I think his parents always criticized him, so what does he do to cope with this? Lash out and live life in the most unconventional way possible. This is probably the first time in his life he had a taste of freedom, so it explains why he does this and reacts this way.”

He stated and folded his hands over on his lap.

Tristan: “Fabien mentioned he was in an arranged marriage. It explains his disdain for marriage and commitment. He doesn’t want to do anything to return to his old lifestyle.”

He concluded.

Celeste: “But Fab was in an arranged marriage and he’s dating Craig.”

Tristan nodded.

Tristan: “Fabien is also an intelligent man who thinks outside the box… Jaxon… not so much.”

He laughed.

Celeste: “Hahahaha, I agree. Still fun to be around, though.”

She paused.

Celeste: “When that Darashinai came with Dougal, Jaxon mentioned it means a slutty, careless slob. I didn’t know what it meant!”

She laughed a bit. Deimos and Tristan paused.

Tristan: “Huh… Interesting. I thought it was just some silly random name Dougal conjured up.”

Deimos: “Tristan, we should dominate her so she doesn’t feel the need to be dominated by this dickhead.”

He pouted. Tristan heaved a deep sigh.

~

Tristan and Deimos had Celeste tied to his couch in the living room.

Celeste: ‘WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS BULLSHIT?!”

She bellowed. Tristan smiled at her and rested his head on the arm of the couch where she lay her head. She thrashed around and writhed against her bonds.

Deimos: “We’re dominating you so you won’t need it from that idiot.”

He said flatly.

Celeste: “That’s a shitty reason to do it!”

She snapped and struggled against her bonds.

Tristan: “Perhaps I want to see you squirm? Perhaps this is revenge for stealing our snacks or tickling me all the time?”

He taunted her. Celeste pouted.

She gasped when she saw Tristan raise his ponytail and stroked it against her soft soles. She burst out laughing.

Celeste: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

Deimos scribbled his fingers over her soles while Tristan brushed them with his hair. Celeste laughed loud and arched her back.

Celeste: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA FUHUHUHUHUCK YOU BOHOHOHOHOTH! WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!”

She laughed loudly and wiggled around on the chair, her mascara streaked her cheeks. Deimos ran his forefingers over the sides of her feet and dug between her toes. She gasped for air in between laughing.

Celeste: “WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!”

Her laughter and shrieks filled the hacienda.

Suddenly, the door burst open and Makayla barged in.

Makayla: “Celeste! Turn on—”

She said hastily and froze to smirk when she saw Celeste being tickled tag-teamed by Tristan and Deimos. Tristan and Deimos froze, their faces turned beet red. Tristan rose and cupped his mouth.

Makayla: “...Turn on indeed.”

She whispered under her breath with a smirk. Tristan quickly untied Celeste’s bonds and Deimos sat on the couch, covering his face. Celeste panted and sat up.

Makayla: “You NEED to see what’s on TV!”

She hastily grabbed the remote, turning on the TV and flicking over to “With Whitney.”

Vanessa’s crying face was in a close-up shot on the TV screen. Tristan already saw the segment this morning in the office lounge room with Rosemary. He glanced at Celeste and Deimos watching it. Deimos looked unimpressed. Celeste pursed her lips and thought of what Victor said about him. They echoed in her mind. “He’s a sleazeball!” He would tell her. Makayla noted her expression and gave her a sympathetic look.

Makayla: “Sorry girl… this is who he is.”

She sighed. Deimos and Tristan glanced at her.

Tristan: “Do you believe her?”

He asked everyone.

Deimos: “Yes and no. Do I believe he whispered sweet nothings to get her into bed? Yes, absolutely, but I doubt he proposed marriage. Him wanting to hit her is… questionable. He did lose his temper on you for not sleeping with him.”

He said evenly. Celeste appeared pensive.

Makayla: “He’ll say anything to get someone into bed… but promising marriage?! That’s new. That guy getting married? Yeah, right.”

She shook her head.

Deimos narrowed his eyes at the TV and pursed his lips.

Deimos: “Did you know Tortugazm’s manager is going to cut Steel Axe as an opening act if this can’t be proven false?”

He drummed his fingers on the arm chair. Makayla laughed.

Makayla: “It’s about time karma bit him in the ass.”

Tristan: “Yes, he and his manager told me this when they wanted me to file their case.”

Tristan gazed at Deimos. Makayla gaped at him.

Makayla: “...Are you taking on his case?”

Tristan raked his fingers through his hair.

Tristan: “Yes.”

Deimos: “...What if Sparaktikós is their opening act instead?”

He shifted his eyes. Tristan cupped his chin. He knew what Deimos was going to suggest. Makayla brightened.

Makayla: “...That would be amazing!”

Her eyes sparkled.

Tristan: “Regardless of the outcome of his lawsuit, I think you both should pursue it.”

He smiled. Makayla smiled at him.

~

Craig and Fabien were in the living room watching the Whitney segment with Vanessa. Gus was dry-humping a pile of Craig’s dirty socks.

Fabien: “Well, this is… new. He never proposed this crap to me and glad he didn’t.”

He scoffed. Craig laughed bitterly.

Craig: “Fuckin’ oath!”

Fabien: “I don’t know how true this is but whatever. Steel Axe has nothing on Sex Beest.”

He snorted.

Craig: “WAHAHA! Nothin’ will EVER top Sex Bees!”

He laughed, slapping his knees.

~

Tristan, Deimos, Celeste, and Makayla watched the TV with Celeste looking away deep in thought. The TV showed “There has been a break in this case” on the screen.

Maxx was on the screen dancing around in his mankini, shaking his bony ass. Deimos and Tristan gawked at it. Makayla recoiled in disgust.

Maxx: “‘eeeeeeey Axion Jaxon! Guess what, loser?! I got proof dat lady babe was telling da truth! Now she will fuck da Sex Beest! OOOOWWWWHHH!!”

He shot his fist in the air.

Rock: “Yes, Maxxy came to me with this recording he provided!”

He held up a tape recorder and pressed play.

Jaxon: “...Wanna fuck?”

Vanessa: “Do you… think it’s too soon for that?”

Jaxon: “According to who? Do you think it’s too soon?”

Vanessa: “Do you… really love me?”

Jaxon: “Sure, I do!”

Vanessa: “I do, Jaxon, I really do! I’m just… I just never had someone tell me this before.”

Jaxon: “Wait, you mean to tell me you’re a virgin?!”

Vanessa: “Yes, I am.”

Jaxon: “So, I’m your first, huh? Well, Vanessa, if you really, really, REALLY want to fuck me, I’ll have you right here and right now, but I won’t pressure you. The choice is yours.”

Maxx: “NAH-AH! SHE SHOULD HAVE FUCKED MAXXY, NOT DAT MAXXY CLONE!”

He stomped his feet and jumped up and down.

Maxx: “Love Day is Fatley saying he loves pizza and donuts! Maxxy does FUCK DAY!”

He whined.

Rock: “Oh boy, another obligatory fat joke at A-rad’s expense! I never expected THAT from you, Maxxy!”

He cupped his cheek.

Tristan’s mouth was ajar. Deimos clicked his tongue. Makayla pursed her lips and shook her head, feeling for Vanessa.

Makayla: “That poor girl…”

Deimos: “Told ya so.”

He shrugged. Tristan sat there in silence. Deimos glanced at Tristan and his dour demeanor shifted to somewhat panicking.

Deimos: “Uh, Tristan?”

Tristan furrowed his eyebrows and dug his fingertips into the couch.

Tristan: “He… He made a fool… of me…”

He snarled. Makayla sighed and bowed her head.

Tristan: “NO ONE makes a fool out of ME!”

He bellowed, seething and his green eyes burned like hot coals, his nostrils flared resembling a bull. Deimos gulped and shrank into the couch. Makayla froze, never seeing him like this before. Celeste’s eyelashes dipped over and she sighed. She rose.

Celeste: “I’m going out for a bit.”

She said tersely and left. Tristan marched to the phone to call Rosemary and tell her to stop working on the letter to file a motion for the lawsuit.

Deimos: “Jaxon is in deep shit.”

Deimos said blankly.

Makayla: “He’s reaping what he sowed. It finally caught up with him.”

She sighed peacefully.

~

Rufus watched the segment on TV of Maxx exposing what Jaxon said and him as a liar. He buried his face into his hands. Jaxon paced around the room with his bottle of whiskey in hand.

Jaxon: “No, no, NO, NO, this CAN’T be happening! I’m FUCKED!”

He panicked.

Jaxon: “My life is fucking over!”

He buried his hands into his face and slunk down onto the floor.

Rufus: “Because of Maxx.”

He drew a long, exhausted breath.

Jaxon: “That CLOWN BASTARD! He’s ruining my life, AGAIN!”

He huffed, taking a swig of whiskey from his shaking hands.

Someone knocked on the door. Rufus dreaded this. Fernando is coming to deliver the bad news. Jaxon shut down when he heard that door knocking. He knew it was over for him and nothing good could come from what was on the other side of that door. Jaxon and Rufus stared at each other in that moment, full of dread.

Noah cleared his throat and answered the door. Celeste stood in the doorway. She wore an off-shoulder black dress that came to a little below her crotch, lacy angel sleeves, and strappy black sandal heels. Noah stepped aside to let her in. She entered and went into the living room. Jaxon dropped his glass to the floor when he saw her.

Jaxon: “...Celeste?!”

He swallowed hard. Here comes the end, he thought. It was a nice ride while it lasted.

Celeste: “Hey! You look surprised.”

She pursed her lips.

Jaxon: “...I take it you didn’t see ‘With Whitney’ huh?”

He sighed. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be here, he thought. Celeste looked away.

Celeste: “No, I don’t watch talk shows.”

She said as her voice trailed off. Jaxon’s eyebrows rose surprisingly.

Jaxon: “Oh. Probably for the best you don’t watch that trash.”

His voice trailed off. Rufus left the room to give them privacy.

Celeste: “I came over because Tristan is furious with you now.”

She lowered her head.

Jaxon: “What do you mean?!”

Celeste: “Said something about dropping the case.”

She added. Rufus buried his face into his hands.

Jaxon: “WHAT?! He’s not going to help me anymore?! Why?!”

His shoulders slunk, defeatedly.

Celeste: “...I was hoping you would tell me. I didn’t think he was angry about that hotel incident anymore.”

She folded her arms and gazed at him.

Jaxon: “He’s believing MAXXY MALONE over me?! If it’s about what that clown said, that doesn’t prove ANYTHING!”

He cried.

Jaxon: “I never told her I loved her and I never said anything about marrying her!”

He threw his arms up. Celeste sighed dejectedly.

Celeste: “It was a recording, Jaxon… When she asked if you loved her, you said yes.”

She said numbly.

Jaxon: “I said ‘Sure, I do!’ That doesn’t mean I love her! I never told her I loved her! Like, come on, I only just met the girl. The writing is on the wall this isn’t love! I didn’t think she was actually serious!”

He countered.

Celeste: “I’m aware of this but when she asked it, you said yes but I knew you didn’t mean it.”

She bowed her head. Jaxon’s expression relaxed and he smiled a bit.

Jaxon: “That’s because you’re a smart lady.”

Celeste drew a breath.

Celeste: “But someone like her… wouldn’t know that and you did take advantage of her.”

She admitted. Jaxon’s shoulders dropped again.

Jaxon: “She’s a grown adult and she’s not an innocent little lamb! Look at what she just did! She tried to force me into marriage and smeared me on television!”

He countered. She nodded.

Celeste: “I am aware of what she did but I am not talking to her now and I want nothing to do with her family. I am talking to you now.”

She said firmly and leaned over. Jaxon locked his gaze on her as she leaned over.

Jaxon: “All right, so talk to me…”

He sighed, dreading what was coming. Celeste was silent for a few moments.

Celeste: “I don’t know what to say, Jaxon.”

She finally said.

Jaxon: “What’s this mean now for us then?”

He finally asked her.

Celeste: “What do you mean?”

She inhaled sharply.

Jaxon: “Does this mean you don’t want anything to do with me anymore now, too?”

He asked.

Celeste: “I don’t know, Jaxon. I didn’t think whatever we had would last anyway. It’s just like your thrill rides. Intense, exciting, but short.”

She bowed her head and drew a long breath. Jaxon laughed and shook his head.

Jaxon: “I didn’t think it would end so soon. We were only just taking off! One day, you’re at the top of the world, the next, you’re hitting rock bottom. But that’s the law of the universe, isn’t it? What goes up, must come down.”

He sighed, gazing out the window at the twinkling lights of the city below. She gazed out the window with him.

Celeste: “Yeah…”

Jaxon turned to her.

Jaxon: “Well… it was fun while it lasted.”

He smiled a pained smile at her. Celeste looked at him with a pained smile.

Celeste: “Um-hmm…”

She tightly pursed her lips.

Jaxon placed his hand on her shoulder.

Jaxon: “Would you care to join me for one last thrill ride?”

He took her hand, gesturing to his bedroom. Celeste chuckled and backed away. She shook her head.

Celeste: “Ya know…, Victor and I went in the love tunnel the other day… Thrill rides are fun but I think I prefer the slow pace and relaxing vibes of the love tunnel. It’s a break from my usual.”

She admitted.

Jaxon: “Victor, huh? Well, my door to you is always open, Celeste, and I’m game for a threesome.”

He smiled. Celeste gaped at him and laughed a bit.

Celeste: “Of course. I’ll bear that in mind.”

Jaxon smiled at her and nodded her farewell.

Jaxon: “And, I’ll keep you in mind.”

He gave her a parting kiss on the cheek. She kissed his cheek back, leaving a lip mark and backed away. She smiled sadly and turned around to leave his condo. Jaxon smiled sadly, rubbing his cheek where she kissed him as he watched her go.

Rufus returned and drew a long breath.

~

Celeste strolled past Fernando who fixed his suit and dusted himself off with a handkerchief. He knocked on the door. Noah answered and let Fernando in.

Fernando: “Hi, Jaxon! Rufus! I think you know why I am here. I gave you four days to prove what that girl said was false and that piece of shit loser proved she was right! Sorry, but we’re going to drop you.”

He said sharply.

Fernando: “Oh, and even if you proved her claims were false, we were dropping you anyway. We’re interested in replacing you with a new band called ‘Sparaktikós’. The frontman informed us and they show promise. Sorry, kiddo, but that’s business. No hard feelings?”

He smiled tightly. Jaxon braced himself, knowing this was coming and he sat there and took it. He knew there was nothing he could say as they had already made their minds up.

Jaxon: “You act as if I committed a crime. If you’re dropping me for that, you run a lousy business, anyway. I don’t need you or Torturgazm.”

He said flatly. Rufus raised his eyebrows at Jaxon. Fernando’s jaw dropped.

Fernando: “Well, best of luck making it on your own! I don’t think you will get far. You offer us nothing new. Maybe listen to the reviews lest you end up like your former friend?”

He fielded scathingly.

Jaxon: “He’s not my friend and maybe you should hire him then?”

He said scathingly.

Fernando: “Best of luck to you, Axion Jaxon. You’re gonna need it!”

He snapped and stormed out of the condo, slamming the door behind him.

Rufus paused and smiled at Jaxon.

Rufus: “What made you do that?”

He asked. Jaxon poured himself a drink and sat down on the couch.

Jaxon: “Because I don’t need Fernando. I’m not going to be in that clown’s shadow, or Torturgazm’s!”

He took a sip of his drink. Rufus nodded.

Rufus: “Well, it’s a good place to start but you’re right, it’s time to fly on our own.”

He smiled tightly. Noah brought him another bottle of whiskey.

Noah: “Are you upset with Celeste’s departure, sir?”

He asked with concern.

Jaxon: “We always want what we can’t have…”

He gazed out the window as he sipped his drink, looking down at the city below. Noah surveyed him.

Noah: “What did you feel for her?”

He asked him.

Jaxon: “A thrill like no other.”

He finished his drink, planting the empty glass on the table beside him. Noah gazed at him and said nothing more.

~

Victor sat at his backyard pool patio gazing at the fire, the orange tongues flickering into the air. He heard the clicking of heels on the stone ground and turned around to see Celeste standing there. He smiled at her and scooted aside to pat the seat. She strolled to him, sat down, and he put his arm around her.

He had his hand on a brown leather book.

Celeste: “What’s that?”

Victor opened the book to show drawings he did of himself and Ivy and drawings of a little baby girl named “Victoria.”

Victor: “A fairytale. Drawings I did of how I wished Ivy and I were… and of our future daughter.”

He laughed bitterly.

Victor: “It’s just a fantasy and not real. It made me feel better.”

Celeste: “Why do you have it?”

Victor: “Closing this chapter and moving onto the next. I think it’s best that I don't have anymore kids. Tristan is enough and I got my grandbabies.”

He smiled at Oliver and Frankie, who were sleeping in the living room.

Victor: “Well, such is life and some things were never meant to be.”

He closed the book and tossed it into the fire pit. He and Celeste watched the leather cover shrivel and contract. The book opened to reveal the drawing Victor did of Ivy and him marveling over their newborn daughter. The face of Ivy became gnarled and misshapen. Her mouth and eyes twisted into a grotesque leer.

And then she was gone.