Chapter Text
Everything's a blur.
At least, that's what it feels like, according Mae Borowski. It's barely been a month since she and her friends found out about the Dad Cult, and everything is going back to the way it was; as if the Dad Cult never existed, as if she never talked to God in her dreams. She knows it's real though, because she still has scars to prove it, and an itch in the back of her mind that she can't scratch. Yet, none of her friends mentions the Cult, and she doesn't speak to God anymore. Or God doesn't speak to her, I don't know. Whatever. All she knows is that within a month, everything is back to the way it was, and she thinks she's okay with that.
Maybe.
I don't know.
She should be fine, but she's not. Something...is swelling up inside her, eating at her, but she doesn't have a clue what it is. It's different from before, from all the other times in which she space out, clearly not right in the mind. She's all too aware of this feeling, this knot, and quite frankly, she's scared. It wasn't the urge she always gets when she wants to break something, and even though she still sees shapes, that's not what this was - this feeling. This feeling was different, and not in the good way. It keeps reminding her of the Cult, of God, and everything she's trying to forget. Closing her eyes, Mae sighed.
"Okay," She whispered. "Okay. Deep breaths, Borowski. Remember what Mr. Hank said. If I work myself up like this, I may cause myself a panic attack. Or something," Pausing, Mae let the corner of her lips curve upwards. "Heh. Wouldn't that be a sight? Me, Mae Borowski, the kid who never panics or thinks about the consequences of her actions, suddenly gets a panic attack. I bet most of my class could see me now, they'll most likely be shock themselves. Or laughing. Heh." Mae stared into the mirror, glaring at her reflection. "I suck. Badly."
"Mae, honey? You awake?" Called out her mom, startling her from her...conversation....with herself.
"Uh, yeah, mom! I'm up!"
"Well, your friends are here to visit you! It'll be impolite to keep them waiting!"
"Okay, be down in a minute!" Mae called out, rushing to put on some (clean) pants, as she had been standing front of the mirror in her underwear, and then rushed downstairs to greet her friends. Spotting them near the door, Mae cocked her head. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Dude, two words: Par-tay! Angus and I have a week off, and there's this underground thing that's going on that I would really like to go!" Gregg said, waving his arms in the air.
"Okay, first of, that's only one word. Second, underground thing? What's this and why haven't I heard about it?" Mae asked.
"You know, near the old train tracks where you use to live near by? Apparently, someone found an underground tunnel there, and apparently, they thought it was a good idea to throw a party there." Bea said, rolling her eyes at the idea.
"Why would there be an underground tunnel there?" Mae asked.
"Who knows. Why would there be a cult trying to murder kids?" Bae asked. Silence fell upon the group, Gregg frowning, Angus shifting his glasses, and Mae was looking at the ground as though Bae had punched her, ears slightly fallen down. "...Sorry."
"No, it's...fine, I suppose," Mae cleared her throat and smiled at her friends. "So, a party, then?"
"Yeah! We can invite Jeremy to come with us! We never actually hang out much with him." Gregg said. Mae smiled.
"That's true. Hey, isn't Bea's car a four seat? Where's Jerm going to sit?" She asked, looking at the crocodile. Bea huffed, puffing out smoke from her cigarette.
"There's enough room, Mae. He can sit in the middle of the backseat."
"Yeah, and even if she didn't, I could always take my bike." Gregg said. At the mention of the bike, Angus scuffled his feet nervously, playing with his glasses. Seeing this, Gregg just smirked. "Don't worry babe, you can ride with Bea if you're that scared."
"Angus is scared of Gregg's bike?" Mae asked in wonder. This was something she'd never learned.
"Terrified. He never lets go of me when we ride it," Gregg grinned cheekily. "Not that I mind."
"Can we please get off this subject?" Angus asked, blushing as he glared at his boyfriend.
"Right. Party! Whoo!" Mae shouted, throwing her hands in the air. Gregg shared the same sentiment, and began wiggling his arms too.
"Whoo! Party!"
"Whoo!"
"Whoo!" The two looked over at their friends/boyfriend. Bea groaned while Angus gave them a small, shy-ish, smile.
"Whoo." Bea stated, flatly. Then they turned to Angus, waiting patiently for him to comment. The bear just blinked, giving them another smile. Bea rolled her eyes, while Gregg squeaked and kissed his boyfriend, and Mae-
"Close enough!"