Chapter Text
Gloria let out an exasperated sigh as she reached across the cluttered coffee table, her fingers finally finding the cold plastic surface of the TV remote. With a swift click, she shut down the random hotel vlog that she and Barbie had mindlessly tuned into on YouTube. “I want to travel," Gloria mumbled, her voice tinged with a hint of longing. her thumb moved to open Netflix for what felt like the umpteenth time. She scrolled for a few seconds, her brows furrowing in frustration, before giving up and going back to the familiar grasp of the YouTube app.
This had become their little ritual, a weekly escape from the humdrum of their everyday lives. Or at least, it used to be until now. Their routine had been set in stone: lounging around, binge-watching shows, and munching on snacks like there was no tomorrow. But lately, even their tried-and-true shows had lost their charm. They had devoured every possible movie and TV series, leaving them scraping the bottom of the barrel with questionable Google searches like "watch full movie for free hd."
-
One fateful click had led them down a regrettable rabbit hole. The first link on the search results page had seemed promising at a glance, but their optimism was quickly extinguished as an unexpected and explicit ad blared from the screen. Shocked gasps escaped both Gloria and Barbie as they instinctively averted their eyes, their faces turning beet red. Panic surged through Gloria as she fumbled with the remote, desperately trying to close the offending tab. Heat radiated from her cheeks, and her heart raced as embarrassment mingled with frustration. Barbie's hand shot up to shield her eyes, inadvertently freezing on an ad with questionable content.
After what felt like an eternity, the offending site was closed, and they were left in an uneasy silence. The tension slowly dissipated as they sought refuge in the familiarity of an old movie. The room was quiet, each of them lost in their own thoughts until Barbie, unable to bear the silence any longer, finally spoke up.
“Is there a…”
Gloria turned her head toward Barbie, her brow furrowing in confusion. "A what?" she asked, genuinely puzzled by the incomplete question.
Barbie hesitated for a moment, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Is there really a hot milf two miles away?" she blurted out, her embarrassment evident in her sheepish expression.
Gloria had laughed so hard that Barbie turned around and huffed.
The unexpectedness of the question caught Gloria off guard, and a burst of laughter escaped her lips. Barbie's earnestness combined with the absurdity of the situation was enough to send her into a fit of giggles. Barbie, however, reacted with a mixture of exasperation and amusement, playfully huffing as she turned away.
-
Barbie snuggled cozily beside Gloria, ensconced within the embrace of a velvety soft blanket. An air of shared boredom hung in the room, the ennui palpable as they sought to alleviate their restlessness. The wheels of Barbie's mind churned thoughtfully, processing Gloria's utterance with a contemplative air. The mere suggestion of jetting off on an airplane, nestling into the comfort of an elegant hotel, and indulging in lavish culinary delights with Gloria ignited a spark of excitement within Barbie. The prospect of such an adventure seemed almost foreign, a sharp realization that her travels had hitherto been confined to the familiar realms of Barbieland and the sun-soaked expanses of California.
A radiant grin painted Barbie's face as she pivoted towards Gloria, a hopeful glint dancing in her eyes. A gentle tap on Gloria's shoulder accompanied her buoyant proposal, a playful nudge that beckoned the imagination. "Let's do it!" Her voice brimmed with enthusiasm, a declaration that hinted at the thrill of embarking on a joint escapade.
“Yeah right.” Gloria's gaze flickered towards Barbie, a twinkle of amusement dancing in her eyes. In response, she fashioned a comical expression, a quicksilver playfulness that curved her lips into a half-smile. A scoff, both playful and lighthearted, escaped her lips, harmonizing with the quirk of her smile.
Assuming Barbie's proposal to be in jest, Gloria redirected her attention to the Netflix menu, her fingers navigating the options with casual indifference. A dance of indecision unfolded, her cursor oscillating between the allures of "The Good Place" and the intrigues of "Good Girls.”
A silence settled in the wake of Gloria's response, prompting her to glance back at Barbie, who maintained an unwavering smile. The tableau was one of the contrasts – Gloria's surprise was mirrored by Barbie's determination. A ripple of laughter escaped Gloria, a gentle cascade that echoed through the room, a shared recognition of the sincerity beneath Barbie's excitement. As the laughter subsided, the echo lingered, a testament to the depth of their bond.
Barbie's smile wavered, her gaze fixed intently upon Gloria. A hint of seriousness clouded her features, causing Gloria's mirth to taper off. Barbie's touch, firmer this time, elicited an immediate response from Gloria – a shift in posture and a curious quirk of her brow. Bafflement and bewilderment painted Gloria's expression as she grappled with the unexpected intensity of the moment. Gloria's initial statement, intended as a casual aside, is something not to be taken seriously, but obviously. Gloria had forgotten the time she had said. “God, I want to just die!” When she kept redrawing a line on one of her sketches and Barbie had overhead and quickly went into a sue of panic.
-
Barbie's heart danced with a mix of emotions as she pulled Gloria into an unexpected embrace from behind. Gloria sat nestled in a chair, and the sudden hug caught her off guard. Barbie's voice, a blend of anxious pleading, filled the air with hushed whispers. "Don't die," she murmured, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation, "Please don't leave us.”
Gloria's breath caught in her throat as Barbie's grip tightened around her, leaving her gasping for air. She tapped furiously at Barbie's arm, but the hold remained unyielding until Sasha entered the room. With an understanding glance at the scene, Sasha rushed to gently separate a tearful Barbie from Gloria's grasp.
Sniffling, Barbie held onto Gloria's hand as she transitioned to the floor, kneeling beside where Gloria had been seated. Her head found a soft resting place on Gloria's lap, a sanctuary amidst the storm of emotions swirling within her. Muffled words spilled from Barbie's lips, lost amid the chorus of her sniffles.
Sasha's voice pierced the air, a question mark hanging in her tone, "What is happening?" She attempted to pull Barbie to her feet, but Barbie shook her head vehemently, nestling further into Gloria's lap. Gloria sighed in response, offering a few reassuring pats on Barbie's back, prompting her to raise her tear-streaked face and pull Sasha into their intimate circle.
"Gloria wants to die," Barbie's voice trembled, her vulnerability on full display as she fought to hold back a fresh wave of tears. Sasha's eyes widened as the gravity of the situation sunk in, and she pulled her hand back slightly, almost embracing Barbie before stopping herself.
"No, she doesn't," Sasha retorted, crossing her arms with a skeptical expression as she hauled Barbie to her feet.
“Yes she does,” Barbie persisted, turning to Gloria with earnest eyes. Her hand rested gently on Gloria's shoulder, a touch filled with concern and affection. "Why would she say that then?" she implored, seeking an explanation that would make sense of the emotional turmoil.
Sasha chimed in with a wry remark, her words tinged with humor, "Mattel's probably kicking her ass right now." Gloria interjected with a reprimanding glare, Sasha's candidness a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation.
"No, I don't Barbie," Gloria's voice held a soothing tone as her hand covered Barbie's, her thumb tracing delicate circles on her skin, an attempt to quell Barbie's rising distress. "It's... it's just a figure of speech," she reassured, hoping to alleviate Barbie's fears and keep her from further emotional turmoil.
Barbie's nod was slow and accompanied by another sniffle, her grip on Gloria's hand tightening. She turned to Sasha, her eyes pleading for understanding and answers. "But why would she say that if she didn't mean it?" Barbie's voice trembled, teetering on the edge of tears.
Sasha's retort held a mix of exasperation and fondness, "Because she's dramatic," she whispered to Barbie, her words audible enough for Gloria to hear as well. Barbie's response, more statement than a question, “Like mother like daughter?” elicited a chuckle from Sasha as she shared a high-five with Barbie.
-
"Barbie, I was kidding, it’s a joke," Gloria's voice carried a gentle reassurance as she met Barbie's hopeful gaze. The warm lamplight cast a soft glow on Barbie's eyes, causing them to shimmer as Gloria's gaze lingered, a subtle curiosity forming within her. She silently chided herself for even considering the possibility that Barbie's eyes held a deeper significance in that moment. Such notions were absurd, she reasoned, brushing aside the fleeting thought that Barbie's gaze might be different when directed at her. It was a whimsical notion, perhaps driven by her own desire to be a source of happiness for Barbie – a longing that she couldn't shake.
The reminder of her marital status and the complexities of her emotions brought Gloria back to reality. She frowned slightly, conflicted emotions swirling within her. "It's stupid," she chastised herself silently, her heart echoing her internal struggle. "Enough, too much," she reasoned. Her marriage was her commitment, and thoughts of anything beyond that were nothing but folly. The responsibility of her vows weighed heavily, and she scolded herself for even allowing such thoughts to arise.
It’s stupid. It’s enough, too much, and she’s married. And she should not be thinking this way with Barbie.
Barbie's voice cut through her inner turmoil like a ray of sunlight breaking through clouds. "Well, I'm not joking. It'll be fun!" Barbie's hands clapped together in excitement, her whole demeanor radiating enthusiasm. The contrast between her carefree spirit and Gloria's inner conflict was stark, a reminder of the innocence that made Barbie so endearing.
Gloria sighed, setting aside the remote as she turned to fully face Barbie. Her eyebrows arched in a quizzical expression as she listened to Barbie's renewed plea. "Well, I'm serious, Barbie," she responded, her tone tinged with a mixture of amusement and resignation.
"We can't, especially with the prices and all that." A groan escaped her lips as the thought of expenses weighed on her. "Even thinking about hotel prices or the price of plane tickets – it's already making me glad I'm sitting here right now.”
As if on cue, another thought popped into her mind, and she slapped her forehead in frustration. "Plus, it's not like Mattel's gonna give me enough vacation days to actually enjoy the vacation." Leaning back against the couch, she directed her gaze towards the ceiling. The subtle shift of perspective triggered an unexpected realization – she did yearn for a vacation, a break from the routines of work and responsibilities.
Gloria's voice carried a tinge of regret as she recalled a missed opportunity. "You know, I didn't get to go on the cruise ship I won at Sasha's school raffle." Her disappointment was palpable, her face etched with a trace of sadness. Barbie's understanding nod followed by a reassuring shake of her shoulder elicited a small smile from Gloria.
"Ask Mattel to give you more vacation days," Barbie suggested with an air of nonchalance, her carefree attitude a stark contrast to Gloria's practical concerns. The sound of Gloria's laughter echoed through the room as she leaned back against the couch, appreciating Barbie's lighthearted perspective.
Amid the laughter, a moment of serene observation unfolded. Barbie's gaze lingered on Gloria, drawn to the elegant curve of her neck and the delicate lines of her collarbone, highlighted by the gentle illumination. The sight was mesmerizing, an unexpected appreciation for Gloria's effortless beauty that made Barbie's heart flutter with a mixture of admiration and tenderness. Barbie feels like Gloria’s a doll herself.
Barbie's mind wandered, the laughter around her acting as a backdrop to her thoughts. She contemplated the disparity between Gloria's beauty and her marriage to Richie, a man who seemed incongruent with the radiance that defined Gloria. Yet, Barbie understood the complexities of love, the myriad reasons people formed connections that extended beyond appearances. Her contemplation was interrupted by a small slap on her shoulder, bringing her back to the present.
"Barbie, I've tried. You know how they are," Gloria's voice carried a tinge of frustration, and Barbie responded with a soft shake of her head. Her gaze remained fixed on Gloria, watching as disappointment briefly flickered across her features before her attention shifted to the television screen.
"Why don't you ask?" Gloria's laughter rang in the air, a playful challenge that cut through the lingering doubts.
-
Gloria sat on the couch, with her mouth open in shock, or more so amused at how Barbie had sat her down when she got back from doing the groceries, wasting no time, Barbie had ushered her and Sasha to the couch and set out a board with plane ticket prices, hotel prices, destination prices, and gas prices.
With a sense of purpose, Barbie began outlining their adventure. "Since plane tickets are kind of expensive right now, we might just have to go by car," she explained, her voice a steady stream of determination. "It would take us about four hours, which isn't that long! And once we get to Vegas—“
"Vegas?" The incredulous word was a chorus of disbelief as both Gloria and Sasha voiced their astonishment. Barbie met their gazes, her own eyes alight with enthusiasm as if announcing the most self-evident revelation.
"Vegas, like... sin city?" Sasha interjected, her voice carrying a mix of skepticism and disbelief. She rose from her seat to poke at a picture of a casino on the board, its neon lights a stark contrast to the real-life scenes of crowded streets and flashing signs. "Place of crime and gambling addicts? You want to go there?”
Barbie's response was earnest, her smile unwavering as she looked at Gloria. "Yes," she stated seriously, the certainty in her voice unwavering.
The practicality of the situation settled upon Gloria's shoulders like a weight, and her mind immediately raced through the implications. "Barbie, what about Sasha and Richie?" She raised a valid concern, her voice tinged with both apprehension and logistical considerations. "I can't just leave them. If we bring them, I'm sure our hotel prices would double – let alone if Richie wants to go gamble.”
Sasha's own input came swiftly, her voice carrying the typical teenage nonchalance. "I don't wanna go," she asserted, her tone clear-cut and definitive. "I mean, Vegas sounds fun or whatever, but I'm hanging out with my friend Jasmine from school. I don't want to miss that. Just leave me with Dad or something." Sasha says, flicking the end of a picture that’s pinned on the board.
Gloria's retort contained both a sense of maternal duty and a hint of humor. "He's practically a vampire," she quipped, accompanied by a warning glare. With her focus returning to Barbie, Gloria noted the ruler tapping methodically at images of Vegas and a luxurious hotel.
The prospect of expenses loomed large in Gloria's mind, and her lips formed a half-hearted smile. "How can we afford this? I—I don't even have any vacation days, and it's not like I can just leave work to go enjoy a nice stay in Vegas, which would be really nice, actually." Her voice wavered, a blend of longing and practicality tugging at her words.
Barbie's sigh carried an undertone of mischief, her smile hinting at the grand revelation she was about to share. Sasha's raised eyebrows conveyed her intrigue, her eyes fixed on Barbie's next move.
"I knew you were gonna say something like that, so—" Barbie's swift motion turned the board around, revealing an image of her shaking hands with the CEO of Mattel. The grin on Barbie's face contrasted with the guy who looks like he was being held at gunpoint.
"I had asked him," Barbie's voice carried a note of triumph as she circled her ruler around the CEO's image, "to give you more vacation days.”
Sasha's approval manifested as a grin, and she engaged in a high-five with Barbie. Meanwhile, Gloria's gaze shifted between the image of Barbie and the CEO, her surprise mingling with a newfound sense of awe at Barbie's dedication.
As the pieces of the puzzle fell into place, Barbie's scheming took center stage, and Gloria's incredulity grew. "What about the cost? How did you get that covered? Did you—did you threaten him or something?" Laughter bubbled up in Gloria, though she intended her remark as a jest. Barbie's response, however, held a hint of mystery.
“Nothing to worry about.”
-
“Look,” Barbie says as she dramatically slams her hands down on the table, mirroring the intensity she had witnessed in one of the crime movies she and Sasha had indulged in. Her eyes locked onto the CEO, her gaze purposeful and resolute, as if attempting to channel a world-weary detective from the silver screen.
"Hello... Barbie?" The CEO's perplexed voice cut through the room, his eyebrows knitting together in bewilderment. He observed her with a curious tilt of his head, his thoughts evidently entwined with the peculiarity of Barbie's sudden display of intensity.
Undaunted, Barbie cleared her throat, her posture straightening with a sense of gravity. She positioned herself with a poise that radiated authority. "What do you need?" The CEO's tone held a hint of resignation, as if he were bracing himself for an imminent request.
Barbie's declaration sliced through the air, her words carrying both determination and audacity. "I want you to give Gloria a week off and cover the cost of our vacation trip to Vegas.”
A pause hung in the room, the weight of Barbie's proposition settling upon the scene. The CEO's initial reaction erupted into a cascade of laughter, his unrestrained amusement echoing through the room. He pounded the table with mirth, his laughter almost consuming his breath. The notion of such a whimsical demand seemed too preposterous to be taken seriously.
"You can't be serious," he managed to sputter between fits of laughter, his amusement rippling through his voice. The table bore the brunt of his joviality, his hand delivering a rhythmic percussion that underscored his disbelief. Yet, as his gaze refocused on Barbie, his mirth waned, replaced by a disconcerted frown.
The shift in Barbie's demeanor did not escape his notice. The seriousness etched into her expression, the unwavering resolve in her stance – these elements converged to reshape the context of their interaction. He sensed that there was more to her request than met the eye, and curiosity mingled with a touch of trepidation etched itself onto his features.
"No, no, no. No. No, Barbie, we cannot do that." The gravity of the situation resonated in his voice, though a vestige of amusement still clung to his words. Barbie's retort, however, saw her closing the distance between them, a step closer to an unspoken negotiation.
"I knew you would say something like that. So, here's how it's gonna go." Barbie's voice lowered, carrying an air of confidentiality. She tapped the CEO's shoulder, leaning in slightly to impart her strategy. Her whispered words were shrouded in secrecy, a private exchange that evoked an involuntary gasp from the CEO.
A small gasp escapes from his mouth. “Are you… are you blackmailing me? How could you!”
-
“So… yeah, not that big of a deal. I asked him to take a picture with me because I wanted you to know it’s real. And done, so.” Barbie's face lights up, a delighted grin spreading across her features as she playfully claps her hands together, her excitement radiating as she orbits the ruler over the entire expanse of the board.
A brief pause ensues, and Sasha nods appreciatively, her head bobbing in agreement as she breaks into a slow, deliberate applause. Her gaze shifts to her mother, seeking her opinion. "She's got some serious skills," Sasha remarks, admiration evident in her tone. Gloria, Sasha's mom, offers an encouraging nod, rising from her seat with a touch of nervousness. Her arms instinctively rise in a gesture of approval, mirroring Sasha's applause.
“Why not.” Barbie practically jumps with joy her enthusiasm almost infectious as she practically bounces on her toes. She pulls Gloria into a warm, exuberant hug, a gesture brimming with genuine excitement. However, her outstretched hand toward Sasha is met with a subtle retreat, Sasha playfully raising her palms in a playful 'hold on a sec' manner.
"Easy there, blondie," Sasha teases with a grin, striking a balance between her mother's fervor and her own cool demeanor.
Releasing Gloria from her hug, Barbie's fingers seamlessly latch onto Gloria's, raising their conjoined hands high above. "Vegas, here we come!" she exclaims with unbridled joy, their hands swaying like a pendulum as they celebrate the upcoming adventure.
Gloria's heart flutters under Barbie's gaze, and she briefly leans her head against Barbie's shoulder, savoring the warmth of the moment. Her wistful reverie, however, is interrupted by a playful nudge from Sasha, redirecting her attention to Sasha.
“I can’t believe we’re going to Vegas!” Gloria squeals, a mix of exhilaration and a hint of nervousness bubbling in her stomach.
-
“Your what?” Richie's voice echoed through the room, breaking the stillness as he stood nonchalantly beside the doorway. His sudden appearance caused Gloria to startle, and she quickly pivoted on her heels to face him, her hand instinctively reaching for the open closet drawer.
In a casual yet slightly somber tone, Richie remarked, "I heard you're headed to Vegas now," as he leaned against the doorframe, arms folded.
Gloria's response came as a weary sigh, a hint of trepidation creeping into her demeanor. With a pile of neatly folded clothes in her grasp, she carefully deposited them into her open suitcase. Meeting Richie's gaze, “I am.” she managed a faint smile, but it was swiftly eclipsed by the disappointment etched on his features, causing her own smile to wane.
"You know," Richie began, his voice carrying a tinge of longing, "I always used to ask if you'd be up for a Vegas trip together someday." His fingers tapped lightly against the doorframe, coaxing Gloria to turn and face him.
Gloria's eyes softened as she considered his words. She knew exactly where this conversation was heading, and she silently wished she could divert its course. "That was ages ago before Sasha came into the picture," she explained, her voice tinged with a touch of nostalgia.
"Life was simpler back then, and that was when you’d want to travel with me,” she added with a small awkward laugh.
A frustrated sigh escaped Richie's lips, his brows furrowing in response. Closing the distance between them, he moved toward the edge of what had once been their shared bed – before the arrangement had changed due to Barbie's intervention. "But here you are," he stated a sense of yearning lacing his words. He had been relegated to the couch for the past five months, ever since Barbie had taken over the space he had once occupied.
Gloria's fingers toyed with the edge of her drawer as Richie continued, his voice taking on a passive-aggressive edge. "Off to Vegas, with Barbie," he practically spat out the last word. His accusation hung in the air, prompting Gloria to roll her eyes and release a frustrated exhale. She turned away briefly, her annoyance palpable.
“I thought we talked about this! I’m not in love with her.” Gloria asserted, her words punctuated by a firmer pull on the drawer's handle.
“I didn’t say anything about that,” Richie muttered, and Gloria felt as though she were caught in a net, even though she was well aware that her feelings for Barbie didn't extend to love.
It was akin to being ensnared with a hand caught in the cookie jar or, more aptly, caught playing with a Barbie doll.
Gloria sighs, “What… what do you want me to say, Richie. Huh, that I don’t want to go? Because I do, I really do. And everything covered, why would I want to pass this up? It’s Vegas! Barbie had covered everything for me —“ Gloria's words flowed, a hint of exasperation interwoven.
“For you,” Richie interjected, his voice carrying a mix of yearning and frustration. Gloria stilled, her movements suspended.
Closing the physical distance between them, Richie reached out, his fingers gently grazing Gloria's hands as he spoke, “We can still work this out. We don’t have to divorce, I— I don’t want to file those papers, Gloria, we only started having problems when Barbie arrived.”
Gloria yanked her hands away, a wave of revulsion washing over her at the slight jab and his perceived view of Barbie. “Richie, no — stop, we… I, this isn’t going to work. We’ve had problems way before Barbie entered our lives.” Gloria asserted, meeting his gaze squarely. His eyes held determination, but it wavered against the backdrop of melancholy that flickered within them when he noticed her bare finger, devoid of her wedding ring.
Richie fell into silence, stepping back with a heavy exhale. Their attention snapped to the door as a knock echoed. Both anticipated Sasha's arrival, only to be surprised by Barbie's appearance, a faint smile gracing her lips as she regarded Gloria. A nod was directed at Richie, who averted his gaze.
"Is this... a good time for me to come in?" Barbie inquired, her voice tinged with uncertainty as her gaze shifted between Gloria and Richie, perched on the threshold.
"Actually—" Gloria began, her intention to suggest otherwise, but Richie's swift interjection took precedence. "Yes, it's fine. I was just about to leave anyway," he stated, passing Barbie and unintentionally brushing against her.
She mumbled an absentminded "it's fine," expecting an apology that never came, and heard the front door creak open and shut.
“Is everything okay?” Barbie probed, entering the room and perching tentatively on the edge of the bed. She observed Gloria's gaze fixed on the open suitcase, her curiosity piqued. While the urge to inquire tugged at her, Barbie recognized the wisdom in silence, appreciating the newfound understanding that allowed her to withhold pressing for answers when they weren't readily offered.
Gloria turned her gaze towards Barbie, mustering a small smile that conveyed a blend of gratitude and relief. Running her fingers through her hair, she momentarily shut her eyes, releasing a gentle exhale that carried a hint of pent-up tension. She was grateful that Barbie refrained from prying further, knowing that a second inquiry might have prompted tears to well up. Yet, even as she appreciated this, a pang of nostalgia tugged at her heart. She missed how effortlessly and instinctively Barbie would probe, her inquiries often made without a second thought.
Barbie responded with a nod, observing as Gloria shifted her attention back to the closet. An air of unease seemed to hang over Barbie, her fingers tapping restlessly against her thigh.
“Did I… do something wrong? Is he mad… because of me?” the words slipped out of Barbie's lips, a torrent of concern emanating from her stomach. She grappled with a gnawing feeling of guilt as if she held responsibility for the discord between Gloria and her husband.
Gloria swiftly pivoted, her brows furrowing, and her hand reached out to lightly touch Barbie's shoulders. “No, no. Barbie, you — you didn’t do anything wrong. In fact, you did everything right.” Gloria reassured, her voice soothing. Her hand extended further, and she gently rested it against Barbie's cheek, her fingers tracing a tender path. The touch seemed to hang in the air for a suspended moment before Barbie's hand rose to meet it, her thumb grazing the back of Gloria's hand.
Barbie let out a soft hum of contentment as she leaned into Gloria's touch, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She averted her gaze, trying to shield her emotions from Gloria's scrutiny.
Gloria's voice continued, though it wavered slightly, and her body seemed to quiver with the weight of her words. Barbie looked up at her, her own breath hitching in response. As Gloria's touch retreated, Barbie's fingers lingered for a moment, caressing the residual warmth.
You... you—you," Gloria stammered, struggling to articulate her thoughts. Her frustration with her own inability to express herself was palpable. “You did everything right, Barbie. You got me enough vacation days, you covered the cost of the whole trip. You’re amazing. You haven’t done anything wrong, I promise.”
Barbie met Gloria's gaze, her eyes locked in a silent exchange of understanding. She felt a deep appreciation for Gloria's words, a warmth that spread through her chest. Barbie takes a deep breath (or tries to hide that she does) her hands shaking and she feels the random urge to reach over and plant a small touch to Gloria’s lips, but she doesn’t. Because she’s married, and straight. And definitely not a lesbian.
But it doesn’t stop Barbie’s thoughts from running wild, and her feelings to explode and turn into dust when Gloria tells her she’s amazing.
"You were always my favorite doll," Gloria playfully whispered, a hint of nostalgia coloring her words.
Barbie laughs at the old memory when Gloria had recited the same thing when they were traveling to Barbieland.
Barbie chuckled, memories of their shared past resurfacing. "You're my favorite human," she whispered back, her hand reaching out to grasp Gloria's. She didn't notice the brief turn of Gloria's face or the way her eyes momentarily fixated on their joined hands, a hint of something stirring within her.
Gloria’s here, and that’s all that matters.
As the moment lingered, Gloria cleared her throat and shifted her attention. "I should continue packing," she announced, prompting Barbie to stand up with an enthusiastic nod.
"Right! Right. Me too," Barbie responded, freezing momentarily as she realized she didn't actually have a suitcase.
Gloria realizes this when she finds Barbie eyeing her suitcase. Which causes Gloria to let out a small ‘Oh right.’
Gloria then reaches deep into her closet to find a purple metallic suitcase, "This used to belong to Sasha," Gloria noted as she placed it on the floor and pushed it towards Barbie. "You can have it. I doubt she'll mind.”
Barbie nodded, a small smile gracing her lips. She headed towards Sasha's room, where her neatly folded clothes awaited her, Sasha had asked her why it’d had to be there, and Barbie had asked her if she’d seen her mother's closet which caused Sasha to just wave her hand and let Barbie set her clothes there anyway.
"Are you and my mom done with your romantic interlude yet? I went to get a glass of water and accidentally stumbled upon a full-blown romance scene," Sasha quipped from her bed, peeking out from behind her laptop.
Barbie froze for a moment, her cheeks flushing, before she managed to shake off the awkwardness. "What are you talking about?" she retorted, laughter lacing her response.
Sasha groaned, her frustration evident as she rose from her bed. She approached Barbie and shook her lightly. "What are YOU talking about?" she demanded, exasperation coloring her tone. Barbie's perplexed expression only seemed to fuel Sasha's irritation, and with a dismissive gesture, Sasha ushered Barbie out of the room with her clothes in tow.
Barbie didn't resist; after all, this had become a customary routine during her time with Gloria's family. Though familiar, it still puzzled her whenever Sasha subtly gestured towards Gloria, as if implying that Barbie was missing something significant.
Returning to Gloria's room, Barbie unzipped her suitcase and carefully began arranging her clothes. With each neatly folded garment, her mind wandered, and a series of thoughts began to weave an intricate web in her mind. Her focus was so consumed that she hardly noticed the passage of time.
When she finished, she zipped up her suitcase and turned to find Gloria partway through changing her shirt. Caught off guard by the sight of Gloria's bare back, Barbie quickly averted her gaze, her heart racing slightly. It was a routine they had become accustomed to, the casual act of changing in each other's presence, but today it seemed to evoke a new set of feelings within Barbie. She reminded herself that this was platonic, a matter of comfort and camaraderie, but her thoughts seemed to dance on the edge of something more.
‘it’s not a big deal,’ Sasha had told her, (Barbie didn’t really believe her as she saw Sasha try to hold back a laugh.)
It’s not like Barbie’s complaining though, she’s fine with it, there’s a better way to say it, she likes it.
But Barbie of course wouldn’t admit that to anyone, let alone Gloria.
As Gloria slipped on her shirt, Barbie sensed the okay to look again. “Ready for tomorrow? We should really sleep early, traffic will be annoying.” Gloria jokes as she pushes her and Barbie’s suitcase aside, and sat right in front of Gloria’s closet where it’s hard to miss if one of them does forget.
Barbie nodded eagerly, a blend of nervousness and excitement coursing through her veins. The idea of spending a week in Vegas with Gloria tugged at her thoughts even more than actually leaving for their trip tomorrow.
“You okay?” Gloria's voice broke through Barbie's reverie. She had been standing beside the bed, lost in thought.
"Yes!" Barbie responded, her voice coming out a touch squeaky and more jittery than she intended. Gloria's furrowed brows indicated her skepticism, but Barbie countered with a smile and a gentle touch to Gloria's shoulders, hoping to dispel any lingering concerns.
Yes, she was excited for the trip. Yes, she was thrilled about sharing a hotel room with Gloria. Yes, she couldn't wait to embark on this adventure together. But beneath it all, there was an undercurrent of unease, a blend of desire and restraint that pulsed just beneath the surface.
Barbie brushed those thoughts aside, redirecting her attention to the moment at hand. As Gloria laid her arm over her eyes to block out some of the incoming light,
“I’m excited!” Gloria whispers and smiles softly at Barbie, Barbie sends a smile back nodding at her statement.
“Me too!” They both kind of squeal like a bunch of teenagers, which causes Gloria to laugh a little.
"Goodnight, Barbie," Gloria's voice murmured,
"Goodnight," Barbie echoed, her gaze lingering on Gloria for a moment before she turned her back and closed her eyes. She felt a mixture of emotions, an overwhelming blend of contentment and longing. she couldn't help but replay the day's interactions in her mind, each touch, each word, etching itself into her memory.