Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Friday, July 7th, 2062 - 7:37am

“Judy, wake up!”

The sound of her grandmother's voice piercing through the thick veil of sleep startled Judy awake. She blinked groggily, her mind still fuzzy. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm, golden glow onto her disheveled room.

“You're gonna be late for school!"

School? Judy thought groggily as she tried to make sense of her grandmother’s words. It was Saturday, not Friday, the one day of the week she could sleep in. With a groan, she rolled over and pulled her blanket back over her shoulders, burying her face in the pillow.

"Judy Álvarez! Levántate de la cama ahora mismo o llegarás tarde a la escuela!"

"Oh shoot!"

The realization that she’d gotten her days mixed up hit her like a ton of bricks. She threw off the covers and leapt out of bed, nearly tripping over the dolls scattered across the floor, their plastic bodies frozen in the same disjointed poses from the night before. She began rummaging through the piles of clothes strewn around her bedroom, tossing old stuffed animals aside as she searched for the new shirt she had bought earlier that week. She was about to give up when she spotted it beneath an old back issue of CyberTeen magazine.

"Gotcha!" she said, holding it up to examine it. It was a trendy off-the-shoulder top with the words ‘Tainted Overlord' splayed out across the chest in graffiti-like letters. Judy didn’t know the first thing about the band and had never listened to any of their music, but the image of a chromed-out rockstar with flames shooting out of her oculus implant was nova.

She quickly shed her pajama top and slipped the new shirt over her head, adjusting it so that it looked just right. After throwing on an old pair of jeans, she couldn't resist twirling in front of the mirror to check out her new look.

The girl staring back at her looked a million times more nova than she had the night before. She had big brown eyes, the same color as her hair which remained a tangled mess from the night before. She ran her fingers through it, trying to coax it into some semblance of order. Once she had straightened most of it out, she studied her reflection.

"Lookin' preem, Alvarez," she said, grinning. She could already picture the reactions from her friends when they saw her new shirt. Tom would probably want to borrow it and Evelyn might even crack a smile, which was a rare sight these days.

Giving herself one last appraising look, Judy ran to the bathroom and brushed her teeth, holding her breath as best she could so she wouldn't have to smell the awful odor of sewage and cheap cologne permeating the room.

“Judy! Andele!”

“Ya voy!”

Judy bounded down the stairs two at a time and joined her grandfather at the table. A plate of SCOP and powdered eggs was already laid out for her.

The Álvarez household was a ramshackle structure that teetered on the edge of poverty yet somehow managed to keep itself from slipping over. The bathroom could barely fit one person, let alone three, but it had running water, and it was usually hot as long as you timed things carefully. The kitchen and living room were meager but functional, with an odd assortment of antiquated furniture scattered about.

The only luxury to be found were the two bedrooms on the top floor, and the walls were paper thin and offered little semblance of privacy. But Judy didn’t mind. Sure, it was annoying when her grandparents listened in on her while she was talking on the holo, but it was a small price to pay for the ability to eavesdrop on them in return.

Judy often tuned out her grandparents' conversations, but when they started discussing the new dam being built on the outskirts of town, she couldn't help but listen. Its towering walls seemed to grow taller each time she looked at it, casting a dark shadow over the entire town when the sun descended behind it. Her grandparents were always fuming about it, but to Judy, it brought a sense of excitement and change to the sleepy town of Laguna Bend, as did the small reservoir that had formed at the base of the dam.

Judy was scarfing down her breakfast in silence, listening to her grandfather mutter under his breath as he read the morning paper, when her grandmother came downstairs to join them.

“Lost track of your days, eh?” her grandmother chuckled, pouring herself a cup of coffee and taking a seat next at the table.

“Guess so,” Judy replied, forking the last of her eggs into her mouth.

“Mhmm. Don't make a habit of it. You still have one more week of school left and you need to focus on your studies, math in particular.”

Judy rolled her eyes but remained silent. She knew that she was barely scraping by in math, but passing was passing, no matter how close it was. After all, when would she ever actually need to use math in real life? That was what OS’s were for.

Judy rubbed at the faint scar behind her ear. Like everything else she owned, her operating system was terribly out of date. It had been installed before she was even born and she could count on one hand the number of firmware updates she had received in the intervening twelve years. The interface was rudimentary and the hardware itself was even older than she was. But what it lacked in style, it made up for in functionality. She could make and receive calls, send messages, take pictures and even run net searches all from the privacy of her own brain.

“I better get going,” her grandfather announced with a sigh. “Someone dropped off Quadra at the garage last night. It’s all shot up and looks like it’s been through hell and back. The owner wants it looking as good as new by the end of next week, and since Jimmy doesn't have a key anymore, I’ll have to get an early start if we’re going to have any hope of turnin’ it around by then.”

Judy's ears perked up. She knew little about Jimmy, or Mr. Parker as she knew him, only that he was Evelyn's dad, worked at the same garage as her grandfather, and tended to keep to himself. That, and an unpleasant smell always seemed to linger in his wake.

“Why doesn’t he have a key anymore?” Judy’s grandmother asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

“Owner took it away from him. Doesn’t trust him, apparently.”

“Ay, dios! Why is that fool still employed?”

“Simple - that ‘fool’ is the owner's son.”

Judy’s grandmother heaved a sigh and shook her head in frustration. “You should say somethin’ to the owner, Pablo.”

“And what exactly should I say? S’cuse me, Mr. Parker, would you please fire your lazy son so I don’t have to do his job for him?’”

“You may as well, seein’ as how you’re goin’ to be out of a job soon anyways-”

“Enough, Ainara.”

Judy's grandfather downed the last of his coffee and turned to face her. Judy’s heart fluttered in anticipation, knowing that her favorite part of the morning was about to begin. His warm hands enveloped hers, their rough calluses a reminder of all the grueling work he had done throughout his life.

“Now Jude, I want you to say ‘I will be a good girl today’.”

Judy repeated the sentence in her head, translating each word into her grandparents native tongue. She could use her translation software, but that would defeat the point and her grandfather somehow always knew when she was cheating.

“Seré una buena chica hoy".

Her grandfather smiled warmly at her. “Bien. Now, say ‘I'm going to listen to my teacher.’”

“No voy a escuchar a mi maestro,” Judy managed with a straight face.

The kitchen turned silent as Judy and her grandfather remained locked in a fierce staring contest, each daring the other to break first. A small smile tugged at the corners of Judy’s mouth before she finally broke and let out a mischievous giggle.

“Pequeño diablo, this one,” her grandfather observed with a wink before rising to his feet. “You listen good, si? Don’t want you turnin’ out like the Welles boy.”

Judy hesitated before nodding in agreement. Everyone in town knew "the Welles boy" - it was practically his given name, though Judy knew that his real name was Jackie. But despite his reputation, Judy couldn't quite make up her mind about him. He towered over the other students at Laguna Bend Middle School - and some of the teachers, too - and there were rumors that he was a member of the dangerous Valentinos gang. Yet despite that, he always wore a smile on his face and stood up for the outcasts. But there was no denying that there was something off about him, something she couldn't quite put her finger on. It kept her on edge, unsure of what to believe about the enigma that was “the Welles boy”.

Judy's grandfather grabbed his keys off the hook near the door and gave her grandmother a peck on the cheek. “I'm off.”

“Wait,” Judy’s grandmother said, lowering her voice. “The city’s going to call today.”

“And?”

“And what should I tell ‘em? They’re not gonna extend the deadline, an’ you heard what Mr. Caldera said about the eviction notice he got in the mail.”

“Si, I heard. And now so has Jude.” He glanced over at Judy, who pretended not to listen as she chewed on a bite of SCOP. “We’ll talk later.”

With that, he strode out of the door. An uneasy silence settled over the kitchen as Judy's grandmother sighed and sipped at her coffee. Judy knew she wasn't supposed to have heard whatever it was they were talking about, but it seemed like the usual sort of grown-up stuff so she didn't linger on it. Instead, she finished the last of her water and was about to get up when her grandmother spoke first.

“I'm going to tidy up your room today,” Judy’s grandmother declared before adding, “And toss those silly dolls of yours in the trash.”

Judy’s eyes widened into saucers. “But abuela-”

“No buts. You're almost thirteen years old. It's time you grew up an’ stopped playing with stupid toys.”

“They're not stupid!” Judy protested, the word cutting deep into her heart.

“Is that so? Then why haven't your friends been around here lately, eh?”

“Tom was just here last week!”

“Si, he was, an’ he hasn't been back since. I know why. Do you?”

Judy knew what her grandmother was implying - that the reason her friends didn’t want to come over any more was because she was too childish for them to want to play with. But that wasn't true. Tom had been over just last week. Sure, he’d spent most of the time playing on his holo, but so what? Boys didn’t play with dolls anyways.

But there was no point in trying to explain that to her grandmother. To her, they were just ‘stupid’ pieces of plastic that needed to be discarded. She didn’t understand that they were much more than just toys - they were a part of who she was.

Sinking deeper into despair, Judy realized she was trapped. She couldn’t leave the table, her grandmother would tan her hide if she did that. But she also couldn’t sit there forever, not when school was about to start.

Feeling overwhelmed and distressed, Judy could only watch as her abuela sighed and settled back into her chair, her brittle joints cracking and popping as she shifted. The tension in the room was palpable as they sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts and emotions.

Judy’s grandmother leaned in and asked, “Do you remember what we discussed last year? About what happens to your body when you start growing up?”

“Yeah?” Judy said uneasily, wishing she could crawl inside of herself and never come back out again.

“Well, you're starting to grow up, Judy. Before you know it, you’ll forget about toys and start thinking about other things. Do you know what I’m talking about?”

“Uh…y-yeah?”

Truthfully, Judy didn’t have a clue what her grandmother was going on about and it was obvious by her reaction that she knew that as well. But Judy didn’t know what else to say. All this talk about bodies and growing up was making her uncomfortable. She felt as if she was being pushed towards the edge of a cliff and it was her grandmother who was pushing her.

Judy finally found the courage to look her grandmother in the eye. There was a hint of uncertainty behind her steely gaze, as if she were agonizing over something deep and profound. Finally, she breathed a long sigh and lurched back to her feet.

“Alright, you can keep your dolls for now. But I want ‘em gone before the summer ends, comprende?”

A wave of relief washed over Judy. She jumped out of her chair and wrapped her arms around her grandmother in a loving embrace.

“Gracias, abuela!”

Judy waited for her grandmother to give her the usual, customary squeeze before ushering her out the door. But instead, she clung to her as if she were suddenly afraid she might never see her again. Judy didn’t mind even though her grandmother’s skin felt like dry leather against her own. She loved her grandmother, even if she was hellbent on getting rid of her precious dolls.

“Go now,” her grandmother finally said, letting her go. “I see you after school.”

Judy swiped her backpack off the floor and rushed towards the door. “Bye!”

As soon as the first rays of sun touched her face, a smile spread across Judy's lips. There was a subtle hint of salt in the air, a reminder that despite her arid surroundings, she lived only a few miles away from the coast. Despite its proximity to the ocean, Laguna Bend was still plagued by pollution and the noxious odor of trash and smog from the nearby metropolis of Night City. But despite the stench, Judy found beauty in the city's vast skyline. At night, it transformed into a glittering dreamland of lights and colors, reminiscent of the bioluminescent plankton that used to fill the world's oceans.

Judy's grandparents constantly lectured her on the perils of Night City, but she couldn't resist its alluring and enigmatic appeal. The city's neon lights and bustling streets called out to her, promising endless thrills and adventures beyond her stagnant life in Laguna Bend. For twelve years, she had dreamed of escaping the mundane routine of her hometown and had yet to do so. But one day, she would leave the dusty town of Laguna Bend behind and set off for Night City.

One day.

Chapter Text

Friday, July 7th, 2062 - 8:02am

Judy's eyes lingered on the blue Villefort Columbus parked in front of their modest home as she set off for school. Her grandfather, a skilled mechanic, took great care in maintaining the van's gleaming azure paint job. While it wasn't the fanciest vehicle on the block, this didn't matter to her grandfather; it was his most prized possession and a testament to his automotive talents.

With a wry smile, Judy shook her head and made her way down the street with her backpack slung over one shoulder. The town of Laguna Bend told a story of better days gone by. Peeling paint and overgrown weeds were common sights on every street corner, a reminder of the town's decline over the past year. Many local stores had closed their doors, leaving only a handful struggling to survive. Yet despite its dilapidated appearance and complete lack of anything resembling excitement, there was a certain charm to her hometown that Judy couldn't deny. It was home, after all.

As she jogged past Flo's Diner, the best - only eatery - in town, Judy paid no attention to the convoy of cars and trucks filing towards the dam. Instead, she kept an eye out for her best friends Tom and Evelyn. Suddenly, a large dump bearing the name ‘Petrochem’ roared past, forcing Judy to cover her ears. The noise hadn’t been so bad last year, but it had grown notably worse the past couple of months as construction on the dam accelerated.

After making sure her eardrums hadn’t burst, Judy lowered her hands and spotted Tom and Evelyn across the street.

“Tom!”

Tom Caldera turned and flashed Judy a toothy smile. “Hey, Jude. What's crackin’?”

“My abuela,” Judy replied sarcastically, rushing to catch up to them. “I swear the old bat is losing her marbles.”

“Tell me about it. My dad thought today was Saturday. Can you believe that? Stupid gonk doesn’t even know what day of the week it is.”

“Yeah,” Judy replied nervously, the memory of how she had started the morning still fresh in her mind. “What a gonk.”

“Whoa!” Tom jerked to a halt. “Nice shirt!”

“I know, right?” Judy spread her arms and presented her newly-acquired shirt with a proud grin on her face. “Tainted Overlord. Pretty preem, huh?”

Judy couldn’t help but smile at his awestruck expression. It was exactly the sort of reaction she had hoped for. But as his gaze settled upon the flames rising across her chest, his jaw went lax and eyes glazed over.

Not again…

Tom had ADHD, same as a lot of other kids. Judy would often catch him staring off into space, focused on something only he could see. But his boyish charm and apparent good looks made up for his lackluster attention span. Personally, Judy didn’t care what he looked like, but she had noticed that others did, including Tom. He behaved differently when others were around, especially girls. He always reverted back to the same old Tom right afterwards, but Judy could sense that he was changing. Into what, she didn’t know. All she knew was that whatever he was changing into, she hoped it wouldn’t take much longer.

Realizing that Tom had become hopelessly lost in the print on her shirt, Judy cleared her throat.  “You like?”

Tom blinked. Clarity returned to his eyes and, a shade of pink rising to his cheeks, he quickly looked away. “Yeah.”

Judy quickly turned to Evelyn for her approval. “Whaddya think, Ev?”

“It’s nova.”

Judy felt a pang of disappointment at Evelyn’s lackluster response. The daughter of the notorious Mr. Parker, Evelyn had an uncanny way with words - when she chose to speak, which lately, wasn’t all that often. For as long as Judy could remember, Evelyn had been the unspoken leader of their little group. She was charismatic and possessed a beauty beyond her years, an irresistible combination. But over the last year that had started to change. Winter had brought about a subtle shift in her behavior - a loss of vibrancy in her smile, a distance in her eyes. As the months passed, Evelyn retreated into herself, hiding behind layers of clothing even as winter turned to spring. Despite going along with whatever Judy and Tom decided, an eerie sort of quietness had descended over Evelyn that worried Judy. It was clear that something was bothering her, perhaps her slipping grades - like Judy, schoolwork wasn't one of Evelyn's strengths. But as spring turned to summer, Evelyn became even more reclusive, locking herself in her house, spending nearly all of her free time studying. Judy feared she might have to attend summer school, and if that happened, that would ruin their plans for a carefree summer.

“So,” Judy said, turning back to Tom who seemed to have recovered from his embarrassment, “I was thinking, how about after school we go-”

“Judy, Judy, watch out for her cooties!”

Judy’s hands curled into tight fists as she turned to face the bane of her existence, Maiko Maeda. The girl’s dark eyes bore into hers, their inky blackness a stark contrast against her porcelain skin. Maiko’s friends lingered nearby, snickering amongst themselves.

“Shut up, Maiko!” Judy shouted.

“You shut up, Alvarez. Shut your legs up before you stink up the whole town.”

Judy’s face burned with a confusing blend of anger and humiliation. Maiko’s remark perplexed her - what did her legs have to do with anything? - but it was obvious that the other kids understood its meaning which only fueled Judy’s embarrassment.

“Shut up!” Judy repeated, raising her voice so that it echoed across the street.

With a contemptuous snerk that made Judy want to punch her in the face, Maiko turned and strutted away. Her friends, eager to join in on the teasing, started repeating Maiko’s earlier taunt, chanting ‘Judy, Judy, watch out for her cooties’ until their voices finally faded into the distance.

“Can't stand her,” Judy growled, turning back to Tom and Evelyn. “Anyways, as I was sayin’, let’s go swimming after school. Ev, you in?”

Evelyn gave a subtle nod. “Sure.”

“Tom?”

“Huh?”

Judy rolled her eyes and repeated herself, more slowly this time. “Do you wanna go swimming after school?”

“Uh, I dunno. I'd rather play street hockey.”

“Aw c'mon! It's way too hot for that!”

“Fine, whatever. Hey, who's that girl over there? The one with the ponytail.”

Judy followed Tom's gaze and spotted a girl with a blonde ponytail making her way past the repair store Tom’s father owned. She appeared to be around the same age, but Judy couldn’t be certain since she had never seen her at school or anywhere else before. Yet despite that, there was something oddly familiar about her. The girl wore a t-shirt with a purple dragon emblazoned on it and skin-tight jeans, an unconventional choice for the summer heat. And although she projected confidence as she made her way up the street, there was an unmistakable hint of nervousness in her stride.

As Judy observed from afar, she couldn't help but feel drawn to her. She certainly wasn’t about to invite her to join them - only a gonk would do something that foolish - but the thought lingered in the back of Judy's mind as she watched the girl disappear around the corner.

“Don't know,” Judy finally said. “Must be new.”

Tom scoffed and kicked at the dirt, sending pebbles scattering onto the street. “Wish I could start school the last week of the year.”

“Me too.”

Judy's feet carried her along the familiar path to St. James Methodist Church, its imposing gothic façade looming over her. The stone walls were marred by years of weather and neglect, but the vibrant stained glass windows still glimmered in the sunlight. She knew it was one of the oldest buildings in Laguna Bend, constructed way back in the early 20s, or something like that. As she drew closer, a musty odor reached her nose, a combination of oil and moldy paper that always made her wrinkle her nose. On Sundays, the sound of church bells echoed across town, a pleasant enough sound. But for Judy, this was a place of dread, not reverence. It wasn't just because she had wasted countless hours inside its cavernous halls, but also because of the building that sat right next to it.

Laguna Bend Middle School.

To call the dilapidated structure a school seemed like false advertising. It was little more than a collection of old trailers welded together and left out in the sun to bake. The main office, the only part of the school that could technically be considered a building, looked like something plucked right out of a junkyard, with peeling paint, rusting sides, and graffiti-covered walls.

The urge to turn around and play hooky like the older kids often did was palpable. But Judy pushed herself forward, knowing that a few tedious hours were all that stood between her and the weekend. It was going to be hard to concentrate on a day like this. She couldn't imagine how Tom would fare. But soon, they would be free.

With a combination of apprehension and excitement, she climbed the steps leading up to the doors. It was a feeling like no other.

Chapter Text

Friday, July 7th, 2062 - 8:31am

“Álvarez?”

“Here.”

“Caldera?”

“Here.”

“DeShawn?”

“Right here.”

Judy glanced at the time on her desk and sighed. Sixty seconds down, several thousand more to go. This was going to be a brutal day.

As Mr. Molliter rattled off the same monotonous list of names he had been reciting since the beginning of fall, Judy took the opportunity to study the girl sitting next to her. Discreetly, of course. Her hair was blonder than she had initially thought upon closer observation, almost a pure white blonde that shimmered under the harsh fluorescent lights. She also had a smattering of freckles upon her face, cute ones, not like the big red ones that had suddenly broken out on Rita’s face a few months back. But what really caught Judy’s attention was the fruity scent emanating from the girl’s body. Watermelon. The smell was enough to make Judy’s mouth water. It had to be perfume, and that meant that whoever this mysterious girl was, she was someone worth getting to know.

“Harris?”

“Present.”

“Kenmochi?”

“Here.”

“Maeda?”

“Here as always.”

Who was she? And why was she starting school now? She looked lost, frightened even. Why would her parents do that to her? Why would they force her to go to school when the year was almost over? Why not simply wait for the next grade to start? Where had she come from?

Judy tilted her head ever so slightly in the girl’s direction so she could get a better look at her. There was no name on her backpack or on her desk display, either. It was as if she had dropped out of the sky and landed in the seat right next to her. She was a mystery. A watermelon-scented mystery.

“Vektor?”

“Here.”

“Welles? Welles?” Mr. Molliter sighed. “No surprise there. And Wheeler?”

“M’here.”

“Good, and on that note, good morning class.”

The class responded with the same lifeless tone they had uttered every morning for the last ten months.

“I trust you all studied for today’s exam on data and statistics. Before we begin, we have a new student joining us. Jenni, would you like to introduce yourself?”

Judy perked up in her seat. Jenni.

The girl next to her gulped and rose shakily to her feet. She scanned the classroom nervously, the veins in her neck throbbing as her pulse raced with terror. Her eyes briefly settled on Judy’s before she quickly shifted her attention back to Mr. Molliter.

“H-hi everyone. My name’s Jenni Chapman. Um, my dad and I, like, moved here from Santo Domingo last week.”

Judy heard hushed whispers and sniggering from the back of the classroom. She breathed a sigh of frustration. Couldn’t Maiko ever shut up?

“Welcome to Laguna Bend, Jenni,” Mr. Molliter said. “It’s good to have you with us, while we’re all still here. Don’t worry about the exam. I reviewed your transcripts and I’m aware you already passed the testing for this material at your previous school. You can sit down now.”

Jenni let out a deep breath and sank back into her chair. Judy felt bad for her. Nobody wanted to be the new kid in class, and no one wanted to be their friend either.

All morning long, Judy’s gaze flickered between the time and the girl in the neighboring seat. Jenni sat hunched over her display, avoiding eye contact with anyone who looked at her. counted the minutes as the morning dragged on. The temperature in the classroom rose as the sun climbed higher in the sky, causing sweat to bead on their foreheads and their shirts to stick uncomfortably to their skin. Judy tapped her foot impatiently, longing for the lunch bell to ring and provide some relief from the sweltering heat. By the time it did, Judy felt like she was being roasted alive.

The hallways were alive with chaotic energy. The sound of laughter and lockers slamming shut bounced off the walls as the teeming mass of students worked their way towards the cafeteria. It took forever for Judy to get a tray. The older kids always got served first, mainly because the younger ones knew better than to cut ahead of them in line, and those that did quickly came to regret it. The food, compliments of Ms. Guadalupe and her terrible culinary instincts, was barely edible. Today was lasagna day. Woof.

After finally getting a steaming, gooey serving of vomitus slop slapped onto her tray, Judy made her way to her usual table and sat down across from Evelyn as she waited for Tom to join them.

“Aren’t you warm?” Judy asked Evelyn.

Evelyn shrugged.

Judy forked a mouthful of burnt noodles into her mouth and did her best to chew them up. A few moments later, Tom sat down next to Evelyn. He looked equally disgusted with the food situation. As the cafeteria filled in, the rabble grew steadily louder. Spitballs flew through the air. Jeers and crude insults were slung. Amidst the chaos, Judy caught sight of Jenni standing by the serving station, tray in hand. She looked utterly horrified.

“I feel bad for her,” Judy said more to herself than anyone in particular.

“Who?” Tom asked, raising a congealed mass of lasagna into the air with his fork and allowing it to crash back down on his plate with an audible ‘plop’.

“Jenni.”

“Who’s Jenni?”

“The new kid, gonk!”

“Oh.”

Judy's heart sank as she surveyed the cafeteria. Everyone knew that you weren't defined so much by where you sat, but by who sat next to you. Everywhere Judy looked, she saw kids who didn’t want to be defined by Jenni.

The jocks didn't want to associate with someone as thin and as light as her. The wannabe gangsters didn’t want to have anything to do with someone who was as clean-cut and as…well, as clean as Jenni was. Even the designated ‘loner’ table, which nobody ever wanted to sit at, was filled to capacity. Everywhere Judy looked, there wasn’t a single safe haven to be found for a new girl simply trying to sit and eat her lunch without being ridiculed or rejected.

And Judy wasn’t about to stand for that.

“Jenni!”

Judy shot her hand into the air, catching even her by surprise. She motioned for Jenni to come over, causing Jenni to do a double-take and glance around nervously to see if there might be some other girl with the same name standing next to her. It was only when Judy insisted and gestured once more for her to come over that she started making her way towards them.

“Judy!” Tom hissed.

“Chill, Tom. I know what I’m doing.”

As soon as Jenni sat down at their table, she heaved a deep sigh of relief.

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. You looked like you needed a friend. I’m Judy. This is Tom and Evelyn.”

Tom’s body language made it clear that he would rather be anywhere else. Evelyn meanwhile, managed to crack a smile, her first one of the day. However, she too remained silent.

“Thanks for letting me sit here. I, like, hate being the new kid.”

“I mean, we’re all new at one time or another, aren’t we?” Judy mused thoughtfully.

“Some real fortune cookie wisdom there, Alvarez.”

Judy clenched her jaw and looked up to see Maiko looming over their table, a look of utter disdain on her face.

“Get lost, Maiko.”

“Lost is exactly what you’re gonna be if you keep pickin’ up strays.” Maiko turned her attention to Jenni. “What’s your name again?”

“Jenni…”

“Oh, that’s rich. Like two peas in a pod. Stop me if you’ve heard this one.” Maiko cleared her throat. “Judy and Jenni sittin’ in a tree-”

“-mindin’ their own biz, least that’s how it looks to me.”

The cafeteria fell silent as Maiko, her eyes wide with fright, slowly turned around and came face to face with ‘the Welles boy’.

Jackie towered over Maiko and easily weighed at least twice as much as her. His arms were thick and muscular, veins bulging against his shirt which looked like it was about to burst at the seams. He stared now his nose at Maiko as if he were a disappointed parent, but there was something more behind his eyes, something much darker. Judy could practically feel the anger radiating from him, and she was glad it was Maiko who had drawn his ire and not her.

“Could be wrong, though,” Jackie added casually. “Vision always was a lil’ blurry.”

“J-Jackie!” Maiko stuttered, her jaw trembling.

“The one an’ only.”

Judy could barely contain her delight as Jackie took a large stride forward, nearly stepping on Maiko's toes. Maiko didn't back away from him, but it was clear from the way her shoulders were trembling that it was fear, not bravery, that kept her in place.

“Speakin’ of strays,” Jackie rubbed thoughtfully at the rough stubble lining his chiseled jaw, “I don't mind ‘em so much. They’re good around people, affectionate, don’t start shit. It’s the domesticated ones you gotta watch out for, always strollin’ around like their shit don’t stink, just waitin’ to sink their claws into somethin’ they shouldn't.”

Jackie inched closer, his chest bumping up against Maiko’s forehead.

“You pickin’ up what I’m puttin’ down, chica?”

“Y-yeah,” Maiko breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll go-”

Maiko started to turn away but Jackie closed an enormous fist around her arm, stopping her dead in her tracks.

“Go? Without apologizin’ first? Huh, don’t know ‘bout you, but that seems awfully bad manners to me. Awfully…domesticated.”

Jackie released his grip on Maiko. For a moment, Judy thought Maiko was going to make a run for it. Nobody would have blamed her for doing so. But her feet remained firmly planted on the floor. She was smart enough to know that even if she managed to outrun justice today, tomorrow would still be waiting for her. And so would Jackie.

Judy watched with bated breath as Maiko turned to face her. She could see the conflicting emotions swirling behind Maiko’s eyes - the simmering anger at being humiliated so publicly, and the fear of what Jackie would do to her if she didn’t follow through with an apology.

In the end, it was the fear that won out.

“M’sorry.”

Hushed whispers echoed across the walls. Aware that everyone was watching her, eager to hear what she would say in response, Judy spat the most vile insult she could think of.

“Get lost, pissbreath.”

The cafeteria erupted in laughter. Maiko's face turned a blistering shade of red as the entire school mocked and ridiculed her. Everybody - the jocks, the posers, even her so-called friends - couldn’t resist joining in. Unable to stand it any longer, Maiko raced out of the cafeteria with tears streaming down her face.

And Judy relished every moment of it. For the first time in her life, Maiko had finally received a dose of her own medicine, and it was everything she had ever hoped for.

“Sheesh,” Jackie said, hopping up on the edge of the table as the rabble slowly died down. “Real piece of work, that one.”

“Thanks, Jackie!” Judy exclaimed, feeling both proud and guilty for having uttered such a vulgar curse. “That was nova!”

“Eh, don’t mention it. Cobardes like that are all the same. But enough about her, wassup with you, choom? You still acin’ all your classes?”

“Hardly. I’ll be lucky if Mr. Molliter gives me a C in math. Speakin’ of class, I didn’t see you earlier. Did you, y’know…ditch?”

“Ditch? C’mon, do I look like someone who’d ditch?” Jackie winked and gave Judy a playful nudge. “I’m all about the merits of higher education.”

Judy beamed back at him. She had always known Jackie had a soft spot for her. The million-eddie question of course was why. He was the preemets kid in all of Laguna Bend, something Judy knew in her heart she would never become no matter how hard she tried. And he was also a full three years older than her. There was little they had in common, yet Judy felt a connection to him, like he was the older brother she’d never had. And even though he had never said it and Judy would never dare to ask, she was certain that Jackie felt the same way about her too.

“Woah!” Tom suddenly remarked, his eyes nearly popping out of his skull. “Is that what I think it is?”

Jackie followed Tom’s gaze and, upon recognizing what had captured Tom’s attention, raised his hand so everyone could see.

“Not bad, eh? Ballistic coprocessor, fresh off the shelf!”

Judy’s jaw dropped. A ballistic coprocessor? Where…how had Jackie gotten one of those? He was a kid! Or rather, a teen, but still…most ripperdocs refused to chip kids. Too many failures, too many upset parents. And the few that did all worked in Night City.

The cyberware was much sleeker - and expensive-looking - than Judy would have expected. Its carbon fiber surface was black as the night’s sky on a moonless night and clung to the inside of Jackie’s palm like a second layer of skin. Intricate sensors were embedded along the inside of his knuckles.

“Your parents let you chip cyberware?” Jenni asked, echoing Judy’s surprise.

“Mmm, not in so many words,” Jackie explained. “Let’s just say the Welles boys have always had an independent streak.”

“What does it do?” Judy asked.

Jackie grinned from ear to ear. “This baby’ll link up with any set of optics and an iron to create a lean, preem killin’ machine. All I need now are a set of optics. And an iron.”

“Gonna need a lot more than that if you’re gonna run with the Valentinos, Jack-ster.”

Jack-ster?

Confused, Judy looked over Jackie’s shoulder and spotted a girl with pink hair as bright as any neon sign she’d ever seen standing behind him. Sporting a leather jacket that was as cracked as her grandmother’s hands, she regarded Jackie coolly, which was no small feat considering she wasn’t anywhere near as big as he was and didn’t appear to be as old as him either.

“I know, I know,” Jackie said to her, sounding mildly annoyed.

“Just sayin’,” the girl continued, her jacket creaking as she stepped closer, “the ‘Tino’s won’t take you in unless you got some serious street cred.”

“M’workin’ on it.”

Judy watched the exchange play out with growing interest. The girl clearly wasn’t a poser like the wannabe gangsters at the other table. She was the real deal. And while she wasn’t the prettiest girl Judy had ever seen, or even the prettiest girl in the cafeteria - Jenni had stolen that title - there was something about her that Judy found mesmerizing.

“Maybe you oughta focus on graduating, Jack,” the mysterious girl said in a surprisingly piercing voice that Judy found both frightening and enchanting at the same time. “Don’t see a lotta old gangsters runnin’ around.”

“An’ maybe you outta work on mindin’ your own biz.”

“M’just lookin’ out for ya, Jack. After all, I ain’t the one with a short-circuit in my skull sponge.”

Judy’s lips parted in shock. She never in her wildest dreams would have dared to talk to Jackie like that. It was almost like she was trying to make him angry, like it was fun for her.

Jackie opened his mouth and was about to say something nasty when V held up her hand and directed his attention back to the table. Realizing they had an audience, Jackie’s demeanor suddenly flipped back to cordial.

“And here I am lecturing everyone else on their manners. Chooms, this is V, choom of mine from NC. V, these are chooms.”

V. A name at last. And a letter of the alphabet to boot. Things just kept getting weirder and weirder.

Aware that this was her only chance to make a good first impression, Judy smiled and waved at her. “Hey, V. I’m Judy. It’s nice to meet you.”

V’s eyes sparkled like frigid sapphires. “Hey, Jude. S’nice to meet you, too.”

Jude. Nobody called her that except her grandfather.

“This is real sweet an’ all,” Jackie said, rising back to his feet, “but we gotta hit the bricks before Principal Tanaka spots us. You kids stay outta trouble now.”

“See ya, Jack.”

Despite his words, Jackie made little effort in being discreet, strutting through the cafeteria as if he owned it with V hot on his heels. The moment they disappeared from view, Tom exploded with excitement.

“Woah, that was nova! Did you see how long he talked to us for? Everyone was watchin’!”

Judy did her best not to make a big deal out of it. That was what Jackie would do. What V would do. But deep down inside, she felt like she was about to burst at the seams. Tom was right - the whole school had been watching them, even the older kids. This was going to do wonders for her popularity.

It didn’t take long for the excitement to die down and for life to return to normal. Judy managed a few bites of lasagna before pushing the tray away in disgust. Tom’s mouth never stopped moving as he recounted the events that had just taken place. Evelyn poked at her food in silence, seemingly lost in thought.

As for Jenni…she appeared bewildered by what had just transpired, but she was either too shy or too anxious to chime in. Sensing that Jenni wouldn’t open up unless somebody knocked, Judy finally decided to knock..

“So, whaddya think of Laguna Bend?” Judy asked Jenni.

“It’s okay,” Jenni said. “Kinda weird how, like, crammed together everything here is.”

“Have you seen the dam?”

“Yeah, it’s like…kinda hard to miss.”

“Oh…right.”

Of course she had seen the dam. Stupid question.

Judy racked her brain for something clever to say. The last thing she wanted was for Jenni to think she was a gonk.

“There’s a small reservoir near the base of it,” Judy said, trying her best to sound nonchalant even though her heart was starting to race. “We go swimmin’ there sometimes. You wanna come with?”

“Come with…where?”

“To the reservoir. We’re gonna go over there after school. We’ve got a fort out there and everything. Pretty preem setup, actually.”

It took everything Judy had not to wince at her own words. Her school cred had just received a massive boost - shouldn’t Jenni have been the one feeling anxious?

Fortunately, Jenni’s eyes quickly lit up.

“That would be nova! Thanks for inviting me, Judy. Really appreciate it. And, like, thanks again for letting me sit-”

“Don’t need to keep thankin’ me,” Judy said as a wave of relief washed over her. “That’s what chooms are for.”

“Chooms,” Jenni repeated, a smile rising to her lips.

“So what’s Santo Domingo like?” Tom suddenly asked, having apparently grown tired of talking to himself. “Any better than this patch of dirt?”

Jenni opened up about her former home. As she talked about what life was like in Santo Domingo, Judy listened intently. She wanted to know everything there was to know about her newest friend. And all the while, the sugary scent of watermelon pervaded her thoughts. She couldn’t escape it. All she could do was keep breathing it in, and wondering if it tasted as good as it smelled.

Such a sweet smell.

Chapter Text

Friday, July 7th, 2062 - 3:41pm

Judy tipped her head back, closed her eyes, and let the warm rays of the late afternoon sun wash across her face. With a deep breath, she bent her knees and stretched her arms out like a bird. She launched herself into the air and for a brief moment, she felt like she really could take flight and soar across the sky. But gravity quickly reminded her that she didn’t have wings as she splashed into the cool water below.

“That was lame!” Tom shouted at her from the stack of pallets they had assembled into an improvised dock. “Check this out!”

Tom leapt high into the air and curled into a ball to attempt a daring backflip. But he failed to gather enough momentum and smacked against the water with a harsh crack. He quickly splashed back to the surface, a painful grimace on his face.

“You gonk!” Evelyn shouted, her toes dancing across the surface of the water.

Judy chuckled to herself. This was what she lived for. No homework to finish, no Sunday mass to sit through, just the joyous laughter of her friends and the cool, tranquil embrace of the water. Perfect.

Judy shifted her gaze towards the reason for the makeshift swimming pool in their backyard. The dam towered over the reservoir like a tidal wave. The colossal structure had to be well over two hundred feet by now and rising. Construction cranes dangled precariously at the top. Tiny specks that Judy knew were construction workers used them to carefully maneuver heavy slabs of concrete into place.

“Hey guys.”

Judy looked towards shore and saw Jenni standing there.

“Hey, Jenni! Glad you came! Hop in! The water’s nice!”

Jenni approached the water's edge slowly, eyeing it with a hint of nervousness. With a deep breath, she stripped out of her jeans and raised her t-shirt over her head, revealing a pink swimsuit that perfectly accentuated her slender figure. She undid her ponytail, allowing her hair to spill across her shoulders.

Judy watched from the water, transfixed by Jenni’s beauty. Her heart fluttered strangely, a sensation she had never experienced before. As Jenni dipped a hesitant toe in the water to gauge the temperature, Judy couldn't help but think to herself that Jenni was the prettiest girl she had ever seen.

Gathering her courage, Jenni took a few steps back and then sprinted towards the water. She hopped into the water with an impressive splash, sending ripples spreading across the surface of the reservoir. Emerging from the depths, Jenni wiped the water from her eyes and swam towards Judy, her arms moving in impressive arcs.

As Jenni drew closer, Judy’s heart started to race. Jenni’s swimsuit wasn’t any more revealing than her own, yet there was something about the way the water splashed against her bare skin that made Judy feel like she was doing something wrong by staring at her. Jenni swam up beside her and, for a moment, Judy imagined the sensation of Jenni's skin brushing against hers, sending a strange shiver down her spine.

“You’re right!” Jenni remarked with a big grin on her face. “The water is nice!”

“See?” Judy said, trying not to sound as nervous as she felt. “Told ya! I bet now you’re glad you moved here!”

Jenni nodded and slicked her hair back. “Sure am. I think the biggest pool we had at Santo Domingo was, like, Mr. Natarajan's bird bath.”

Judy giggled and waded closer to Jenni until they were almost touching. To her disappointment, she didn’t smell like watermelon any longer.

The sound of water splashing drew Judy’s attention towards the dock. Tom had hoisted himself out of the water and was readying himself for another attempt. With a look of pure determination on his face, he took a few steps back and then, with a burst of energy, he sprinted forward and launched himself into the air. This time, he executed a flawless backflip and plunged into the water with a resounding splash, sending water spraying in every direction, including Evelyn’s.

“Tom!” she shouted, using the sleeves of her shirt to dry her face.

“Still think I’m a gonk?” Tom asked with a devious grin.

“Yep.”

“Is that so? Alright then, let’s see you do it.”

Evelyn’s smile faltered. “Screw you.”

Judy chuckled at her friends' antics and turned her attention back to Jenni, who was staring intently at the shoreline. Curious, Judy followed her gaze towards a small, rickety structure.

“Is that your fort?” Jenni asked.

“Indeed, it is,” Judy said, swelling with pride. “Wanna check it out?”

Jenni’s eyes lit up. “Sure!”

“C’mon!”

Judy’s heart raced with excitement as she paddled towards shore with Jenni following closely behind. Jenni was turning out to be a really preem friend. And once she saw their fort…once Jenni realized how nova she was…

Judy and Jenni emerged from the water, droplets cascading down their skin and swimsuits as they made their way towards the fort. Judy bit her lip in anticipation as she pushed open the thin piece of plywood that served as the entrance, revealing the true epicenter of her life.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the wooden planks, casting an orange glow across the myriad of anime posters pinned to the walls. The floor was littered with comics and empty cans of NiCola. A rusty sheet of tin with the word ‘Petrochem’ stamped upon it served as the roof.

“Woah,” Jenni breathed, her eyes darting about as she slowly set foot inside. “Wasn’t expectin’ all this.”

“Yeah,” Judy said nonchalantly. “It's more of a clubhouse than a fort. We built it last fall from all the stuff the construction crews left behind. It’s pretty sturdy, actually. We hang out here a lot.”

“I can tell. Wait, is that what I think it is?”

Confused, Judy followed Jenni’s gaze towards the floor. Her eyes froze upon the doll she had left behind the last time she had played there and a wave of panic suddenly swept over her, causing her to break out into a cold sweat.

“Oh, uh…”

Judy watched with horror as Jenni reached down and picked it up. Why hadn’t she remembered to put that away before inviting Jenni inside?

“Is this a Kari doll?” Jenni asked, a hint of excitement in her voice.

“Um…yeah?”

“Nova! I love Impz!”

Judy stared back at her, dumbfounded. “You play with Impz, too?”

"I love them!" Jenni exclaimed, examining the doll in her hands as if it were the most treasured object in the universe. "I’ve got a whole bunch back home. My dad thinks I'm too old to play with ‘em, but I don't care. They're fashion figures, not toys."

Judy couldn’t believe it - she knew the tag line.

Modeled after famous celebrities and braindance stars, Impz weren’t like other dolls. They were fashion figures, not toys. No stupid accessories, no ridiculous outfits that no one would be caught dead wearing. Impz donned only the trendiest outfits made from authentic materials selected by world-famous designers.

“I never met anyone who liked Impz before,” Judy said, her panic giving way to elation. “Besides me.”

“Really? All my friends back home- I mean, all my friends back where I used to live used to play with ‘em. My dad even got me the playhouse for Christmas a couple of years back.”

“You've got…the playhouse?”

“Uh-huh. I've got Cherami, Carla, Emily, Minji-”

“Minji?” Judy’s eyes nearly popped out of her skull. “I've been searching everywhere for her!”

“And I've been looking for Kari for months! I love her backstory.” Jenni lowered her voice into a dark, dramatic tone. “Having grown up on the dark, cruel streets of Tokyo, Kari is a mixed martial-”

“-artist who prefers to cut her enemies with her words instead of her sword!” Judy finished, her cheeks feeling like they were about to burst. “That's so crazy you like Impz, too. Maybe we could like, y’know, play some time. If you want to, I mean.”

“That would be preem!”

Jenni's smile seemed to light up her entire face. As Judy looked at her, she couldn't help but notice the fullness of Jenni's lips and how they seemed to glisten in the sunlight. An odd feeling spread across Judy’s chest as she wondered what it would be like to-

“What would be preem?”

Judy sighed as Tom stomped into the fort, still dripping wet, and grabbed his shirt off the floor. Rather than putting it on, he started drying himself off with it.

“Doing a proper backflip,” Judy deadpanned, wishing Tom would delta.

“Shut up.”

“Like, I think you’re a pretty good swimmer,” Jenni offered.

Judy couldn’t tell for certain since the light was starting to fail but she thought she saw a hint of red in Tom’s cheeks.

“Er, thanks. You’re a pretty good swimmer, too.”

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, startling everyone. Judy peeked through a crack in the wall and was shocked to see Jackie standing there. She opened the door and welcomed Jackie in.

“Hey chooms!” Jackie said, ducking his head so he could fit inside. “How's life?”

Before Judy could close the door, Evelyn slipped in behind him.’

Judy greeted Jackie as casually as she could manage, masking the surprise in her voice. "Hey, Jackie. How’s things?”

Jackie scanned the faded posters on the walls and the trash strewn about the floor. He plopped down on a small stool in the corner, making himself at home. Evelyn lingered near the door, her gaze flickering between Jackie and Judy, a hint of unease in her eyes.

“Ah, can’t complain. Nice digs ya got here. Real cozy."

"Thanks," Judy replied, not sure what to make of his unexpected visit. She glanced at Evelyn questioningly, but her friend remained silent.

Tom, who had finally put his shirt back on, crossed his arms over his chest. "Sup, Jackie?”

"Not too much, not too much," Jackie said casually. "Was in the neighborhood, thought I’d stop by an’ say hello. ‘Bout to head to the city.”

“You got a car?” Tom asked, his jaw nearly hitting the floor.

Jackie slapped his knee and laughed. “Ah, if only. Choom of mine’s pickin’ me up. We’re gonna check out a few roach motels in Heywood. Gotta move out into the world sometime. Wouldn’t mind gettin’ my own set of wheels, though. Can picture myself cruisin’ NC in a Quadra Turbo-R. V-tech engine, CHOOH2 fuel cells. Talk about a ride!”

Jackie paused as if he were waiting for someone to say something. When no one did, he turned his attention to Evelyn.

“Speakin’ of rides, your pop’s still workin’ over at the garage, right?”

Evelyn lowered her eyes to the floor. “Yep.”

“Nice! Bet there’s all kinds of preem rides in there. Say, you think you could loan me his key? Just for the weekend? Wanna sneak a peek if I can, see what fits my style. Promise to give it right back.”

Alarm bells quickly went off inside Judy’s head. There was something about Jackie’s casual demeanor, as if borrowing Evelyn’s father’s keys was no big deal, that didn’t feel right. She looked at Evelyn, who seemed conflicted by the strange request, but not nearly as much as Judy would have expected her to.

"M’sorry, Jackie. I would, honestly, but my dad doesn’t have his keys anymore. His dad took ‘em away. Maybe Judy could help? Her grandpa works there, too.”

Judy's mouth went dry as Jackie’s hopeful eyes turned to her. She was no stranger to mischief, but klepping her grandfather’s keys crossed a line she wasn’t sure she was willing to cross. If she got caught, if something went wrong…

“So?” Jackie cajoled. “Help a choom out?”

"I...I don't know, Jackie," Judy stammered, her moral compass spinning.

“C’mon, Judy,” Evelyn pressed. “This is Jackie we’re talkin’ about. We can trust him.”

“Yeah, you can trust me,” Jackie added. “Promise to keep my hands to myself. Tell you what, you help me out, an’ you get to call shotgun when I get a set of wheels of my own. I’ll take ya anywhere you want, even NC.”

Judy imagined herself sitting next to Jackie as they cruised through the neon-lit streets of Night City, windows rolled down, wind blasting against her face with the radio blaring. It would be a dream come true, a huge reward for what was, when you really stopped to think about it, not that big of a risk. The garage was closed on weekends and she knew where her grandfather kept his keys. What harm was there in letting Jackie borrow them for the weekend? He would give them right back to her. He’d promised as much.

“Well…”

Jackie flashed her a smile. “C’mon, what’s life without a little excitement, eh?”

A nagging voice kept warning Judy that this was a bad idea. But she desperately wanted to impress Jackie - and Jenni - and the last thing she wanted was to look like a gonk in front of her friends. She was at a crossroads, torn between wimping out and suffering the fallout or doing something she knew she shouldn’t do and looking preem in front of her friends.

Her choice was clear.

“I guess I can grab ‘em when I get home,” Judy finally caved, her pulse racing as the danger of what she was committing herself to suddenly dawned upon her. “But I gotta have ‘em back before Monday or m’gonna be in huge trouble.”

Jackie pushed himself to his feet and placed a reassuring hand on Judy’s shoulder. “You got my word, chica,” he said in a sober tone which Judy found believable. “I’ll have ‘em back to ya before anyone notices they’re gone. I’ll swing by your place ‘round seven. You can slip ‘em to me through your window. Sound good?”

“Yeah,” Judy said, forcing an encouraging smile to her face. “I guess.”

“Gracias. Really appreciate you havin’ my back, choom.”

Judy felt a conflicting mix of excitement and apprehension as Jackie thanked her once more before heading off. She watched him saunter off, his confident swagger filling her with confidence despite the persistent sense that she was making a terrible mistake. But the thrill of doing something forbidden and the prospect of impressing Jackie overrode her better judgment.

The fading sunlight filtering through the walls suddenly reminded Judy that she was late for dinner.

“Shoot, I gotta delta!”

“Me too,” Evelyn said, pulling her shirt tighter over her shoulders. “My dad’ll be waking up soon.”

“Aw, c’mon,” Tom groaned, his eyes darting between Judy and Evelyn. “Can’t you stick around a while longer? I klept some of my dad’s smokes!”

To prove his point, Tom produced a lighter from his shirt pocket along with a crumpled up pack of cigarettes. But once he realized that no one else was interested in tarnishing their lungs with him, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

Judy was about to ask Jenni if she wanted to walk home with them - where did she live, anyways? - but Jenni spoke up before she could.

“I can stick around for a bit if you want?”

Judy was struck by a pang of disappointment. If only she'd spoken up sooner.

Tom perked up a little. “Alright. Guess you’re the most nova girl in town now that these two gonks have gone weak.”

“Shut up, Tom,” Judy said, turning towards the door. “Later.”

The last thing Judy heard before she set off for home was the sound of Tom’s lighter flicking. Judy and Evelyn walked in silence for a few blocks, the warm evening air feeling thick and oppressive after the refreshing dip in the reservoir. Judy kept stealing sidelong glances at her friend, taking in the pensive expression on Evelyn's face and the way she hugged her arms tightly around her midsection.

"You okay, Ev?" Judy asked finally, unable to shake the feeling that something was troubling her.

Evelyn startled slightly at the sound of Judy's voice, as if jolted from deep thought. "Huh? Oh...yeah, I'm fine. Just tired is all."

Judy frowned, not quite convinced, but knew better than to pry further. If Evelyn wanted to share what was on her mind, she would in her own time.

They walked a few more blocks in silence until they reached the intersection where their paths diverged. After saying their farewells, they split off and went their separate ways.

Judy walked slowly, letting her feet carry her along the familiar path home as her mind wandered. She couldn't stop thinking about Jenni - the new girl with the long, silvery hair and endearing freckles. There was something mesmerizing about her, something more than just the fruity scent of her perfume which had become lodged in Judy’s nostrils.

Judy remembered the way Jenni’s lips had curved into a smile and found herself wondering if Jenni had ever kissed anyone before. The thought was as exhilarating as it was confusing.

Kissing was something Judy thought about from time to time but didn't feel the urge to try. Aside from the fact that just the thought of having somebody’s spit-covered lips smashing against her own was enough to make her barf, she didn’t even know anyone she wanted to kiss, or anyone who wanted to kiss her. But if Jenni had already kissed someone, then maybe it was time to reconsider. In fact…if Jenni had already kissed someone, maybe she would-

Judy shook the thought from her head. There wasn’t any point in thinking about that, not when she wasn’t the least bit interested in that sort of thing.

Nope. No point at all.

Chapter Text

Sunday, July 9th, 2062 - 10:58am

“Our father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is…”

Judy's lips moved in silent recitation of the Lord's Prayer, the familiar words she had mouthed every Sunday for as long as she could remember. Around her, what little remained of the congregation seemed equally eager for the service to end, their dull, lifeless voices echoing across the church's musty walls. The only ones not in danger of drifting off to sleep were her grandparents, and Judy was sandwiched between them, leaving her with no choice but to suffer in silence.

Father Ibarra's voice boomed from the pulpit, compliments of his vocal implant. His stern glare seemed to bore into Judy's soul, his thick mustache twitching with every word like a caterpillar inching across his upper lip.

“…give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses…”

Judy let her eyes wander upwards, taking in the vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows depicting various biblical scenes. If only her grandfather’s keys would descend from the heavens. Now that would be a miracle.

The pews had grown steadily sparser throughout the spring. Dedicated worshippers had mysteriously vanished, leaving an eerie sense of absence in their wake. Judy didn’t know what was behind the exodus. All she knew was that she desperately wanted to be swept up in it.

“...and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever, amen.”

“Amen.”

The organist’s rendition of Forth In The Peace Of Christ was as depressing as it was blundering. Judy dragged herself to her feet and stared absently off into space, just as she had done every Sunday for as long as she could remember. This time however, she caught herself hoping she might catch a hint of that sugary sweet watermelon scent that had pervaded her dreams the night before.

As the service mercifully drew to a close, Father Ibarra cleared his throat. "Before we adjourn, I want to remind everyone that today’s protest will be held in front of the church at 2pm.”

Judy's brow narrowed. Protest? She glanced at her grandmother, who seemed captivated by Father Ibarra’s voice.

“Please spread the word so that by the grace of God, our voices may be heard and our community saved. Go in peace.”

With that, Judy and her grandparents shuffled out of the pew and joined the trickle of parishioners exiting the church. The bright sunlight outside was a shock after the dim interior, and Judy had to squint against it.

"What's the protest about?" Judy asked as they made their way down the steps.

“We’ve been trying for months to get Petrochem to halt construction on the dam,” Judy’s grandmother explained. “But they haven’t listened to us, and now that the city has started issuing eviction-”

“Ainara,” Judy’s grandfather warned.

Judy’s grandmother sighed. “It’s nothing you need worry about, Judy.”

Judy frowned but knew better than to push. "M’gonna go over to Jenni’s. She gave me directions.”

“Bien. Anything to get you out of the water. I swear, you’re turning into a little ranita. Go, hop along, have fun. Make sure you’re home for supper.”

“I will. Bye!”

Judy set off for Jenni’s house, humming happily to herself as she trudged along the sidewalk. Jenni lived on the far side of town out near the Badlands. Not exactly a hop, skip, and a jump away. But Judy didn’t care. Jenni’s invitation the day before had come out of nowhere and Judy wasn’t about to miss it.

As Judy made her way down the street, she caught sight of a house that looked more like a junkyard than somebody’s home. Rusted car parts and discarded appliances littered the overgrown yard. A ramshackle structure sagged in the center, its roof caved in and windows boarded up.

Evelyn's place.

Judy hesitated, tempted to knock and see if Evelyn wanted to come play with her and Jenni. But Evelyn's dad often worked late and Judy didn't want to risk waking him up and getting her in trouble. With a pang of guilt, she hurried past.

Judy's sneakers scuffed against the worn pavement as she walked down the long, deserted road. After hoofing it for almost a mile, she came upon the garage her grandfather worked at. Her heart raced with hopeful anticipation as she scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of Jackie lurking in the shadows. But the only movement came from the weathered sign that hung above the garage door, swinging in the gentle breeze. Judy let out a disappointed sigh and continued onwards. She didn’t know what kind of ride Jackie hoped to find in there, but if he didn’t get that key back to her before the sun set, she was going to be dead meat.

Judy continued down the desolate road, her sneakers kicking up small puffs of dust with each step. The afternoon sun beat down mercilessly, causing the air to shimmer. Up ahead, she spotted the old abandoned train station, its once-vibrant paint now faded and peeling. Dozens of rusted train cars were strewn about, industrialized fossils frozen in their final journey.

As she approached, Judy's gaze was drawn to the intricate web of train tracks that crisscrossed the area. The rusted rails seemed to stretch out endlessly in all directions, like a vast metallic maze. One particular junction where two tracks split off caught her eye, one leading towards the Badlands and the other towards Night City.

Judy couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to follow those tracks, venturing from one junction to the next, never knowing what adventure awaited her next. Her life until now had been a straight line. How exciting a few twists and turns might be.

She was so lost in her daydream that she failed to notice the group of girls approaching from behind until it was too late.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Judy Alvarez," Maiko sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. Her friends flanked her on either side, matching smirks plastered across their faces. “Going somewhere?”

"Leave me alone, Maiko," Judy growled, trying to keep her voice steady.

"I know where she’s going," one of Maiko's friends chimed in, eliciting a chorus of giggles from the others. “The new girl’s house.”

Judy clenched her fists and fixed her gaze on the train tracks, imagining herself boarding a locomotive and leaving this all behind.

"Ooh, I think someone has a little crush!" Maiko taunted in a singsong voice. "So is Jenni your girlfriend now, Alvarez? You two goin’ on a hot date?"

Judy's face burned with embarrassment and anger. “She's not my girlfriend!"

"Sure doesn't seem that way to me," Maiko smirked, taking a step closer. Her friends followed suit, slowly circling around Judy like sharks closing in on their prey. "I saw you two at lunch. Holding hands and making googly eyes at each other."

"We were not! We're just friends, okay? Leave me alone!" Judy pleaded, her voice cracking with desperation as the girls continued to mock and jeer at her.

One of the girls, a tall, lanky redhead with a face begging to be punched, shoved Judy hard from behind. "Aw, what's the matter, Judy? Don't like us talking about your little output?"

Judy stumbled forward, catching herself just before hitting the ground. Hot tears of humiliation stung her eyes as cruel laughter echoed all around her. She scanned the area frantically, looking for any means of escape from her torment.

There! An opening between two rusty train cars just a few yards away. Judy seized the opportunity and bolted towards the gap. She could hear Maiko and the others yelling taunts and insults behind her, but she tuned them out, focusing solely on putting as much distance between herself and her tormentors as possible.

Judy squeezed through the narrow opening, scraping her arms on the rough metal in her desperation. Once through, she found herself in a labyrinth of abandoned train cars, the rails snaking off in multiple directions. Without a moment's hesitation, she took off running down the tracks, the world around her blurring into a smear of rust and gravel.

Her heart thundered in her ears, drowning out every sound except her own ragged breathing. Judy had no idea where she was going, she just knew she had to get away. The voices and laughter from the cruel girls faded into the distance behind her.

After what felt like an eternity, Judy's legs finally gave out, and she collapsed against a graffiti-covered rail car, gasping for air. Pulling her knees up to her chest, she let the tears she had been holding back finally flow freely.

“She’s not my girlfriend,” Judy repeated through her sobs. But the more she said it, the worse she felt - a confusing tangle of emotions twisted in her chest.

Why did those words leave such a hollow ache inside her? Jenni was just her friend. Just her friend…

As Jenni's bright smile and delicious scent flashed through her mind, Judy found herself wishing, for just a moment, that Maiko's words were true.

Chapter Text

Sunday, July 9th, 2062 - 12:08pm

Ahead of Judy, the asphalt was riddled with cracks and seemed to go on forever, leading towards the distant skyline of Night City that shimmered and stretched along the horizon. She had never ventured this far from home before.

Judy wiped the last of her tears from her face and scanned the unfamiliar street for the address Jenni had given her. There it was! A deteriorating two-story house nestled between a gas station and a mysterious store marked with an ominous ‘adults only’ sign. The peeling yellow paint and wooden boards over the porch window were eerily reminiscent of Evelyn’s house, but there was something about it that felt ‘livelier’.

With a deep breath, Judy made her way towards the door, her heart pounding in both fear and anticipation. Why was she so nervous? But just as she was about to knock, the door slid open with a gentle hiss. Jenni stood framed in the doorway, her plush lips spreading into a wide grin.

“Hey, Judy! Glad you found the place!”

“Hey, Jenni! Wh-what’s crackin’?”

“C’mon in! I’ll give you the grand tour.”

Judy followed Jenni inside, the sweet scent of watermelon leading her along. The living room was a chaotic maze of cardboard boxes and strewn belongings. Judy gaped at the disarray, wondering if a whirlwind had torn through the place. Jenni seemed unfazed, stepping over the clutter with practiced ease.

"Sorry about the mess," Jenni said nonchalantly. "Dad's still unpacking."

A muffled voice drifted down from upstairs, gruff and indistinct. Jenni cocked her head, listening.

“…maybe you can call the fucking attorney for once! I got my hands full in case you haven’t noticed!”

"That's him on the phone,” Jenni said. “I think he’s, like, talking to my mom. They’re getting divorced.”

“Oh,” Judy said, unsure of how else to respond. She knew a lot of kids whose parents were divorced. Most were ecstatic to have their parents lavishing them with gifts, competing against one another in a never-ending contest to win their affections. But she also knew a few who hated it. Hopefully, Jenni fell into the former and not the latter.

“My mom lives in Night City,” Jenni explained. “I think that’s where her therapist-

Her words were drowned out by the thundering of footsteps against the stairs. A wiry man in a pair of slacks and an unbuttoned dress shirt burst into the living room, holo glued to his ear.

"I know about the evictions,” he snarled. "This is only temporary until my contract gets picked up, not that you give a--” He stopped short, finally registering Judy's presence. "Who's this?"

"This is my friend Judy from school," Jenni said quickly. "Judy, this is my dad."

“Hi,” Judy squeaked nervously with a small wave.

To Judy's surprise, Jenni's father abruptly hung up and offered her an apologetic smile.

"Hey there, Judy. S’nice to meet you. Sorry ‘bout the mess. As you can see, we're still getting settled in.”

"Dad, do you know where my Impz playhouse is?” Jenni asked.

"Your Impz playhouse?" Jenni's dad slowly repeated back to her in a vacant tone, his brow furrowed. "M’not sure. Check in your room. Might be in one of the boxes labeled ‘donate’.

Jenni grabbed Judy's hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "C'mon, Judy!”

Jenni pulled Judy up the stairs, her warm hand gripping Judy's tightly. Judy's heart raced as she was led into Jenni's bedroom which was just as disheveled as the rest of the house.

"It has to be here somewhere," Jenni muttered, tearing open a sealed box near her window.

Judy settled on the edge of the unmade bed, her fingers idly tracing along the smooth surface of her pillow. Keeping a close eye on Jenni who was busy shuffling through a pile of old toys, Judy lowered her nose to the bed and breathed in the mouth-watering fragrance that still clung to her sheets, causing her head to spin.

Suddenly, a box toppled over, sending its contents spilling across the floor. Judy flinched upright, her heart racing.

“Damn,” Jenni sighed, pushing the fallen box off to the side so she could continue her search.

“Your dad seems nice,” Judy said, doing her best to look and act normal.

“Yeah, he’s pretty preem most of the time," Jenni said over her shoulder. "Except for when he's fighting with my mom over the phone. That's been happening a lot lately. Do your parents fight?"

“Oh, uh…actually, I live with my grandparents. I never knew my dad, and my mom died when I was real little.”

Judy stared at the back of Jenni’s head, her words hanging heavy in the air as she realized just how sad they sounded.

Unlike the other kids at school who constantly complained about their parents, Judy didn't have any. She had never known her father, and her only memory of her mother was less a memory and more of a feeling, something having to do with water.

“Oh,” Jenni said, turning to face her. “I’m sorry.”

Judy said the same thing she said every time somebody apologized to her about her parents. “It’s okay.”

With a smile that was half-genuine and half-relief, Jenni returned to what she was doing. An ache settled in Judy's chest as she watched Jenni toss aside another empty box with a huff of frustration. Even though her parents apparently hated each other, they both still loved her. Judy’s sadness turned to guilt as she caught herself wondering what it would be like to have a mother fussing over her hair on the first day of school instead of a wrinkly, old grandmother lecturing her about how she needed to grow up. To have a father who actually told her what was going on in the world and not an overprotective grandfather who treated her like she was made of porcelain.

Wrapping her arms around herself, Judy tried to shake off the melancholy threatening to consume her. She knew she had every reason in the world to be grateful for her grandparents who loved her as if she were their own daughter. And yet, a part of her still longed to have parents. Real parents. They wouldn’t have to be the best parents in the world, just…parents.

“Here it is!”

Jenni's excited squeal jolted Judy out of her brooding thoughts. She watched, eyes widening, as Jenni hauled out an enormous plastic playhouse from the bottom of the closet. It was a miniature replica of the Impz House of Vogue, the same one as on the anime show, complete with a dressing room, design studio, an elaborate runway that extended out from the base of the playset, and dozens of neon lights scattered throughout. Jenni grunted, dragging the massive playset across the hardwood floors.

"Haven’t played with it in a while" she panted, finally letting it thud to the floor. "Pretty wicked, huh?"

Judy's breath caught in her throat as, with the push of a button, the playhouse came alive before her eyes. Dozens of vibrant neon lights flickered on, bathing the studio in an ethereal kaleidoscope of pinks, blues, and reds.

"This is...wow," Judy breathed, crouching down to inspect it closer. She peered into the tiny mirror in the studio and saw her reflection staring back at her.

Jenni quirked an eyebrow. “Wanna play?”

“Are you kidding?”

For the next few hours, Judy lost herself in a whimsical world of make-believe. She directed their imaginary adventures, allocating roles and storylines with all the grandiose flair of a seasoned fashion designer. Jenni happily played along, taking on the exotic voice of Minji as she waged a dance-battle against the evil duo of Alpha and Emily. For a while, it looked as if Alpha and Emily might prevail. But it was Minji - the mixed martial artist who preferred to cut her enemies with her words instead of her sword - who ultimately came out on top.

Judy was so engrossed in their imaginative play that she didn't notice Jenni starting to fade into the background. The playhouse opened up a vibrant fantasyland where anything was possible.

“I always thought Minji had the most fashion sense,” Judy mused thoughtfully, strutting Minji down the glittering catwalk. “You can tell she hires only the best designers.”

“Do you have Tom’s number by chance?” Jenni asked without looking up from her holo.

“Yeah, hang on.” Judy quickly pulled up Tom’s number and sent it to Jenni. “I can add you to our group chat too if you want.”

“That’d be preem. Thanks.”

“And I wish I owned a pair of boots like these,” Judy continued, marveling at the intricate lacework sewn into Minji’s boots. “But the ones Alix wears are pretty preem too.”

“Uh-huh.”

Sensing Jenni's disinterest, Judy glanced over and saw Jenni’s eyes glued to her holo, thumbs tapping rapidly across the screen. A pang of disappointment tugged at Judy's chest. She was having so much fun, but if Jenni was starting to get bored…

“I should probably delta," Judy murmured, offering Jenni an apologetic smile. "My grandparents’ll be wondering where I am."

"Oh, okay," Jenni replied, her focus finally shifting from her holo back to Judy. She set it aside and began gathering up the doll house and and all the miniature accessories splayed out across the floor.

As Jenni busied herself with packing away the playset, Judy's gaze settled on Minji. It was an exquisite creation, with delicately sculpted features and a mane of silken hair tied back into a flawless ponytail. But what really captured Judy's attention was the uncanny resemblance the doll bore to Jenni herself.

A sudden impulse took hold of Judy. Without thinking, she slipped the doll into the waistband of her shorts, concealing it beneath the loose fabric of her shirt. Her heart raced with a mixture of guilt and exhilaration.

Jenni, oblivious to Judy's clandestine act, finished packing away the last of the dolls and rose to her feet. "I had a lot of fun today," she said, flashing Judy a warm smile. "We should do this again soon."

Judy nodded, trying her best to appear nonchalant despite the weight of the stolen doll pressing against her side. "For sure," she agreed, forcing a smile of her own.

Jenni led Judy back downstairs where her father was still cursing into his holo. After saying their farewells, Judy turned and began the long hike home. A kaleidoscope of emotions swirled within her. Excitement mingled with guilt, curiosity intertwined with trepidation. And above all - confusion. It wasn’t until she caught sight of the garage that she suddenly remembered her predicament.

The key.

Judy double-timed it back home, jogging for long stretches of road, ignoring the painful blisters that were starting to burn at her heels. As the sun waned on the horizon, its rays cutting between the jagged skyscrapers far off in the distance, Judy began to realize just how serious the situation was. She wouldn’t simply get into trouble if Jackie failed to deliver on his promise. Her grandfather wouldn’t be able to open the garage. He could get into trouble or worse, maybe even fired.

Judy was verging on panic by the time she finally got home. She paused outside the door, struggling to come up with a way out of her plight, coming up empty. Jackie had lied to her. There was no other explanation.

With a heavy heart, Judy resigned herself to the fact that this would be her last supplier. She reached for the door, knowing that once it closed, it would seal her fate. Suddenly, a familiar voice called out from behind her.

"Hey, Jude.”

Judy spun around to see V striding towards her, a reassuring smile on her face. In her outstretched hand was the very key Judy had been desperately seeking.

"Jackie asked me to give this," V said, pressing the cool metal into Judy's palm. "Said it was important I get this back to you, pronto."

Relief washed over Judy in a crashing wave. She clutched the key tightly, as if afraid it might vanish. "Phew! I was starting to think he’d left me in the lurch.”

“Nah,” V said nonchalantly, brushing aside Judy’s fears. “Jackie’s a lot of things, but he sure as hell ain’t no liar.”

Remembering the explanation Jackie had given her, Judy looked up at V, brow furrowed. "Did he tell you why he needed it in the first place?"

The enigmatic half-smile that was playing across V’s lips faltered. "Jackie keeps his cards pretty close to the chest these days. But m’sure he kept his nose outta trouble. For now, at least.”

Judy’s eyes narrowed. There was something in V's tone, a subtle evasiveness that caused the hairs on the back of her neck to stand up. But for now, she pushed her suspicions aside, too overwhelmed with gratitude to worry about such things.

"Well, whatever the reason, you're a better lifesaver than TraumaTeam, V. Thanks."

"No sweat," V replied with a casual shrug. "Any time, Jude."

As V turned to delta, Judy felt an odd impulse rise up within her. "Hey V, wait up!"

V paused, raising an inquisitive eyebrow. Judy suddenly felt foolish, her cheeks flushing. "I, uh...I just wanted to say you’re always welcome to hang out with us if you want. I know you probably don’t wanna waste your time hangin’ around with a bunch of little kids, but…"

“Little kids?” V repeated back to her, her brow furrowing in confusion. “How old do you think I am?”

“I dunno…fifteen?”

“Fifteen?” V burst out into laughter. “Christ, Jude, m’only thirteen!”

Judy's jaw dropped in surprise. “Really? I thought you were older than that.”

"What can I say?" she said with a wistful smile, the sound of melancholy creeping into her voice. “M’wise beyond my years.”

As Judy processed this revelation, she noticed the faint lines of weariness etched around V's eyes. They spoke of weariness and burden, a weight that seemed much too heavy for someone so young, only thirteen years old. Yet V's bright spirit still shone through, undimmed.

With the sun starting to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and purple, V sighed. "I gotta go. Really appreciate the offer, Jude. Might take you up on it one day. See ya around.”

Flashing Judy one last smile, V turned and sauntered off down the street, leather jacket swaying with each confident stride. Judy watched until her slender form disappeared around the corner, then headed inside, her mind still swirling with questions about the mysterious girl.

Later that night, Judy lay in her bed, the moonlight casting a faint glow on her face. She studied the doll she had stolen from Jenni, her fingers tracing over every delicate feature. The porcelain skin was smooth to the touch and the painted features eerily resembled Jenni, even down to the subtle curves of her lips.

Her lips…

Judy's heart raced as she leaned closer to the doll’s face. A strange mix of excitement and fear flooded her senses. Her heart raced as she closed her eyes and pressed her lips against the doll's, feeling a rush of danger and forbidden pleasure course through her veins. With each kiss, the rush grew stronger. She imagined it was Jenni's soft lips pressing against hers, not the cold plastic of the doll. When she finally pulled away, her head was dizzy.

It took a long time for Judy to fall asleep. Her thoughts kept drifting back to what she had done, to what she wanted to do. As she started to drift off to sleep, Maiko’s words echoed in her ears, but they were in Jenni’s voice, not Maiko’s.

“Judy and Jenni, sittin’ in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”

Chapter Text

Friday, July 14th, 2062 - 2:29pm

Judy stared intently at the clock on her desk. The blue digits glowed against the black background, taunting her. Just one more minute to go…

“…which concludes this semester. I want to thank you for all your hard work this year. No matter where you land in the months ahead, I urge you to take these words of wisdom with you - capitalism and idealism are like oil and water, and no one ever got rich investing in water.”

Judy could hear Mr. Molliter's voice droning on in the background, but her attention was focused solely on the numbers ticking away on her desk. She couldn't believe it was finally over - the semester, the lectures, the endless assignments and homework. It had seemed like it might never end, and now that it was finally about to, she was ready for it to be done.

The bell echoed across the halls of Laguna Bend Middle School, signaling the arrival of summer break. Judy leapt out of her seat, eager to join the throng of students rushing towards the exit. The buzz of excitement was palpable as they all poured out into the blazing sunlight, knowing they wouldn't have to enter those doors again for two whole months. Judy squinted against the blinding rays. The shimmering waters of the nearby reservoir were more inviting than ever before. Forget street hockey - today was a day for swimming.

Judy burst into a sprint, her backpack bouncing against her back as she raced home. The warm summer breeze whipped through her hair, and the bright sun cast a golden glow over the quaint suburban neighborhood. She couldn't wait to shed her school clothes and dive into the cool, refreshing waters of the reservoir.

As she raced through the door, Judy dropped her backpack with a thud and bounded up the stairs two at a time, much to her grandmother’s consternation. Within minutes, she had changed into her favorite blue one-piece swimsuit adorned with a smiling dolphin. She grabbed a towel off the rack and her holo and rushed back out, her flip-flops slapping against the pavement as she hurried towards the reservoir. The familiar sounds of laughter and splashing grew louder as she approached, causing her to bite her lip in anticipation of all the fun that awaited her. But as she rounded the bend, her heart sank in disappointment.

There, by the water's edge, she spotted Tom and Jenni splashing around and laughing together. Tom was shirtless, his lean frame twisting and contorting as he splashed about. Jenni's ponytail whipped back and forth as she playfully tried to dunk Tom under the water.

A pang of jealousy shot through Judy. Why was Jenni playing with Tom? She ought to be the one splashing and playing in the water with Jenni, not Tom with his stupid antics that impressed nobody.
Jenni's slim figure glistened in the sunlight as she floated on her back, her blonde hair fanning out around her like a golden halo. She caught sight of Judy and waved enthusiastically.

"Judy! Over here!" Jenni called out, her voice echoing across the tranquil expanse.

Judy hesitated, torn between the desire to join them and her lingering resentment. But Jenni's radiant smile and the inviting coolness of the water won out, and Judy found herself trudging towards them, towel in hand.

"Hey, guys," Judy said, feigning nonchalance as she tossed her towel on the ground and waded into the water.

"About time you got here, slowpoke!" Tom teased, splashing Judy playfully. “Maybe you oughta save up for a Sandevistan!”

"Maybe you oughta save up for a new faceplate," Judy muttered, unable to mask the edge in her voice.

Judy ignored Tom and swam over to Jenni, admiring how the sunlight danced across her sun-kissed skin. Jenni giggled mischievously as she drew closer. Without warning, she kicked her feet against the water, splashing Judy in the face. Judy gasped, the cold droplets washing her jealousy away, and splashed Jenni back. Before long, they were engaged in an all-out water war, the two of them squealing with delight as Tom watched from a distance.

Eventually, Judy grew tired and paddled out of range, her chest heaving as she struggled to catch her breath. She floated on her back, staring up at the cloudless sky, basking in the warmth of the sun's rays. It didn’t get any better than this.

The rest of the afternoon passed by in a sun-drenched blur of laughter, splashing, and carefree joy. Judy forgot all about her earlier distress at seeing Jenni and Tom playing together, focusing instead on chasing Jenni through the shallows, kicking up frothy wakes that sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. As the day wore on and the sun arched across the sky, Judy found herself stealing glances at Jenni’s glossy skin and damp hair clinging to her shoulders. An unfamiliar ache blossomed in her chest, a yearning she couldn't quite put into words. Her lips tingled as the memory of her heart-pounding kiss with the doll came to mind, the soft brush of the smooth plastic against hers turning her thoughts into a jumbled mess. She remembered the strange thrill that had coursed through her veins and caught herself wondering what it would feel like to have the soft warmth of Jenni’s lips pressing against her own.

After a while, the sedative mix of sun and water began taking its toll. Feeling exhaustion settling in, Judy finally retreated towards shore, her skin pruned and tinged with a shade of pink. She quickly dried off and checked her holo. To her surprise, Evelyn had texted her, asking if she could come over and play.

Judy grabbed her towel and waved goodbye to Jenni who managed a brief wave back before Tom playfully splashed her in the face. The sight of Jenni laughing and splashing Tom back dredged up the same feeling of frustration she had felt earlier in the day. But the thought of spending some long overdue time with Evelyn brought a smile to her face as she walked home.

It wasn’t long before Judy found herself opening the front door, still smiling from ear to ear. However, her grin quickly faded as hushed voices from the living room caught her attention.

“…miss this place too, Ainara,” her grandfather’s tense voice carried. “But for Judy’s sake, we need to act fast an’ sign now or someone else is gonna grab it.”

A knot formed in Judy's throat as a chill raced down her spine. What were they talking about? What did her grandfather mean by ‘missing this place’?

Judy tiptoed closer, hoping to learn more.

“...still think we should keep protesting-”

“Protesting? Ainara, a man died today protesting. If that won’t stop them-”

The sound of the doorbell chiming shattered the tense atmosphere, causing Judy to jump. When she pulled open the door, Evelyn stood on the doorstep, eyes downcast and arms huddled across her chest. She was still cocooned in a long-sleeve shirt, but she had finally swapped out her jeans for a much more appropriate pair of shorts.

"Hey," she mumbled, shuffling her feet.

Judy's spirits instantly lifted. "Sup Evelyn! M’glad you came over! C’mon in!"

Judy ushered Evelyn inside, her earlier worries dissolving away, and led her upstairs to her bedroom. The moment she opened the door, Evelyn immediately plopped down on the bed and grabbed a magazine off the floor, flipping through the pages with a disinterested expression.

Judy's eyes flickered towards her nightstand. Jenni’s doll lay peeking out from beneath a pair of dirty pajamas. A wave of panic washed over Judy. She hurried over and gathered up the doll in her pajamas, quickly tucking the bundle out of sight, hoping Evelyn hadn't noticed. Even though Evelyn had no way of knowing she had taken it - or what she had been doing with it - she remained terrified that Evelyn might somehow discover her shameful secret.

"So, whaddya wanna do?" Judy asked, forcing a casual tone as she turned back towards the bed. Evelyn merely shrugged, her eyes still glued to the magazine.

Undeterred, Judy plopped down next to her friend. "We could play some video games? I got Turbo Dracula? Or maybe play fashion parade again? It’s been a while since we’ve done that.”

Evelyn offered another noncommittal shrug, her focus unwavering from the pages in front of her. As Evelyn listlessly flipped through the pages, Judy studied her friend's sullen expression, brow furrowed.
"Everything okay, Ev?" Judy asked tentatively. "You seem...I dunno, down about something."

Evelyn shrugged, not meeting Judy's inquisitive gaze. "It's nothing, just...stuff." She forced a tight smile. "Don't worry about it."

Judy stared at Evelyn. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was bothering her. As Evelyn shifted to get more comfortable, Judy noticed a dark purple bruise peeking out from under the hem of her shorts on her thigh.

"What happened to your leg?" Judy asked, motioning towards the discolored mark.

Evelyn's eyes went wide. She quickly tugged her shorts down to cover the bruise. "Nothing!" she snapped, her voice sharp and defensive.

Judy recoiled, taken aback by Evelyn's harsh tone. "Geez! M’just worried about you, Ev. You don't have to-”

"Well don't be!" Evelyn shouted, leaping up from the bed. "Just forget about it, okay?"

An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as Judy stared at her friend. A part of her wanted to apologize to Evelyn for upsetting her so badly, but she was too confused, too shocked to do anything but stare at her with her mouth agape. Evelyn seemed to realize she had overreacted and her shoulders slumped in defeat.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, not meeting Judy's eyes. "I didn't mean to yell at you. I just got some things on my mind, is all. I’m okay, really. I banged my leg this morning while going down the stairs.”

Judy nodded slowly, still rattled by Evelyn's uncharacteristic behavior. She wanted to press further about the bruise but could sense the walls going up in Evelyn’s mind, closing off any chance for a real explanation. Instead, she decided to drop it, hoping that a change in subject would help ease the lingering tension between them.

Judy took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Okay, if you say so," she said gently. "So…Dracula then?"

Evelyn allowed a weak smile to tug at her lips. “‘Kay. But I get to be Dracula this time."

As Judy hopped up to fetch her game console, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was very wrong with her friend. The anger, the moodiness, the suspicious bruise - it was all so unlike the Evelyn she knew, or rather, the Evelyn she had known. Still, Judy didn't want to risk another blowup by prying further . For now, she would do her best to keep Evelyn's spirits up and have fun like they always did.

The next few hours passed in a blur of gratuitous blood and violence as Evelyn hacked and slashed her way through HelsingCorp’s sinister army of genetically spliced werewolf-zombies. Judy was glad to see flashes of Evelyn's usual bubbly self emerge as she immersed herself into the game, pushing aside whatever was hanging over her head for the time being. But Jenni eventually grew bored and decided it was time to return home. Judy walked her to the door, disappointed their time together had to end.

"You wanna come over tomorrow?" Judy asked hopefully. "We could watch a movie or do whatever you want."

Evelyn gave her a small smile. "M’gonna be busy for a while. Maybe next week?”

Judy nodded. “Sure.”

“Thanks, Judy. I needed this. You’re a good choom, better than I deserve.”

Judy spotted a flicker of sadness behind Evelyn’s eyes before she turned and started down the dimly lit street, the pale glow of the streetlamps casting an ethereal light on her silhouette as she vanished into the night. Judy closed the door and returned to her room, hopeful that Evelyn would remember her offer. She didn’t like Turbo Dracula all that much, but she was more than willing to sit around and watch Evelyn play.

Especially if it meant seeing her smile again.

Chapter Text

Sunday, July 16th, 2062 - 11:17am

Judy hurried home, her feet moving so fast they left a thin streak of dust in her wake. The moment she passed through the door and heard it close shut behind her, muffling the sound of church bells echoing across town, she breathed a sigh of relief. Merciful silence, at last. She was finally free of the judgmental glare and sanctimonious drivel of Father Ibarra. At least, until next Sunday.

Her grandparents shuffled in a few minutes later, looking equally miserable. Her grandfather seemed so demoralized by Father Ibarra’s sermon that he couldn’t even meet her gaze as she trudged past her and plopped down in his recliner. The same couldn’t be said for her grandmother, however. She had been watching her like a hawk all morning long. It made Judy feel nervous and on edge, like she was being sized up for something.

But Judy had more pressing matters at hand. Sixteen hours had passed since she had last heard from any of her friends. It wasn’t unusual for one of them to go dark every so often, especially Evelyn who rarely chimed in. But they had never all gone dark before. It was as if they had suddenly vanished without a trace.

Judy hurried upstairs, trying to tune out the hushed tones of her grandparents' conversation. Her bedroom welcomed her like an old friend. Her only friend. She grabbed her holo off the nightstand, fingers flying across the screen, and brought up the group chat between her, Jenni, Tom and Evelyn.

Still nothing.

Her heart started to race as she typed yet another text and hit ‘send’, her anxiety and sense of dejection growing worse with every tap of her finger against the screen.

Judy: Hello? Anyone there??

Judy flopped on the unmade mess of her covers, glaring at the empty chat windows. A hard knot of anger and hurt twisted in her gut. She'd messaged them like twenty times since last night...why was everyone ghosting her?

A sharp rap at the door startled her. "Judy? Can we come in?" Her grandmother’s high-pitched voice carried a rare, uncertain tremor.

For a moment, Judy considered telling her grandparents that, no, they couldn’t come in. Sure, she lived under her grandparent’s roof, followed their rules…but their roof resided under God’s roof, and Father Ibarra, a self-ordained messenger from God, preached the virtue of honesty every Sunday. She would just be doing the Lord’s work. But she doubted very much her grandparents would see it that way.

“Yeah,” Judy answered, tossing her holo aside.

The door slid open and her grandparents shuffled in, her grandfather stopping near the door as her grandmother sat down next to her, neatly folding her hands across her lap. Judy’s eyes darted nervously between their grave expressions, a pit of dread slowly forming in her gut.

Judy’s grandmother cleared her throat. "We have something to tell you.”

The knot of unease in Judy's gut twisted tighter. She had never seen her grandmother so rattled before. "What's goin’ on?"

Her grandmother glanced nervously at her grandfather, then spoke in a carefully measured tone. "We're moving to Night City."

Judy stared at her grandparents in disbelief, her mind racing to process what they had just told her. Moving to Night City? How…why? Laguna Bend was their home, the only place she had ever known.

Her grandmother nodded solemnly. "I know this comes as a shock. But Petrochem made a deal with the city to evict us, to evict everyone in Laguna Bend. They plan to flood the town to expand the reservoir for Night City's water supply."

A chill ran down Judy's spine as she remembered the protest that had taken place last week. She had paid little attention at the time, her desire to see Jenni having consumed her thoughts.

"But...but they can't do that!" Judy exclaimed, her voice quivering with a mix of anger and fear. "This is our house! It’s not fair!”

Her grandfather stepped forward, his weathered face etched with sadness. "No, it’s not fair, but there’s nothing we can do about it. They've already started evicting folks, malditos bastardos. We have ten days to vacate or they’ll throw us out onto the street."

Ten days. The weight of those words hit Judy like a ton of bricks. In just over a week, her entire world would be turned upside down. Laguna Bend, the very center of her existence, would soon be gone. A wave of memories, much like the wave she envisioned sweeping through their town, flooded her mind. Playing maxtac and cyberpsycho with Tom, scarfing down greasy burgers at Flo’s with Evelyn, even the dull routine of Sunday mass with her grandparents.

She thought back to the day she had met Jenni, the shy new girl with the silvery-blonde ponytail and watermelon perfume. What would become of her? Of her friends?

Judy's eyes welled up with tears as she looked around her bedroom. How could she possibly say goodbye to it?

"Please, abuelitos," Judy pleaded through her sobs, "isn't there anything we can do? I don't wanna leave Laguna Bend! I don’t wanna leave my room!”

Her grandparents exchanged a pained look, their own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Jude, you know we would stay if we could," her grandfather said gently. "We tried to stop this from happening, but people are starting to get hurt, even…there’s nothing we can do. I think you’ll like our new home, though. It’s in the Kabuki district, right in the heart of the city. We’ll have a little less space than we do now, but-”

Judy felt like the cozy walls of her bedroom were closing in, suffocating her. Suddenly, the panic of moving away struck her with full force.

“No!” Judy yelled, cutting her grandfather off, hot tears streaming down her cheeks.. "This is all your fault! You’re letting them kick us out!”

Her grandparents flinched at her harsh words, their wizened faces crumpling with hurt and sadness. Judy's grandmother extended a comforting hand. "That’s not true, Judy-”

But Judy wasn't having it. She violently shrugged off her grandmother's touch, her whole body shaking with rage and sorrow. "I hate you! I hate both of you!"

With that, she rolled over on her bed, turning her back to her grandparents. She clutched her pillow tightly, burying her face in its softness as the sobs wracked her body. The gentle touch of her grandmother's hand on her shoulder only made her cry harder.

“Judy, please try to understand," her grandmother's soothing voice pleaded. "We're just as heartbroken as you are. But we have no choice. You’re gonna have to grow up a little faster now."

Judy refused to respond, her mind a whirlwind of anger, sadness, and disbelief. How could they do this to her? Didn't they realize what they were asking her to give up? Who they were asking her to give up?

She heard her grandparents' footsteps retreating, followed by the soft hiss of her bedroom door sliding shut behind them. Only then did she allow herself to fully unleash the torrent of emotions she had been holding back.

Sobs of anguish and rage escaped Judy’s lips, the sounds muffled by her pillow. Her tears streamed down her cheeks in an endless torrent. Why was this happening to her?

Her mind raced with thoughts of her friends - Tom, Evelyn, even Jackie. A fresh wave of anguish washed over her at the realization that she would be losing them all. What would become of them? Would they be forced out of their homes too, scattered to the winds like tumbleweed across a deserted road? The thought of never seeing them again, of having their bonds of friendship severed so abruptly, was almost too much for her to bear. And Jenni...

Judy's heart clenched painfully at the thought of her, a confusing tangle of emotions swirling within her. She pictured Jenni's radiant smile, her cute freckles, the way her blonde hair shimmered like sunlight when she let it down from its ponytail. She loved the watermelon scent of her perfume, how it lingered faintly whenever Jenni was near. Just being around the other girl was enough to make her heart race.

Judy's face burned as she thought about Jenni. The knot in her stomach tightened, a strange fluttering sensation taking flight within her. Was this a…a crush?

Judy didn’t understand what was happening to her. She had never felt this way about anyone before, boy or girl. The emotions coursing through her were intense and unfamiliar, yet somehow...right. As much as she wanted to push aside these feelings, some deeper part of her recognized the truth. This wasn't just a girlish infatuation. This was something deeper. More profound.

Panic suddenly gripped her, causing her heart to race. If she actually had a crush on Jenni…did that make her gay? The idea both terrified and intrigued her. The word itself didn’t mean much. She knew plenty of gay kids at school. Even Father Ibarra, with his bushy mustache and wisps of gray hair on his head, preached acceptance and understanding when he wasn’t busy chastising his congregation for the poor state of the church’s affairs. But what about her friends, or her grandparents? Would they accept her if she liked girls? And Jenni...would she return those feelings, or be disgusted?

Judy squeezed her eyes shut, hoping to block out the turmoil, but Jenni's radiant face was seared into her mind's eye. She could almost smell the watermelon fragrance that clung to Jenni's ponytail, taste the sweetness of her lips. She imagined holding Jenni's hand, gazing into her warm hazel eyes, leaning in closer until their lips brushed together. Part of her recoiled, disgusted by the thought of putting her mouth on somebody else’s. But another part felt an undeniable spark, like her heart was a livewire crackling with unfamiliar energy.

It was all so confusing.

Judy rolled onto her back, staring up at the ceiling through eyes blurred with tears. Her chest heaved with the force of her ragged breaths, her mind a whirlwind of grief and confusion. This couldn't be happening. It just couldn't. How could her life be ripped apart so cruelly, so senselessly? What had she done to deserve this?

A fresh sob tore from her throat, the sound raw and guttural. It's not fair, she thought bitterly, her hands clenching into fists.

It's just not fair.

Chapter Text

Tuesday, July 18th, 2062 - 5:13pm

The clatter of plates and silverware seemed amplified in the stifling silence that hung over the dinner table. Judy pushed her dinner around with her fork, the noodles congealing into an unappetizing lump. Her grandparents exchanged furtive glances, the weight of unspoken words pressing down on them all.

Boxes lined the walls, their once-familiar belongings now packed away like artifacts from another life. Judy's stomach twisted at the sight, dreading the moment when she would have to surrender her own treasures to those cardboard confines.

Eight more days…

Her grandmother cleared her throat, the sound like a gunshot in the quiet. "Judy, you haven't touched your dinner."

Judy shrugged, refusing to meet her grandmother's concerned gaze. The anger still simmered beneath the surface, a constant companion these past two days.

Her grandfather sighed, setting down his utensils with a dull clank. "We know this is hard for you, but it's for the best. A fresh start will do us all good."

Judy bit back a retort, knowing it would only lead to another futile argument. They just didn't understand. This was her home, her life. How could they expect her to just pack it all away like it meant nothing? To leave her friends behind like they meant nothing?

To leave Jenni behind?

Tom had broken the news to her yesterday. So had Jenni, her words eerily reminiscent of his. Their revelations echoed in Judy's mind, each word a lead weight. The adults of Laguna Bend had known for months that the town was going to be flooded, just as they had known about the eviction notices being sent. But they said nothing to their children, not a whisper of warning or hint that anything was amiss. Instead, a thick veil of secrecy had descended, obscuring the truth with well-practiced smiles and reassurances that all was well. And now, much like a dam, the floodgates had opened, unleashing a torrent of lies that threatened to drown them.

A sudden screech of tires pierced the tension, making them all jump. Judy's head whipped towards the window, her eyes widening at the plume of smoke billowing from Flo's Diner next door.

Before her grandparents could react, Judy leapt out of her chair and bolted for the door, their shouts lost in the roar of blood pounding in her ears. She wanted to see what was happening.

The air smelled of burnt rubber as she raced onto the cracked sidewalk. Judy skidded to a halt, her eyes like saucers as she beheld the chaos unfolding before her.

A sleek Quadra lay crumpled against the diner's cement façade, its front end twisted into an unrecognizable heap of metal. Shattered glass littered the ground, glittering like diamonds in the fading evening light.

Judy's breath caught in her throat as a familiar figure emerged from the wreckage, swaying unsteadily on his feet. Jackie – smeared in blood, clutching his side with one hand and gripping a pistol in the other.

"Jackie?" The name tore from Judy's lips in a strangled whisper.

Jackie didn't seem to hear, his wild gaze fixed on something over Judy's shoulder. The screech of tires pierced the air once more, announcing the arrival of another vehicle.

Judy whirled in time to see another Quadra grind to a halt. Six figures with Asian tattoos piled out, their movements aggressive, predatory. Tyger Claws, she realized with a jolt of panic.

One of them noticed Jackie and sneered, leveling a deadly-looking shotgun towards his crumpled form. “There’s the fuckin’ snake.”

Judy’s translation soft picked up the crude comment and identified it as Japanese.

“Got your snake right here,” Jackie groaned, clutching his groin.

“Thought you could just klep Saburo’s ride and get away with it?”

“What can I say? M’a sucker for red.”

The man with the shotgun grinned and tightened his finger on the trigger. “Red suits you.”

"No!" The denial burst from Judy without thought as she witnessed the muzzle flash, its deafening boom echoing across the street.

But it was too late. Jackie rocked back against the car and slumped over, the gun slipping from his limp fingers as a crimson blossom bloomed across his chest.

The gunshot reverberated in Judy's ears long after the echoes had faded. Dimly, she heard the sound of the Quadra’s engine revving as the gangers piled back inside. They peeled away, the squeal of tortured rubber fading into the distance as swiftly as they'd appeared.

The distant sound of her grandparents’ voices emerged, screaming her name from the doorway. Their cries sounded muffled, as if reaching her from the other end of a long tunnel. They finally reached her, pulling her into their embrace, shielding her eyes from the grisly scene. But it was too late. The image was seared into Judy's mind - a stark reminder that nothing was permanent, no one untouchable. Not even in the place she'd once called home.

In the shocked silence that followed, doors began to creak open one by one along the street. Curious neighbors emerged hesitantly from their homes, alarmed by the commotion. A few brave souls ventured closer, curiosity mingling with trepidation on their faces.

Mama Welles' anguished wail shattered the surreal trance. Judy blinked, the world snapping back into sharp relief as Jackie's mother came barreling down the street. She fell to her knees beside her son, cradling Jackie's head in her lap as ragged sobs tore from her throat.

"Mi hijo, mi Jackie..." Mama Welles rocked back and forth, smearing Jackie's blood across her cheeks as she stroked her son’s face. "Qué te han hecho? Qué hiciste?"

The raw grief in her voice was a physical pain lancing through Judy's chest. This couldn't be happening. Not to brash, fearless Jackie Welles who'd always seemed invincible.

Judy's breath came in ragged gasps, her body trembling violently as the full weight of what she'd witnessed crashed over her. Jackie - fierce, unstoppable Jackie - was gone, snuffed out in a blaze of violence as abrupt as it was incomprehensible.

She twisted in her grandparents' arms, needing to see, to understand. But there was no sense to be made of the nightmare unfolding before her. Only Mama Welles' primal keening and the tacky smear of Jackie's blood on the pavement.

"We need to get you inside," her grandfather's gruff voice cut through the maelstrom, his grip tightening around her shoulders. “You shouldn’t be seein’ this.”

Judy recoiled, a strangled protest catching in her throat. She couldn't leave, couldn't abandon Jackie to this cold, harsh finality. Her friend, ’the Welles boy’, deserved better than to be left like discarded trash on the street.

"No, I...I have to-" The words dissolved into a choked whimper as Judy's gaze found Jackie's sightless eyes, that spark of mischief she'd known so well now extinguished forever.

Judy felt a scream building in her throat, an inarticulate cry of rage at the unfairness of it all. This wasn't how their lives were supposed to go - cut brutally short before they'd even really begun. Before they'd had a chance to experience everything the world had to offer beyond these narrow neighborhood confines. But no sound came out.

Her grandparents' grip went lax as Judy wrenched free, propelled forward by a desperate need for...what? Closure? Revenge? She had no plan, no rational thought driving her actions as she staggered towards the broken form of her fallen friend.

Mama Welles didn't seem to register Judy's presence, rocking back and forth with heartbroken intensity. Her fingers carded obsessively through Jackie's hair, nails stained crimson from the gaping wound in his chest.

Judy swallowed hard, fighting a sudden upwelling of nausea. This was her first glimpse of death, of true violence outside the sanitized video games she played. She'd thought herself prepared, inured to the harsh realities surrounding them by years of overcompensating bravado and rebellious posturing.

But no amount of feigned worldliness could have braced her for the visceral wrongness of this moment. For the finality of a life extinguished before its prime, for the devastation etched onto Mama Welles' face. This was the stark other side of the romantic notion of going cyberpsycho that Jackie had always joked about - the bitter aftermath for those left behind.

Her innocence had been shattered. The carefree days of riding along the shimmering periphery of danger were over. She had been initiated into the brutal heart of everyday life, baptized in the blood pooling on the cracked asphalt.

A tremor ran through her as a siren began to echo in the distance. Judy bowed her head, a stray tear tracing a path down her cheek as the first LBPD cruiser careened around the corner. Her childish dreams of carefree misadventure crashed against the shores of heartbreak and violence.

She was a child no longer. Not after tonight.

Chapter Text

Thursday, July 20th, 2062 - 6:57pm

The neon-lit sign of the funeral home flickered erratically, a glitching beacon in the twilight haze of Laguna Bend. Judy trailed solemnly behind her grandparents, their synchronized steps slow and deliberate. They crossed the threshold, slipping into the dimly lit chamber where the air was thick with the scent of incense.

The mourners were a sparse group, scattered like shadows among the rows of chairs. Cybernetic eyes glinted dully in the somber light, and grief was etched in the tight lines of their faces. Judy's gaze lingered on the urn at the front. A number of personal items were scattered across the altar—a necklace, an old book, a portrait of a much younger and carefree Jackie, his beaming face reflecting a simpler and more joyful moment in his tragic life.

“Is nice an’ all, but feels a little domesticated to me,” Judy muttered under her breath, an ironic smile fleeting across her lips as she imagined Jackie's laughter echoing to such a remark.

Her grandfather placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, a gesture heavy with unspoken sorrow. She shrugged it off more out of habit than resentment and found an empty spot near the back, away from the consoling whispers and hushed conversations.

Father Ibarra stepped up to the podium, his clerical collar a stark contrast against the black of his robe. His voice, when he spoke, cut through the silence with gentle authority.

"Jackie Welles was a troubled soul of rare courage," he began, his words resonating through the low buzz of the room. "In an age when bravery is often shown through the barrel of a gun or the edge of a chip, Jackie's valor lay in his heart."

Judy fidgeted uncomfortably, her fingers rubbing against the unfamiliar fabric of her tight-fitting dress. It had been well over a year since she last wore this outfit, a hand-me-down from her mother that no longer quite fit her growing frame. As Father Ibarra droned on, she couldn’t help but imagine what the delicate floral patterns would have looked like on her mother.

"His loyalty knew no bounds," Father Ibarra continued, the cadence of his speech a soothing balm to the raw edges of Judy's thoughts. "To family, and especially to friends. And though taken from us too soon, his memory shall be our guiding light."

A pang of sadness pierced through Judy's chest, sharp and insistent. She listened intently, each word a testament to the life that had belonged to Jackie Welles. The Welles boy. Jack-ster. Her admiration for Jackie swelled amidst the tide of grief, a quiet acknowledgment of the void he had left behind.

"May we all remember Jackie fondly," Father Ibarra concluded, his hands clasped before him. "May we face this world with the same bold heart and unbending resolve. May he rest in peace."

As the last echo of the eulogy faded, Judy remained seated, her thoughts a turbulent sea. Father Ibarra had captured the essence of Jackie, but words, no matter how heartfelt, could fill the space he once occupied. She exhaled slowly, allowing herself a small smirk—it was exactly the kind of send-off Jackie would have approved of, minus perhaps the lack of a gat salute.

The stained glass cast a kaleidoscope of colors over the somber crowd, but none so vivid as the grief etched onto Mama Welles' face. Her sobs—a raw, unfiltered sound of anguish—filled the silent spaces between breaths and prayers. Judy's eyes kept finding their way back to the woman who had been an anchor in Jackie's turbulent life, her own heart thrumming painfully in her chest.

Mama Welles clutched a crumpled tissue, its whiteness lost to the flood of tears that seemed unending. The sight twisted something deep inside Judy, a wrenching pull of empathy for a loss so profound it echoed through the room like a mournful symphony.

Judy closed her eyes, allowing the memory to wash over her. Though her mother's face and voice had long faded from her recollection, the feeling of being loved remained, a warm and steady current that flowed through her even now. She remembered the gentle lapping of water against the tub, the soothing rhythm she dreamt of often even after all these years. She remembered her mother’s fingers combing through her hair with a tenderness that spoke volumes, and a smile that, even after all these years, made her feel safe and cherished. Her mother's presence, now a ghostly echo, danced mockingly at the edge of her consciousness.

Why couldn’t she have lived? Was it my fault?

Judy shook her head subtly, dislodging the creeping tendrils of recollection. It wouldn't do to spiral down that hole—not today. Yet, as the image of Mama Welles blurred through her tear-brimmed eyes, she couldn't help but wonder if in some parallel world, that same all-consuming sorrow had been hers to shoulder.

"Stop it," she muttered under her breath, a solitary tear breaking free from her stoic facade. The irony wasn't lost on her; here she was, getting misty-eyed at a funeral while fighting tooth and nail against showing any weakness in front of her grandparents. She almost laughed—a soft, choked sound—at the absurdity of it all. Jackie would have called her out on that in a heartbeat, with a grin and a well-timed joke to cut through the tension.

But Jackie wasn't here, and the jokes were just echoes now.

Judy's gaze flickered away from Mama Welles, drifting to her grandparents who stood like twin pillars of aged sorrow beside her. Their faces were canvases of grief, worn and creased with the years, each line a story of struggles past and the unspoken weight of the present. Judy felt something twist inside her—a cocktail of love and bitterness that left a sour tang at the back of her throat.

The service blurred into a series of half-heard prayers and eulogies, a drone of sadness that seemed almost irreverent in its predictability. When Father Ibarra finally stepped down from the podium, the shuffle of feet and quiet murmurs signaled the end of formalities. Judy didn’t wait for an invitation; she slipped away, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere of mourning that clung to her like a second skin. She found Tom and Jenni tucked away in a dimly lit alcove, their silhouettes ghosting against the textured wallpaper. Tom's head was bowed, his silence a heavy cloak, while Jenni fiddled with the hem of her black dress, her usual brightness dimmed in the funeral's shadow. Judy caught the faint scent of watermelon, a stark contrast to the sterile chill of the room.

"Hey," Judy said, her voice a notch too loud in the hush that enveloped them.

"Hey," Jenni echoed when Tom failed to return her greeting. “Even though I didn’t really know ‘im, I figured I should swing by and, like, pay my respects.”

"Where's Evelyn?" Judy asked, scanning the periphery for the other member of their group, expecting to find her lurking just out of sight.

"Hasn't shown," Tom replied, his voice flat.

"Maybe she couldn't handle it," Jenni suggested, her small hands knotting together.

"Or didn't want to," Judy added, the idea leaving a bitter taste.

They exchanged looks, an unspoken understanding passing between them. This kind of thing wasn’t supposed to happen to a kid, even one as old as Jackie. And if it could happen to someone as strong as him, then it could happen to any of them. There was no such thing as safety, it was just another lie spun by those who thought they were protecting them from danger when, in fact, they were doing the exact opposite. In the silence, their bond solidified, woven from the threads of shared history and the raw edges of tragedy.

"Jackie would've hated this," Judy said after a moment, her attempt at levity falling short.

"Totally," Jenni agreed, a weak smile playing at the corners of her lips.

"Would've laughed in our faces for looking so glum," Tom added, managing a half-hearted chuckle. “Called us a bunch of domesticated gonks.”

Their laughter was a brittle thing, fracturing quickly, but it was enough to cast a sliver of light into the gloom. For a fleeting second, Judy allowed herself to lean on the strength of their friendship, finding a moment of respite amidst the hurricane swirling around her.

"Guess we should be thankful for small mercies, huh?" she quipped, the irony not entirely masking the sting of her truth.

"I can't believe we're leaving Laguna Bend," Tom muttered, shaking his head in disbelief, his shoulders slumped as if the weight of the water that would soon wash away their town bore down on him alone.

"Yeah,” Judy agreed wholeheartedly, her voice barely above a whisper. “It feels like everything's changing too fast.”

From the periphery, Jenni edged closer, her presence gentle but insistent. "It sucks, like, big time," she offered, her usual vernacular a comforting constant. "But we’re still chooms, right?"

"Right," Judy echoed, her heart aching for the truth in Jenni's simple words. They formed a small circle, unity against the tide of loss that threatened to sweep them away. Jenni's watermelon-scented perfume wrapped around Judy, a soothing contrast to the sterile air of the funeral home.

As Judy stood there, surrounded by her closest friends, her gaze was inexorably drawn to Jenni. The soft light of the funeral home cast a warm glow on Jenni's face, highlighting her delicate features in a way that made Judy's heart skip a beat. She couldn't help but notice the way Jenni’s dress clung to her body, the soft curves of her figure, the gentle sway of her hips. Everything about her seemed to draw Judy in like a moth to a flame. She found herself yearning to reach out and trace the outline of Jenni's face, to feel the warmth of her skin beneath her fingertips. Upon her lips. The realization that she might be falling for her sent a jolt of electricity through Judy's veins, both terrifying and exhilarating, though not quite as confusing as before.

"Judy?" Jenni's voice pulled her back, the freckles on her nose seeming to stand out more today, or maybe Judy was just noticing them more. "You okay?"

Judy nodded quickly, too quickly. "Yeah, I'm good. Just thinkin’ about... stuff." She hoped her smile wasn't as unconvincing as it felt.

A shuffle of footsteps approached, and V stepped into their sanctuary, her leather jacket creaking softly. Her expression was solemn, the toughness she usually wore like armor absent in the face of grief.

"Hey," V said, her voice carrying the weight of loss. "I'm really sorry about Jackie."

"Thanks, V," Judy replied, her own sorrow mirrored in the younger girl's dark eyes. "He really liked you. As a choom, I mean."

V nodded, biting her lower lip. "Can we talk? In private, I mean."

Judy hesitated but then glanced at Tom and Jenni, who both gave small nods of understanding. She squeezed Jenni’s hand—a brief touch that sent an electric tingle up her arm—before following V to a secluded spot near a display of digital wreaths flickering in neon hues. As V came to a stop and turned to face her, Judy felt a strange pull, like a magnet drawing her in. There was an aura of mystery surrounding V, a depth to her gaze that belied her youthful appearance. Her usual bravado and swagger were gone, replaced by a palpable sorrow, and Judy ached to reach out and comfort her.

"I- I don’t know if I should be tellin’ you this," V began, her voice barely above a whisper, "I just thought…since you didn’t know…”

“Didn’t know what?” Judy asked.

V's eyes flickered to the chrome-detailed urn before she leaned in closer, her leather jacket creaking softly. "There's somethin’ you should know about Jackie an’ Evelyn," she whispered, casting a cautious glance over her shoulder.

Judy furrowed her brow, focusing on V. The air between them bristled with tension, the glow from the wreaths casting surreal patterns on their faces.

"This was all Evelyn’s idea," V confided, her voice laced with a gravity that seemed too heavy for her years. "Evelyn put the idea in Jackie’s head. Said they could make a killing."

"By klepping a car?" Judy's pulse quickened, a mix of surprise and disbelief clouding her thoughts.

V nodded, her expression grim. "Yeah. She wanted out. Planned to take her share an’ bolt. Jackie...he just wanted to reach Night City, get in with the Valentinos. That’s why Jackie approached you that day by the reservoir. Evelyn knew he could convince you to hand the key over. Once he had it, he snuck in, disabled the security and cloned the biomon on the lock. All he had to do then was imprint a blank key and bam."

Judy's hands clenched at her sides, her nails digging crescents into her palms. She searched V's face for any sign of levity, but found none. The revelation coiled in her stomach like a viper, its venom seeping into her grief. Evelyn, the girl who’d come over to her house to play Turbo Dracula just a couple night’s earlier, embroiled in schemes and betrayal.

A surge of anger and betrayal washed over her as V's words sank in. Evelyn had played her, manipulated her for her own gain. That wasn’t like Evelyn at all. Judy's mind raced, trying to reconcile the Evelyn she knew - the girl who loved playing Turbo Dracula with her and who had always been there for her - with this new, calculating Evelyn who had used Jackie and Judy for her own ends. How could the girl she cared for so deeply…how could her best friend have resorted to such underhanded tactics? The thought made Judy's blood boil.

Yet, even in her anger, a part of Judy couldn't help but wonder what had driven Evelyn to want to get out of Laguna Bend so badly. Sure, everyone wanted out, but this was on a totally different level. What was she running from? What demons was she trying to escape? Judy knew Evelyn's home life was less than ideal, but she had no idea the depths of the young woman's desperation.

"Damn..." Judy exhaled slowly, her breath condensing in the chilled air of the funeral home. The weight of the truth bore down on her, adding a new layer to the loss. Jackie's choices, his mistakes—they were all part of a narrative she had never envisioned.

"Life's a real kick in the ass, huh?" V said, the hint of ironic humor in her tone failing to mask the pain in her eyes.

"More like a punch to the gut." Judy managed a wry smile, though it felt as if it might crack her face. Jackie's dreams, now forever unfulfilled, haunted the spaces between them, an unspoken elegy to youthful recklessness and desperate hopes.

“Anyways, like I said, I just thought you should know. M’gonna go pay my respects-”

To her own surprise as much as V’s, Judy suddenly reached out and wrapped her arms around the older girl in a tight hug. It was a little awkward at first, V stiffening in Judy's embrace, unused to such open displays of emotion. But after a moment, V tentatively returned the hug, her thin frame trembling slightly. Judy held her close, understanding now why V had been so quiet and withdrawn during the service. Jackie had been her best friend, the one person who truly understood her, if anyone ever could. Judy couldn't imagine the pain of losing someone so dear, someone who had been by your side through thick and thin.

"I'm sorry ‘bout your friend, V,” Judy murmured, her voice thick with empathy. She pulled back slightly, her hands gently gripping V's shoulders as she looked her in the eyes. "If you need a shoulder to lean on, m’here here for you."

V blinked rapidly, her eyes shining with unshed tears. She nodded mutely, seemingly at a loss for words. The vulnerability on her face tugged at Judy's heart - this tough, guarded girl was just as fragile as she was. Sensing V's discomfort with the prolonged physical contact, Judy gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze before stepping back. "I’ll let you do your thing. Think I’ll get some air. Could use a breather.”

Judy left V to mourn the loss of her friend and made her way outside, the chill of the night wrapping around her like an unwelcome embrace. As she stepped outside, the city's distant glow beckoned with the promise of secrets yet untold and lives intertwined in the pursuit of dreams as fragile as glass. She leaned against the cold, steel railing outside the funeral home, her breath casting a foggy sheen over the neon-lit night. She didn't hear her grandparents approach; their silent footsteps were lost in the faint breeze.

"Judy," her grandmother's voice was soft, laced with the weariness of sorrow, "We're here for you, ranita."

Her grandfather stood a step behind, nodding—a silent sentinel of support in his ill-fitting black suit that reeked of mothballs and his signature cologne.

Judy turned to face them, feeling the raw sting of anger dulling to an ache. Their eyes held pools of concern, reflecting the fluorescent lights like beacons of empathy. For a moment, the urge to collapse into their arms tugged at her, but pride stiffened her spine.

"Thanks," she said, the word tasting like acid on her tongue. "But m’fine." Her eyes flickered to the shadows that played across their faces—evidence of other funerals, other griefs they'd weathered.

"Judy—" her grandmother reached out, fingers trembling as if to bridge the chasm between them with a touch.

"Really," Judy cut her off, stepping back. "It's fine." She wrapped her arms around herself, holding tightly to the shards of her resolve.

"Your mother would have wanted us to..." began her grandfather, his voice trailing off as if snagged on a thorn.

"Would she?" Judy's laugh was a burst of static in the silence. "Guess we'll never know, will we?" She turned away, her gaze snagging on the horizon where neon dreams bled into the dark sky.

"Judy, por favor—" her grandmother's plea was a whisper lost to the wind.

"Leave me alone," Judy said, her words slicing through the evening air like daggers. She walked away, leaving her grandparents in a tableau of aborted consolation, their hands reaching for a granddaughter swathed in the armor of youthful defiance.

The cybernetic glow of the city skyline beckoned, promising a future ripe with uncertainty and rebellion—a fitting tribute to Jackie's memory and her own uncharted path ahead.

Chapter Text

Friday, July 21st, 2062 - 11:21am

Judy's sneakers slapped against the pavement, a rhythmic accompaniment to the fluttering in her chest. With each step closer to Jenni's house, her heartbeat seemed to thrum louder, a discordant beat that resonated with both dread and yearning. She'd never been much good at deciphering her own emotions, but as she navigated the abandoned roads on the outskirts of Laguna Bend, Judy couldn't deny the electricity that surged through her at the thought of seeing Jenni again.

As she passed Evelyn's rundown house, Judy remembered what V had said about her shady dealings with Jackie. The peeling paint and boarded-up windows seemed to leer at her, as if the very structure was privy to the dark secrets festering within. Judy shuddered, her steps faltering momentarily as she contemplated the implications of V's words. Should she knock on the door, demand answers from Evelyn? Her skin itched with the urge to confront her friend, to uncover the truth that lurked in the shadows. But then she remembered Jenni, waiting for her, and the desire to spend as much time with her as she could overwhelmed her. With a heavy sigh, Judy forced herself to keep walking, leaving Evelyn's house and its haunting mysteries behind.

Judy's pace quickened as she passed her grandfather's garage. The once bustling workshop was now dark and still, police tape flapping gently in the breeze. She could almost hear Jackie’s voice in the wind, pleading with her to loan him the key. A wave of sorrow washed over Judy as she continued on.

Eventually, she reached the familiar stoop of Jenni's modest abode, her home between homes. Taking a steadying breath, Judy climbed the steps and rang the doorbell, its chime echoing loudly in the quiet morning air.

As she waited, her fingers twitched with the urge to fidget. She was almost certain now that her feelings for Jenni fit the mold of a crush, her first. That it was over a girl only made things even more confusing than they already were. But she didn’t know what to do about it yet. Part of her wanted to tell Jenni everything, to pour out her heart and let her know how deeply and passionately she felt for her. But another part was terrified of what would happen afterwards. Would Jenni wrap her arms around her and kiss her? Or would her lips curl back in disgust, leaving their friendship completely shattered? She was torn between two conflicting desires, unsure of which path to take. And all the while, the clock kept ticking.

"Hey, Judy!" Jenni's voice cut through the silence, snatching Judy back from her spiraling thoughts. There she stood, framed by the doorway, her ponytail a halo of almost-white in the dimming light, freckles scattering across her nose. The sight punched the air from Judy's lungs, leaving her grappling for words that weren't laced with confessions or apologies.

"H-hi, Jenni," Judy managed, aiming for casual but probably landing somewhere closer to awkward.

"C’mon in," Jenni urged, ushering her inside with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. It was there and then gone, like the fleeting connection of their hands—a touch that sent an inexplicable shiver down Judy's spine.

Judy stepped over the threshold, into the scatter of moving boxes and the emptiness that echoed Jenni's recent upheaval. The scent of watermelon hung heavy in the air, making her weak in the knees.

"Sorry about the mess,” Jenni apologized.

"It's cool," Judy replied, feigning interest in the nearest box labeled 'Kitchen Stuff' in hasty scrawl. "Moving's always chaotic, right?"

"Yeah, ‘specially when you gotta do it twice." Jenni kicked at a stray piece of bubble wrap, her ponytail swaying with the motion. "It's just... I can't find my Minji doll. You don’t remember what happened to it, do you? It's silly, but I kinda, like, miss it."

Judy's heart lurched, the stolen item suddenly a leaden weight on her conscience. She masked the panic with a shrug. "‘Fraid not. But I can help look for it if you want?"

"Would you?" Jenni's face brightened, a glint of hope sparking in her eyes that made Judy's insides twist.

"Of course," Judy breathed out, her voice steadier than she felt. With a notion akin to betrayal pulsing beneath her skin, she followed Jenni into the maze of memories waiting to be unearthed.

Judy trailed Jenni into the sanctum of her room, a place where secrets hovered like dust motes in the slanting light. Together, they launched into the hunt, fingers skimming over surfaces and diving into crevices with shared determination. Judy lifted pillows with a feigned casualness, peering underneath with an intensity that betrayed nothing of the turmoil brewing within.

"Could it be under here?" Jenni mused aloud, crouching to peer under the bed.

"Maybe," Judy murmured, the close quarters amplifying the sound of her heart—a frantic techno beat in the stillness. She watched as Jenni stretched on tiptoes, the ponytail's lively bounce a metronome to Judy's racing thoughts. Each sway was a siren call, pulling her deeper into a sea of longing she dared not navigate.

Stop being a gonk and tell her how you feel.

"Nothing but dust bunnies an’ old socks," Jenni announced, straightening up with a sheepish grin.

"Let's check the closet next," Judy suggested, voice steady despite the internal cacophony. They sifted through hanging clothes and boxes of forgotten trinkets, each item a testament to Jenni's life before the upheaval. Judy's hands shook slightly as she moved a box, the reality of her deceit a splinter in her mind.

"Thanks for helping me look," Jenni said, her voice full of gratitude. "It means a lot."

"Anytime," Judy replied, the words a lifeline she clung to, a shield against the tempest of emotions threatening to breach her composure. She stole every glance she could at Jenni, drinking in the sight of her—the way the fading daylight kissed her hair and the dazzling sparkle behind her eyes.

Judy felt a pang of guilt as she watched Jenni search so intently for the missing doll. She knew deep down that she was the one who had taken it, driven by a misguided attempt to get closer to the girl she was quickly falling for. But the thought of admitting her deceit filled Judy with dread, fearing it would ruin any chance she had of building a real connection with Jenni.

Finally, Jenni gave up and chewed her lip thoughtfully. “Maybe dad threw it in one of the boxes downstairs.”

Judy followed Jenni into the living room, her gaze fixed on the tangle of boxes that loomed like an urban skyline in miniature. They knelt beside a fortress of cardboard memories, each haphazardly labeled in black marker.

"Maybe it's in here," Jenni said, pointing to a box marked 'MISC.' She pried it open, revealing a jumble of items that spoke of a life once whole, now partitioned into segments of keep and discard.

Judy reached in at the same time as Jenni, her fingers grazing the other girl's in a fleeting moment of warmth. A spark ignited within her, sending electric waves up her arm. She quickly withdrew, a flush creeping up her neck, thankful for the dim lighting.

"Sorry," she muttered, more to herself than to Jenni. Her heart thrummed against her ribs, threatening to expose her secret with its unruly rhythm.

"No worries," Jenni replied, oblivious to the storm she'd stirred inside Judy. She smiled, the corners of her eyes crinkling in innocent mirth, and continued rummaging through the box.

Judy watched Jenni's hands move deftly among the detritus, her own suddenly clumsy. Thoughts whirred in her brain like a rogue AI, calculating the risk of confession. Each scenario spun out before her—best case, worst case, all ending with the potential loss of what they had.

Tell her before it’s too late.

She bit her lip, the taste of unsaid words bitter. It was safer in the silence, safer in the half-light where intentions could be shrouded in ambiguity. With a deep breath, she fortified the walls around her feelings, tucking them away behind a facade of casual indifference.

"Found anything?" Judy asked, keeping her voice level, betraying none of the emotional turbulence.

Jenni shook her head, strands of platinum hair escaping the confines of her ponytail. "Nope, just some old school projects dad saved and... is that a macaroni necklace?"

"Ha, a relic of ancient arts and crafts," Judy quipped, grateful for the diversion. A smile played on her lips, but her eyes remained vigilant, guarding the truth of her affection like a sentinel in the night.

"Classic," Jenni giggled, setting aside the childish treasure. "On to the next box?"

"Lead the way," Judy responded, a wry edge to her tone. She cast a last glance at Jenni's hand, now pulling open another carton, and followed suit, her heart still whispering what her lips dared not speak.

Judy slid a hand behind the refrigerator, her fingertips grazing cold metal and dusty pipes. She eyed Jenni, who was on her knees, peering into the dark abyss beneath the kitchen cabinets. The doll wasn't there; it wasn't anywhere, and Judy's stomach knotted tighter with every empty space they checked. Did Jenni already know?

"Maybe Minji came alive and walked away," Jenni mused.

"Or maybe she was late for a hot date," Judy offered, her words laced with a hint of sarcasm that didn't quite reach her eyes. Her gaze lingered on Jenni, taking in the determined set of her jaw, the earnest hope flickering in her sea-green eyes. She wanted nothing more than to reach out and tuck a stray lock of hair behind Jenni's ear, to gaze into her eyes and confess how she truly felt.

They rifled through drawers next, the clatter of utensils a sharp counterpoint to the silent scream in Judy's head. Tell her. Don't tell her. Each thought clashed, a binary battle in the midst of their domestic treasure hunt.

"Judy, you okay?" Jenni asked, glancing up with furrowed brows, a spatula in hand as if it were a lost artifact of some ancient culinary civilization.

"Never better," Judy lied, the words tasting of ash. "Just tryin’ to think where else that doll could be hiding."

"Ugh, I really liked that one too," Jenni sighed, replacing the spatula and leaning back against the kitchen counter. "It was, like, my last piece of childhood, y’know?"

"Childhood's overrated anyway," Judy quipped, trying to keep the conversation veering away from dangerous cliffs. She felt the weight of the lie settle in her chest, a stone sinking in deep waters.

Their search continued in silence, each drawer's disappointment like a nail in the coffin of Judy's secret. As they closed the last cupboard, the finality of their failure hung between them, heavy and unspoken.

"Huh, guess it's really gone," Jenni said, a tinge of sadness in her voice.

"Yeah, seems like it," Judy echoed, her guilt gnawing at her insides like a hungry rat. She wanted to confess, to spill every truth she had buried beneath layers of fear and passion.

"Thanks for helping me look, though," Jenni smiled, her freckles a constellation that Judy wished she could navigate by.

"Anytime," Judy replied, the smile she wore feeling more like a mask than an expression. She swallowed the bile of her regret, the stolen doll a specter that haunted the periphery of her vision.

Judy gazed out the kitchen window, watching as the sun began its slow descent towards the horizon. The once vibrant hues of the day had softened, bathing the world in a warm, golden glow.

"Let's call it a day?" Jenni suggested, stretching her arms above her head.

"Sure, day's called." Judy nodded, a dry humor coating her words.

Judy followed Jenni outside and slumped onto the weathered porch steps, her legs aching with each pulse of her racing heart. Beside her, Jenni settled down, their shoulders brushing in a silent testament to the search now behind them. As the sun dipped below the horizon, it painted the sky in hues of fading orange and purple, a beautiful masterpiece that would soon be gone.

Gut up and say something.

"Pretty, huh?" Jenni remarked, her gaze fixed on the melting colors.

"Sure is," Judy agreed, her eyes not on the sky but on the profile of the girl who unknowingly held her heart captive.

A cool breeze teased strands of hair loose from Jenni's ponytail, sending them dancing like delicate tendrils around her face. The faint scent of watermelon wafted toward Judy, tempting and sweet, just like the secret she harbored close.

"Jenni..." Judy started, the word heavy with intention. She could feel the confession teetering on the edge of her lips, ready to tip into reality. Her mind raced, thoughts a blurred mess as her heart pounded like a drum.

"Yeah?" Jenni turned, her eyes curious and open like a book waiting to be read.

"Nothing. Just... thanks for being nova about everything." Judy backpedaled, shoving her hands into her pockets, where they balled into fists of frustration at her own cowardice.

"Of course, you're my choom." Jenni smiled, unaware of the terrible agony those simple words had stirred within Judy.

"Choom," Judy echoed internally, the word a bitter pill coated in sugar. They sat there, shoulder to shoulder, as shadows grew long and the first stars began to twinkle into existence.

"Guess I should head home," Judy said after what felt like both a moment and an eternity, pushing herself up with a feigned ease that her trembling legs belied. “However much longer that’ll be.”

"‘Kay. See you tomorrow?" There was hope in Jenni's voice, a lightness that stung with a thousand 'what ifs'.

"Sure, tomorrow," Judy confirmed, managing a weak smile before turning to delta.

"G’night, Judy!" Jenni called after her, her silhouette framed by the doorway as if captured in a vignette of normalcy.

"Night," Judy tossed over her shoulder, her feet carrying her away from the house, from Jenni, and from the confessions that remained locked tight behind her teeth.

As the distance between them grew, Judy's mind replayed every glance, touch, and shared laughter with Jenni, each memory a thread weaving the tapestry of her unrequited affection. The future loomed ahead, uncertain and murky, their remaining days together ticking away like a countdown to the inevitable.

"Thanks a lot, Minji," she muttered under her breath, the pang of guilt and longing twisted together in a knot of regret. If only courage were as easy to find as a misplaced doll.

Chapter Text

Friday, July 21st, 2062 - 8:02pm

The neon lights of Night City glittered across the horizon as Judy trudged homeward, her shoes scuffing the gritty pavement. The sun had long since set, casting a blue-gray hue over the small town of Laguna Bend. The quiet roads were a stark contrast to the storm brewing inside of her, tearing through her thoughts like a hurricane.

"Gonk," she muttered to herself, replaying the moment with Jenni over and over in her head. She had been so close to telling Jenni how she felt about her that for a fleeting second, she could almost taste the confession on the tip of her tongue, sugary and sweet, like watermelon.

But the words had shriveled up, unspoken, leaving the bitter taste of self-reproach in her mouth. She shoved her hands deeper into the pockets of her shorts, trying to bury the sensation along with her cold fingers.

"Next time," she promised the flickering shadow at her feet, "I'll tell her."

Except there weren’t many next time’s left. Each day that passed felt like another layer of concrete sealing her fate. The window for confessing herself was rapidly shrinking, closing in on her like the automated doors of the cyberware shops that slammed shut when they sensed she wasn't a buyer. Time was running out and if she didn’t act soon, then by the time she finally found her courage, Jenni would be long gone.

"Tomorrow for sure," she mused aloud, the irony not lost on her that talking to herself was easier than spilling her heart to Jenni.

She could still see Jenni, her silky hair catching the glint of the setting sun, those freckles playing hide and seek across her cheeks. Judy's determination solidified; next time she saw Jenni, she'd do it. She’d confess everything—the doll, the crush, the way her heart fluttered whenever she thought of her.

Her resolve firmed, Judy picked up her pace, the thought of Jenni like a lighthouse guiding her through the encroaching night. She knew it wouldn’t be any easier tomorrow, but maybe, just maybe, Night City, her future home, might lend her some of its brazen boldness and unapologetic bravery, enough for her to say what needed to be said.

Judy's shadow stretched long and distorted on the pavement, a silent companion to her tumultuous thoughts. She could swear it was mocking her for her cowardice as she rehearsed confessions that barely made their way past her lips.

“…just wanted to tell you that I like you, like, a lot and that…no, that’s stupid…

“…I like you. A lot. Do you…y’know…shoot, I can’t say that, she’s gonna think I’m a gonk…”

“Jenni, I…oh boy, I’m in deep trouble.”

As Judy trudged along, her eyes were drawn to the familiar strobing of red and blue lights up ahead. Curious, she picked up her pace, the vivid colors dancing across the darkened facades of the surrounding homes. As she drew closer, her heart sank - a smattering of police cars were parked outside of Evelyn's house. Again.

Evelyn's house had become a regular stop for the police. In fact, Mr. Parker was on a first-name basis with most of the officers at the LBPD. Disorderly conduct, public intoxication - Evelyn had listed off the various charges on her father’s record as if they were little more than minor infractions. But something about the situation made Judy’s stomach churn with unease. Neighbors clustered at the periphery, their faces a jigsaw of concern and morbid fascination. Figures slowly drifted in and out of view, backlit by the flashing red and blue lights, their shadows morphing and stretching across the lawn.

As Judy weaved through the onlookers, she caught snatches of hushed conversations, each piece adding weight to the sinking feeling in her stomach.

“…knew something was going on…”

“…how could someone do that to their own child…”

“…hope they fry the bastard’s synapses…”

Judy’s palms grew sweaty, her heart pounding in her ears. Slowing her pace, Judy approached the edge of the property, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of what had transpired. The air was thick with tension, the usually quiet street now alive with a palpable sense of unease and dread.

"Hey! Back up, please!" A uniformed officer held up a hand just as Judy nearly breached the invisible line between public and private tragedy. His eyes were kind but firm, a silent command to retreat.

"Is—is Evelyn okay?" Judy's voice was barely above a whisper. The answer seemed to hover just out of reach, obscured by the chaos and the night.

"Sorry, can't disclose any details," came the expected response, gentle yet final.

With a resigned nod, Judy backed away, casting one last look at the house that held answers she wasn't sure she wanted to know.

Judy lingered at the periphery of the commotion, her heart pounding in tandem with the flashing police lights. Her ears strained against the cacophony of hushed whispers and static-laced radio chatter, searching for something concrete amidst the speculation.

"Suicide," a disembodied voice floated toward her, carried by the breeze of passing bodies. "Poor kid slit her own wrists... father was abusing her for years..."

Suicide.

The word snagged on the barbed wire of Judy's consciousness, each syllable a piercing confirmation of every kid’s worst fears.

Evelyn had taken her own life..

Judy’s mind raced with a thousand questions, each one more agonizing than the last. How long had this been going on? Why didn't Evelyn say anything? Why didn’t I?

Judy's eyes darted back to Evelyn's house, picturing the horrors that must have unfolded behind those closed doors. The abuse, the fear, the desperate sense of hopelessness - it was all too much for a young girl to bear, even one as strong as Evelyn. Judy's heart shattered as she imagined Evelyn's final moments, alone and terrified, driven to such a tragic end.

A shiver ran down her spine as she watched two paramedics emerge from the house, their faces set in professional neutrality. Between them, a stretcher bore the weight of a reality too heavy for words—a zippered bag where a vibrant life once thrummed.

Evelyn, whose words could sway anyone and whose smile could warm even the coldest heart, was reduced to an outline beneath stark black vinyl. Judy's throat tightened as if the bag's zipper was drawn across her own mouth. The stretcher disappeared into the back of an ambulance, the doors closing with a thud that seemed to echo in Judy's hollow chest. For a moment, she wanted to scream, to rail against the cruelty that had stolen Evelyn and shattered the fragile illusion of normalcy. But all that came out was a choked sob, lost in the night.

Judy's legs became pistons, propelling her through the dusty streets of Laguna Bend. Her mind was a storm cloud of whys and hows, each thought colliding with the next in a thunderous confusion. Evelyn's laughter, a sound so distant she struggled to remember it, echoed in Judy's ears, a haunting soundtrack to her once-vibrant sprint, the memory now forever marred by the ugly fate that had befallen her.

The world around her blurred into a kaleidoscope of neon lights and shadowy shapes as she ran, driven by a desperate need to outrun the crushing weight of grief that threatened to consume her. The air burned in her lungs, but she refused to slow down, her mind consumed by the horrific image of Evelyn's lifeless body being wheeled away.

She somehow found herself charging onto her porch and through the front door, revealing the comforting glow of her living room. She barely registered the familiar surroundings as her heart thumped with sorrowful intensity in her chest.

"Judy," her grandmother's gentle voice broke through the haze. Both of her grandparents stood there, their faces etched with concern.

"E-Evelyn," Judy choked out, the name a plea for understanding, a desperate attempt to convey the magnitude of her loss.

Judy's grandfather stepped forward, his weathered face etched with a profound sadness. "We know," he said softly, his voice gentle and soothing. "We just heard." He exchanged a pained glance with Judy's grandmother, their eyes conveying the depth of their own sorrow.

Judy's grandmother reached out to hug her, but Judy instinctively stepped back. The overwhelming weight of her grief weighed heavily on her shoulders. In a frenzy, she ran up the stairs, each step a desperate attempt to escape her emotions. Bursting into her bedroom, she barely registered the familiar posters and dolls before slamming the door shut.

Tears welled up, unbidden yet unashamed, as Judy collapsed onto her bed. She buried her face into the pillow, its muffled embrace a poor substitute for answers she'd never get.

Judy's breath came in ragged sobs, the kind that tore raw from deep within. It was as if each tear carried a piece of her fractured world, spilling out onto the synthetic fiber beneath her. Her mind replayed the same images in a vicious loop – Evelyn's lifeless form, the whispered horrors…Jenni's carefree smile.

"St-stop glitching," she breathed into the pillowcase, the words soaked up by the fabric and her own bitter sarcasm. Her best friend had just killed herself and she still couldn’t stop thinking about Jenni. What was wrong with her?

She fumbled for the switch on her bedside lamp, preferring darkness to the garish lies of light. Her room, once a haven of dreams and late-night gaming sessions, now felt like an oversized tomb.

Her body trembled, not with cold but with the sheer force of grief. The night pressed in, suffocating, relentless in its reality. Somewhere beyond the confines of her four walls, life continued unabated—the rhythmic drone of traffic, the distant laughter of other kids whose lives hadn’t been devastated, blissfully unaware or uncaring of the tragedy that had unfolded.

A gentle knock echoed through the stifling silence of Judy's bedroom. "Judy, ranita?" Her grandmother's voice, laced with concern, drifted through the door. "Your abuelo an’ I are here. Can we come in?"

Judy curled tighter into herself, burying her face deeper into the pillow.

Another knock, more insistent this time. "Por favor, Judy. Let us help you through this." Her grandfather's deep timbre joined the plea, laced with the same sorrow that weighed heavily on Judy's own soul. “You’re not alone.”

She wanted to scream, to rail against the unfairness of it all. Evelyn's death had ripped a gaping hole in her world, leaving her adrift in a sea of unanswered questions and crushing guilt. Why hadn’t she seen the signs? Why hadn’t she done more to help her?

"Guess this is growing up," Judy whispered to herself, a hollow observation to mark the passage from innocence to whatever came next. Sleep crept upon her like a thief, stealing the remnants of her will. Judy's eyes, heavy with sorrow, fluttered closed.

And there, in the grip of slumber, Judy found a fragile peace. Her chest rose and fell in the slow cadence of exhaustion, the chaos of her thoughts quieting. The pain lingered, a dull ache, but for now, the tears had ceased. In the twisted comfort of dreams, Judy clung to what remained of her shattering world, surrendering to the night as she cried herself to sleep.

Chapter Text

Sunday, July 23rd, 2062 - 12:24pm

The pews creaked under the weight of too many bodies. Judy shifted uncomfortably next to her grandparents, scanning the crowd. For a church that struggled to fill even half its seats on the best of Sundays, Evelyn's funeral drew droves. No one in Laguna Bend could resist rubbernecking at tragedy, let alone one as terrible as Evelyn’s.

Judy was once again wedged between her grandparents, her gaze fixed on the closed casket at the altar that seemed too small, too final. Her throat clenched, each breath struggling past the grief lodged in there like a shard of glass. She clenched her fists in her lap, nails digging crescents into her palms—a silent plea for composure.

Father Ibarra’s voice droned on, but Judy couldn’t anchor her thoughts to his words. They were just noise, a backdrop to the cacophony of memories that swirled within her mind—Evelyn’s laughter, the sparkle in her eyes that no amount of darkness could dim.

“…ask ourselves ‘why’? Why would God allow a child…”

A sniffle broke through the barrier Judy had erected, and she quickly turned her head, forcing her lips into a thin line. If she started crying now, she feared she might never stop.

Judy could feel her grandparents' eyes boring into her. She knew they were worried about her, and a part of her yearned for their comforting embrace, to release all the pent-up emotions swirling within. But something inside her resisted, an unexplainable stubbornness that made her tense up even more.

Focus, Judy told herself. Don’t fall apart. Not here. Not now.

But as the preacher spoke of life and loss, of tragedy and innocence, Judy's defenses crumbled, and a single tear betrayed her, trailing a hot path down her cheek. She wiped it away angrily, casting a furtive glance around in hope her grandparents hadn’t noticed.

“…loss is always painful, and when we lose a loved one or a friend, that loss is magnified…”

A sudden, choked sob drew her attention to the next row over. She saw Tom, his normally handsome face now red and blotchy, tears streaming down his cheeks, his grief raw and unashamed. Jenni sat next to him, her hand gently rubbing his shoulder, comforting him.

Jealousy flared, hot and instant. Judy grimaced. How could she be so selfish? Tom was suffering just as badly as she was…and yet, a part of her still wished it was her shoulder dampened by Jenni's consoling embrace, not Tom's. Unable to bear the sight any longer, she looked away.

She had to tell Jenni. Today. She had to finally confess the feelings she'd bottled up tighter than the watermelon perfume whose sweet scent still clung to Judy's nostrils. No more delaying, no more 'what ifs'. Before the day was over, Jenni Chapman would know how Judy Alvarez felt about her.

"The pure spirit of a child is a beacon of innocence and hope in a world often lacking both," Father Ibarra intoned, his voice a solemn drone that seemed to bounce off stained glass windows and polished pews. “And Evelyn’s spirit was especially bright.”

Judy shifted in her seat, her hands clasped so tightly in her lap that her knuckles turned white. The pure spirit of a child? Evelyn's spirit had been defiled, torn to shreds by secrecy and pain, her final moments a testament to all the suffering she had endured. Judy's throat tightened at the disconnect between Father Ibarra’s words and what she knew to be the truth.

“..that God has chosen Evelyn for a higher purpose, one we cannot hope to understand, but in his infinite wisdom, one that compels us to have faith…”

As Father Ibarra continued his eulogy, Judy's mind raced ahead, past the hollow ceremony, past the suffocating embrace of her grandparents' concern. A dark thought slithered through her mind, a venomous doubt that whispered of curses. She tried to squash it, but it coiled tighter.

Everyone she knew, everyone she had touched, seemed to slip away like sand through desperate fingers. Her mother's face flickered in her memory, a dimming light in a sea of loss. And now Evelyn and Jackie—gone because of a key, a simple piece of metal she had handed over without considering the weight of consequence. Could it be that she was the common denominator in this equation of tragedy? Was she cursed?

Judy stared at the altar, where candles flickered in the dim light, their glow too weak to chase away the shadows that clung to her thoughts. Her eyes stung with unshed tears, but she forced them back, refusing to let her grief spill over.

"We commit the spirit of Evelyn Parker to the mercy of God," Father Ibarra concluded, “And her spirit will live on in our hearts for as long as we may remember her. In his name we pray. Amen.

As the organ music swelled, signaling the end of the service, Judy quickly rose to feet and slipped past her grandmother.

"Judy?" her grandmother's concerned voice reached her, but Judy was already beyond reach, propelled forward by a newfound resolve.

She needed to escape, to find solace not in hollow platitudes but in the living warmth of someone who mattered. Someone who might just understand the tangled mess of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her.

Judy hurried out of the church, the weight of Evelyn's death still heavy on her heart. As she stepped outside, the cool afternoon air offered a brief respite, a gentle caress against her flushed cheeks. She scanned the familiar surroundings of Laguna Bend, taking in the quaint houses and small businesses lining the streets, aware that all of it would be underwater in just a few more days. Her eyes then fell upon the school next door where she saw V leaning up against one of the trailers, her usual vibrant energy replaced by a somber demeanor.

Judy hesitated, unsure whether to approach or to simply slip away unnoticed. But something drew her forward, a silent tug of compassion that compelled her to reach out. As she neared, V looked up, their eyes meeting in a moment of shared understanding.

"V," Judy murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I didn't expect to see you here."

V offered a faint, sad smile. "Wanted to be here, pay my respects to Evelyn." She paused, her gaze dropping to the ground. "Feel responsible in a way. Feel like I could’ve done more to help her, Jude. If only I’d..." Her voice trailed off, the unspoken regret hanging heavy in the air.

Judy felt her heart constrict at the sight of V's anguish. Reaching out, she gently placed a hand on V's arm, the warmth of her touch a silent offer of solace. "It's not your fault, V. Evelyn was... she was determined to find a way out, no matter what. You couldn't have changed that."

V lifted her head, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "But I should’ve tried harder, Jude. I should’ve..." She shook her head, the words catching in her throat.

Judy moved closer, her hand sliding down to grasp V's, their fingers intertwining. "You did what you could, V. Evelyn would’ve understood that." She paused, her gaze softening as she took in the delicate features of V's face. "She wouldn't want you to blame yourself. Neither would Jackie."

V's eyes widened slightly at the unexpected gesture, and for a moment, Judy saw the vulnerability that lurked beneath the surface. It was a side of V that she had rarely glimpsed, a fragility that only served to make her more captivating in Judy's eyes.

In that instant, Judy couldn't help but notice the delicate beauty of the other woman's features, the way the sunlight danced across her skin, casting a warm glow. In this moment of shared grief, Judy felt a profound connection, an understanding that transcended the pain they both carried. And for the first time, she truly saw V for who she was - not some tough-as-nails biker with a chip on her shoulder, but a girl who, like her, was struggling to make sense of the pain and loss that had suddenly come to define their lives.

As the other mourners began to depart the church, Judy's pulse raced as she realized this could be her last chance to open her heart to Jenni. She turned to V, wanting to offer one final gesture of support, but found herself captivated by the vulnerability she glimpsed in the other woman's eyes.

Overcome with a sudden, powerful empathy, Judy gently squeezed V's hand. The simple touch sent a jolt of electricity through her, a connection that transcended words. V's eyes glistened with unshed tears, and Judy ached to take her into her arms, to offer whatever comfort she could.

But Jenni beckoned, an unspoken siren's call that Judy found impossible to resist.

“I gotta go,” Judy said, slipping her hand out of V’s, the girl’s cold fingers seeming to cling to her own.

V managed a small smile, though it was tinged with sadness. “See ya.”

With a wistful glance and a murmured goodbye, Judy set off in search for Jenni. Judy knew, with a conviction that burned in her very soul, that Jenni felt the same way about her. After all, how else could she explain the magnetic bond between them? All the moments they had shared?

Jenni was her destiny, her soulmate, the missing piece that would make her whole. Determination burned in her chest as she promised herself to open up to Jenni completely, baring her heart and soul without reservation.

The risk was worth it for the chance at true love.

Chapter Text

Sunday, July 23rd, 2062 - 2:37pm

Judy's feet throbbed with each step as she combed through the winding streets of Laguna Bend. She checked every cranny, from dark alleyways to dumpsters, her voice growing scratchy as she called out Jenni's name again and again. The town was small, but she searched every inch, fueled by intense regret that she didn't confess her true feelings to Jenni at the service. Her desperation drove her on, determined to find her friend who had disappeared without a trace.

"Where is she?" Judy muttered to herself, frustration lacing her voice.

She had checked everywhere - the church, the school, even Tom’s house. There was no sign of Jenni – not even a whisper of her laughter or the echo of her habitual "like" peppering a sentence.

In an instant, her eyes grew wide with realization. "The reservoir!" Judy exclaimed, the word breaking through her confusion like a laser through synthetic skin. She scolded herself for not considering it earlier. It was the obvious choice, the place where their friendship had evolved into something deeper.

As Judy made her way to the reservoir, the sky began to darken ominously. Thick, billowing clouds rolled in, casting an eerie, ominous glow over the already desolate landscape. The scent of impending rain and electricity permeated the air, mixing with the musty smell of damp earth and ozone, a dark omen of the storm to come.

Judy quickened her pace, her heart pounding with a mixture of urgency and trepidation. The reservoir was still several blocks away, but she could feel the electricity building in the atmosphere, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. A distant rumble of thunder echoed across the city, a low, rumbling warning of the fury to come.

As the reservoir came into view, her gaze was drawn to the towering dam that held back the churning currents. The concrete structure, once a cause for joy and celebration, loomed over the landscape, a grim reminder of the impending doom that would soon consume their home. She scanned the area, heart hitching at every shadow – until there, on the dock, a lone figure sat gazing into the depths below.

Jenni.

Judy slowed, a mix of hope and dread tightening in her chest. This was it, the moment she'd replayed in her mind a thousand times, each fantasy ending with Jenni returning her feelings, with them kissing and finding solace in each other amidst the chaos of their changing lives. All she had to do was tell her how she-

Suddenly, another figure materialized from the shadows—a glitch in the perfect image. Tom, with his easy smile and careless charm, sat inches from Jenni, their shoulders brushing. Judy's footsteps faltered, her pulse stuttering in betrayal.

Judy watched in agony as Jenni turned to Tom, her plush lips parting in a seductive smile that was meant for him and him alone. And then it happened- Jenni leaned in towards Tom, their lips meeting in a tender yet passionate kiss that tore through Judy's heart like a jagged knife.

The world shifted beneath Judy's feet as she witnessed the tender exchange. Her breath caught in her throat, a lump forming that threatened to choke her. This couldn't be happening - not after all they had been through together. The lingering touches, the meaningful glances...she was certain it all meant something deeper on Jenni's end too.

But now, she could no longer deny the harsh truth playing out before her eyes. Jenni's fingers tenderly caressed Tom's jaw as their kiss deepened, full of undeniable passion and longing. A strangled sound escaped Judy's lips as she watched the one she loved surrender herself to another.

She had been such a fool, convincing herself that Jenni felt the same way. The signs had been there all along – the way Jenni was always talking about him, stalking him wherever he went like a shadow. Judy had chosen to ignore them, desperate to cling to her hope. And now that too had been taken from her.

The rumble of thunder rolled across the reservoir, mirroring the turmoil raging within Judy's chest. With a choked sob muffled by her fist, Judy turned around and ran away as fast as she could, stinging tears blurring her vision as she tried to outrun her heartbreak.

Judy's legs moved of their own accord, carrying her away from the scene that had shattered the delicate hope she'd harbored. The fort—her last remaining sanctuary—beckoned her like an old friend, promising the solace of its shadowy embrace. As soon as she was inside, Judy collapsed against the cold metal wall, knees drawn tight to her chest.

As sobs wracked her body, images of Evelyn's smile and Jackie's defiant gaze swirled in her mind, now just ghosts lingering in memories. They were gone—just like the future she had imagined with Jenni.

"Figures," Judy choked out between tears. "Everyone deltas or dies, and I—I'm just..." She gasped for air, her breath hitching as reality settled upon her like a net woven from strands of loss and unrequited love.

A tangle of emotions knotted in her throat, each one a reminder of her solitude: moving away, leaving everything familiar behind, losing Evelyn, and now, Jenni—sweet Jenni with her watermelon scent and golden hair—lost to her before she ever had the chance to say the words burning inside her.

"Great, Judy. Just fuckin’ great," she muttered bitterly, a wry laugh escaping her lips despite the tears streaming down her face. "You finally fall for someone…and she’s straight an’ couldn’t care less about you. You stupid freak.”

In the silence of the fort, Judy's laughter died away, leaving only the echo of her pain. Alone, with the weight of her world collapsing around her, Judy allowed herself to cry for all that had been and all that would never be.

The scent of dust and old dreams permeated the air as Judy's fingers clenched into fists, her knuckles whitening against the wooden beams of the fort. The structure that once stood as a bastion of childhood fantasies now seemed like a mocking reminder of a life that was slipping through her grasp.

"Stupid... stupid..." she muttered, the words fracturing with each labored breath.

She grabbed at the posters adorning the walls, the ones that had been her silent companions through countless days spent playing inside of its rusty innards. They ripped easily, too easily, like the fragile hope that had brought her to Jenni's side earlier in the day. The tearing sound was almost cathartic, each rip a tiny echo of her inner turmoil.

"Who plays in a fucking fort?" she spat, her voice tinged with self-derision. "Grow up, Judy. You’re so fucking stupid!"

A guttural cry erupted from her throat as she tore the fort apart with her bare hands, tearing down with it the last remnants of her innocence. With every piece of the fort that fell, so did a piece of Judy's heart.

"Everything's falling apart," she whispered, her voice hoarse from screaming. She wasn't sure if she meant the fort or her life. Maybe there was no difference anymore.

She finally collapsed amidst the destruction, her body trembling as great sobs wracked her body. Her tears soaked into the dirt floor, mixing with the debris of her sanctuary. Judy cried until there were no more tears left, until the sobs turned into quiet whimpers, and then into nothing at all.

Hours passed—how many, she couldn't say. The rain began as a soft patter against the remnants of the fort, each droplet like a gentle percussion atop the splintered wood and tattered posters strewn about. As the downpour intensified, the rhythmic thrumming grew louder, as if nature itself was serenading Judy's sorrow with its own melancholic symphony.

She remained motionless amidst the wreckage, her body numb and her mind a whirlwind of anguish. The rain seeped through the cracks, dampening her clothes and matting her hair against her tear-stained cheeks. But Judy barely registered the chill, her focus trapped in the endless loop of Jenni's lips pressed against Tom's, the image seared into her brain like a brand.

Eventually, the rain petered out and the sun emerged just in time to dip below the horizon, leaving a palette of intense purples and blues in its wake. But the vibrant colors of the evening sky offered no comfort to Judy.

She stood, legs unsteady, and surveyed the carnage. The fort was gone, obliterated by her own hand. It felt like a fitting end—a ruin to match her heart. Unsure of what else to do or where else to go, Judy trudged home, her steps heavy with exhaustion and defeat.

The walk home passed in a blur, Judy's mind numb and her body moving almost of its own accord. The familiar streets and houses she had known her whole life melted into an indistinguishable smear of colors and shapes. Normally every crack in the sidewalk, every building held a memory - but not tonight. Tonight the world around her held no meaning, no context. It simply existed while she simply existed within it, two separate entities just briefly occupying the same space.

Judy felt utterly detached, as if she were floating outside of herself, watching her own leaden footsteps carry her mourning form down the street, up the steps of the porch, finally coming to a stop just outside the front door. Her wrist waved mechanically through the air, passing in front of the biomon, causing the door to slide open. Judy plodded inside, her shadow stretching long and distorted across the living room. Her grandparents were sitting on the couch, their faces etched with worry.

"Judy," her grandmother's voice broke through the stillness, the underlying tremble betraying her calm exterior. Her grandfather sat beside her, his eyes soft and brimming with a silent understanding that words could never convey.

Judy's legs trembled as her grandparents rose from the couch, their welcoming arms outstretched. A strangled sob escaped her lips before she crumpled into their embrace, her defenses finally shattering. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks, soaking into the soft fabric of her grandmother's blouse as she clung to them desperately.

Her grandmother extended her arms, an offer of refuge. The gesture was simple, but it was enough. It was more than enough. Judy stumbled forward, the last vestiges of her composure slipping away like sand through desperate fingers. She collapsed into the open embrace, a maelstrom of sobs wracking her frame.

"Shh, my dear ranita, it's going to be okay," her grandmother whispered, stroking Judy's hair with hands that carried the map of a lifetime's labor and love.

All the turmoil, the anguish, the heartbreak Judy had bottled up for weeks came pouring out in ragged gasps. She wept for Jenni and the love that could never be, for Evelyn whose light had been extinguished far too soon, for Jackie who would never get the chance to make his dreams come true, for the exodus of her closest friends. But most of all, she cried for herself - for the death of her innocence and the harsh realities of growing up that she was ill-prepared to face.

"Everything's jus’ so messed up," Judy managed between gasps, her voice a raw scrape against the silence.

"Life can be messy," her grandfather added, his voice a gravelly echo of warmth, "but we'll clean it up together, Jude."

For the first time since the ground beneath her life had cracked and splintered, Judy allowed herself to believe those words. As she clung to her grandmother, the scent of aged jasmine perfume enveloped her—a scent that spoke of childhood summers and simpler times.

“Come,” her grandmother said softly, her touch gentle yet unwavering. “Let’s get you cleaned up.”

"S’pose I do look like a disaster," Judy said, a wry smile tugging at her lips despite the tears that still flowed. It wasn't humor that would make anyone laugh, but it was a start—a crack of light in the darkness.

And for that moment, fragile as it was, Judy felt the weight of the world lift just enough for her to catch her breath. It wouldn't be easy, none of it would, but with her grandparents' arms around her, Judy found the strength to believe that maybe, just maybe, things would be okay.

Somehow.

Chapter Text

Sunday, July 23rd, 2062 - 9:37pm

The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting a pale glow across Judy's bedroom. Her grandmother's hands, trembling with the gentle signs of age, pulled the blanket up to Judy's chin with practiced care. The fabric whispered against the edges of her bed—a sound that had become a lullaby in its own right.

"You sleep well, Jude," her grandfather said, his voice a low rumble softened by affection. He planted a kiss on her forehead, the stubble of his evening shadow brushing like bristling grass against her skin.

Judy nodded, her eyes wide and reflective, still processing the chaotic whirlwind of emotions that had swept through her. An odd sense of relief had finally settled in her stomach, a welcome end to what had been a tumultuous day.

"Goodnight, abuelo," she managed after a beat, her voice barely above a whisper.

Her grandparents exchanged a look—a silent communication honed over decades—before her grandfather retreated, his steps reticent and echoing softly down the stairs. Judy watched him go before turning her attention to her grandmother who remained seated on the edge of her bed.

"Abuela?" Judy’s question cut through the silence, abrupt and unfiltered like the glitching advertisements flashing from the buildings afar.

Her grandmother paused, hand still on the blanket, and looked down at her with an expression that was unreadable yet open. "Si?"

"What... what was my mom like?" The words spilled out, raw and needy, seeking an anchor in the shifting sands of her identity.

Her grandmother's eyes softened, the corners crinkling with the memory of smiles long past. "Your mother," she started, her voice a bridge across generations, "she was—"

Her voice cracked, eyes glistening with unshed tears. Judy could see the emotions playing across her face - a bittersweet mixture of joy and sorrow, love and loss.

"Your mother," she continued, voice threaded with warmth, "had a smile that could light up even the darkest alleyway. And these eyes of yours—" She tapped gently under Judy's eye. "They're hers. She loved you, Judy, more than life itself."

“Do you miss her?”

A melancholic smile playing across her grandmother’s weathered face. Judy watched, transfixed, as her grandmother's eyes seemed to gaze into some distant reverie. “Si, sometimes.”

Judy felt a lump form in her throat as her grandmother spoke, the words painting a vivid picture of the mother she had never truly known and the daughter they hadn’t known long enough.

"Sometimes..." Judy hesitated, gnawing at her lip. "I think I remember her. We were splashing around in a tub. Just... laughing." The memory shimmered like a reflection in a puddle—there, but elusive.

A flash of recognition flickered behind her grandmother's eyes. "I have something to show you. Wait here," she said, patting Judy's hand before rising from the bed.

Judy watched, confused, as her grandmother left the room, her steps slightly hurried. She could hear muffled sounds from downstairs, like her grandmother was rummaging through something. After a few minutes that felt like an eternity to Judy's curious mind, her grandmother returned, clutching her antiquated holo in her hand.

"Come, see," she beckoned, settling back down on the bed and patting the spot next to her. Judy sat up and scooted closer, her eyes fixed on the holo. With a swipe of her finger, her grandmother pulled up a video. Judy's eyes widened in amazement as her mother suddenly came to life.

The woman's big brown eyes sparkled with love and mischief as she gently washed the wriggling toddler in a frothy bath. Judy couldn't tear her gaze away from the mesmerizing scene, entranced by the way the water droplets clung to their skin like tiny jewels. Her mother's infectious laughter seemed to reach beyond the pixels, hinting at a joy so pure it transcended memory.

"See?" her grandmother whispered, her voice nearly lost in the sound of their laughter. "You were her world, Judy."

The image flickered, casting moving shadows across Judy's face. A tightness radiated across Judy’s chest—a strange amalgam of sorrow for what was missed and elation for the glimpse into her past. She reached out and touched the screen, her fingertips grazing across it, never quite touching the moment that was both hers and not hers at all.

"Mama..." Judy breathed, the word a bridge between generations.

"There's more."

With a few taps, Judy’s HUD lit up with an influx of memories sent her way—an entire album's worth of videos and photos.

"I'm sorry, nieta," her grandmother continued, the lines on her face deepening with a frown. "I've been trying so hard to steer you towards the future, I forgot to let you hold onto the past."

Judy wanted to say something profound, to articulate the tumult inside her as elegantly as a poet might, but she struggled to find the words. Instead, she traced a finger along the seam of the blanket her grandmother had stitched together, a patchwork of geometric shapes that felt more orderly than her own thoughts.

"Growing up... it's a lot harder than I thought it’d be," Judy murmured, almost to herself.

“It is,” her grandmother lamented, the shadows of her own adolescence playing out around the edges of her eyes. “I should’ve listened to you earlier. It’s hard being a parent, never knowing if you’re doing the right thing, never knowing when you’ll be ready to put down your dolls so you can pick something else up.”

Judy chewed on her bottom lip, the images from the holo still flickering behind her eyelids—whispers of a past she could only graze with her fingertips. They stirred something deep within her, a confession blooming from the chaos.

"Abuela…I think I'm—" The words tumbled out, an avalanche she couldn't stop.

"Shh," her grandmother interjected gently, placing a weathered hand over Judy's. "Whatever you are, you're beautiful. Your mother would be bursting with pride. And so am I."

Judy's chest tightened, and she blinked rapidly, fighting back the well of tears threatening to spill down her cheeks. Her grandmother pulled her into a warm embrace, enveloping her in a blanket of acceptance. Judy melted into her arms, feeling truly seen and understood for the very first time. The holo images continued to flicker around them, bathing them in a kaleidoscope of colors and memories.

"Just promise me you won’t get any tattoos." Her grandmother quipped with a gentle squeeze.

"I promise," Judy giggled, suddenly free of the weight she had carried upon her shoulders.

Judy smiled as her grandmother leaned down and planted a soft, lingering kiss on her forehead before tucking her back into bed, cocooning her in warmth and love.

"Goodnight, Judy." Her grandmother's voice was soft as she stood and made her way towards the door, leaving an echo of reassurance in her wake. “I love you.”

"I love you too, abuela," Judy whispered back, feeling more content than she had in ages.

The door clicked softly behind her grandmother, the faint thud of footsteps descending into the quiet hum of the house below. Judy lay motionless for a moment, the gravity of the conversation still pulling upon her. She then grabbed her holo off the nightstand and pulled up the video her grandmother had shown her. Her mother's eyes were a ghostly reflection of her own, the resemblance uncanny even through the digital shimmer.

Judy traced the outline of her mother’s face with a tentative finger, the cool light playing against her skin. How strange it was to see the love in those eyes, a love meant for her, trapped forever in pixels and data. She bit her lip, a surge of mixed emotions churning within her—nostalgia for memories barely grasped, gratitude for the connection she had just formed, sorrow for what would never be.

And there was relief, too, almost guilty in its intensity. The secret she'd held tight within her chest had found the beginnings of release, not in the words she'd planned but in the acceptance spoken by her grandmother. No admonitions, no shock—just the quiet acknowledgment of her truth.

"Beautiful," she whispered to the empty room, her voice steady despite the tumult inside her. It wasn't an affirmation or a question but a simple fact—one that seemed less daunting in the solitude of her bedroom.

Judy nestled deeper into the covers, the holo still cradled in her hands, the tinny sound of their laughter muffled in the sheets. It was a tether to her past, a glimpse of a mother's love, and a bridge to an uncertain but hopeful future.

"G’night, mom," she murmured to the image, feeling the closeness of her mother's presence in the silent communion of the night.

The mattress embraced her form, contours yielding to the curve of her spine, the bend of her knees—the physical manifestation of security. And as her consciousness ebbed, she realized that she was not just the sum of her parts or the secrets she harbored. She was Judy—complex, evolving, and real.

In the shifting shadows, her chest rose and fell with a rhythm steady and sure. Her heart, once racing with the thrill of revelation, now settled into a calm cadence, each beat a silent affirmation of her worth.

And finally, with a last flicker of resistance, Judy surrendered to sleep, her dreams waiting to weave tales of a girl who was content, unapologetically herself, and perhaps for the first time, truly aware of her place in the world.

Judy nodded, the ghost of a smile tracing her lips. Her eyelids fluttered as the weight of sleep tugged at her, pulling her beneath its current. And in that twilight space between waking and dreaming, she felt the love her mother left behind—a beacon in the night.

Chapter Text

Monday, July 24th, 2062 - 11:33am

The piles of clothes and belongings scattered across Judy's bedroom floor seemed to mock her. Empty spaces on the shelves and walls glared back at her, devoid of the posters and toys that used to adorn them. She sighed, shoving her Tainted Overlord t-shirt into the half-zipped duffel bag. Only two more days in this place she had called home for thirteen years.

Thirteen. It was official - she was a teenager now. Judy flopped down on her bed, feeling a strange melancholy settle over her. Just a couple weeks ago she was still a carefree kid, her biggest worry being what to do with all her spare time. But now everything felt different, more serious and uncertain somehow.

Judy's gaze landed on the lone item left untouched - Jenni's doll, Minji, sitting upright on the windowsill. A pang of sadness twisted in her chest. She should return it before they all went their separate ways.

Crossing the room, Judy scooped up the doll, cradling it against her chest. The scent of Jenni's watermelon perfume still clung to the yarn hair. A tiny smile played across Judy's lips as she clutched the doll tighter.

"I'll get you home before we all scatter like bytes to the wind," she murmured, brushing her thumb over the doll's painted cheek. "Can't havin’ you stickin’ around like some sort of weird souvenir." A wry chuckle escaped her lips, despite the gloomy weight in her heart.

Judy stuffed the doll into her backpack. Tomorrow she'd track down Jenni and-

The doorbell rang downstairs, followed by her grandmother's gravelly voice. "Judy! You've got a visitor!"

Furrowing her brow, Judy bounded down the stairs and joined her grandmother by the door. Her jaw went slack.

"Maiko? What are you doing here?"

Maiko shifted her weight uncomfortably, her arms wrapped so tightly around her chest Judy was afraid she might choke herself. She avoided meeting Judy's inquisitive stare.

"Can we...talk outside?" Maiko's voice was barely above a mumble.

Judy blinked, surprised by the lack of Maiko's usual bravado. She gave a slight nod and carefully stepped out onto the cracked concrete stoop, allowing the door to slide shut behind her.

An awkward silence stretched between them. Judy studied the other girl, taking in the dark circles under her eyes and her disheveled appearance. This wasn't the immaculately put-together Maiko who used to torment her every chance she got. Something had changed.

Finally, Maiko drew in a shaky breath. "I, uh...I heard about Evelyn. M’sorry."

Judy’s eyes widened in disbelief. Sympathy from her former bully was the last thing she expected. Still, the raw emotion in Maiko's voice, her solemn demeanor, gave Judy pause.

"Thanks, I guess..." She searched Maiko's downcast face. "Why the sudden concern?"

A muscle ticked in Maiko's jaw and her gaze remained stubbornly fixed on a point over Judy's shoulder. When she finally spoke, her words came out in a tumbled rush.

"Look, I know I was a mega bitch to you. Like, ultra mega-bitch level. You didn't deserve it." She risked a glance at Judy, mouth twisting in a self-deprecating smirk. "I was just...shit, I don't even know…jealous, probably."

Judy's jaw dropped at the confession. Maiko, Miss Perfect herself, had been jealous of her? That made zero sense. Why would she have been jealous of her?

She opened her mouth, a biting retort on her lips, but Maiko barreled on, squaring her shoulders as if bracing herself.

"I...I had a crush on you, okay?” Maiko confessed, a hint of pink rising to her pale cheeks. “Like a massive, stupid crush. And I didn't know how to deal with it. Didn’t know how to deal with being…doesn’t matter. Point is, I lashed out instead."

The words hung in the air, leaving Judy stunned into silence. All her preconceptions about her former tormentor shattered in an instant. She studied Maiko with new eyes, seeing the vulnerability barely concealed beneath the other girl's bravado.

As the shock slowly settled in, a twinge of empathy unfurled within Judy's chest. She thought of Jenni, her blonde ponytail swishing as she splashed Tom in the reservoir. The way her blood had boiled, the searing rage she had felt towards Tom. Was that how Maiko had felt towards her this entire time?

The realization was like a punch to the gut, stealing Judy's breath. She had always assumed Maiko's motivations stemmed from pettiness or a misguided sense of superiority. But now, faced with the unfiltered vulnerability behind those dark eyes, Judy suddenly had a much better understanding of Maiko's inner turmoil.

Judy swallowed hard against the sudden dryness in her throat. "I...I had no idea."

A tight, self-mocking smile played across Maiko's lips. "Yeah, well, that was the whole point, wasn’t it?”

Judy understood all too well. You couldn’t have a crush on someone without bottling up your feelings inside. That was exactly what a crush was - secret desire.

Giving herself a mental shake, Judy refocused on Maiko. "Well...thanks, I guess. For the apology."

Maiko nodded, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. An awkward beat passed before she spoke again. "Anyways, I should get going. My mom’s almost done packing."

"Oh, right..." Judy hesitated, tamping down her curiosity. "Where are you guys headed?"

Something like a genuine smile ghosted across Maiko's face. “Kabuki district. Mom landed herself a gig at Megabuilding H8.”

Judy couldn't quite suppress her surprise. "No way, that's like a half-hour tops from where we’re moving."

One elegant brow arched. "You don’t say? Maybe we could, y'know..." Maiko shrugged, a flush tingeing her cheeks. "Hang out sometime?"

Yikes. Although Judy was relieved that Maiko wasn’t acting like an ‘ultra mega bitch’ to her any longer and could sympathize with what Maiko had been going through, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of unease. Maiko had made her life a living nightmare and regardless of her underlying motivations, that wasn’t something to be swept under the rug.

Judy forced a smile, her gaze faltering as she avoided Maiko’s hopeful gaze. "I dunno…maybe," she replied evasively.

A subtle frown tugged at Maiko’s lips. “‘Kay. Well, guess I'll see you around, Alvarez."

With that, Maiko turned and strode off down the sidewalk, her cheap heels scuffing up little puffs of dust. Judy watched Maiko disappear around the corner before letting out a long sigh. So much was changing, and so quickly. In just a couple of days, her entire world would be turned upside down. Her friends would all be gone and the only place she had ever called home, Laguna Bend, would be underwater.

Memories came flooding back of her childhood spent wandering these fading streets with Tom at her side. She had wasted away countless sun-drenched days with him exploring abandoned lots, scaling rusty chain-link fences, and emerging victorious in street hockey matches against the other kids. He had always been there, the one constant in her life other than her grandparents. Could she say the same?

Judy suddenly realized she couldn't recall the last time they'd really hung out, just the two of them. Ever since spring, an unbridgeable distance had slowly grown between them. She had blamed it on Tom at first, his odd behavior acting like a wedge. But lately, she was so wrapped up in her own dramas - namely, her ill-fated infatuation with Jenni - that she'd neglected her oldest friend. She hadn’t even comforted him at Evelyn’s funeral. What kind of friend was she?

Propelled by a sudden surge of determination, Judy turned and set off down the road at a brisk clip. She had to make things right with Tom before it was too late. He’d given her an entire childhood’s worth of memories and friendship. It was the least she could do in return.

Everywhere Judy looked, the residents of Laguna Bend were packing up their lives into boxes and suitcases, getting ready to abandon the town before the floodgates opened.

Trucks and vans lined the streets, their engines rumbling as families loaded up furniture and belongings. Cardboard boxes spilled out onto the driveways, their contents haphazardly strewn about - old toys, books, precious belongings gathering a thin veneer of dust. Curtains hung askew in open windows, fluttering in the hot breeze like tattered ghosts.

It was a bizarre, almost post-apocalyptic scene.

Tom's place squatted at the end of a cul-de-sac only a couple of blocks away from where Evelyn had lived. Despite its weathered exterior and peeling paint, it was evident that Tom's dad had done his best to maintain the property. The front yard, though overgrown with weeds, was neatly mowed, and the garage, though leaning slightly and overflowing with tools, had been recently repainted a cheerful shade of blue.

As Judy approached, she saw Tom emerge from the front door, carrying a large cardboard box that looked to be overflowing with books and knickknacks. His wiry arms strained under the weight as he carefully made his way down the porch steps. Beads of sweat glistened on his brow in the scorching summer heat.

Tom's dad's battered pickup truck was parked haphazardly on the curb, its rusted red exterior clashing with the idyllic suburban homes that lined the street. The truck bed was already piled high with boxes and furniture, a jumbled assortment of their lives being crammed into the confines of the vehicle. An old sofa missing a cushion teetered precariously on top.

“Tom!” Judy called out to him, waving excitedly.

Tom's face lit up even as he struggled to hoist the box into the truck, finally heaving it over with a loud grunt. “There ya are! Thought you mighta skipped town without—"

Judy pulled him into a hug, cutting him off before he could finish his sentence. A strange feeling came over her as she felt Tom’s arms wrapping around her uncertainly, a bittersweet realization that they really were growing up. In all the years she had known him, Judy had never once hugged Tom. But in that moment, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

"Like I'd delta without sayin’ goodbye to my best choom."

Judy felt Tom’s arms tighten and she smiled. Aware that he was sweating profusely, she let him go and took a step back.

“C’mon,” he said, gesturing towards the door. “Let’s get inside before we overheat.”

Judy nodded gratefully and followed Tom up the sagging porch steps to the front door. As she stepped inside, she was struck by how empty and barren the house felt. The living room was completely devoid of furniture, just an empty space with faded outlines on the worn carpet where the couch and armchairs used to sit.

Just like her own house.

“Shit’s bonkers, innit?” Tom remarked, his eyes darting about the empty living room about like ping-pong balls. “Can’t believe it’s really comin’ to an end.”

Judy nodded in agreement, doing her best to ignore the tightness in her chest. “When do you delta?”

“Tomorrow morning, bright an’ early.” Tom rolled his eyes. “Two days on the road with my dad. Can’t believe I’m sayin’ this, but m’gonna miss Laguna Bend. Somethin’ tells me Chicago ain’t all it’s cracked up to be.”

A heavy silence hung in the air as Tom's words sank in. Judy felt a pang of sadness knowing their friendship as they knew it was rapidly drawing to a close. She cleared her throat, steeling herself to broach the sensitive topic weighing on her mind while trying to find the right words.

"So...about Evelyn..." Judy began hesitantly. "M’sorry I wasn't there for you yesterday, at the funeral. I wanted to be, but..." Her voice trailed off as the guilt resurfaced.

Judy recognized the glazed expression on Tom's face. It was the same, vacant look she’d seen cross his face a thousand times before. She waited patiently for his brain to catch up to her words until his eyes suddenly cleared.

“Oh!” Tom waved her concerns away like they were nothing. “Don’t sweat it. I was such a wreck yesterday you could’ve hit me with a dump truck and I wouldn’t’ve noticed.”

Judy forced a chuckle. She knew Tom was deflecting. Evelyn's death had clearly shaken him to his core, a fact that was reflected by the way his eyes darkened.

"Just can’t wrap my head around it," he said, his voice low and somber, "Can’t believe she’s…y’know…gone.”

Judy nodded, blinking back the tears that word had unexpectedly drawn. "Yeah. Keep tryin’ to figure out why she did what she did. Like, I get what was happening to her…least I do now…but, I dunno. I don’t know why she didn’t tell us.”

Tom sighed heavily, running a hand through his tousled hair. "Maybe she thought we couldn’t handle it.”

“Maybe,” Judy considered, thinking back to the last time she had seen Evelyn. “Or maybe she just wanted to feel normal and we were her way of doin’ that. I just wish she would’ve told us. I could’ve…”

Judy’s voice trailed off, the words dying on her lips as she realized the futility of them. There was nothing she could have done for Evelyn. Her problems were too big for a twelve year-old girl to solve. Sure, she could have told someone, maybe bought her a little time, but the damage had already been done.

Realizing that Tom was on the verge of tears again, Judy reached out and gave his arm a comforting squeeze, determined not to make the same mistake as she had yesterday. “She loved us. I know that much. Why else would she hang out with a bunch of gonks like us?”

"Yeah," Tom agreed, cracking a small smile even as voice wavered. "I just wish we could’ve told her we loved her too.”

Judy nodded solemnly, aware that there was greater meaning in Tom’s words than he’d intended. That even though his antics were annoying and he had somehow stolen Jenni’s affections away from her, she still loved Tom as a friend, and while he didn’t say it, she could tell from the look on his face that he loved her too. And that was enough. Sometimes, expressing feelings out loud deprived them of their meaning. Sometimes, it was best to leave the important things unsaid.

She and Tom stood in silence for a long time, the weight of their grief hanging heavily over them both. After a while, Judy cleared her throat, realizing there wasn’t much else to say about Evelyn. As much as she wanted to, she couldn't change the past. It was time to focus on the future.

Even if she wasn’t going to be a part of it.

"So, you and Jenni..." Judy hated how small her voice sounded. "You two gonna try the long distance thing?"

For a moment, Tom simply stared at her, jaw working. Finally, he sighed, shoulders slumping.

"Probably not. We only kissed yesterday, and- wait a sec, how’d you know ‘bout us?”

“Saw you guys by the reservoir,” Judy admitted, her insides twisting with a painful medley of sympathy and bitter jealousy. She pushed it down, nodding.

“Oh,” Tom said. “Well, I don’t think we’re cut out for a long distance romance.”

"C’mon, you two can make it work if you really want to." The words tasted like week-old SCOP, but she powered through with a forced smile. "Jus’ gotta put in the effort, right?"

Tom only snorted a laugh, shooting her a knowing look. "Judy, I'm thirteen and I'm moving halfway across the country tomorrow. I ain’t exactly Romeo.”

He turned away, his eyes scanning the empty living room before him. Judy bit her lip, digging her hands into her pockets. Part of her was relieved she'd never have to watch them be a couple right under her nose. The rest ached for him - and for herself.

When Tom turned back around, Judy saw a hint of the man he would one day become. She imagined the life Tom would lead, growing up in Windy City, knocking all the ladies dead if his ADHD didn't bore them to tears first. Maybe he would open a repair shop like the one his father owned. A mischievous smile tugged at her lips as she imagined a middle-aged Tom klepping tools out from under his elderly father’s nose, always the thief.

Judy wasn’t sure who hugged who. All she knew was that this time, there wasn’t a scrap of awkwardness between them, only a silent acknowledgement that no matter what happened, they would always remain friends.

"I'll miss you, Judy," Tom murmured into her hair. "Keep in touch, ‘kay?"

Judy squeezed her eyes shut, pressing her face into his shoulder. She willed the moment to stretch on forever, to stave off the goodbye rapidly bearing down on them. But finally, she pulled back, blinking rapidly to dispel the gathering wetness in her eyes.

"You too, Tom." She punched his arm lightly, aiming for a casual, teasing tone that ended up sounding thick and strained. "Ya gonk.”

Tom chuckled, the lines at the corners of his eyes deepening in an effortless and utterly charming manner. Judy's heart clenched with both joy and sadness. She was really going to miss him.

She forced a wobbly smile. "I better get goin’,” Judy said, forcing a wobbly smile to her face. “Still got tons of packin’ left to do."

Tom nodded, seeming to sense her need for a hasty exit. "‘Kay." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "I'll, uh, message you when we get settled in. See ya?"

"See ya."

With a final smile, Judy hurried out the front door before the tears in her eyes could spill over. She didn’t dare to look back, knowing that if she did, she would end up a blubbering mess on his porch.

The walk back home did little to calm the storm of emotions swirling through Judy's chest. She couldn't help but dwell on all the times she had spent with Tom over the years. All those little moments she’d taken for granted, the ones that had cemented their friendship. They now felt like landmines, each memory only serving as a painful reminder of what she was losing.

They would keep in touch for a while, she knew, texting each other at odd hours and sharing pics on their socials. But in time, they would go their separate ways. Like the myriad of junctions at the train station, their paths would steadily diverge from one another. New friends would come into their lives, pulling them further and further apart until the angst and pain of their separation was nothing more than a distant memory.

As Judy drew closer to home, her thoughts eventually turned to Jenni. Maybe confessing her feelings to her wasn’t such a good idea after all. Nothing would change, and the last she wanted to do was lose another friend. But she also couldn't keep the truth hidden any longer. What good was a friendship if it was based on a lie? No, she had to go through with it, even if she didn’t want to.

With a deep breath, Judy pulled out her holo and tapped out a message to Jenni.

Judy: Hey, u got a sec to talk? Kinda need to get something off my chest before u delta.

She hit send before she could overthink it. A few agonizing minutes ticked by before the response came.

Jenni: <3: OMG, hi Judy! I'm actually like sooo swamped rn packing up the last of my stuff 😩 But I can swing by your place tomorrow if that works?

Judy's stomach twisted into a fresh knot as she typed back.

Judy: Sure, tomorrow's good. But meet me at the reservoir, not my place.

Her thumbs hesitated over the keypad, desperate for something more to say. But the words remained stubbornly elusive. With a frustrated sigh, Judy hit send and pocketed her holo.

To hell with it. If she was going to go out, she might as well go out in style. It was what Jackie would’ve done.

Chapter Text

Tuesday, July 25th, 2062 - 12:09pm

The sun beat down on the shimmering surface of the reservoir, making it look like a giant mirror. Judy paced nervously along the water's edge, her pulse hammering in her throat. The backpack on her shoulders felt impossibly heavy, like it was filled with bricks instead of just a stolen doll.

She knew she had to tell Jenni today, before the raging flood waters carried away her one chance. The urgency of the moment weighed heavily on her mind as she struggled to find the right words. But like a tangled mess of monowire, her thoughts seemed impossible to untangle and articulate.

"Hey Jenni, just wanted to tell you that I like you. I mean, like...more than a friend..."

She cringed. No, too gonk. Jenni would freak. Maybe something more subtle, like: "You make my heart race faster than Turbo Dracula." Ugh, she didn't even know what that meant.

As her ability to articulate her feelings continued to degrade, Judy surveyed the nearby pile of plywood and metal that had once been their beloved fort. She shook her head in disappointment, kicking herself for having torn it down in a fit of rage. But there was nothing she could do about it now. The currents would soon sweep away it along with everything else in Laguna Bend.

A soft crunch of footsteps snapped Judy out of her thoughts. She spun around to see Jenni strolling up the dirt path, hands swinging freely at her sides. A breeze swept past, carrying with it the heart-wrenching scent of watermelon.

"Hey Judy!" Jenni called with a little wave. "Sorry I'm late, I like, totally didn’t realize how long of a walk it is.”

"N-no worries," Judy managed, silently cursing the tremor in her voice. Get it together!

As Jenni drew closer, Judy drank in every detail like an oasis after weeks in the desert. The way her ponytail bounced with each step. The smattering of freckles that danced across her cheeks. Just looking at her was enough to set Judy's heart racing and knees wobbling.

Or at least, it should’ve been.

Something felt different this time. Jenni still radiated the same beauty as before, but it just didn't have the same breathtaking effect. Her aura of perfection had dulled ever so slightly, like a hologram with its sharpness setting turned down. Judy frowned, confused by the unexpected shift in her feelings.

"So...how are you holding up?" Jenni asked gently. "With, like, everything. Evelyn's funeral, Tom leaving..."

Judy swallowed hard, fixing her gaze on the pristine surface. "I'm...okay, I guess. Still processing it all."

She could feel Jenni's eyes boring into the side of her head. When Judy finally dared to meet her gaze, she was struck by the sadness swimming in her eyes.

Of course. Jenni had to be just as devastated over Tom's departure as she was, perhaps even more. Judy cringed inwardly, a pang of guilt lancing her chest. Here she was, wallowing in her own misery, blind to how badly this was affecting her friend.

She opened her mouth, but the words caught in her throat. Just do it, you big baby!

"Listen...Jenni," Judy began, her heart thundering against her ribs. "There's, uh...there's somethin’ I need to tell you."

Jenni cocked her head curiously. "What is it?"

Judy sucked in a steadying breath. This was it. No going back.

"For a while now, well, since I first met you, I've...I've had...feelings for you. More than just friend feelings." The words spilled out in a breathless rush, as if by expelling them quickly it would make the admission less earth-shattering.

For the span of a single heartbeat, Jenni’s brow furrowed in confusion. Then, slowly, realization bloomed across her delicate features.

"Oh...oh! Y-you mean like...a crush?"

Judy could only nod, her mouth as dry as the Badlands. She braced herself for the inevitable fallout, for Jenni to recoil in disgust or outrage. To call her a freak, or worse. But after what felt like an eternity, Jenni simply smiled - that warm, radiant smile that had the power to chase away even the darkest of thunderclouds.

"Judy, it's okay! I mean, m’not, like, into girls that way, least I don’t think so, but you're still, like, my bestie, y’know?"

Judy let out the breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding, her shoulders sagging in relief as a wave of dizzying relief crashed over her.

Jenni didn’t think she was a freak. They could still be friends.

Before she could think better of it, Judy lunged forward and enveloped Jenni in a fierce hug, tears of joy stinging her eyes. "Thank you," she rasped, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you so much."

“Don’t need to keep thankin’ me,” Jenni whispered back, her words perfectly echoing their first conversation in the cafeteria. “That’s what chooms are for.”

“Chooms,” Judy repeated, a smile rising to her lips.

Judy leaned into Jenni's embrace, feeling a sense of warmth and comfort. But as much as she wanted to stay in that moment, she knew it would only make things awkward. So she slowly pulled away and took a step back. She didn't want to make Jenni feel uncomfortable.

“So,” Jenni began, her brow furrowed in thought. "Does this mean you’re, like, gay?”

"Yeah, I’m gay" Judy replied with a small nod. Saying it aloud felt like a weight lifted from her shoulders. “I’m gay,” she repeated, testing the words out. They felt right, like a piece of herself that she hadn’t known had been missing had suddenly fallen into place.

A brilliant smile blossomed across Jenni's face. "Well, I think that's really preem. You're brave for, y'know, being true to yourself!"

Judy chuckled, a hint of irony tingeing the sound. "Brave, huh? Might not think that once I tell you what I did.”

Jenni's eyes widened. "Oh?"

With a grimace, Judy pulled Minji out of her backpack. "I took this from your room the first time I came over. M’sorry. I don't even know why I did it."

For a long, horrifying moment, Jenni just stared at the doll, her face unreadable. Then, without warning, she snatched it out of Judy's hands. Judy panicked, her heart racing as she realized the depth of her betrayal. But instead of storming off or shouting, Jenni simply gazed at the doll, her expression melting from anger to...sadness? Resignation? Judy couldn't tell.

"Y'know, I used to play with this thing every day after my parents split," Jenni murmured, her voice barely audible over the soft breeze blowing across the reservoir. "It was like...the only thing I had left, y'know? The only part of my childhood that hadn't been ripped away."

She looked up at Judy then, her blue eyes shining with emotion. "But I'm not a kid anymore. Got other things on my mind. This...this is just a piece of plastic to me now."

Judy watched, stunned, as Jenni casually tossed Minji into the reservoir, her lifeless form splashing with a dull plop before vanishing into the murky depths. A lump formed in her throat as her grandmother's words, spoken only three weeks earlier, came flooding back to her.

“Before you know it, you’ll forget about toys and start thinking about other things.”

Judy wanted to reject those words, to deny the reality that her cherished Impz were just toys, not fashion figures. But watching Jenni let go of a piece of her childhood, Judy suddenly realized her grandmother had been right all along.

She was growing up.

When Jenni turned back towards her, Judy managed a watery smile. "M’gonna miss you, Jenni Chapman."

"Me too, Judy," Jenni replied. She stepped forward, pulling Judy into a fierce hug. "Me too."

As they embraced, Judy closed her eyes, inhaling the sweet, sugary scent of Jenni's hair one last time. Tomorrow, her family would be moving away, leaving Laguna Bend - and her old life - behind. But in that moment, locked in Jenni's arms, Judy didn't feel sad. She felt...ready. Ready to start her new life, to embrace the future and all the changes heading her way.

After all, she was a teenager now. And teenagers didn't play with dolls.

Chapter Text

Wednesday, July 26th, 2062 - 10:02am

Judy zipped up her duffel bag, the frayed strap cutting into her palm. She took one last look around her bedroom - the faint outlines left behind by her posters, the scratched wooden floors, the dent in the wall where she'd kicked it following a particularly nasty encounter with Maiko. This cramped little room held her entire childhood.

"Jude? You ready?" Her grandpa's gravelly voice drifted up from downstairs.

Judy slung the duffel over her shoulder and forced her leaden feet towards the door. As she passed by the mirror, she caught her own eye - the scared, uncertain look there. A squeeze of apprehension gripped her chest. She was really leaving. For Night City.

In the driveway, her grandparents were loading the last boxes into the battered old van. Judy’s grandmother pulled her into a tight hug, her bony arms surprisingly strong. "It will all be just fine, ranita. You'll see."

Judy climbed into the van's backseat, her legs feeling like rusty hinges. As they pulled away, she twisted to watch the little bungalow recede into the distance. A lump formed in her throat as countless memories chased after her.

"Adios, Laguna Bend," her grandfather said in his no-nonsense baritone, guiding the van towards the highway. "You excited for Night City, Jude?"

Judy managed a jerky nod. Excited wasn't quite the word - more like terrified. Night City had always been this mysterious, impossibly vast place, shimmering on the horizon like a digital fever dream. From the windows of her cramped bedroom, she'd stare at it for hours, imagining the neon-drenched streets, the hidden wonders and secrets waiting between those glittering monoliths. It was the epitome of everything Laguna Bend wasn't - vibrant, electrifying, buzzing with life and opportunity.

But as they continued on, the skyline began to dominate the windshield, the buildings stretching higher and higher until they blotted out the sky itself. Judy's mouth went dry. What had once seemed alluring now felt...overwhelming. Suffocating.

"This'll be good for us," Grandma assured her, patting Judy's knee. "Fresh start an’ all."

Fresh start. The words rang hollow as Judy watched scrubby desert whip past the window. Her life was currently one big void of uncertainty. All she could do was stare down the stretch of highway unspooling before them, and wait for whatever came next.

The road curved, winding its way across the dam in a sweeping arc. To one side was Laguna Bend, and on the other was a vast expanse of water that seemed to stretch on forever, dwarfing the reservoir. Judy sat up in her seat, eager to catch a glimpse of her hometown from this new, and dizzying height. But then she noticed something that made her heart skip a beat - a lone figure perched at the very top of the dam, their legs dangling dangerously over the edge.

Judy squinted. Even from this distance, she recognized the slim, leather-jacketed form. V.

"Detener!" she blurted out. "Stop the van!"

The van slowed as Judy’s grandfather shot her a questioning look in the rearview mirror. "What? What is it?"

"It's V," Judy explained, pointing. "Out there on the dam. I need to... I should say goodbye."

With a sigh, her grandfather pulled over onto the narrow shoulder. Judy was out of the van before it stopped moving, her feet pattering against the chalky concrete as she hurried towards the dam's pedestrian path.

V didn't look up as Judy approached. She was sitting right on the very lip of the dam wall, long legs dangling over the sheer drop to the reservoir. Her face was impassive, eyes hidden behind mirrored aviators as she stared off into the middle distance.

For a moment, Judy just stood there, suddenly feeling awkward. What if V wanted to be alone with her thoughts? But remembering why she’d gotten out in the first place, she plunged ahead, clearing her throat.

"Hey, V..."

V turned slowly at the sound of Judy's voice. Even with her expression obscured, Judy could sense surprise...and something else. Sadness? Pain? It reminded Judy of a wounded animal retreating into itself.

"Jude?" V's voice was soft but husky. "What are you doin’ here?"

Judy shrugged, moving to sit down beside V on the sun-baked concrete. "Grandparents are waitin’ in the van. We were on our way to NC and I saw you out here, and...well, I wanted to say goodbye, I guess."

V was silent for a long moment, looking back out over the deep valley. The small town of Laguna Bend spread out below them, a rural tombstone for a grave yet to be filled.

"Sayin’ goodbye myself," V said finally. She reached up, pulling off her aviators to reveal those stunning sapphires of hers. "To this place. To..." She trailed off with a sigh.

Judy tilted her head as she studied V's face. Her shoulders were slumped, her usual unflappable confidence nowhere to be seen. Judy knew the whole tough biker facade was just for show, but she had never seen her like this - stripped of any pretense, raw vulnerability radiating off her in waves.

"You're really gonna miss it here, huh?" Judy ventured. "I didn't know Laguna Bend meant so much to you."

V let out a harsh bark of laughter, startling Judy. "Y'know, everyone always makes that assumption about me, Judy. The bad-ass loner rebel without a cause." She shook her head ruefully. "Truth is, I'm just a rich girl from North Oak playin' dress-up."

Judy's eyes widened in disbelief. North Oak was one of the most ritzy, wealthiest neighborhoods in all of Night City - could V really be from there? As she studied the other girl more closely, certain details started clicking into place. The newest-generation port behind her ear, the designer label stitched onto her worn leather jacket...

"Shit, V..." Judy breathed . "Never would’ve guessed..."

V shrugged, rubbing absently at her eyes. "Few people do. Guess I've gotten good at hidin’ it over the years."

"But..." Judy frowned, trying to process what V had just told her. "If you're from Night City, why'd you spend so much time out here Why all the..." She waved a hand vaguely. "...the biker punk crap?"

Something flickered across V's features then - a weary, bone-deep sadness that made Judy's heart clench unexpectedly. "Let's jus’ say I've had my reasons for runnin' away from that life. From my parents' bullshit expectations."

Her gaze drifted back to the valley to the tiny town beneath her feet. "This place was..." She swallowed hard. "It was an escape for me, y'know? Same goes for Jackie. Bumped into ‘im and we jus’ sorta clicked. Prob'ly the realest, most alive I've ever really felt."

A sudden, unexplainable knot twisted in Judy’s stomach. This girl - so full of toughness and rebellion - wasn’t all that different from herself. They both clung to the past, afraid of what the future may hold. But there was something else lurking beneath the surface, a sense of foreboding that caused Judy's hair to stand on end.

V drew in a shuddering breath, hugging her knees to her chest. "Truth is, Jude... I'm sick.”

Judy furrowed her brow in confusion. Sick? V didn't look or seem sick at all. In fact, basking in the warm sun, she looked healthy and vibrant. Her tanned skin glowed, her muscles were toned, and her eyes...

Her eyes.

Judy's breath caught in her throat as she searched V's eyes with renewed scrutiny. There was a hollowness there, a dimness she hadn’t noticed before, as if some vital spark was fading from within.

"Whaddya mean you're sick?" Judy asked hesitantly. "You seem perfectly fine to me."

“GBM. Glioblastoma multiforme. Cancer. Fuckin’ tumors are eatin’ my brain like candy. My parents have been seekin’ out treatment for it for years now.”

For a long moment, Judy could only stare at her, eyes wide as the weight of those words sank in like a stone. V...cancer? She was...dying?

"That's why they’re takin’ me to some clinic in Arizona next week," V went on, her voice toneless. "Got a line on some experimental procedure that might buy me more time. If it works."

Her jaw clenched, and she swiped furiously at the tears spilling down her cheeks. "It’s a roll of the dice. Lately, it’s startin’ to feel like the house is always winnin’."

Judy's heart clenched at the raw pain and fear that laced V's words. Without thinking, she reached out and took V's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Up close like this, free of her usual swagger, V looked terribly young and vulnerable. And stunningly beautiful, Judy realized with a start.

An unexpected ache blossomed in Judy's chest as she drank in the sight, suddenly hyperaware of the warm press of V's fingers twined with her own. She swallowed hard, mouth gone dry as cotton. What was happening to her?

Judy's thoughts scattered as V met her gaze, blue eyes glistening with tears. Without a conscious thought, she found herself leaning in, drawn inexplicably closer. Her heart thundered in her ears. Then, before she could overthink it, Judy pressed her lips to V's in a soft, trembling kiss.

The entire world seemed to freeze around them. Judy tasted the salt of V's tears, felt the warm puff of her surprised exhale. She waited for V to pull away, braced for rejection. But it never came. Instead, V melted into the kiss, her free hand coming up to cup Judy's cheek with a featherlight touch. Their mouths moved together in a slow, exploratory glide, each pass of their lips stoking the growing heat flaring low in Judy's belly.

A soft whimper escaped her as V's thumb brushed her flushed skin. This was...everything. More vibrant and real than anything Judy had experienced before, even with Jenni. She never wanted it to end.

But eventually, it did. Breathless, Judy's eyes fluttered open to find V studying her with an unreadable expression.

"I..." Judy swallowed, tongue darting out to wet her tingling lips. What did you say after something like that? "Promise me you'll fight, V. Promise you won't give up."

A muscle ticked in V's jaw as she held Judy's gaze. Then, finally, she gave a jerky nod. "I promise." She squeezed Judy's hand tightly. "But you gotta promise to keep in touch while I'm gone, 'kay? Don't just...forget about me."

With tears spilling down her cheeks, Judy leaned in and kissed V one more time. This kiss was harder, more desperate - as if she could pour every ounce of her hope and longing into the press of their lips.

When they finally broke apart, Judy forced herself to meet V's eyes. "I won't forget you," she whispered fiercely. "I could never forget you, V. I promise."

V opened her mouth as if to speak, but then seemed to think better of it. Instead, she simply nodded, a look of desire and gratitude passing over her features.

A car horn blared, shattering the fragile moment. Judy startled, suddenly remembering her grandparents waiting in the van. Her cheeks turned a blistering shade of red as she realized they had likely witnessed the whole emotional exchange.

"I...I gotta go," she mumbled, reluctantly ripping her hand from V's grip. Pushing herself to her feet, Judy couldn't help but glance back at the other girl still seated on the sun-warmed concrete.

V looked so small and alone in that moment, a tiny, vulnerable figure dwarfed by the vast horizon behind her. Judy committed the image to memory, searing it behind her eyes where it would stay forever imprinted. Then, with a shuddering inhale, she turned and walked quickly back to the idling van. She felt her grandparents' eyes watching her every step, but they had the good grace to remain silent as she climbed inside.

As the tires crunched over loose gravel and they pulled away, Judy couldn't resist one last look out the rear window. V was a shrinking speck in the distance now. Judy blinked back fresh tears, cradling the memory of their stolen kiss against her hammering heart.

The van jostled along the highway, each pothole seeming to rattle Judy's bones. She rested her forehead against the cool glass, watching the landscape whip by in a blur of dusty browns and faded grays. The familiar sight of the train tracks running parallel to the highway caught her eye.

She remembered staring down those endless rails and envisioning her life as a journey, each new phase a separate junction that would carry her to new adventures. At the time, she had been standing at the precipice of one such junction, leaving behind the simple joys of childhood in Laguna Bend to face the great unknown of Night City adolescence.

Now, watching the towering spires of Night City grow steadily larger, Judy realized she had crossed the first of many junctions in her life. Her heart still ached from the bittersweet goodbye with V. The ghost of their kiss lingered on her lips, both thrilling and devastating in its poignancy. V's haunting promise to fight echoed in her mind - would they ever see each other again after today?

She didn't know exactly what awaited her in Night City - new friends, new experiences, maybe even new love. The uncertainty was terrifying yet exhilarating.

As the van finally crossed the city limits, Judy sat up and lifted her chin, letting the invigorating thrum of Night City's pulse wash over her. She was no longer the bubbly, naive girl from Laguna Bend. This phase of her life demanded she embrace a bolder, braver version of herself.

"I'm ready," Judy whispered under her breath. She was ready to spread her wings and explore everything this new phase had to offer.

And to keep a watchful eye for the next junction.