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“You know, they shouldn’t just leave a canoe full of cash on the way outta here.” MK reached into her pocket and pulled out a bundle of bills.
“You stole from Wayne?” Julia asked before grinning, “Me too!” She reached into her back pocket and took out another stack.
“Everything you do is such an inspiration to me. God, I could just kiss you.”
MK realized the weight of what she had just said and covered her mouth, flushed. Julia matched her movements, but MK’s father taught her how to read people– her eyes squinted slightly but didn’t seem to be a squint of suspicion.
MK was so stunned after her comment she didn’t notice Julia approach and give her a light kiss on the cheek. MK sparkled and lifted her hand to her cheek. With a dorky smile, MK watched Julia walk to stand in front of her.
“We should go out after the show. I was totally flirting with you back there.” Julia admitted, patting her ruined, messy hair a bit.
“You too? I thought it was just me.”
“Nope! I didn’t realize it was mutual until… now.”
“Where do you live?” MK asked, her tone direct.
“Woah! Are you gonna break in or something?”
“I mean, I just gotta figure out a good midpoint between my house and yours. So we can meet up again.” MK blushed at the last statement.
“I’m in Ottawa.”
“Sweet, me too! What school do you go to?”
“Nepean High School.”
“Great, I’m nearby! I go to Woodroffe.”
“Wow, we’re like, really close to each other. Cool.” Julia blushed a bit, her voice getting higher pitched at the end. She opened the contacts app on one of her many phones and created a blank one. She handed the phone off to MK who filled in her details.
MK returned the phone and Julia read over what was written, “Did you just name yourself ‘MK the great’ with 3 blue hearts?”
“Of course. It’s true, I am great.” She chuckled.
Chris yelled out to the pair who were just loitering around. “Hurry up, lovebirds! We gotta drop you off!” MK and Julia flushed and grabbed each other’s hand. They boarded the yacht that originally took them to the camp.
With their behavior on the show, a majority of contestants glared at them. MK gave a small wave which earned her a scoff from someone she didn’t care to pinpoint. It was probably Bowie though.
They traveled to a nearby airport. MK and Julia (along with some other contestants but they didn’t matter to either) got onto a plane headed straight for Ottawa. She shot a text to the family group chat announcing she was going to fly in soon. She was left on read, which is very normal for their family.
MK was tired. She did too much helping, and the final ceremony being at night did not help her exhaustion. She rested her head on Julia’s shoulder, who then wrapped MK around her arm. The flight only lasted a few hours, but it was probably the best sleep she’d ever gotten.
Her dads waited near the gate of her flight and took her home. It was now midnight, and she passed out on the couch before having a proper conversation with her dads.
~
~
She woke up. It was already 1 PM. She checked her phone groggily and saw a text from an unknown number.
xxx-xxx-xxxx:
hi mk
its julia
MK:
you’ve totally got the wrong number
julia the gorgeousest ever:
no i dont stop
we should go on a date
MK:
geez tell me how you really feel
julia the gorgeousest ever:
i just did are you crazy
anyways anywhere you like going
MK:
home
julia the gorgeousest ever:
freak
MK:
NOT LIKE THAT
julia the gorgeousest ever:
i’m grounded for a bit bc of how i acted on the show, my parents r so lame
MK:
as soon as you’re ungrounded we go out to somewhere of your choice
as a treat
julia the gorgeousest ever:
mall….. i want the mall
anyways if it’s as soon as i’m ungrounded lets just plan it now, i’m grounded til the end of the day
MK:
that is not long AT ALL
julia the gorgeousest ever:
yeah my parents love me
shoot im not meant to have my phone bye love you
MK turned off her phone, now smiling like a maniac. ’Ha, she loves me.’
Her father was cooking something in the kitchen. She was adopted by her two dads when she was 5 and has been raised by them since. Her dad wouldn’t be home from work for another 5 hours, though.
He turned around as he heard her footsteps, “Good morning Mary. Or should I say afternoon?” He grinned.
“Hi. Whatcha makin’?”
“Your favorite. You’ll only get some if you tell me why you signed up for that horrible show in the first place.”
She was surprised– her parents gave her permission to sign up for a reality show, didn’t they? She did recall Total Drama being name-dropped but forgot why.
“I thought I could sign up for any show I wanted. That’s what you two said.”
“Me and Noah clearly stated that Total Drama is off limits, did we not?”
She tried to remember, but ultimately came up with nothing, “Uhh, no. You didn’t.”
“Oh. Oops. I’m just glad you’re fine.”
Neither of her parents were really one for reality TV. Especially not Total Drama. She signed up for it specifically because of a little rebellious phase she went through just before. They only let her sign up for a show since she begged them.
“Why was Total Drama off limits? I get why now, but what happened in past seasons?”
Her father seemed to need a second to take it in. She could tell he was taking a minute to choose his words carefully.
“I met Noah there. It wasn’t safe, and it was a bad environment for us both.”
Wasn’t it a good thing that her parents met on the show?
“It’s why I can’t walk properly. It also just brings out the worst in people. I caught up on the show, it got to you too.”
MK took a minute to think. Looking back, the worst she’d ever do was steal or emotionally hurt someone. But it did seem like everything was getting worse now.
Also, the show’s why her father can’t walk? Why didn’t he mention that sooner?
“Is it fine if I’m… friends with Julia still?”
“Of course it is, mi hija. I’m very happy you have friends. Just– if she is ever rude to you, tell me or your dad immediately. Okay?”
She nodded, “Okay.” Her father placed a plate in front of her with her favorite food on it.
Score.
~
~
Julia knew her parents were on Total Drama before. They didn’t have a problem when she went on it, but then they immediately had a problem when she got back. They scolded her for her attitude on the show, even though it was her choice.
She then received the longest grounding they’d ever given her– No phone or going out until 7 AM the next day. She survived the no-phone rule during the second season for long enough, she could easily make it through.
She just didn’t want her parents to go through them and see her most recent texts with MK. She knew they were supportive. But that doesn’t mean they’d like MK instantly.
“Mom, I’m sorry.” She apologized, but the tone gave it away that it wasn’t genuine.
“Sorry you got caught? You need to be nicer to your sister, she cried after you said that little comment. And not to mention your social media– Who did you get this attitude from?” Her mother asked her, her pitch increasing in sadness at the final question. She looked like she was about to cry.
Julia did think her parents were lame, but she didn’t hate them. She hugged her mother and patted her back lightly, “I’ll try to do better for you, Mom. I'll apologize to Megan now.”
Her mother looked up and released the hug, “Thank you. But you’re still grounded.”
Julia nodded and went off to her sister’s room, gave a completely false apology, and went back to her room where she took some scissors and fixed up her hair. She used to really want a pixie when she was younger, and now here she stood with a pixie cut.
A couple hours had passed, and the family was called down for dinner.
“Julia.” Her father looked at her sternly. His gaze softened eventually, “Your hair looks nice like that.”
She was surprised by the lack of yelling, “Thank you.”
“Did you make any friends?” He asked.
“Yeah. I gave MK my number, and we might hang out soon. If that’s okay with you. She lives nearby.”
“...Of course. But you’re driving yourself.” Her dad did not have a driver’s license.
“Okay.” She nodded and continued eating her food. She finished and excused herself to go back to her room upstairs. Julia spent the rest of the night (excluding a 15-minute shower break) texting MK.
~
~
“I knew she still had a spare phone up there!” Bridgette yelled to her husband. She didn’t want to take it though– MK got along with her daughter perfectly.
“So the little ‘hangout’ she’s doing is a date to the mall? Ha! Knew it! Owen owes me 5 bucks.”
“What did you even bet on?” She giggled.
“That our daughter would end up with someone at the end of the show.”
“You are ridiculous,” She joked, “Let’s stop intruding on their relationship now. We don’t want to make things awkward.”
Geoff nodded and turned off the cellphone.
~
~
It was the next day, and her dad didn’t have work. He also scolded her lightly, but also just sounded grateful she came out alive. He asked if she stayed in touch with Julia, to which she replied honestly. Normally, her dad judged most of her friends instantly and was always correct.
This time, he huffed, “She’ll be a good person to be around for you.”
Sweet, she just got her extremely judgy dad to say Julia was good for her. That’s basically giving them the blessing to marry.
’Slow down, you haven’t even had your first date yet, you idiot!’
“So can I go out with her?” She realized the implications of what she said and corrected herself, “Hang out. I didn’t mean–”
Her dad only laughed, “Sure, whatever you say. When? I can give you a ride.”
“Today at…” She opened her phone and found the time Julia recommended, “2. Should be done by 5, but if I need to extend I’ll tell you.”
“Alright.”
And then the time came– MK was all giddy and giggling like a dork (her dad pointed it out quite often) to the point she’d almost forgotten her money. Fortunately, she did not make a fool of herself by forgetting to bring the most important thing on a mall trip.
She entered the bookstore they’d agreed to meet at, and the angels must’ve descended and blessed MK or something because the most gorgeous voice she’d ever heard called her name.
“MK! I’m over here!” Her head shot in the direction of the voice.
“Hi!” She yelled back, running over to her. She waved and ensured her hat stayed on. She looked at Julia’s head, noticing a distinct lack of a mullet, “Wow. You look amazing like that– I mean– you always look amazing, but–”
“Thank you, MK.” Julia blushed, “Where do you wanna stop by first?”
“Wherever you want.”
“Alright. I forgot to eat first, so let’s stop by the food court.” Julia stretched her hand out, hoping MK would take it. She did, and now wore a smug smile as if saying, ‘I’m great, I’m holding hands with the best person ever.’
They both ordered something and sat down at the cleanest table they could find. Not perfect, but at least it wasn’t horrible.
MK asked a question that, in retrospect was stupid, “So are we, like… dating? Girlfriends?”
“MK… We are on a date and you’re asking if we’re dating. Of course we are.” She smiled, not calling the question weird or dumb like MK thought she might’ve.
“I love you. I accidentally slipped up with my dad today and asked if I could,” she used her fingers to form air quotes, “‘go out with you.’”
“Is your dad homophobic or something?”
“I have 2 dads.”
“Ohhh...” She said in a moment of clarity rather than confusion.
“They’d probably both like to meet you and your parents.”
“My parents are so lame!” Julia whined, “They’re just so boring and nice! Also my dad throws parties every night, I wouldn’t be able to sleep if it weren’t for my soundproof walls.”
“Parties every night? Isn’t that the opposite of lame?”
“Its… Technically, yes, but let me complain.”
Julia then ranted about how lame her parents were until the two finished their food. They started walking around, entering any store that interested either of the two. Julia walked out with some jewelery and clothing, while MK walked out with a figurine of a character from a game she liked and a pack of Pokemon cards.
It was now 4:50, and they sat in pure bliss as they held each other’s hand. Julia removed one of the necklaces from her bag and placed it around MK’s neck. Since MK didn’t know what to give, she just gave her a Pokemon card that Julia said was cute a while ago. Despite the astronomical price difference, both were equally as happy.
Julia felt her phone buzz and opened it, “My mom’s here. See you later, love.”
MK flushed before waving goodbye. Noah arrived not too long after.
~
~
Julia knew something was wrong when her parents both sat on the couch watching the door as if they were expecting someone. She peeked into her mom’s hands, which held one of Julia’s phones.
Shoot.
“Julia, honey, we need to talk.” Her mom said, inviting her to sit between herself and her husband. Reluctantly, she placed her bags near the staircase and sat down on the couch.
“Listen, both of us love you so much, no matter what–” Her dad assured, “but were you not going to tell us you got a girlfriend?”
“I… It didn’t come up. Sorry for still texting while grounded–” She was interrupted.
“It’s totally fine. You were happy. But we want to meet this girl and make sure she’s right for you. You should invite her and her parents here for dinner.” Her mom said, handing Julia back the phone.
–
Julia:
hi my mom found out
she wants to meet you and your parents
im handing her the phone now
Hello! This is Julia’s mother. I’d like it if you showed this to your parents. We’d love to host a dinner and we’d like to invite you. We live on xxxxx and we’d like to have it tomorrow at 6 PM, but we are able to push it back if needed. No dress code. Please inform us if you have allergies or dietary restrictions.
MK the great 💙💙💙:
hi !! i’ll show this to my dads now
Hello, Julia’s mother. We’d be happy to attend dinner tomorrow. My husband does not eat meat, and I prefer to avoid sugar, but I don’t mind if everyone else wants dessert. My daughter is a bit picky though, so make sure what you make is something common. Thank you so much for hosting.
Regards, Alejandro.
–
Her mother returned the phone after the big text was sent. Now she could tease MK over being picky.
“Is MK adopted?”
“Yeah.”
“Makes sense.”
~
~
MK was not looking forward to dinner. She was happy to see her girlfriend, but she was worried her parents might do something. Julia’s mom seemed nice enough, but her father has a history of a very low tolerance for some types of people (some that are exactly like Julia’s dad: loud party people) and her dad was generally rude to most people during first impressions.
As the clock struck 5 PM, she was just growing more worried by the second.
In the blink of an eye, it was already 5:50 and they were out the door. Her father was getting impatient, his fingers tapping the steering wheel. He muttered curse words in Spanish under his breath.
Her dad attempted to cool her father down with calming words, which eventually worked. They peacefully made it through the traffic light, rejoice!
And when they delivered a quiet knock on the door, it was immediately answered. The woman looked very young, her hair up in a short ponytail. She wore mostly blues.
She froze. She noticed how her dads did the same.
“Oookay, awkward. Can I come in?” MK asked. Julia’s mom (sister?) gave a silent nod before moving slightly to let her in.
“Hey again, MK.”
“What’s up?” She clicked her tongue and made finger guns.
“Nothing. Where are your parents?”
“I dunno. Your sister? Mom? I can’t tell. Some lady opened the door and then froze. My dads did too. Maybe they knew each other.”
Julia peeked over, “Oh, that’s my mom. Honestly, she and my dad know basically everyone. I’d be shocked if she didn’t know your parents.”
“She ages well.”
“...Thanks? I don’t know how to respond. I’ll tell her you said that though.”
~
~
“Hello, Bridgette. It’s been quite a while.” Alejandro greeted, “It’s been 20 years. Let’s… set the past behind us, please.”
“Yeah. I’d like that. I don’t know if Geoff would… want to see you here.”
“I can leave. Noah can just say I got sick, or something.”
“Hey! Welcome to the Surfer Hut!” Geoff greeted, offering his hand out before looking up and seeing who it was. “...Noah! Hey, bud!”
“Hi Geoff. Could we… come in now?”
Bridgette realized she was still blocking the doorway, “Oh my gosh I’m so sorry!” She scrambled to move and let them in. MK and Julia sat in the dining room beside each other.
“Your place is lovely.” Alejandro complimented, taking in the decoration. It was extremely tropical, and each wall had at least one surfboard. It was a charming place.
Geoff refused to look at him, so Bridgette took over. “Thank you. Food is already prepared. Our other daughter is out with friends and won’t be joining us.”
Alejandro took Noah’s hand, in hopes of proving to Geoff that he does not want to kiss his wife. It’s hard to prove you don’t want to after you’ve done it, though.
Geoff took the head of the table while Bridgette sat beside him. Alejandro took the other end, Noah and MK on his sides.
“Feel free to serve yourself whenever.” Bridgette, quite sadly, said. Only the adults stood, which made it awkward when Geoff sat back down. MK and Julia eyed the incident but chose to keep quiet, instead only giggling with each other.
Alejandro was first to sit, waiting for Noah to arrive. Geoff glared at him while he gave a sheepish smile. His savior, the angel that came from heaven to save him from this discomfort sat near him and placed his arm on Alejandro’s shoulder. He mouthed a quick ‘I love you’ to Noah.
Alejandro stuck his fork into the food and, this is coming from someone who’s been cooking his entire life, it was some of the best food he’d ever had.
“This is truly amazing. What did you use? The–”
“Turmeric,” Geoff grunted.
“Okay. Thank you.” He was genuine about his thanks, he’d definitely try using turmeric in more food.
Geoff gave no reply and Bridgette was not having it.
“Geoff, if you don’t stop pouting around our guests, then I might need to send you to our room. You’re being so immature right now.”
MK shot Julia a look, and received a shrug in response.
“You know why I’m acting like this! I’m not being irrational here!” Geoff argued.
“Yes, you are! It was 20 years ago! And he’s clearly taken!”
MK began covering her ears. Julia placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Her dad stood up and went to her side as well, rubbing her back. Her father looked in disbelief at the two’s argument.
Julia needed to speak up, and so she did. “If you two could stop arguing, you’d realize that MK is uncomfortable! We’re going upstairs!” She angrily grabbed a small plate of food before stomping her way up, supporting her girlfriend on her shoulder.
~
~
“Geoff. You’re holding a 20-year-old grudge, and it’s hurting our daughter’s relationship. Julia’s never been so happy, but if you keep hating Alejandro for something he’s clearly moved past, then maybe it’ll hurt our relationship too.”
Geoff looked over at her, the look of frustration gone and replaced with sadness and guilt. “I’m sorry, babe. I don’t like him, but I’ll try not to let it get in the way.”
Alejandro broke his silence, “Geoff, I’m sorry. I was playing the game so ruthlessly, I didn’t even think about how you and Bridgette were affected by myself.”
He was surprised about the apology, but took the opportunity to voice one back, “I’m sorry for holding a grudge this long. And for making your daughter sad. And ignoring you.”
Alejandro lit up, “It’s alright.” He turned to Noah, “Mind checking up on little Mary?”
Noah nodded. Bridgette followed and left the two alone. He noticed Geoff had small tears in his eyes.
“Is everything okay, amigo?”
“I keep messing up with Bridgette. I love her a lot, but I don’t know if she still likes me as much as she did when we were teens.”
“May I be honest?” He asked, to which Geoff nodded to, “She loves you. But she loves her daughter just as much, and it hurts her when you hurt your daughter. The best way to make up is to make it obvious that you love Julia a lot.”
“...Thanks, dude.” Geoff stuck his fist out, to which Alejandro returned with a fist bump. They exchanged contacts, in case Geoff needed help making sure Bridgette was happy.
~
~
“Hey, Mary. They’re done arguing.”
“For sure? What even happened?” She asked the pair, who looked at each other awkwardly.
Bridgette inhaled before explaining, “Me, Alejandro, and Noah were on Total Drama World Tour. Alejandro was the ‘villain’ of sorts. But, I was stupid back then and made a bad decision and… cheated on Geoff. With Alejandro.” The girls looked at each other with shock.
“He ended up leaving me stuck to a pole and getting eliminated, but I got to apologize to Geoff. And it worked out. But then Geoff began hating Alejandro a lot.”
“But, the two apologized to each other. Should be clear now.” Noah stood up and stuck his head out the door, “Yeah, now they’re just laughing really loudly. Clearly they’re fine.”
MK nodded and began following the others out, greeted by the unforgettable image of her father doing a handstand on top of the dining table. Bridgette cleared her throat and the two returned to their chairs as if nothing happened.
The rest of dinner went incredibly smoothly, with the families agreeing to do this again. When the Mudaliar family left, it was now far quieter. Geoff approached his daughter.
“I’m sorry if I hurt you by being so rude to your girlfriend’s father. It was wrong of me to strain your relationship.”
“It’s alright. I think we just got closer instead.” She hesitated for a bit, “...Love you, dad.”
If he wasn’t right in front of her right now, he’d be sobbing out of joy. He substituted it with a simple “I love you too, Julia.”