Archive of Our Own

Rebecca Cotswolds was twenty-two years old when her life changed. 

                       It was an ordinary night with the girls. Mercedes and the rest of the women took her out for a night in the town. Porsha was telling a story about her date. Well. Her date of many. 

               “Gary was so sweet. I think he might be the one! He brought me flowers. Can you believe it? Oh, did I mention I’m going Mormon? Mom is so happy.” beamed the ditzy girl. 

               The rest of the girls gushed. Rebecca cringed. “Honey, I’m sure Gary is…lovely, but isn’t this a little too soon?” she asked. 

             Porsche, bless her heart, didn’t get the implication. 

              If the brunette woman weren’t bouncing from one man to another, Rebecca would be more concerned.

                Mercedes rolled her eyes. She took her shot quickly. “Becca, don’t be so pessimistic. Gary is handsome. He’s also reliable. Porsche would be lucky to have a catch like him.” she declared. 

                  Porsche grinned. If Mercedes said it’s okay, then the majority of the girls followed. She was beautiful. Her blonde hair was pin straight and her eyes were blue as the sea. But since her time at Raisins the blonde learnt to use her beauty as a weapon. She snatched up one of the most eligible men in South Park with ease. Wendy Testaburger hated her for a while, finding her vapid. It didn’t help that they were both pursuing the same man. Tolkien Black was his name and now his simple but tasteful wedding band was on her finger. 

              Lexus eyed her. “Yeah, girl, why don’t you focus on getting a man? You got so dull once you left the University of Denver.” she complained. 

                Lexus was considered one of the sexiest women in her town. Her hair, once wavy from natural texture, was wildly messy and curly that looked effortless. Unlike their blonde friend she didn’t care about marriage. The redhead was a man-eater and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Because, in her words, “Who needs them, really? Men want us. Not the other way around.” 

                 Ferrari piped in. She never said much. A part of Rebecca wondered if she was just interested in being anything other than part of the pack. “Yeah. Look at all the guys checking you out.” she said excitedly. 

                Heather agreed. She subtly motioned to where a stranger was nearby. He was checking Rebecca out. The man looked familiar. “Girl, you got Clyde Donavon in your pocket. This is your last weekend before you spend time with all those trust fund babies. Why don’t you have some fun?” 

                    Rebecca took a drink of her water. “Because I've been thinking. I can get pregnant, STDs, or even murdered. My future is completely dependent on whatever I do now.” she pointed out. 

                    Clyde Donavon was always someone she liked. In school she never really caught his eye. Bebe Stevens was always dating him on and off. Every time she thinks she’s getting somewhere the blonde changes her mind again and it’s back to square one. 

                    Except for third grade. After Rebecca received her first kiss from Kyle Broflovski, who was originally the first public school kid she knew, he explained how love was. Then she took everything too far. It took Rebecca forever to smash the reputation of being a whore. 

                  “Plus, Mark has been talking to me and he brought up really good points. We could be having conversations about things that matter. Doing things. Not going out all the time hoping we get hitched.” she said bluntly. 

             Porsche got a dreamy look on her face. “Oh, Mark, does he still wear that same suit to work?” 

                    Rebecca and Lexus both face palmed. Mercedes looked amused. The rest of the girls just kept sipping their drinks. 

                  “Let’s not talk about how hot my brother is, please. I’d like to throw up from alcohol, not from my brother's face.” she responded with a grimace. 

                       Mark was one of the most highly respected and sought over in South Park. Once he realized how to navigate the boys. He and Kyle had friendly competitions with Wendy Testaburger for the highest grades. Her brother kept Kyle’s friends from a distance. Because, as he reminded her, “Kyle is the most normal out of his friends. I don’t dislike him. But if he makes a move on you again I don’t know if I can hold back this time. His friends are weird, sis. His mom caused an international crisis.” 

                       Her brother was highly protective. Not to mention super hypocritical. Rebecca had to deal with her Dad and him trying to scare away any guy she might be interested in. Meanwhile Mark is dating the most ridiculous women ever. The last girl he dated was literally a Hooters girl. 

                    When Rebecca pointed this out, all Mark had to say was: “I-I’m only a man, Becks. She was very….persuasive.” 

                 Mercedes decided it was time to end this conversation. “Just one night. Then you can go become the next Hilary Clinton or whatever.” she suggested. 

                Porsche looked at her with puppy eyes. “Please! It won’t be fun with you.” she begged. 

              “If you do this, I’ll even go to your political rallies with Mark. I’ll sacrifice some of my nights. I’ll say no to Kenny McCormick Rebecca. Him. Do you understand?” said Lexus. 

                She snickered. Kenny McCormick was the only guy Lexus was willing to have more than one night with. Apparently he really knew what he was doing. “Okay. But if you bitches are scheming I’m getting you back.” she relented. The girls whooped. 

                    They start getting drinks one by one. Rebecca was starting to feel it. At one point she felt like she couldn’t get enough. Like her stomach was permanently empty. 

                   Clyde came up to them. All the girls watched with identical smirks. “Hi, Rebecca. You look nice tonight.” he said with a smile. 

          “Y-you’re so s-sexy Clyde.” she slurred with a laugh. When did the room get so spinny? 

          Clyde blinked. He looked at the other girls. Mercedes giggled. “You’ll have to excuse her. She’s had a little too much to drink.” 

                  Her crush smiled sheepishly. “Uh, okay. Well, Rebecca, I was hoping we could talk. But that’s okay.” he started slowly. His friend Jimmy Valmer was giving him a thumbs up and an enthusiastic grin. “I want to give you my cell number. Maybe we can see each other sometime.” he said softly. 

                 “D-d-definitely.” stuttered Rebecca. She watched as Clyde wrote down his number on a piece of paper and handed it to her. Lexus immediately stashed it in her purse. 

                   Craig Tucker, their bartender, was looking at their interaction with a troubled expression. Porsche, somehow noticing this and still oblivious, waved. “Hi, Craig!” 

                     Craig gave a small wave. “Hi, Porsche.” he said. He looked like he didn’t know whether to sigh or smirk at their friend’s interaction. 

                 An unfamiliar man was watching Rebecca. He looked at her petite legs, her black tee shirt dress, and up to her face with a lick of his lips. His hair was unkept. 

                     The stranger didn’t come for a while. The girls partied nearly the entire time until the bar was closed. Craig was looking back and forth between them and the unfamiliar man like he was trying to figure something out. 

                   Most of the girls were deciding who should take Rebecca home. Porsche wanted an excuse to see her brother so she suggested they call him. Lexus shut that down with Mark will use this as a reason to keep her locked up till they drive to Harvard before the fall. Mercedes says to stop arguing and go home. That she will make sure she’s safe. And to the brunette, “Stop thinking with your vagina lady. Are we going to need to neuter you?” 

                   The girls leave. Porsche gives her an enthusiastic hug and says she loves her. Lexus drags the drunk brunette away with the rest of the group. Mercedes is trying to sober Rebecca up before they leave so she doesn’t have to worry about throwing up in her new car or some ridiculous drunk thing she doesn’t want to worry about. In her eyes, as long as she’s a little less drunk, then the problem is  solved. 

              Then the random stranger comes up to Rebecca. He ignores Mercedes entirely. “Hi. I’m Kip. I think you are really pretty.” he said shyly. 

         Mercedes looked at Kip with skepticism. Rebecca grinned. “T-thanks. Don’t I know you?” 

          Kip smiled. “I graduated a year below you. You may not remember me, but I always remembered you. You were always nice to me.” 

            Rebecca’s eyes welled. “Why wouldn’t I of b-been nice to you? You seem so nice.” Why hasn’t she met Kip before? Was this destiny? The feeling of going home without him made her insides twist. 

              Kip only shrugged. Mercedes was looking back and forth between him. Then she looked at Kip. “Sorry…Kip, was it? She’s not interested.” she said sharply. 

                  Rebecca glared. “N-no. I want him. I’m going home with him.” 

                     Mercedes’s eyes widened. Kip’s lips were curving slightly. “Girl, you don’t know him.” she said softly. 

                      The emptiness increased. It hurt so much. She started to cry. Kip took her hand and she smiled. “Y-you knew.” she said breathlessly. 

                Mercedes was getting angry. “Look, asshole, she’s clearly not in her right mind. Why don’t you leave her alone?” she snapped.

                Kip looked at her. “Why don’t you ask what Rebecca wants?” 

                     Rebecca smiled warmly at the man. Craig Tucker was watching with unmistakable guilt. Nobody noticed. 

                 “You are a fucking creep. If Rebecca wasn’t drunk she wouldn’t even consider you.” said the blonde cruelly. 

                Rebecca went to Kip. She went on his lap. Began to kiss him. Ignoring Mercedes entirely. “M-make me full.” she murmured. 

                “R-Rebecca, what are you talking about?” asked Mercedes. She looked at Kip with intense dislike. 

                 Kip stroked her hair. Rebecca purred. “I-I’m so empty.” She began kissing him deeper. Mercedes tried grabbing her and Rebecca shoved her off. 

                  “You don’t understand. This was what everything was leading up to.” slurred Rebecca. Her eyes flashed a dark purple. 

                  Mercedes looked at Craig. Craig was pretending to clean glasses. “Honey, you aren’t making sense.” she said shakily. 

                Kip kissed her cheek. “I think she said everything, don’t you?” he asked the blonde. Mercedes scowled. 

               “I don’t know what’s happening here, but this isn’t over.” she said coldly. Mercedes went to Craig and they were discussing something intensely. 

              Kip’s eyes shined. “How do you feel, baby? Is it as good for you as it’s for me?” he whispered. Craig looked at Kip with a frown. 

                It looked like Craig and Mercedes were arguing. The blonde looked like she was seconds away from slapping him. 

                  “My husband had said you were a respectable man. Why are you letting this happen?” she snarled. 

             Rebecca smiled. Her eyes were dazed. “E-emptiness is getting smaller.” she said. 

          Craig was darting his eyes. “Rebecca is an adult. I can’t force her to not do anything she doesn’t want to do.” he said. He looked at Rebecca. The guilt in his eyes increased. 

              Mercedes put her hand on her hips. “I’ll sue you. The Blacks will make sure you are destroyed in this town.” she threatened. 

                   They began arguing longer. Craig gives a practiced smile. “If I guarantee I’ll call a cab, will you calm down?” he asked. 

              Mercedes looked at Rebecca. She was letting Kip grope her. Rebecca sighed in content. Then the blonde looked at Craig. “You get one chance. Don’t blow it.” she said. 

               Mercedes went to Rebecca. Craig was making a phone call. “Sweetheart, I’m going to leave now. Call me if you need me. Okay?” she said softly. The blonde glared at Kip and walked out and drove away. 

                       The cab came. Craig watched as Kip took her with ease. He was still touching and kissing her. “I love you.” she slurred. 

                Craig said one word. It was soft enough he could barely be heard. An unmistakable, “I’m sorry”, left his mouth as they went into the cab and never looked back. 

                      Days get hazy after that. Some days are filled with sex and more sex. Other days are filled with drinking and popping pills. Rebecca moves in with Kip with no hesitation. 

                 Mark finds her first. All the girls apparently updated him on the situation and the fact they didn’t have a name. He tried calling her. Rebecca left it to voicemail. At some point he found out Drody's last name and began knocking on the door with heat. 

                 Rebecca is in her bra and panties. She’s watching Kip make their usual grilled cheese for comfort after their usual bender. “You take so good care of me babe.” she said. 

                Kip kissed her head. He was wearing his boxers. “Always.” he murmured. He looked at the door in annoyance. “God, why won’t they shut up? This is the police all over again.” he complained. 

                 Rebecca shrugged. Kip answered the door. Mark pushed Kip and went inside. “Rebecca! We have been looking everywhere for you.” he said with relief. Then he looked at Kip. “So you are the guy that took Becks.” 

                   Kip rolled his eyes. “It was mutual. But it’s nice to meet you, I guess.” he said dryly. 

            Mark looked at Rebecca. She wasn’t acknowledging her brother and ate her grilled cheese with a hum. Then he glared. “Bullshit. My sister isn’t some druggie. She was going to Harvard. Then you and that bartender did something to her and now she’s not herself. I should punch you right here.” he snapped. 

                    Mark went to Rebecca. “Becks, did he threaten you? Did the bartender say anything to you? Mom and Dad really miss you. We want you home.” he said softly. 

                   Rebecca blinked. “Don’t be stupid, Mark. The bartender just served us some drinks. I saw Kip and we both wanted each other. Then I came home and we've been dating ever since.” she said bluntly. 

               Mark stared. “Your friends said they were talking about your dating life. You weren’t interested in anyone seriously. You were focused on your future. Then Mercedes told me you said all these insane things. That’s not normal, Rebecca. What were you thinking?” he asked in disbelief. 

                   Kip went in between them. “I heard you were too involved in your sister’s life. Why don’t you leave her alone, huh?” 

                 Mark poked his chest. “I wouldn’t expect someone like you to understand. I did my research on you. Weirdo with no friends. Clung to Kyle Broflovski like a coat in fifth grade because he was the only guy in your grade willing to be nice to you. Got into drugs and alcohol at eighteen. You were jailed once for intent to distribute. You are in and out of jail constantly. The only reason you have your place is because your parents paid for it.” snarled the man. 

             Kip bit his lips. “Kyle and I were friends,” he insisted. He backed away. 

            Mark gave a sharp laugh. “On Facebook. He didn’t even talk to you in real life until a year or two later. The fact you brought a damn laptop to a movie theater acting like he was there was talked about for weeks. Some people in the town were supposedly talking to your parents about getting you into therapy. Because that’s psycho behavior.” he said coldly. 

          Kip started crying. “You are an asshole.” he cried. Rebecca went to him and held his hand softly before glaring at her brother. 

             “Get out, Mark. If you can’t be nice to my fiancé then we aren’t going to talk at all.” said the woman. 

             “F-fiancé?” stuttered Mark. 

                Rebecca smiled. She kissed Kip’s cheek. “We started planning a day or so after we moved in. It makes sense. It’s destiny.” she reasoned. 

              Mark finally noticed what she was wearing. Then he took a moment to process what he was hearing. “Have you completely cracked? This isn’t destiny. This is a lifetime movie waiting to happen.” he cried. 

                Rebecca rubbed circles on her fiancés back. “Have you ever felt so empty?” she started to ask. Her brother’s eyes widened. “Alcohol couldn’t fill the empty space. But as soon as you see someone the spot goes smaller. And he helps find tools to make it disappear.” 

               “Becks, if you are depressed, or stressed I’ll help you. Mom and Dad will help you.” said Mark. He looked at her pleadingly. “You don’t have to do this. There are other options.” 

               Rebecca stroked Kip’s hair. The man was calming and smiling peacefully. “You don’t understand. Kip is the cure. That’s what the whole night was all about. My whole life was leading up to him.” 

                Mark started to cry. “I’m begging you. Come home. We love you so much. You can still see this guy if it means that much. Just come back to us.” he begged. 

                Rebecca shook her head. “No, thank you. This is what I want. I’ll send you an invite in the mail.” she said happily. 

                Mark put his face in his hands. Kip was kissing Rebecca softly. Then her brother looked at Kip. “I hope whatever you got out of this arrangement was worth it. Anything that happens to her is now on you and Craig Tucker.” he said coldly. 

                        Mark left. 

                       Rebecca was married in the backyard a week later. She was wearing cut off shorts and a tank top. Her friends were watching with confusion as they were inexplicably made part of the process. Mercedes, however, refused to come. 

                  Mark was staring at Kip with hate. Her parents were looking at Rebecca with sadness. Porsche was just so happy to be there. Lexus looked at her. 

                  During their reception, which was just beer and hot dogs, the redhead went up to Rebecca cautiously. “So, uh, Kip Drodry. That’s something.” she said slowly. Heather and Ferrari exchanged looks. Porsche was discussing how pretty Rebecca looked. 

             “Isn’t he amazing?” beamed Rebecca. She was smiling at Kip with contentment. He smiled back at her. Porsche giggled. Kip smiled at the brunette in amusement. 

            “…sure. So amazing.” agreed the redhead reluctantly. Lexus looked at her clothes. “But, uh, I thought you would want something a bit more tasteful.” 

               Rebecca shrugged. She took a bite of her hot dog. “Who cares about a dream wedding when you finally meet the one? Fate doesn’t wait for you. You wait for it.” 

                “Oh, Becca, that’s so romantic! You need to go on a date with me and Gary some time to discuss how you fell in love.” said the brunette. 

           Lexus bit her lip. “Uh, yeah. Life is crazy sometimes.” she says weakly. She looked at her phone and frowned. “Mercedes wants to talk to you. Do you think you could text her or something?” 

                 “Ugh. No. She didn’t even want to go to the wedding. Can you believe her?” she complained. Porsche’s eyes widened. 

                Nobody said anything. Porsche looked at Mark. “Mark, come here!” she ordered with a smile. But it was starting to look confused. 

             Mark went over. Kip ambushed their parents in a conversation. He was already tipsy. “What can I do for you ladies?” he asked coolly. 

          Porsche beamed. “Aren’t you so happy to have someone so nice for a brother-in-law? He didn’t forget to include anyone. Even me.” she said happily. 

                Mark’s lips pursed. “Nice is not a term I would use freely, but he’s certainly something.” 

              Porsche blinked. “I don’t understand.” she said. Lexus rolled her eyes. She was muttering something under breath. 

                Mark softened. He looked at Porsche with concern. “Let’s just say not everyone is as nice as you.” he said. Then he went back to his corner. 

                    The wedding ended. Days began to blur again. But now Rebecca felt unexplained anger. It didn’t make sense. She was happy, wasn’t she? 

                “Give me some more pills, you useless asshole, “ she screamed at Kip. They just had makeup sex two weeks before after Rebecca threw plates at him for something he did to upset her. 

             “Baby, talk to me. Why are you being like this?” he whispered. His eyes were filled with tears. 

              Rebecca found a shoe. She threw it. “You said you would make the emptiness leave! You lied.” she snarled. 

                Kip closed the distance. He hugged her tightly. “I’m getting in contact with other dealers. I’m getting all new stuff. Meth, cocaine, the whole nine yards. You’ll be flying high.” he said. 

              Her lips trembled. Then she cried. “I’m sorry I’m like this.” 

                       They had three rounds of sex that night. 

                Mercedes continued to contact her. She said she was sorry for hurting her but if she’ll talk to her then Rebecca will understand. Rebecca told her to fuck off, she didn’t support the love of her life, and blocked her. 

                    Mark comes by every once in a while with their parents. He made it clear it was to make sure she wasn’t dead and not because they wanted to be here. 

                     Nobody but Porsche and Gary end up visiting her. Gary is weary. He looks around their home. “Uh, you guys have an interesting place here.” he said. Porsche beamed. 

              “Thanks man. Grab a beer, stay awhile.” slurred Kip. 

                Porsche sat down. Gary sat down but frowned. “No thank you. I’m Mormon so we can’t partake in those ... .activities.” he said politely. 

              Porsche was smiling. “Aren’t they so cute? I told them they need to come on a double date with us but they are always busy.” she said obliviously. 

               Rebecca smiled. “It’s nice to see some of my friends still care.” she said. Porsche’s face fell for a moment before smiling back at her. 

               Gary looked at Porsche. “Yes. Your friends are very….cute. But I think there was something we forgot to do.” he hinted. He widened his eyes at Porsche as if he wanted her to understand. 

               “Did I forget to make the rice krispies for your parents again? I thought for sure I put a reminder so I could make sure they had something the next time I had dinner with them.” questioned Porsche. 

                Gary was smiling. “Right. You are completely right. What would I do without you?” he said nervously. 

                     Gary and Porsche said their goodbyes. That was the last time Porsche visited. 

              Kip changed. Instead of helping her with more substances he starts fighting her back. Later he would cry and apologize after seeing a bruised lip or a swollen eye. But during his rages he, like Rebecca, said the worst. His main criticism was: “You never remember the good things I do, you ungrateful bitch!” 

             One day Kenny McCormick comes by. He was there as a friend of a friend. He knocked calmly. 

                  Kip opened the door and left Kenny in. “You got the stuff?” he barked. 

              Kenny blinked. He looked at Rebecca. “Is that you, Rebecca?” he asked in disbelief. Her eyes were both swollen. 

                  Rebecca nodded. Kip was demanding the pot. “Look, McCormick, the least you can do is give me the goods. You weren’t even supposed to be here.” he snapped. 

              “I suggest you shut your mouth, my guy. You’ll get your drugs in a second.” Kenny said sharply. He was looking at Rebecca with pity. 

           “Are you alright?” the blonde man asked gently. 

                Tears streamed her face. “I’ll never be okay again.” she whispered. Kenny’s eyes widened. 

            Kenny sat down on the chair next to her. “What happened, hon?” 

               As she started to describe the empty feeling and the drugs her eyes turned a familiar purple. Kenny stood up. He glared at Kip. 

                “What the hell is wrong with her? What did you do?” shouted Kenny. 

             Kip punched a wall. “I’m really sick of being accused of things I didn’t do. Her brother did the same thing. We met at a bar and figured out it was destiny. I filled the holes. She told me herself. And I wanted her for years. Now she’s finally mine.” he snarled. 

              Kenny stared. “I heard people say you were a creep. I didn’t think I’d walk in here and find… this.”

          Kip laughed. It was cold. “I know Kyle didn’t tell you this. We were best friends.” he claimed. 

        “Kyle…man, he didn’t even really know you,” said Kenny. He looked at the other man with weariness. “Stan Marsh has always been his best friend.” 

            Kip snorted. “He befriended me when nobody else did. If he wasn’t caught up with Craig Tucker now I would be seeing if we could all get together. But Tucker is just as much of an asshole as Marsh and Mark are.” 

               Kenny looked at Rebecca. “So now I have two lunatics obsessing over my friend,” he muttered. He looked at Rebecca. “You remember Kyle, don’t you? He had a crush on you.” 

        Rebecca nodded. “He was nice. He sang this adorable little song.” she mused. Whatever happened to Kyle? 

               Kenny smiled. “He’s still nice. But he’s a little lost right now.” he said sadly. 

             She blinked. “How? Wasn’t he off doing some impressive stuff?” 

                The blonde shook his head. “No. One day he was doing an internship at some firm and happily dating Stan. The next he was with Craig Tucker. His brother told me he never leaves. He’s a stay at home boyfriend now.” he explained. 

                Rebecca stood up. Tears fell down her face. “But Kyle was so smart. He could’ve done anything. Why would he let his standards go so low?” 

           Kenny shrugged. “I don’t know. Figured you would. Weren’t you off graduating from Denver to going to some rich elite college? You were, like, the only person in your friends that wanted to do that stuff.” 

              Kip looked at Rebecca. “Don’t listen to this dude. He doesn’t even know that Kyle and I were friends. Asshole knows nothing.” he hissed. 

            Rebecca blinked. “But, baby, you weren’t. Kyle hung out with Kenny and some other guys.” she said slowly. 

           Kip huffed. “I wish people would stop saying that. It’s just like with my parents. They told me you didn’t like me in high school. But here you are. They are wrong.” he said. His voice was increasingly in volume. 

              Kenny grabbed Rebecca and slowly went in the direction of the door. “I don’t know what is up with South Park and their apparent acceptance of the insane, but you need to stay away from her.” 

               Rebecca looked back. Kip was coming closer. “You aren’t stealing my wife. She’s mine. I love her.” he said. 

               The blonde man went in front of Rebecca. He motioned towards the door. “She’s not a possession you nut job. You can’t treat her like she’s one. And if you go near Kyle anywhere I can see you before Tucker intervenes you are a dead man.” he said angrily. 

               Rebecca looked at the door. The empty feeling was coming back. But she looked at Kip. How did she not notice he was dealing with these delusions? How did she get herself in this position? 

                 “Rebecca, baby, come on. Don’t let this dick try to get between us. You stood up to your brother. You can stand up to this guy you barely know.” begged her husband. 

                  Oh God. Mark. Mercedes. Her parents. She looked at her clothes. It was just booty shorts and a tee shirt. Kip got it for her. He liked it better than the clothes she wore before. What had she been thinking? 

                    Rebecca went to the knob. The empty feeling grew painful. She grimaced. “B-because of the holes.” she muttered. 

                      She put her hand away. Kip’s hopeful green eyes were looking at her. But what if she helped him? Rebecca was his wife, after all, and he clearly needs help. 

              Kenny sighed. “If Mark can’t kick someone’s ass into stopping then hell really has frozen over.” he said dryly. 

                 Kip went closer. Kenny held his hands up. “Step away from the lady,” he said calmly. He went to his pocket after that and was briefly holding a knife. Neither Rebecca or Kip noticed. 

               “Baby, please, I love you. I’ll fill everything up again. It’ll just be like in the beginning.” Kip said softly. Tears were coming out of his eyes. 

                 Rebecca shook her head. “We both need help. You need help. Nothing that you said actually happened. Do you understand me?” she said softly. 

                    Kenny smiled. He appeared to be relaxing. But Kip wasn’t. He punched the blonde and took Rebecca harshly. “We’re leaving. I’ll go to Kyle’s place and he’ll tell you everything.” 

                Kenny stood back up. “Motherfucker. What did I just say? Leave him alone!” he cried. 

                 “Please. Kip. Kyle is at home. Probably cooking for his boyfriend. Let’s not interrupt them.” she said frantically. 

              Kip scowled. “No. Kyle is going to clear everything up and we are all going to have a nice time.” he growled. 

                 Rebecca tried to get out of his grip. He slapped her. “Stop being so mean. Let me have something.” he snapped. 

                 Kenny tackled Kip. Kip was punching Kenny. The fight continued. Rebecca bit her lip. How does she solve this without anybody getting hurt? 

               Maybe if she leaves the house Kip will panic at some point. Then she can call the police. Perhaps they will do involuntary mental hold. 

           Rebecca slipped away. As she quietly explained the situation she didn’t notice Kip came out. He took her and threw her phone. “That’s not how we do things, Rebecca. Remember? Nobody understands but us.” he said firmly. 

             Kip took her back to the house. Kenny had the knife out. Her eyes widened. “We don’t have to resort to this.” she said. She looked at Kip pleadingly but he punched her. Rebecca couldn’t hear all his words but the only thing she gathered was “disrespectful” and “Kyle would have his back” and Kenny yelling. 

              The empty feeling was mixed. It was so painful yet she also felt so dazed. Maybe it’d be easier to go. Kip will be happy. Kyle might actually befriend him. Right? 

                     Things began to blur as she saw a gun. She blinked rapidly. “K-Kip.” she muttered. Kip looked over. He was pressing his gun like he was going to shoot it. Her eyes widened. “Kip, no!” 

                 Kip ignored her. The gun fired. Kenny miraculously missed it. When did Kenny learn to survive things like this? 

                 She went closer. 

                Kip noticed her. His face looked in a way she had never seen before. “I guess you’ll have to go too, baby.” he murmured. 

                       One moment she was being grabbed by the hair and Kip was shooting at her and the next Kenny was lying on the ground. He was dead. 

                       She cried. 

                “You killed him!” she shrieked. All Kenny did was try to help her. Now he’s dead for her decisions. 

             Kip rolled his eyes. “He deserved it. Now don’t you want to go to Kyle’s and see him and Craig?” he asked with a smile. Either he forgot he tried to murder her or he didn’t care. 

         “Y-you tried to kill me!” she screamed. Kip brushed her hair. He smiled at her and ignored her words. 

              “It’s okay, baby, the bad man is gone. You’re safe.” he reassured her with kisses. 

                     What does she do? Kyle is out there in town. He has no protection but a bartender who may or may not have a license to carry. Rebecca eyed the gun. 

                Would he be depraved enough to kill the cops? Would anyone here notice? Would he threaten her into compliance? 

                     It doesn’t matter. It’s either her, Kyle, Craig, or him. Rebecca doesn’t know why Kenny doesn’t like Craig. But he isn’t putting Kyle in any immediate danger. Kip might actually do if Kyle says the wrong thing.

                     She fluttered her eyelashes. “Oh, Kip, you always take care of me.” she cooed. Kip grinned. The gun was near enough that Rebecca could grab it. 

                    “I love you.” he says earnestly. Rebecca kissed him. She used her arm to grab the gun. Kip’s eyes widened. 

                     One shot in the eyes. 

                     Another in the chest. 

                        Rebecca collapsed. “O-oh my God.” she whispered. She closed her eyes.  The sirens are ahead. 

                      Time to face it. 

                      XXXXXX 

                      Rebecca was released quickly. Due to the physical abuse, the dead body, and several statements from friends and family it was considered an open and shut case. 

                    She’s welcomed back home with open arms. Her mother hugs her like she was the one who died. Her father looked at her cautiously. Mark just looked at her. 

                   “You were right, Mark.” she said bitterly. The urge for nicotine was strong. 

                       Rebecca doesn’t apply for Harvard a second time. She doesn’t apply for any jobs. Her parents are trying to talk to her about antidepressants or therapy. AA and rehab is brought up as an option. 

                     Rebecca lashes out. She tells them that she knows she fucked up and that she’s no longer the perfect little girl they always bragged about. 

                   Mark doesn’t contribute to those conversations. His brown eyes looked at her in thought. 

                   One day he knocks at the door. Mark has been visiting frequently since she has been released. She lets him in. Mark’s eyes are wide when he sees the weed and cigarette nearby her dresser but he doesn’t say a word. 

                “Do you want to talk about it?” he asks softly. Rebecca exhaled the weed with a calm breath. 

                 “Mark. I killed a man. What can you possibly say?” she said with a harsh laugh. Another inhale. Exhale. 

                   Rebecca didn’t wait for a response. “I endangered Kenny McCormick. Then he died. I almost got Kyle Broflovski and Craig Tucker potentially in danger. Kenny died too.” 

           Now he looked confused. “Kyle Broflovski? What would he have to do with this?” 

             Rebecca put down her blunt. “When Kenny came he mentioned Kyle to me. He said Kyle used to do all these things and then he became a stay at home boyfriend. Kip thought he and Kyle were best friends.” 

              Mark’s eyes widened. “Okay. Hold on. There are two things wrong in that statement. Kyle ... .dated Craig Tucker, the bartender that may or may not have roofied you or done something wrong to you with Kip, and then he dated Kyle? One of the most independent people here? That guy is a stay at home boyfriend?” 

                She nodded. “Kenny didn’t go into much detail but I get the idea that he thought Craig and Kip were similar.” 

                 “I knew when Mercedes told me that when Tucker let you go without a single thought with Kip he was shady,” said Mark. 

                     Mark was pacing. “I thought we were unlucky but Kyle….this guy had two people obsessed with him. How much of this was coincidence and how much of this is connected? Something feels off here.”  

                 “Why would it be connected? Kip and Kyle never spoke. I haven’t seen Kyle or Craig much in years. Well, you know, except for the bars occasionally.” she said slowly. 

                   Mark pulled on his hair. “I don’t know but I’m telling you it must be. I’m going to find out more about what’s going on with Kyle through the grapevine and see what people are talking about. I didn’t even know Tucker was dating Kyle. I thought he was with Marsh.” 

             Her brother squeezed her hand. “Also, sis, Kenny knew the risks. He wanted to protect you. Kyle, too, I think. I honestly think if it wasn’t you then he would have died for any of his crazy friends.” 

                Rebecca took a drag of her cigarette. “No argument against Kip, though. Even you, my smart brother, can’t debate against that.” 

                   Mark shook his head. “It was self-defense. He was going to kill you for getting in the way. What would have happened to you if you didn’t?” 

               Rebecca smirked. “Yeah, because one shot in the eyes and another in the chest is protecting myself. I saw his head explode.” 

               Her brother didn’t respond. Then he asked her: “Do you still feel empty?” 

               Rebecca didn’t speak for a few moments. Then, she said, “I do. But it’s a different kind of empty. I’m starting to realize I always wanted to die. I was just able to ignore it before. I don’t know what changed that night, though.” 

             “Which night?” he asked softly. 

             An incredulous laugh came out. “That night at the bar. I was managing the feelings I had before, you know, the same way I always did. School. Friends. Then everything changed. One moment I was coping. The next, it felt like I’d wanted to die my whole life.” 

                 Mark jumped up. “That’s crazy. That’s like a complete one-eighty. That doesn’t just happen.” he said. He looked more determined before saying, “I’m telling you, this can’t be a coincidence.”

                     Eventually Mark left. Rebecca was keeping herself at home. Her old friends kept reaching out but she ignored every message. A part of her wants to unblock Mercedes and apologize. But how could she make up for that? She has no rational reasoning for any of this. No matter which way she sliced it, she was fucked up.” 

                      One day Stan Marsh comes in. He was speaking to Mark nearby her room. Their parents went off to some work dinner and they didn’t hush their voices. 

                   “Wait, Kip Drodery was connected to Craig? But Craig didn’t interact much with anyone but Kyle. He sure wouldn’t want to be friends with that guy.” said Stan. 

                  Mark was frustrated. “Man, I don’t know if they are friends or whatever the fuck. But the day Kip passed away your buddy mentions that Kyle had a similar personality change in almost the same amount of time as Rebecca. Before that Rebecca goes to the bar where that asshole works and we know he served her a drink because, you know, that’s his job. Mercedes practically accused Kip right there, and Craig still stood aside.” 

                Stan was quiet for a while. Rebecca thinks maybe he left. But he didn’t. “I hate Craig. He…I don’t know, stole Kyle or influenced him. I’m not sure. I know my drinking hurt us though. So Craig probably took advantage of an opening. That was the motive. What does he gain from Rebecca getting with a guy everyone tried to avoid?” 

                  It sounded like Mark threw something down. Nothing breakable though. Their parents would kill him. “I don’t know! I didn’t speak to Craig. Craig didn’t speak to me. I didn’t talk to you guys. Rebecca hasn’t even been associated with Kyle since high school. But fuck, Stan, don’t you see it? None of these people are supposed to be connected. Kyle. Rebecca. Kip. Craig. Kenny. Every time we pull on one thread, another one shows up.” 

             Stan seemed nervous. “So what do you want me to do, dude? As much as I want to kick Craig’s ass I can’t. That Kip guy is dead. What are our options?” 

             Mark sighed. “If Kyle remembers anything that doesn’t add up, let me know,” he stated. 

              Two months go by. Rebecca finally leaves her house. She goes to a check-in with her doctor and is prescribed antidepressants. As soon as Rebecca picks up her pills she sees Kyle and Ike Broflovski. 

                    Kyle looked rough. His green eyes were red-rimmed. He wasn’t wearing his green hat, his hair curly and wild, and was in a blue hoodie that was too big for his frame. Rebecca sympathized. From what Mark tells him he really loved Craig. 

                  His little brother looked like if anybody said anything  that he was he was going to kick somebody’s ass. Ike was staring at people down. That was odd. Kyle was grieving. What would people be finding to gossip at a time like this? 

                  Rebecca didn’t take her earphones out until after she left the pharmacy. Kyle followed shortly after. He put the top of his hoodie on and tried to cover himself. As the redhead and Ike walked to the vehicle, she stopped them. “Wait. Kyle!” she called. 

                Ike and Kyle stopped. Kyle blinked. His little brother looked at her with irritation. “Can we help you?” he snarked. 

                   Rebecca blinked. What the fuck? What does Ike think she’s going to do? It’s not like she’s interested in Kyle. Regardless of her husband’s death or Kyle’s. 

                  “I just wanted to say I’m sorry. If you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here.” she said quietly. Ike stared. 

                   “Are you seriously using this time to move in on my brother-“ 

                 Kyle ignored him. “Thank you.” he said sincerely, a ghost of a smile appearing on his face. 

               Rebecca walks away. Before she puts her earphones back in she thinks she could hear Ike saying something about vultures and gold diggers. Has Kyle’s brother always been that overprotective? She snorted. No wonder she and Kyle gravitated towards each other when they were kids. 

                   About two months later Kyle knocks on the door. Stan Marsh is with him and Kyle’s little brother. God. If Mark did that she’d hit him at this point. Jesus Christ. She was the least threatening person who could possibly kidnap Kyle.

                     “…..hi.” she said softly. Stan was giving a nervous smile. Ike was stone faced. “Kyle. …..Kyle’s guard dogs.” she finished dryly. 

                Kyle’s lip twitched. “So, uh, about that talk. Got a minute? 

                  Stan looked offended. “What did I do?” he muttered. 

                 Ike said nothing. He was tapping his foot in impatience. This kid really needed to stop acting like her brother. It was getting a little weird.

                        “Yeah, come on,” she said, motioning them inside.

          Something clattered in the kitchen.

           Rebecca blinked. What the hell?

       Mark appeared in the living room with a sheepish grin.

   “Uh, sis… we aren’t having pizza anymore.” 

                 Rebecca rolled her eyes. “Let’s just get City Wok,” she said before turning to the others. “Do you guys want anything? Mark's paying.”

“Hey, I didn't agree—”

“Sure,” Stan said brightly.

Ike nodded.

Kyle looked between the siblings with an amused expression. “Uh, no. I'm good.” 

                  Kyle looked better. She was a little confused, though. A chullo hat and an orange hoodie weren’t exactly what she expected Kyle Broflovski to wear. Or, well, anyone with functioning eyes.

                  “Order, will you?” she asked her brother. “Get a little bit of everything. I’ll share my weed at no cost.”

                  Stan’s lip twitched.

           Ike raised an eyebrow.

                Kyle stayed quiet.

   Mark stared at her for a couple of beats before sighing, pulling out his phone, and placing the order.

          Rebecca gave Kyle a warm smile.

         “What’s up?” she asked casually.

                   Kyle gave his two guard dogs a look before turning back to her.

“W-we heard you may have gone through something similar to what I did,” he said softly

                  Rebecca blinked.

                    “Come again?”

How much had she missed by staying out of everything?

                Mark gave her an encouraging smile.

“Remember what we talked about a couple months ago?” he prompted.

              Rebecca stared.

      Kyle wasn't put off by her silence.

  “I didn't realize it until recently,” he began softly, “but the time I spent with Craig... it wasn't exactly normal.”

                  Rebecca frowned.

              “What do you mean?”

Kyle explained that after a certain point, his memories weren't complete.

Stan added that he'd watched Kyle's eyes turn red before Craig's death.

Ike explained that his brother had undergone a drastic personality change.

“Then Kenny came by sometime in December—” Kyle began.

“That’s impossible,” Rebecca interrupted. “Kenny died at the end of November.”

 “Guys…” he breathed. “Mercedes told me that when Kip first started hanging around Rebecca, her eyes turned purple. Stan says Kyle’s eyes turned red. Then Kenny dies… except he doesn’t.”

               He looked at all of them.

               “This is supernatural.”

                   Mark and Ike immediately started talking over each other.

         “We should start with folklore.”

 “No, mythology first. We need to narrow down what cultures describe memory alteration.”

                  “Demons.”

                    “Or curses.”

               “Maybe possession.”

   “It could be some kind of enchantment.”

    “We should check historical accounts.”

   “Library archives might have something.”

           Stan raised an eyebrow.

            Kyle looked disturbed.

    “Oh my God,” he whispered loudly.

      He pointed between the two men.

             “There’s two of them.”

 Rebecca pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Oh, great,” she muttered. “Now there’s two people in this town who think the library is a social event.”

                  Stan watched the two brothers continue discussing research plans as if everyone else had disappeared.

         A smirk tugged at his lips.

   “Now it makes sense why Mark kicked your ass,” he said.

          Rebecca frowned. “Excuse me?”

             Stan shrugged innocently.

    “He’s basically Ike,” he replied. “Just an older brother with a little sister instead.”

                    The two brothers eventually decide on a plan and day to do their research project. The two brothers made Kyle and Rebecca promise not to do something drastic. 

                     “Yes, Mark, because I always want to go to confront a potential supernatural being. Who do you take me for?” 

                    Kyle backs her up. “Yeah, what the fuck? You two are the ones ready to fight. We’re just here.” 

                     Stan is dying of laughter. “I wish I thought to record this.” he said to no one in particular. 

                Both brothers don’t acknowledge the facts. Hypocrites. By the time the men left, Mark gained a new best friend and a shadow. Jesus. 

                Rebecca doesn’t know how long the two men end up researching. She’s been looking at her phone and deciding. Does she contact her friends? 

                Lately it feels like the only person she could relate to was Kyle. But Kyle was only one person. 

                 She scrolled through Facebook. Mercedes just got pregnant. Lexus hasn’t seemed to have done anything. That’s weird. The last thing she checked was Porsche’s socials. There were several comments on her photo, of Gary and her posing for some themed pictures, with the caption of: “We’re Engaged.” 

                The brunette smiled. Months before Rebecca would have considered her naive or reckless. But from the power of simply being who she was she found someone great for her. From what little she remembers from her visits Gary was good to her too. He didn’t treat her like a piece of meat or like she was stupid like her other boyfriends did. 

                   She checks Tolken, Mercedes husband’s, socials next. He had a group photo of several people from when they were sixteen. It was Tolkien, Clyde, Jimmy, Craig Tucker. They were with Stan, Kenny, Kyle, and Eric Cartman. They weren’t doing anything dumb…just enjoying each other's presence. 

                   Clyde. The guy she liked forever. God. How can she even look him into the eye after this? The last interaction she had with him was commenting on how attractive she was and slurring. 

                He had a reputation for being a bit slow on the uptake but Rebecca knew he was doing well now. The last she heard Clyde was going to school for business. Jimmy Valmer is his best friend. Clyde was always really cute, honestly, why wouldn’t he be with someone on the same wavelength as he is? Rebecca had her chance. Didn’t she? 

             She contacts Porsche first. 

                    It takes the ditzy girl approximately an hour before she is dragging her husband to her home with Gary also lugging all of it. There’s face masks, makeup, clothes, shoes, and Mexican food. Porsche hugs her. Gary sat down the luggage of what Rebecca can only assume is makeup. “This is it, right, honey? We’re done?” he asked his fiancé with pleading eyes. 

              Mark came out after hearing the noise. He practically back moved in. Her older brother is looking at Gary with sympathy. “Women, huh?” 

                The blonde man had a resigned look on his face. He simply nodded. “Porsche, honey, did you want me to leave so you can have your time with your friend?” he asked. He gave Rebecca a kind smile. 

             Porsche shook her head. “No, spend some time with Mark. He doesn’t have many guy friends. You guys would love each other.” she said with a beam. Mark and Gary exchanged confused looks. 

                    Although both don’t know why they were put into what is essentially an adult play-date, Rebecca watches as Mark goes to the living room and motions him to go to the TV. They are discussing work and football. Then politics. She snorted. 

                    They start eating Mexican food. Porsche decided to essentially order them to cater so they have containers of almost every Mexican food possible. Her parents are going to think she lost her mind. Porsche is groaning in enjoyment at her tacos. As if that was a miracle food she never had before. 

                  Porsche doesn’t make her talk. She starts rambling. Rebecca learns that Gary’s parents love her. They are excited to have her be an in-law. Gary didn’t force his religion on her. The brunette woman said she didn’t plan to actually like it that much but she never liked church more. And, apparently, ‘you get free rice krispee treats.’ 

                   They end up wearing their face masks. Both are sighing in relaxation. Mark is bitching at a football team loudly for losing. 

               “So, I was thinking we could do your makeup that looks like you aren’t wearing any. Then toss it in with that green dress you left at my house with some wedges. What do you think?” she asked excitedly. 

                  Rebecca nodded. “Sure.” she said with a small smile. 

                    As soon as she is fully made over and Porsche has her look in a mirror she stares. The woman in the mirror was her yet wasn’t. Yet…..maybe she could get back to it. A little bit. 

                “How are the other girls doing?” she asked softly. 

               Porscha tells her everything she mostly got on Facebook. Except for Lexus. Apparently the redhead has been on a warpath since the wedding and Mercedes story. She wants someone to blame. 

         “W-what, why?” she questioned. 

                       Apparently Lexus was upset that the town failed Rebecca so much. She was also grieving Kenny. 

                 “She liked him more than she ever wanted to admit.” said Porsche. She was frowning. “I think it’s hard for her to let anybody get close.” 

                   Porsche told her that Mercedes and Tolkien were in the middle. The blonde demanded they destroy Craig and Kip, but the black man refused. He said Craig was still his friend and that ‘they don’t have all the information’. Whenever Craig’s funeral was held Mercedes didn’t go. They haven’t been sleeping in the same bedroom. 

                   The ditzy woman said that, after seeing Rebecca’s eyes water, that they will be fine. Mercedes is just going to make him work a little harder to get there. 

                   They talk a little more. Rebecca tells her how she and Mark befriended the Broflovski’s. Stan Marsh, too, though he was mostly panting after Kyle. 

              “That makes so much sense.” giggled Porsche. She proceeded to say that Ike is a miniature Mark and town council better watch out if they decide they want to do something. 

               Mark apparently was distracted enough from his conversation to contribute. “Hey, that kid is actually smart, I can’t believe he’s Kyle’s younger brother!” he shouted from the living room. 

              Gary is laughing. “Hey, they aren’t that reckless. Stan and I were friends for a little bit as children. He just goes along with the others.” he said. 

                 Mark said he saw Kyle beat up the guy who is always the craziest person in the school without a care. “I don’t care if he had one point higher GPA than me. That asshole is going to get himself killed.” 

                 Rebecca and Porsche exchanged looks. They couldn’t really argue that. Kyle’s temper was something else. 

                  “Clyde Donavon had been asking about you,” said Porsche. Mark turned down the volume on his TV. Gary, unknowingly to them, was giving him a confused look. He mouthed something to her brother. Mark gave a zipped motion. “He’s been concerned about you. Jimmy has been telling Tolkien that Clyde has been trying not to kick Kip’s ass since that night.” 

           Rebecca blinked. “Really?” 

                  Porsche nodded. Her smile was small but her eyes were mischievous. She took out a piece of paper. “Here, I think this is for you.” she said. The number was a South Park Area Code with the one word: Clyde. 

                  Mark was watching. He had a noticeable frown. Gary's gaze shifted from Rebecca to Mark, then back to Rebecca. After catching Porsche's attention, he silently mouthed something to her. She simply waved a hand, brushing the concern aside.

                   Rebecca takes the paper. She doesn’t do anything with it till a month later. Eventually she messages Clyde. It’s small. Clyde responds enthusiastically. 

                      They discuss mundane things. Clyde discussed his college courses. Food. Because well, of course, they are. Clyde has the appetite of a teenage boy. They discuss TV shows. Both are getting into the new season of Stranger Things and-she almost snorted at this-the show Supernatural. 

                  She finds out that Clyde likes to fish and hunt. He appreciates hiking so the man tends to always be going with Tolkien somewhere whenever they all plan trips. Rebecca smiled. She could never find anyone that liked the outdoors. Mark said he would rather stab his eye with a fork than willingly exercise for hours. He claimed his brain received enough of it, so, why hurt what works? 

             She tells Mark about how their friendship is going. He looks thoughtful. Then her older brother declares, “I think I was wrong about Donavon.” Then he looked at her and said you aren’t going to get him to admit this to anyone else again. And if anybody asks Mark wants to kill Clyde if he hurts his baby sister. 

          Kyle seems excited. He told Stan that Rebecca can hang with their friends now. Stan smiled in amusement. Ike looked skeptical. “I don’t like him.” said the younger man. Mark beams at the man. 

                    Eventually Mark runs into something. He and Ike were going on their daily nerd trips to the library when something stood out. Ike noticed Mark rereading the same two books and then going back to the same page. The librarian looks at her phone, sighs, and asks if they need help finding anything before closing. 

                  Mark was pacing at their home. Ike was standing there, shrugging, when Kyle looked at him. Rebecca watched. “This was so simple…Why didn’t we ever think about this before?” he said in frustration. 

                “Craig, Kip, or both of them make a deal with the devil. Like in Faust.” he claimed.

             Kyle stared. “No friggin way.”  

                Ike looked interested. “That book you were reading last night? Is that what you were referring to? I thought you were just getting bored when the librarian recommended that to you.” 

               Mark scowled. “I was on a mission,” he insisted. 

              Rebecca paled. “D-demons?” 

                  Mark told them how in the original story Faust was old and he felt he wasted his life away. He didn’t feel like God was the answer so he made the deal with the devil. The demon turned him young and attractive. Faust finds a woman. He’s immediately interested. The girl is not. The girl’s brother intervenes. 

               “See, Kyle, this is exactly why you should listen to me,” said Ike. Kyle glared at his brother. 

               The attraction overwhelms judgement . The romance is fast. Mark nods at Rebecca in particular when he says this. 

                  Faust goes missing. His brother demands retribution. There is a lot of death and destruction. 

                  “To sum it up they lost their shit because of greed and obsession and these fucking assholes did too. That woman and you guys reaped the consequences.” her older brother said grimly. 

                   Kyle was staring at nothing. “How the fuck do we win against the devil?” 

                 Her lips trembled. “I’d rather we don’t make a deal, please.” 

                 Suddenly Ike remembers something. “G-guys, K-Kenny left after he searched Kyle’s old bedroom. Do you think he found the devil?” 

                    “H-he can’t. No. Kenny is still alive. Maybe hiding from Kip. We know he can’t die.” she argued. 

                “Kenny wouldn’t hide from anyone. This guy literally sat his dick on fire because of a movie we watched as kids. He has no fear.” insisted Kyle. 

               Ike looked at Kyle. He snickered. “God. You guys are such dumbasses.” he said with a fond smile. Kyle shoved him playfully. 

                Mark’s lip pursed. “We also never knew he disappeared and never came back. His little sister said this never happened. Immortal or not.” he said firmly. 

                  Stan let himself inside. He was late due to his job keeping him. He noticed Kyle’s eyes welling. Immediately he goes by the redhead’s side and hugs him. Kyle sinks in the bigger man’s hold. 

                    Stan looked at the group. “So, what’d I miss?” 

               “We think Tucker and Drodery made the deal with the devil,” said Ike bluntly. 

                Stan blinked. “So, um, what do we do?” 

             Kyle kept gripping Stan. Stan was smiling gently. He led Kyle to the couch and played with his hair. They followed. 

                  “I’m going to go into town and see if I see any guy that looks remotely like what that guy looks like in Faust and confront him,” said Mark. His eyes were blazing. 

                 Stan jumped up slightly. Kyle is startled. He puts the redhead back in his spot gently. “Do you solve all your problems by kicking someone’s ass? You said we have a death wish. Have you lost your mind?” he said. He tried to keep his down to not scare Kyle. 

             Ike smiled. It looked sharp. “I think these circumstances make everything an exception, Stan.” 

               “Do not follow Mark’s ridiculous advice. I don’t care how much you hero worship the guy. Kyle and I are not going to let you die so you guys can play Dean and Sam Winchester.” argued Stan. 

                 Rebecca was panicking. “We’re gonna die. Oh my God. What if we are going to die anyway? What if we are being watched right now?” 

                Stan kissed Kyle’s head. Kyle wasn’t paying attention anymore to the conversation. He went to Rebecca and gave her a small but slightly awkward hug that says, ‘I am not flirting with you. Please don’t think I’m into you.’ and she lets her arms lie. “I can’t answer that last question but I’m pretty sure Mark and Ike would not let you guys die. Me? Well, I’m just here for decoration. They are just being stupid, okay? We got you.” 

                     Stan argues with the brothers for thirty minutes before Mark cuts him off. “I’m doing this. With or without you. Except you Ike. You stay with Kyle and Becks.” he said calmly. 

            Ike scowled. “So I can do research with you but I can’t attack someone with you?” he muttered. Mark ignored him. 

                 Stan stared. “Okay. I’m going with you. But if you do something stupid I'll punch you.” he said. 

                  They all stay put at the house for what feels like forever. Ike seems to decide the best way to snap Kyle out of his existential crisis is to piss him off. 

                   “Who's my best older brother?” he crooned at the redhead. “You are. You.” 

                   Rebecca was texting Clyde. The man was talking about how he caught a huge fish and if they wanted to stop by his apartment for some of it for dinner. She smiles. 

               Ike was pressing Kyle’s cheeks. “Such rosy cheeks. My brother is so handsome.” he cooed. Kyle blinked. Then he punched him. 

                 “How is it that the older you get you get more annoying?” asked Kyle. He was looking at Ike in disbelief. 

                 Ike shrugged. Rebecca looked at them and just processed what happened. She giggled. Ike is such a menace. 

                     Kyle was trying to pretend he wasn’t smiling. He tried to cross his arms and glare but his smile came out anyway. 

                   It wasn’t until night time that Stan and Mark showed up again. They looked frustrated. 

               “The dickhead is gone.” snarled her older brother. He looked like he wanted to punch something. 

                Stan looked resigned. “There was a building. We interrogated a bunch of people who looked at us like we needed to be committed. But someone who worked there-she said he left several months ago. Maybe a week after Kenny went missing.” he added. 

             Rebecca scowled. “So after all this, everything Craig and Kip did, we had nothing?” she said angrily. 

               Everybody watched and stayed quiet. Rebecca was pulling her hair. “I murdered someone. I can’t ever turn that away. I’m struggling with substance addiction all the time. I can’t ask the guy I like for coffee because usually when you talk about your past relationships you don’t end with "my ex was so obsessed with me that he sacrificed me to the devil.” she screamed. 

                   Kyle reached for her hand. Rebecca immediately rounded on him. “No, you don’t get this. Not this. You have Stan. He loved you before and after this nonsense. Craig cared about you, and he hurt you, but he didn’t hit you or try to kill you. He didn’t take advantage of your mental health to give you drugs.” she yelled. Kyle put his hand away and flinched. 

                  Stan watched as Kyle backed away. His eyes turned icy. “Are you serious right now? Kyle was isolated just like you were. Craig pounced on him as soon as we broke up. Kyle has no idea what happened when Craig was murdered. You aren’t the only victim. So stop acting like it.” he said coldly. 

                Mark narrowed his eyes. “You aren’t allowed to speak to my sister like that,” he said. 

               Ike stood still. 

                 “Tell me how you think my sister should act after she’s been hit and drugged up, Stan. Tell me.” demanded Mark. He went to Stan and pushed him. Stan pushed him back. 

            Rebecca was crossing her arms. Kyle was looking down. Ike was looking between the two of them and then the men staring each other down. 

                “They’re winning right now. Those guys are dead but look at us.” whispered Ike. His lips were trembling. 

               Stan looked down. Mark dropped his arms. “What do you mean, Ike?” asked her brother. 

           Ike looked around the room. “We all dealt with so much pain over the past several months. Stan, you were in the hospital. Mark, you and your family lost your sister. Kyle lost his confidence. Rebecca is so angry, she tries to hide it yeah, but it’s there all the time. They got what they wanted. Then they died. Yet here we are blaming each other.” he said with an unamused laugh. 

                 Rebecca uncrossed her arms. She started crying. “But if I’m not angry then what can I do? How do I live?” she said. 

                Kyle was sniffling too. “I wish we had the same experience so you wouldn’t feel so alone.” he said sadly. 

              Mark was frowning. “I-It’s just easy to focus on who is hurting Becks or putting her in situations I don’t think she needs to have,” he admitted. 

           Stan sighed. “I hate seeing Kyle so upset. He’s always so nice and when people treat him a certain way, even for reasons I understand, I immediately want to intervene. I love him so much.” he whispered. 

                    At that moment Ike became someone they all, including Mark, were terrified of. 

                  Shelia Brokowski. 

                Ike looked at Rebecca. “You are able to feel the way you do. If you didn’t want to hurt someone I’d be more concerned. But not at us. You are going to therapy and AA even if it takes me getting my mom and Mark to drag you.” 

              He looks at Mark. “You need to stop treating Rebecca like she’s young again. She’s an adult. Let her solve her own battles. This is why you don’t understand situations and feel awkward. The first time my brother had a real interaction with you you punched him because you couldn’t deal. She wasn’t acting like your innocent baby sister. Develop boundaries. Or I’ll punch you.” he said matter-of-factly. 

                   Mark blinked. 

                 Ike went up to Stan. “I love that you care about my brother. But you don’t trust my brother to make his own decisions. My brother is a dumbass and so are you. Live with it. Kyle lives by empathy and we can bitch about it but like Mark let my brother handle it. Otherwise I’m putting you knuckleheads together and pressing your heads in a headlock until you get a concussion that makes you think straight again.” 

            “Again?” muttered Mark. 

                  Kyle’s lip twitched. “You say I’m like Ma. I think you made these guys pee their pants.” 

             Rebecca giggled. “Ike. You made my brother shut up. Did I ever tell you that you are my favorite person?” 

                  Stan was avoiding looking directly at Ike in the eyes and whistling too casually. Kyle and Rebecca burst into laughter. 

                     They all decide to just push through. Kyle is crying happily as he says that’s what Kenny would have wanted. Mark is looking at Ike with a sense of weariness and if possible, more respect. Rebecca tries to think about what she’d like to do. Ike said he needed to look into some more options for internships and asked Mark to text him for suggestions. Stan asked Kyle if he wanted some burgers. Kyle agrees but he says he’s not acknowledging Stan while he eats his burger filled with ranch. Because, as the redhead put it, “You look like you are dipping a burger in cum. That’s disgusting.” 

                     Years go by. Kyle and Stan get married in a simple ceremony. Randy looks like his entire world is shattered when Stan takes Kyle’s last name. 

                    “My boy is bottoming, Sharon.” he muttered to his wife. Sharon rolled her eyes. 

                  Ike became one of the most promising researchers in Caltech University. He is frequently arguing with one of the most eccentric scientists, Sheldon Cooper. Apparently the older man isn’t used to losing arguments. He remains unmarried, viewing it as, “work I don’t want to do to go back to work I want to do.” 

                He’s always there to visit his brother and his husband, though. Kyle and Stan adopted a little boy. He adores Ike. Both the men are terrified of what this means for the teenage years. 

               Mark ends up changing his career from a consultant to a researcher on the History Channel. Despite debates with Ike, who says it’s sensational, he says with passion: “It’s interesting. It combines folklore with facts. Why not research what may change the world?” He married a woman ten years younger than him. Rebecca never lets him live it down. 

                  Porsha and Gary marry. They have six kids. They look like Gary but gained their mother’s innocent enthusiasm. Gary is running ragged every day. 

                     Mercedes and Tolkien continue to stay happily married. They refuse to have kids. Their focus is traveling. The last place they ended was Milan. 

                  Lexus becomes a mother. Not by choice. But she likes it. Her daughter is a force to be reckoned with. The redhead runs the PTA with an iron fist. South Park Schools start to wonder if they should start screening out redheads. 

                They grow apart from the rest of the Raisins girls. Nobody is ever sure what happened to them. 

                   Rebecca tries out different things. She crochets. Went dancing. Try ridiculous foods. Switch her style every so often. 

                  She goes on several dates. Including Clyde. Nobody keeps her interest but him. They continue dating. Their relationship goes slow. 

                     They live together now. Clyde bought a house on the county-side. He runs a business of his own. To their displeasure it’s right next to Randy Marsh. 

                  Randy Marsh adopts Clyde. He is now an unwitting participant in their weed business. Clyde now uses the word towel as an insult and Rebecca doesn’t know why. 

                   Rebecca maintains their garden. She cans their food and gives flowers to Sharon Marsh every so often. They became friends. Sometimes they talk about Stan and laugh. She continues crocheting and all her random hobbies to busy her hands and mind. Everyone buys her stuff. 

                    They never marry. Not officially, anyway. But in the eyes of everyone they know and in their hearts they become one. 

                     Sometimes Rebecca goes outside with all the flowers that were flying by the wind. She thinks. She never forgets. One day she had a painful thought. 

                 
                 She smells the flowers.