Post by Cali-Kate on Jul 23, 2016 16:40:28 GMT -6
Wednesday evening
The scene is once again the land of Beamers, Audis and Mercedes as a car drives along the quiet streets that would be paved with gold if the people who lived here had their way. But the people who live here wouldn’t take a second look at the Pontiac that’s winding through the streets this time because for once in this setting, it’s one that actually looks like it belongs. The occupants are three well dressed up ladies too so even the nosiest and pickiest of people who watch for the “common folk” wouldn’t know that there’s more to the story than just three girls going to a party. Or at least that’s what they are told. Because this neighborhood that the world famous “Geekette Extraordinaire” Cali-Kate knows only to well always hides the worst of secrets. The kind of secrets that could destroy anyone psychologically. She swore that she would never get caught up in this world ever. But anytime her parents wanted to talk, there was almost the certainty they would try to pull her back in. Under their control.
But whereas before she was facing it alone and could only get a moral win by walking away in tears, tonight she faces it with not one, but two members of the circle known as Casa de Kami. One is her fiancee, her fellow tag partner in the official Casa de Kami tag team, Jamilyn Cornett. The other is best known as “the Adorkable One” Alex Yin. While Jami drives with Kate in the front passenger seat and Alex in the back taking a nap. Alex’s peaceful slumber is a stark contrast to Kate’s consternation of trying to focus putting on her makeup. Jami’s mouth twitches a little breaking the silence that has fallen over them.
“Baby girl, why do you get this dressed up for your parents?”
“Well, since they’re throwing this party I have to do the dress up and all this shit. Especially the heels and you know how I am with those. That’s why I suggested we all dress up a little. And Articuno was the perfect car to drive in here.”
“Geez, I noticed. And I thought my dad lived lavishly.”
Kate raises her eyebrows in a “told you so” gesture before going back to her makeup. Jami, dressed in a form-fitting light blue sparkly dress with one strap on her right shoulder and matching heels in her lap, simply takes in a deep breath and lets out a huge sigh, shaking her head. Kate had explained to Jami many times how her parents loved to show off their wealth, something Kate deplored greatly. Kate’s almost neon pink strapless dress with a slit up the side to just below her hips and Alex’s more reserved golden ensemble make for a colorful entourage, but looking at Kate’s eyes, something clearly weighs heavily on her mind. Jami is quick to take notice of this.
“So I'm having so much fun with Emery while she's on the plane...”
“What are you doing to the poor girl?”
“Oh, she just fucked her next door neighbor on her flight after she got caught masturbating to my outfit for tonight under her blanket.”
“Awww, sweet Emmy! I can't wait to see her again. Be really nice after dealing with my damn parents.”
Jami pulls out her phone from her purse and flips through some pictures. She picks one and shows it off to Kate. “Trust...she's already anticipating my face inside that skirt the second we see her.” Jami giggles a little as does Kate as Kate takes the phone and looks the picture over. But Jami’s face gets serious suddenly. “Honestly, I'm more focused on your parents at the moment.”
Kate sighs a little taking one last look at the picture before handing the phone back. “You shouldn't tease me like that you know? I just hope whatever this little get together they've got planned they aren't expecting much.”
“You and me both...the way Parker described them, it was like the Stepford Wives, only there was no hot Nicole Kidman character to drool over.”
“Ha, Parker probably wished my mom was that hot. But yea mom's like dad's biggest yes person and brown noser. And to his credit, dad's not an abuser, just a major asshole.”
Jami takes a quick glance at Alex who shifts a little in her rest.Kate meanwhile, puts some finishing touches on her makeup and puts all her stuff away. Jami looks back to Kate before her eyes go back to the road. “Well, like I said, I have no intentions of starting anything, so long as they keep their critiques to me. They go after either of you two, that's where I draw the line. I know they're your parents, babygirl, but I won't have them disrespecting my soulmate.”
It raised Kate’s heart to no end to hear Jami say that. After the way the last several weeks had gone for both of them, Kate had begun to really question if Jami was as Kate thought. Kate knew she had a tendency to fall hard and fast and it had cost her many relationships and heartache, not the least of which was Taryn. Now though, with Jami at her side, and Alex just as willing, if not quite as ready due to her being asleep at this point, Kate actually felt like she had something positive going her way. It had been a long time since she truly felt that way, not since…
“They will go after you. And me, for obvious reasons. I hope they don't go after Alex because she really hasn't done anything except be there for us.”
“Either way, I'm standing up for my girls if I have to. I love all of you.”
“And we all love you.” Kate gives Jami a quick peck on the cheek as the car turns into a familiar cul de sac. “That one over there.” Jami eyes the crowded driveway of Kate’s parents’ veritable mansion and shakes her head.
“I don’t get it. Why don’t they just live out in the middle of nowhere?”
“Socializing. My mom loves to fraternize with neighbors and it works better in a neighborhood like this.”
Jami rolls her eyes as she pulls up behind a Porsche and parks. The parking brake wakes Alex up.
“Yep, I’m here.”
“We’re here, Lexikin.”
Jami is the first out of the car and just about starts up the walkway when she notices that both Kate and Alex have fallen behind. Kate seems a little apprehensive. After everything that had happened, after Kate disappeared on Jami, after breaking a date with Alex, would they go all out for her tonight? Kate didn’t see a reason to question that they loved her dearly, but would they be as molded by her parents as Parker had been? It hadn’t been Parker’s fault, Kate knew that. Parker had wanted to support Kate, not have it the other way around. But he wasn’t in the picture anymore either. Alex takes Kate by the hand excitedly and moves as fast as she can up the walkway. As they pass Jami, Alex also takes her hand. Jami and Kate smile, chuckle and shrug at each other before they reach the door. Kate straightens her dress and rings the doorbell.
A moment later, a maid answers the door. Jami leans into Kate and whispers, “I thought you said Klavdiya was bed-ridden.”
Kate whispers back. “She is. I don’t know who this is. Maybe someone they got for tonight.”
All three girls walk in and Alex is immediately taken with the sight of the fanciful foyer. There are several other people, mostly middle-aged types and all dressed to the best. In fact, in spite of how clearly fancy the three girls are dressed, they are clearly outmatched in terms of outfit costs. Kate’s look of discomfort is immediate and, even in her awe, Alex notices it quickly.
“Hey let’s go find your parents and say hi!”
“Good idea Alex.”
They make their way through the crowd to the living room where many of the guests have gathered around to socialize. As the three girls wind through they get several odd stares and haughty glances. They can obviously sense the girls mutual attraction even if it isn’t on display right now. It’s one of those things that people just know when they look at someone. Kate would probably call it a Spider-Sense or a disturbance in the Force. Jami gets agitated, but when Kate takes her hand, Jami immediately calms down. In the living room proper, Kate’s mom is bantering with several other ladies when she notices Kate walk up. She waves Kate over.
“Katelyn! Katelyn! Over here!”
“Mom, I have told you do not call me Katelyn!”
“Oh, enough of that. Come here, come here, bring your friends, I want you to meet the Laguna Lovelies Book Club.”
“Lovelies?” Jami whispers to Kate before they get in earshot of her mother. “I’m sorry, but even my motor’s not running with them.”
Kate nods her head slightly, but forces a smile as does Jami and Alex when they walk up.
“Katelyn,” Kate presses her lips together and takes in a deep breath, “these are the girls Susan, Jodie, Anne and Clara.” The women wave to the girls but give them the same looks they’ve been getting. Kate’s mom does not seem to notice. “Oh, your father will likely be in his office. You should go see him before you enjoy the party.”
“Okay Mom. It was nice to meet you all.” Kate and the girls turn to walk away. They pass a server with a platter of champagne glasses filled to the brim. Kate grabs two but keeps them to herself as she downs one quickly before setting it aside. “This is not gonna get me through the night.”
“Just gotta hold out a little longer babygirl. Don’t worry, we’re here for you okay?”
Kate nods a little as they wind through the crowd again to her dad’s office just down another hall. At the closed door, Kate knocks.
“Come in.”
Kate opens the door and the three girls are instantly met with the stares of 7 men including Kate’s dad. Alex looks immediately uncomfortable and sidesteps slightly behind Kate. Kate’s dad regards the new arrivals, but turns back to the men.
“So as I was saying, we’ll put bets on them going under in the next couple weeks. Chances are they get bought about a month after that. The product is viable after all. Just something to think about. Thank you all. I must deal with my daughter now.”
The men give their good byes and continue their talks as they file out the door without giving the girls a second look. Kate’s dad on the other hand looks over the girls with stern regard.
“Katelyn, I am… extremely… displeased with you.”
“That’s not new. And don’t fucking call me Katelyn.”
“What is with your resistance to your birth name?! This… this attitude of yours is completely inappropriate!”
“With all due respect, sir, if you had been a better father, Cecilia would probably be much happier.”
Kate’s dad glares at Jami who poker faces him right back. He shifts his head back toward Kate. “Cecilia? You would rather go by your great-granny’s name than the name your mother and I chose for you? Do you not understand what we sacrificed for you?”
“Less than nothing. You honestly think I’m fucking braindead about what you did and didn’t do? You left me the trustfund and that was it dad. You and mom both were always too damn busy to take notice of the things I was doing. Like that year I took choir, but how many performances did you attend?”
“I was busy trying to put you through school. Don’t you get it, Katelyn? You’re supposed to be getting ready to step into the business now.”
“Wait, what?”
“That’s right, Miss… sorry, which one are you?”
“Jamilyn Cornett.”
“I’m Alex.”
“Cornett, huh? You’re the one Katelyn was talking about when she was last here.”
“Very likely.” Jami crosses her arms in defiance of the man’s attempt to shake her down. In her mind, Kate wonders if Jami can keep herself in check. Jami’s managed to taunt the man from getting aggro on the girls, but this particular raid boss has a specific target in mind. And he’s just shifted his attention back to her.
“Katelyn, this is unacceptable! If you want to have your cosplays and your modeling, fine. Everyone needs a hobby. But your life choices, your career and… your romances need to be put back in focus. I heard that you and Parker ended. Very strange considering what your mother and I heard coming from your room the couple of nights you were here.”
Jami looks at Kate and Kate raises her hand in the Janeway fashion she has come to improve upon. “First off dad, my personal life isn’t your concern. Second-”
“No you stop right there, young lady!”
“HEY! She was talking! You don’t get to interrupt her!”
“This is a family matter! You will stay out of this!”
Jami holds up her left hand where on lies a Master Ball ring. “I am family now!” Kate’s dad’s eyes go wide as Kate defiantly holds up her hand where on lies an R2D2 ring. Alex smiles as Kate’s dad is rendered utterly speechless.
Kate takes advantage of the silence. “Now, second, Parker and I are still friends and I will rush to his side the instant he calls as sure like it was Jami…” she takes Jami’s hand, “...or Alex…” she does the same with Alex, “...or any of the other girls of Casa de Kami! Third, I’ve told you since I was fifteen I have no interest in being a part of your damn business and that is never going to change!”
“Katelyn, you give me one good reason not to disown you right now. Give me some hint that this is all just a phase.”
“She’s made her choice, sir.” Alex steps forward with a calm demeanor that even affects the clearly-about-to-stroke middle aged man. “She wants to continue wrestling. She wants to be with her soulmate. She wants to be with all of us. And sir if you cannot accept that, it’s your problem, not Kate’s.”
Jami and Kate both beam with pride at the usually composed and demure woman who was so willing to stand by them. Kate especially felt a resurgence of devotion towards Alex, but then the door opened behind the three girls and Kate’s mother walked in.
“So, how did she take the news? Did she accept?” The silence would be deafening if it weren’t for the activity outside. Kate’s mom, though clearly more airheaded than her daughter, picks up on it quickly. Her hands are brought to her mouth. “Katelyn, why-”
“I swear to God if I have to fucking tell you both to not to call me Katelyn again I’m gonna fucking lose my shit!”
“What have we really done that’s so terrible? Why do we deserve to be treated in this manner by such a disrespectful daughter?”
"You have a fantastic daughter who is probably the only reason I'm even still alive right now. Y'all should cherish and respect her as a person a lot more than you do. You're lucky you even got to have a child at all...some of us will never get that privilege."
“And my life is my own now. Maybe you haven’t noticed dad, but that trust fund money, there’s more in it than since you stopped putting money into it. And it’s not just fucking interest on it. I’ve made my own investments and I’ve been damn good at it. With my cosplay, modeling, gaming and now my wrestling, I’m even better off than you.” Realization suddenly hits Kate. “That’s what you’ve been so fucking stick-up-your-ass about! Because I’m doing better than you! Because I’ve managed to accomplish in two years what you couldn’t in twenty-five! I’m in control of everything I do now. Not you!”
“Katelyn…”
“We’re done here.” Kate takes Jami and Alex by the hand and all three girls turn to leave, leaving a shocked expression on her parents faces. Before they leave though…
“I’m very proud of you, Katelyn.”
“You let her call you Katelyn? Your random fling, but not your own blood?”
“Jami is my soulmate. She has earned that right! But you two…” Katelyn indicates to her dad, “...you’re no better than a glorified sperm donor…” and to her mom, “...and you’re just the oven my bun was cooked in. I may have your blood in my veins, but sometimes, it’s not that thick.”
Kate, Jami and Alex all leave the study and back through the crowd. People are still staring and this time Kate pulls both Jami and Alex into a tandem kiss. This silences everyone around. Taking advantage of the shock, after they break, Kate smiles and kicks off her heels into her hands. Jami is quick to follow suit and Alex, though a little confused, smiles and plays along. The girls take off for the front door giggling. Outside they laugh as they approach the car. Jami and Kate embrace tightly and share another kiss as Alex shakes her head with a smile. At the car, they are about to climb in…
“So am I allowed to call you-”
Synchronously, but lightly, Jami and Kate reply, “No.” All three giggle as they pile into the car one more time. But this time, Kate had no more doubts, no more reservations. She had found exactly where she belonged, at Jami's side with all of the girls of Casa de Kami.
The scene is once again the land of Beamers, Audis and Mercedes as a car drives along the quiet streets that would be paved with gold if the people who lived here had their way. But the people who live here wouldn’t take a second look at the Pontiac that’s winding through the streets this time because for once in this setting, it’s one that actually looks like it belongs. The occupants are three well dressed up ladies too so even the nosiest and pickiest of people who watch for the “common folk” wouldn’t know that there’s more to the story than just three girls going to a party. Or at least that’s what they are told. Because this neighborhood that the world famous “Geekette Extraordinaire” Cali-Kate knows only to well always hides the worst of secrets. The kind of secrets that could destroy anyone psychologically. She swore that she would never get caught up in this world ever. But anytime her parents wanted to talk, there was almost the certainty they would try to pull her back in. Under their control.
But whereas before she was facing it alone and could only get a moral win by walking away in tears, tonight she faces it with not one, but two members of the circle known as Casa de Kami. One is her fiancee, her fellow tag partner in the official Casa de Kami tag team, Jamilyn Cornett. The other is best known as “the Adorkable One” Alex Yin. While Jami drives with Kate in the front passenger seat and Alex in the back taking a nap. Alex’s peaceful slumber is a stark contrast to Kate’s consternation of trying to focus putting on her makeup. Jami’s mouth twitches a little breaking the silence that has fallen over them.
“Baby girl, why do you get this dressed up for your parents?”
“Well, since they’re throwing this party I have to do the dress up and all this shit. Especially the heels and you know how I am with those. That’s why I suggested we all dress up a little. And Articuno was the perfect car to drive in here.”
“Geez, I noticed. And I thought my dad lived lavishly.”
Kate raises her eyebrows in a “told you so” gesture before going back to her makeup. Jami, dressed in a form-fitting light blue sparkly dress with one strap on her right shoulder and matching heels in her lap, simply takes in a deep breath and lets out a huge sigh, shaking her head. Kate had explained to Jami many times how her parents loved to show off their wealth, something Kate deplored greatly. Kate’s almost neon pink strapless dress with a slit up the side to just below her hips and Alex’s more reserved golden ensemble make for a colorful entourage, but looking at Kate’s eyes, something clearly weighs heavily on her mind. Jami is quick to take notice of this.
“So I'm having so much fun with Emery while she's on the plane...”
“What are you doing to the poor girl?”
“Oh, she just fucked her next door neighbor on her flight after she got caught masturbating to my outfit for tonight under her blanket.”
“Awww, sweet Emmy! I can't wait to see her again. Be really nice after dealing with my damn parents.”
Jami pulls out her phone from her purse and flips through some pictures. She picks one and shows it off to Kate. “Trust...she's already anticipating my face inside that skirt the second we see her.” Jami giggles a little as does Kate as Kate takes the phone and looks the picture over. But Jami’s face gets serious suddenly. “Honestly, I'm more focused on your parents at the moment.”
Kate sighs a little taking one last look at the picture before handing the phone back. “You shouldn't tease me like that you know? I just hope whatever this little get together they've got planned they aren't expecting much.”
“You and me both...the way Parker described them, it was like the Stepford Wives, only there was no hot Nicole Kidman character to drool over.”
“Ha, Parker probably wished my mom was that hot. But yea mom's like dad's biggest yes person and brown noser. And to his credit, dad's not an abuser, just a major asshole.”
Jami takes a quick glance at Alex who shifts a little in her rest.Kate meanwhile, puts some finishing touches on her makeup and puts all her stuff away. Jami looks back to Kate before her eyes go back to the road. “Well, like I said, I have no intentions of starting anything, so long as they keep their critiques to me. They go after either of you two, that's where I draw the line. I know they're your parents, babygirl, but I won't have them disrespecting my soulmate.”
It raised Kate’s heart to no end to hear Jami say that. After the way the last several weeks had gone for both of them, Kate had begun to really question if Jami was as Kate thought. Kate knew she had a tendency to fall hard and fast and it had cost her many relationships and heartache, not the least of which was Taryn. Now though, with Jami at her side, and Alex just as willing, if not quite as ready due to her being asleep at this point, Kate actually felt like she had something positive going her way. It had been a long time since she truly felt that way, not since…
“They will go after you. And me, for obvious reasons. I hope they don't go after Alex because she really hasn't done anything except be there for us.”
“Either way, I'm standing up for my girls if I have to. I love all of you.”
“And we all love you.” Kate gives Jami a quick peck on the cheek as the car turns into a familiar cul de sac. “That one over there.” Jami eyes the crowded driveway of Kate’s parents’ veritable mansion and shakes her head.
“I don’t get it. Why don’t they just live out in the middle of nowhere?”
“Socializing. My mom loves to fraternize with neighbors and it works better in a neighborhood like this.”
Jami rolls her eyes as she pulls up behind a Porsche and parks. The parking brake wakes Alex up.
“Yep, I’m here.”
“We’re here, Lexikin.”
Jami is the first out of the car and just about starts up the walkway when she notices that both Kate and Alex have fallen behind. Kate seems a little apprehensive. After everything that had happened, after Kate disappeared on Jami, after breaking a date with Alex, would they go all out for her tonight? Kate didn’t see a reason to question that they loved her dearly, but would they be as molded by her parents as Parker had been? It hadn’t been Parker’s fault, Kate knew that. Parker had wanted to support Kate, not have it the other way around. But he wasn’t in the picture anymore either. Alex takes Kate by the hand excitedly and moves as fast as she can up the walkway. As they pass Jami, Alex also takes her hand. Jami and Kate smile, chuckle and shrug at each other before they reach the door. Kate straightens her dress and rings the doorbell.
A moment later, a maid answers the door. Jami leans into Kate and whispers, “I thought you said Klavdiya was bed-ridden.”
Kate whispers back. “She is. I don’t know who this is. Maybe someone they got for tonight.”
All three girls walk in and Alex is immediately taken with the sight of the fanciful foyer. There are several other people, mostly middle-aged types and all dressed to the best. In fact, in spite of how clearly fancy the three girls are dressed, they are clearly outmatched in terms of outfit costs. Kate’s look of discomfort is immediate and, even in her awe, Alex notices it quickly.
“Hey let’s go find your parents and say hi!”
“Good idea Alex.”
They make their way through the crowd to the living room where many of the guests have gathered around to socialize. As the three girls wind through they get several odd stares and haughty glances. They can obviously sense the girls mutual attraction even if it isn’t on display right now. It’s one of those things that people just know when they look at someone. Kate would probably call it a Spider-Sense or a disturbance in the Force. Jami gets agitated, but when Kate takes her hand, Jami immediately calms down. In the living room proper, Kate’s mom is bantering with several other ladies when she notices Kate walk up. She waves Kate over.
“Katelyn! Katelyn! Over here!”
“Mom, I have told you do not call me Katelyn!”
“Oh, enough of that. Come here, come here, bring your friends, I want you to meet the Laguna Lovelies Book Club.”
“Lovelies?” Jami whispers to Kate before they get in earshot of her mother. “I’m sorry, but even my motor’s not running with them.”
Kate nods her head slightly, but forces a smile as does Jami and Alex when they walk up.
“Katelyn,” Kate presses her lips together and takes in a deep breath, “these are the girls Susan, Jodie, Anne and Clara.” The women wave to the girls but give them the same looks they’ve been getting. Kate’s mom does not seem to notice. “Oh, your father will likely be in his office. You should go see him before you enjoy the party.”
“Okay Mom. It was nice to meet you all.” Kate and the girls turn to walk away. They pass a server with a platter of champagne glasses filled to the brim. Kate grabs two but keeps them to herself as she downs one quickly before setting it aside. “This is not gonna get me through the night.”
“Just gotta hold out a little longer babygirl. Don’t worry, we’re here for you okay?”
Kate nods a little as they wind through the crowd again to her dad’s office just down another hall. At the closed door, Kate knocks.
“Come in.”
Kate opens the door and the three girls are instantly met with the stares of 7 men including Kate’s dad. Alex looks immediately uncomfortable and sidesteps slightly behind Kate. Kate’s dad regards the new arrivals, but turns back to the men.
“So as I was saying, we’ll put bets on them going under in the next couple weeks. Chances are they get bought about a month after that. The product is viable after all. Just something to think about. Thank you all. I must deal with my daughter now.”
The men give their good byes and continue their talks as they file out the door without giving the girls a second look. Kate’s dad on the other hand looks over the girls with stern regard.
“Katelyn, I am… extremely… displeased with you.”
“That’s not new. And don’t fucking call me Katelyn.”
“What is with your resistance to your birth name?! This… this attitude of yours is completely inappropriate!”
“With all due respect, sir, if you had been a better father, Cecilia would probably be much happier.”
Kate’s dad glares at Jami who poker faces him right back. He shifts his head back toward Kate. “Cecilia? You would rather go by your great-granny’s name than the name your mother and I chose for you? Do you not understand what we sacrificed for you?”
“Less than nothing. You honestly think I’m fucking braindead about what you did and didn’t do? You left me the trustfund and that was it dad. You and mom both were always too damn busy to take notice of the things I was doing. Like that year I took choir, but how many performances did you attend?”
“I was busy trying to put you through school. Don’t you get it, Katelyn? You’re supposed to be getting ready to step into the business now.”
“Wait, what?”
“That’s right, Miss… sorry, which one are you?”
“Jamilyn Cornett.”
“I’m Alex.”
“Cornett, huh? You’re the one Katelyn was talking about when she was last here.”
“Very likely.” Jami crosses her arms in defiance of the man’s attempt to shake her down. In her mind, Kate wonders if Jami can keep herself in check. Jami’s managed to taunt the man from getting aggro on the girls, but this particular raid boss has a specific target in mind. And he’s just shifted his attention back to her.
“Katelyn, this is unacceptable! If you want to have your cosplays and your modeling, fine. Everyone needs a hobby. But your life choices, your career and… your romances need to be put back in focus. I heard that you and Parker ended. Very strange considering what your mother and I heard coming from your room the couple of nights you were here.”
Jami looks at Kate and Kate raises her hand in the Janeway fashion she has come to improve upon. “First off dad, my personal life isn’t your concern. Second-”
“No you stop right there, young lady!”
“HEY! She was talking! You don’t get to interrupt her!”
“This is a family matter! You will stay out of this!”
Jami holds up her left hand where on lies a Master Ball ring. “I am family now!” Kate’s dad’s eyes go wide as Kate defiantly holds up her hand where on lies an R2D2 ring. Alex smiles as Kate’s dad is rendered utterly speechless.
Kate takes advantage of the silence. “Now, second, Parker and I are still friends and I will rush to his side the instant he calls as sure like it was Jami…” she takes Jami’s hand, “...or Alex…” she does the same with Alex, “...or any of the other girls of Casa de Kami! Third, I’ve told you since I was fifteen I have no interest in being a part of your damn business and that is never going to change!”
“Katelyn, you give me one good reason not to disown you right now. Give me some hint that this is all just a phase.”
“She’s made her choice, sir.” Alex steps forward with a calm demeanor that even affects the clearly-about-to-stroke middle aged man. “She wants to continue wrestling. She wants to be with her soulmate. She wants to be with all of us. And sir if you cannot accept that, it’s your problem, not Kate’s.”
Jami and Kate both beam with pride at the usually composed and demure woman who was so willing to stand by them. Kate especially felt a resurgence of devotion towards Alex, but then the door opened behind the three girls and Kate’s mother walked in.
“So, how did she take the news? Did she accept?” The silence would be deafening if it weren’t for the activity outside. Kate’s mom, though clearly more airheaded than her daughter, picks up on it quickly. Her hands are brought to her mouth. “Katelyn, why-”
“I swear to God if I have to fucking tell you both to not to call me Katelyn again I’m gonna fucking lose my shit!”
“What have we really done that’s so terrible? Why do we deserve to be treated in this manner by such a disrespectful daughter?”
"You have a fantastic daughter who is probably the only reason I'm even still alive right now. Y'all should cherish and respect her as a person a lot more than you do. You're lucky you even got to have a child at all...some of us will never get that privilege."
“And my life is my own now. Maybe you haven’t noticed dad, but that trust fund money, there’s more in it than since you stopped putting money into it. And it’s not just fucking interest on it. I’ve made my own investments and I’ve been damn good at it. With my cosplay, modeling, gaming and now my wrestling, I’m even better off than you.” Realization suddenly hits Kate. “That’s what you’ve been so fucking stick-up-your-ass about! Because I’m doing better than you! Because I’ve managed to accomplish in two years what you couldn’t in twenty-five! I’m in control of everything I do now. Not you!”
“Katelyn…”
“We’re done here.” Kate takes Jami and Alex by the hand and all three girls turn to leave, leaving a shocked expression on her parents faces. Before they leave though…
“I’m very proud of you, Katelyn.”
“You let her call you Katelyn? Your random fling, but not your own blood?”
“Jami is my soulmate. She has earned that right! But you two…” Katelyn indicates to her dad, “...you’re no better than a glorified sperm donor…” and to her mom, “...and you’re just the oven my bun was cooked in. I may have your blood in my veins, but sometimes, it’s not that thick.”
Kate, Jami and Alex all leave the study and back through the crowd. People are still staring and this time Kate pulls both Jami and Alex into a tandem kiss. This silences everyone around. Taking advantage of the shock, after they break, Kate smiles and kicks off her heels into her hands. Jami is quick to follow suit and Alex, though a little confused, smiles and plays along. The girls take off for the front door giggling. Outside they laugh as they approach the car. Jami and Kate embrace tightly and share another kiss as Alex shakes her head with a smile. At the car, they are about to climb in…
“So am I allowed to call you-”
Synchronously, but lightly, Jami and Kate reply, “No.” All three giggle as they pile into the car one more time. But this time, Kate had no more doubts, no more reservations. She had found exactly where she belonged, at Jami's side with all of the girls of Casa de Kami.