WC: 5,777
Trigger Warnings: parental abuse, child abuse, verbal abuse, domestic abuse
Orville remembers his father more than one might think he does.
He… wasn’t the best person.
There was never much yelling or many threats… none of that. No, Orville’s father didn’t like making a fuss physically.
What Senior ‘Ville did like however, was mind games.
Orville remembers the way his father would look at him sometimes. There were things deeply hidden within his gaze. So, so many things that Orville could not even begin to understand at his young age.
But he sees them. He sees the horrors which this man is capable of in his eyes. Eyes that pierce through his very soul.
But more than that, Orville remembers the horrible games of mind chess he’d play with his Ma.
So, so often would they have to squeak by his room as he snored loudly, a simple creak in the floorboards enough to alert him. And even then, he would wake and look at his Mom and she’d stare back. And Orville would look between them. And though useless, unmeaning words were said aloud, the real battle was between their faces.
And time after time, Orville would watch his Mom’s face fall in a slightly different way.
And she would lose that day’s game.
+++
Strict was not quite the right word for Senior ‘Ville. He wouldn’t pitch a fit should something leave his favor. He wouldn’t throw or hit or anything drastic. But he would put a soft hand on your shoulder sometimes. He would do such an act of kindness, only to squeeze. The worse the misstep, the harsher the grip.
Sometimes it was hard enough to leave Orvilles’s shoulder sore for a week.
He knew his Mom was no stranger to the vice grips as well, what with her not so subtly rolling her shoulders every so often, trying to get the feeling back into the connected muscles.
It hurt, God did it hurt, but Orville never said anything. His Ma went through enough. His father may hurt her more. It wasn’t worth the risk.
It was never worth the risk.
+++
So vividly does Orville remember his first blow up.
It was already a bad day. School had been horrendous, what with the kids seemingly all deciding today was a great day to mock him for his speech patterns, not to mention lunch. They hadn’t served a single thing he liked, and it was a rare day where his Ma hadn’t had the chance to pack him one. This had left him hungry as well.
So when he bumps into his father and drops his glass and milk goes flying everywhere and glass shards litter the ground and there’s a very damp spot on his dad’s brand new suit…
Orville screams.
He screams and he cries and he feels the pressure of his father’s eyes judging him.
He offers no help and only backs up a bit.
“Look at what you’ve done,” he says, tone bland, just like always. “The dry cleaner’s not cheap, you know.”
Orville cannot respond, though. Because he’s collapsed into a heap on the floor, still screaming, still crying, side now drenched in milk.
“Stop crying,” his father says. “You’ve a mess to clean.”
And with that he leaves. He grabs his hat, his keys, and he simply leaves.
Orville stays on the floor, precariously close to the shards of glass, until Dani comes home and picks him up and shushes him and helps him clean himself up and the mess.
Orville remembers the bubble bath he took with his mom that night. She had brung the radio into the bathroom and turned on low classical music, and the two of them washed as they normally did, and things were peaceful.
He cherished that memory, regardless of the reason it had happened. He was grateful for any memory of his happy mother before they left his dad.
+++
“Mom,” Orville says one day as they’re at the park, tugging at her pant leg and pointing ahead, “Can we get ice cream?”
The two had just barely arrived. It was early and the sun was high in the sky and they had walked all the way here. Frankly? Orville thought they both deserved some blissfully cool cream to bring them back up to 100%.
His mom smiles at him and looks at where he’s pointing. There sits a woman reading next to a cooler under a shaded tree. There’s a sign on top of the freezer that says “Come and get some! Free ice cream!”
“Alright, kiddo,” Dani nods, grabbing his hand. “Let’s go get some!”
Orville smiles brightly as the pair make their way over.
The woman notices them heading her way, pulling her book down with a big smile of her own on her face. She’s wearing a lot of purple, two shirts, one long skirt and a headband. Even her long, long hair seems purple against everything else.
“¡Hola!” she greets. “Want some ice cream? I’ve got plenty!”
Orville looks back at his mom for an okay before turning back and nodding. “Yes please!”
“One ice cream for the young turtle dove!” the woman beams, moving the sign out of the way. “Can I get your name, little one?”
“Orville!” the child smiles.
“Hello, Orville. You can pick any one you want, okay?”
“Thank you!” Orville says before kneeling next to the cooler to inspect the many different flavors.
“And for you, ¿mi amigo?” the woman asks his mom.
“Oh, I’ll wait for him to finish,” Dani replies. “Thank you, by the way!”
“Of course, of course. It’s no problem, really.” The woman pats the space next to her on the small bench. “I’m Sam.”
“Dani,” the other introduces. “And you’ve already met my little man Orv here.” She reaches over and ruffles his hair, which he immediately swats away.
“Do you two come to this park often?” Sam asks.
“Every so,” Dani shrugs. “We try to get out as much as we can. What about you, though? I don’t think we’ve ever seen you around here.”
Sam chuckles. “Yes, I stay indoors a lot. I own a little pizzeria and I like to cook, so I’m there more often than somewhere like here.” She sighs. “I do love being outside though. So when I won all this ice cream, I thought—”
“Wait, won?” Dani asks.
“Oh yes!” Sam smiles. “I actually won a life’s supply of ice cream recently! Which is way too much ice cream!” she laughs.
“Can I have more than one then?” Orville decides to ask. He’s been sitting here trying to choose between vanilla and chocolate for the past three minutes now. “Since you have too much, I mean?”
“Oh! Of course, turtle dove.” Sam smiles at him and he smiles back as he lifts up and comes to sit next to his mother with four pints.
“Woah, I don’t think you can eat four whole pints, little man,” Dan chuckles.
Orville shakes his head and sets aside three of them, handing out the one chocolate to her. “This one is for you.”
“Aw snap!” Dani smiles. “Thanks, Orv. But what about the other three?”
Orville picks up the other outlier, grape, and hands it to Sam. “Something tells me you would like this flavor, ma’am,” he smiles.
Sam has a big grin on her face as she laughs. “You can just call me Sam, little one,” she says. “And you’re right! I do very much love all things grape!” She looks down at herself before looking back up at him. “How did you know? Was it something I’m wearing?”
“Maybe,” Orville giggles. He likes this person.
“Here,” Sam giggles as well, handing both him and his mother plastic spoons. “As I was saying though, I thought I’d bring the ice cream to this park for the kids and their parents. After all, who doesn’t like free ice cream?”
“That’s so nice of you!” Dani grins. “I’m sure all the parents’ll appreciate it a lot.”
“Heehee! I hope so.”
With that, the conversation dwindles. The three eat their ice cream in relative yet comfortable silence. When Orville has decided he’s had enough, he looks up at Sam. “Is it okay if I put these back in the cooler somewhere so they won’t melt?”
“Oh, sure honey.” She reaches out. “Here, I’ll do it. You go have fun.”
“Really?” Orville asks.
“Of course.”
Orville hands over his ice cream happily before bouncing up. “I’m going to reach 100 reps on the swing today!” he cheers before starting to rush off. “See you soon Mom! And you too, Sam!”
“See you!” they both wave.
Orville’s day at the park is filled with the same things it normally is after that. Trying and failing to reach 100 reps on the swings, going around the playset again and again, fixing the spinny blocks everytime someone left them unfixed… It was a good day.
Even better, everytime he would glance over at his mom, she would be there with Sam, laughing and having a good time. It was a major step up from when he would look over to see her dead asleep on a bench looking so tired he never wanted to wake her up before she was ready to.
It was really, really refreshing.
Eventually though, they must leave. Orville is all tuckered out as he lays in his mom’s arms, his arms around her neck.
“It was really nice talkin’ with you all day,” he hears Dani say in a hushed voice. “I hope you’ll be here again when we come back.”
“That’s up to chance,” Sam hums. “But here’s what’s not: a phone number!” She rifles through her bag before producing her overly decorated phone. “Give me your number, I’ll send you a text, and we can arrange to meet up again sometime soon, yes?”
Orville can hear the smile in Dani’s voice as he starts to drift off. “You got it boss! The number’s 347…”
+++
Orville wakes up to the sound of shouting.
He frowns and fumbles his way out of bed before putting his ear up to the door.
“You are so controlling!” he can hear his mom spit.
“You are crazy,” his father says, voice raised but somehow still collected. “I am not letting you spend all that money on a… a piece of wood.”
“First of all, I went out an’ made this money my damn self!” Dani is shouting. “I can spend it however the hell I like! And second of all, it’s something that will make me happy! I think after everything you’ve done to me, I deserve to get something that makes me happy!”
“Dani,” Senior ‘Ville says. There’s something dangerous laced in it. “Whatever ‘happiness’ you seek will not come from these frivolous… toys. It makes you seem like a child, and I will not be enabling you.”
“Ugh!” Dani groans.
And then a sharp noise pierces the air. The unmistakable sound of a slap.
Orville’s eyes widen considerably with worry. He begins to sneak out of the room to the top of the stairs. From there he can just barely see where his parents are parked at the bottom of the staircase without being seen himself.
The scene before him is… not what he was expecting to see.
His father has his hand held to his cheek and even from all the way up here Orville can see his eyes are absolutely burning.
Dani stands with her back towards the stairs, but it’s not hard to tell she must have her hands clasped in front of her mouth.
“O-Orville…” she says quietly, voice muffled a bit. “I’m…”
“Woman,” Senior ‘Ville snarls. “You will deposit to me every penny you made at that nothing little job of yours where I know you’re screwing around with someone else.”
“Wh… What are you talking—” Dani starts before Senior Ville closes in on her and grabs her arms. It looks like they’re in his coveted vice grip.
“I am not stupid,” he grits out. “I am smarter and faster and stronger than you ever will be.” He lets go of her and steps back, taking a breath before he continues in an extremely calm tone, “Now. You will do as I requested, and we will not bring this up again.” He crosses his arms behind himself. “Am. I. Clear?”
Dani cringes with her whole body. And then… “...Yes, Orville.”
Senior ‘Ville’s whole posture changes and his words are suddenly airy when he speaks next. “Aw, c’mon, Spitfire,” he grins almost lazily, leaning back a bit and holding out his arms. “Who am I?”
Dani sighs. Heavily. “The Squeeze,” she replies.
“And don’t forget it.” Senior ‘Ville then gives Dani the stiffest looking hug Orville has ever seen. “Why don’t you go lay down now? I’m sure that… outburst of emotions was just a side effect of you being tired after working.” He pulls back. “A woman should know her place. Here, at home, tending to the house and our child.”
“...Yeah, ‘Ville,” Dani mumbles. Orville has to strain to hear it.
“Ah, ah. What’s my name?”
“Squeeze,” Dani corrects, and it sounds like it takes all her willpower to do so.
“There we go. Now go.” He flicks his chin towards the stairs. “Upstairs. Bed.”
“...Yeah.” Dani sounds so defeated as she retreats up the steps.
…It was about time Orville absconded.
+++
Orville yawns and stretches out a bit from where he’s laying down. Wind hits him in his face and he sniffs before turning away from the breeze. He’s snugly against something, but he’s a little too tired to care what at the moment. He knew he was safe at least, and that’s all he needed.
He’s just about to slip away back into the depths of slumber when he hears a hushed, “Did he go back to sleep?”
Orville raises his eyebrows with closed lids. That didn’t sound like his mom. Was someone else here?
The feeling of his hair being brushed starts up and the child sighs with realization. That’s right, he must have fallen asleep at the park after resting his eyes for a moment. Now he was probably on top of his mom’s lap as she pet his head, a motion which she knew calmed him.
Orville evens his breath, ready for sleep to come for him again.
“Poor little guy…” a second voice—his mom says from above him. “He barely played today. He must be so tired…”
“With everything his father is like?” he can hear Sam say, her voice now recognizable with him being a bit more awake, “I don’t think I can really blame the little thing.”
“Yeah…” Dani mumbles.
Were they talking about his father before he woke up? Orville was intrigued now. He makes sure he keeps his breathing natural as he truly listens into the conversation now.
“I just—” Dani starts suddenly, “I just wish he respected me, y’know? He really just thinks I’m some woman he can just… Push around. Like I’m nothing more than what a mother is supposed to be or whatever.”
“It…” Sam goes, trailing off a bit before continuing. “I won’t lie, it’s not a very pretty sounding picture you paint, Dani.”
Orville’s mother sighs heavily. “I know.”
“Can I say something maybe a bit rude?” Sam asks.
“Huh? Oh, yeah, sure.”
“Maybe…” Sam trails off again for a moment. “Maybe you should think of finding a way out of this… situation you’ve found yourself in.”
Dani is quiet.
“I know it’s not particularly easy, but…” Sam continues, only for there to be a shift in his mom’s posture shortly after. When Sam speaks again, it’s a little bit closer. “I may not have known you for long, but I can tell you’re more than resilient, Dani. You’re a fighter. You’ve got devotion up to your eyes and I know you have it in you to fight back.”
Dani mumbles something in return.
“You’re not!” Sam says, a bit loud. She fixes her volume after, clearing her throat. “You’re not alone, Dani. You’re never alone in this world.”
“...Then who do I have?” Orville can hear Dani whisper quietly.
He can practically hear the smile on Sam’s face as she declares, “Why, me of course!”
Dani is quiet for a long moment. And then, she bursts out into a watery laugh.
“You’re right,” she says after composing herself a bit. “I do have you.”
“And you will for as much as you need me. I care about you, Dani. Even though it’s been such a short amount of time, I’ve easily come to that decision. Heck, I practically feel like we’ve known each other for ages.”
Dani sniffs before saying, “Me too.” Her body shifts again and it feels like she’s leaning against something. “Me too,” she repeats.
Orville suddenly feels like he’s intruding on something he shouldn’t be privy to. Quietly he rests his eyes again and tries to fall back asleep.
It’s a little hard trying to block out their voices, but his mom starts petting his head again at some point. After that, it’s only a matter of time before he’s out like a light.
+++
Orville must be around 7 or 8 when he’s in the kitchen grabbing a snack only to hear the front door open and close. Large, heavy footsteps enter the house.
His father was home.
Orville’s eyes dart around, nervous. He wasn’t exactly allowed to get snacks by himself, you see. And if his father caught him with his hand in the cookie jar…
He quickly cowers in the corner of the kitchen, hoping he can hide until his father had moved on and gone upstairs.
…But he doesn’t.
Instead he calls out, “Dani!”
No response.
Senior ‘Ville stomps his foot. “Danielle!”
There’s a dull crash from upstairs somewhere, and then Orville can hear the squeak of the floorboards as his mother rushes downstairs.
“What?” she gasps, panting. “What’s wrong? Is it Orville? Is he okay?”
Orville hears his father sigh heavily. “No, our son is not the issue here.” A few steps are taken before he continues, “It’s you that I have issue with.”
His mom pauses for a moment before asking in disbelief, “Me?”
“Yes,” Senior ‘Ville hisses loudly. “You.”
Orville is worried now. Slowly he creeps to the opening between the kitchen and living room until he can peek out and see his mom. She’s currently got her back against the wall next to the staircase, a finger pointed accusingly at her.
“You just love to go and make messes for me to clean up, don’t you?” the man continues.
“Orville, I don’t—” Dani tries, only to be cut off.
“Don’t screw with me, woman!” Senior ‘Ville shouts. “Not only have you gone back to working that shitty little job of yours, but it’s somehow made its way to my company. I hear people in the office talk about how sad and pathetic you look whilst you work. That you’re always asking for tips. That you’re working at all.” He grabs one of her hands and pulls it up, causing her to wince. “Didn’t I tell you to keep your skinny ass at home and to not make a fool out of me!?”
“B-but I…” Dani mumbles, only for Senior ‘Ville to shake his head.
“And don’t think I don’t know what’s going on between you and this Sam guy,” he spits. Dani blanches immediately. “Yeah. I know you’re with some other guy. He calls you too often for you not to be.” He laughs. “But whatever. If you think I care, I don’t. So get this through your thick skull.” He pulls her hand down and brings them face to face. “You are nothing but my son’s mother. You will never be anything other than that. You are to stay home and tend to him and the house and nothing else.” He lets go of her entirely. “Do I make myself clear?”
“I-I…” Dani mumbles, rubbing her wrist. For a moment, it looks like she’s going to bite back, her posture gaining some strength.
Only for it to dissipate the moment Senior ‘Ville repeats, “Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, dear,” spills from Dani’s mouth unenthusiastically. “I understand.”
“Good.” And with that, he pushes past her and goes upstairs.
Orville waits a moment before going out and sitting next to his mom, who had since fallen to the floor. “Mom…” he murmurs as he hovers next to her, unsure of what to do.
“Oh!” she gasps, opening her wet eyes and looking at her child. “Oh, Orville…” She grabs his head with both hands and holds him close to her chest. “Oh, baby, I’m sorry. Did you hear any of that?”
“Um…” Orville mumbles, thinking. Would it be better to lie or tell the truth? “I… um…”
“You sound a little out of it… Did you come down after waking up?” She pulls him back and puts a hand to his forehead. “A-are you sick?”
“Um,” he says smartly. “I…” He sighs. “C-can we just go to bed?” he asks, successfully finding a way to dodge the question without telling the truth or lying.
“You’re a little hot…” Dani tuts, wiping away her tears with her unoccupied hand. “Maybe some rest will do you some good, yeah.” She sniffs. “And me too…”
“Let’s get some sleep,” Orville urges once again, standing up and holding out his hand to help his mom up.
“Yeah,” Dani nods, taking his hand and using both him and the wall as leverage to stand up herself. She picks Orville up the second she’s standing straight. “Let’s go, little man.”
Orville holds on tightly to his mom as she ascends the steps.
Things would be okay eventually, surely. Like Sam had said, his mom was a fighter. Even if she was passive with his father, surely there would come a time when she had the courage to fight back.
Surely.
+++
Orville and Dani are at Sam’s house today. They’re playing a game of “ChessCheck,” something all three of them had brought their heads together to make.
“What if we just… play at the same time anyways?” Dani had asked after both chess and checkers, both two player games, was suggested.
“Will you and Orville swap turns?” Sam asks, leaning down and giving his cheek a little tug. “And does the little turtle dove even know how to play chess?”
“I know how!” Orville asserts. “And I wouldn’t mind swapping turns. But wouldn’t it be hard to play both chess and checkers at the same time?”
“Same time?” both Dani and Sam ask, funnily enough, at the same time.
“Is that not what you just suggested, Ma?” he asks, looking up at Dani.
“Ohhh,” Dani laughs. “Oh, sweetie, I was talking about us playing at the same time, not the two games.”
“Ohhh,” Orville echoes, understanding now. “Oops.”
“...You know what, though?” Sam mumbles, hand rubbing her chin. “You might be onto something, little one.”
“I am?” Orville asks, confused again. “How?”
“Welll, it’s a bit silly…” Sam starts, “Buuut… What if we did play both games together?”
“How?” Dani questions this time.
“Okay, okay,” Sam smiles, grabbing both board games and setting them up swiftly. “Dani, you and Orville can both sit on one side together, and I’ll sit on the other side.”
“Still not following,” Dani laughs.
“While you play chess, Orville can play checkers.” Sam claps her hands together. “And I can play both!”
Both Orville and Dani are looking at Sam with befuddled faces.
Sam laughs. “Here, maybe playing and explaining at the same time will help.”
So, the three of them play a round together. Dani and Orville win, Sam pouting with the loss.
“Again!” she demands. “I’ll get you two this time!”
“Yeah right!” Dani smirks, competitive nature coming out.
It’s the first time Orville has seen her smile so easily in ages. In fact, his mom always seemed happy when they were with Sam.
Orville had decided this a while ago, but he really, really liked Sam.
+++
“Thanks for having us again, Sam,” Dani is saying quietly. Orville is still waking up, having fallen asleep on the couch at some point.
“It’s no problem, my dear friend,” Sam replies, the smile evident in her voice. “You can come over anytime you wish.”
“Thanks…” Dani sighs. “I don’t… I don’t know if I can really… do this anymore.”
“Oh, Dani…” Sam frowns.
“He gets worse by the day,” Dani continues. “And I feel like it’s not long until he starts taking his anger out on Orv…”
“If you ever need somewhere to stay, I’m always here, okay?” Sam says, conviction in her voice. “I mean it. I can’t stand seeing you like this…”
“...Thank you, Sam.” Dani sounds close to tears. “I’ll—I’ll be sure to remember that.”
Orville loosens the tight posture he’d found himself in. Sam was quickly becoming one of his favorite people. If he couldn’t, she would make sure his mom stayed happy. He was sure of it.
+++
“You bastard!” Orville hears, causing him to look up from where he was working at his desk.
“What did you just call me, woman?” he can hear his father shout.
“A bastard! A two-timing bastard!”
“Oh yeah?” Senior ‘Ville laughs. “Where’s your proof?”
“This!” Dani shouts.
It’s quiet for a moment. Orville peers out of the door to his room. He can just barely see his mom shoving a piece of paper in his father’s face. Shortly after, he rips it from her hands and folds it tightly before ripping it in half.
“Oops,” he smirks. “Looks like your ‘proof’ is gone.”
Dani sputters in front of him, clearly taken aback.
“Stupid woman,” his father spits. He then raises his hand.
It was time for Orville to step in for once.
“Father!” he shouts, leaving his room and rushing down the stairs. He stands in front of his mom with his arms outstretched. “Stop!”
Senior ‘Ville growls. “Move, child.”
“No!” Orville cries. “I won’t let you hurt my mom!”
Senior ‘Ville huffs and lowers his hands. Orville sighs, hoping he had ended the confrontation before it could truly begin.
…And then he’s suddenly on the ground.
“Wh…” he breathes, lifting his face from the floor. “What…?”
“Orville!” Dani cries. He soon feels her soft grip surround him, holding him. “Oh, sweetie, are you okay?”
“I…” Orville blinks really hard and looks up at his mom, only to see his father looming menacingly in front of them both. He winces. “I don’t…”
“You,” Dani seethes. “I will not allow you to hurt my child.”
“He’s my child too,” Senior ‘Ville shrugs, nonplussed.
“Not for long,” Dani says, a small laugh in her voice. “Not for long.”
+++
The move is… for all things considered? Pretty smooth.
The divorce had been finalized mere days ago, and his father had not even begun to fight for custody. He did, however, throw Orville and his mom to the curb the moment he could.
So this is how Orville and Dani end up living with Sam for a while.
“It’s just temporary,” Dani would say repeatedly. “We won’t take up your space for long.”
“Oh, please,” Sam waves off. “Stay as long as you’d like.”
And… stay they did.
Honestly, it’s not long before Orville can see googoo eyes on his mom’s face anytime she’s around Sam.
“Ma,” he says one day when Sam is out.
“Yeah, little man?” she replies, stretching. “What’s up? I was just about to go get a snack.”
Better to keep this swift, then.
“Are you in love with Sam?” he asks plainly.
Dani sputters.
Orville has his answer.
“I won’t tell,” he adds quickly. “But it’s funny seeing you try so hard not to be obvious.” Truly? It was nothing but a treat seeing his mom so happy and giddy all the time. She was never like that when they were with his father.
Dani shuffles from foot to foot for a second before sighing and slumping over. “Am I that transparent?” she finally asks, defeated.
Orville giggles. “Maybe,” he jokes. “I do think you should just tell her, though.”
“And ruin this thing we have going on?” Dani asks, anguish filling her voice. “I couldn’t Orv. I’d die if I did that and then she hates me and then you don’t have anywhere to stay…”
“Ma,” Orville says with a wry smile, “You know good and well that’s not going to happen.”
“But…!”
“Nooot hearing it,” Orville says, shaking his head. “Try to gather your courage. I know it in my heart of hearts that she will not have a negative reaction to this.”
“How are you so sure, little dude?” Dani questions, putting her hands on her hips. “You been gossiping with her about her love life or something?”
Yes.
“No,” Orville says, crossing his fingers behind his back for just a moment. “I just can tell she’s the type of person. Besides, you two are already so close.” He walks up to his mom and grabs her hands gently, looking into her eyes. “I truly believe nothing will change that. So go on, tell her. You’ll be fine.”
Dani closes her eyes and takes a deep breath before nodding. “...Yeah. You know what, yeah!” She bounces on the ball of her heels, suddenly energized. “Sick pep talk, little dude. Leave it to my little Orv to give his mom the rizz talk.” She laughs easily as she gives Orville a loose noogie.
“Wh—hey!” Orville laughs too. “This is not a proper thank you!”
“It is now!” Dani grins.
It’s later in the day when Sam returns home. Dani and Orville are lounging on the couch and both perk up.
“Game time,” Dani whispers quietly. Orville nods and stands.
“Hello, Sam!” the boy greets. “I’ll… be right back, okay?”
“Oh?” Sam blinks, but waves. “Alright, turtle dove. See you soon, I suppose.”
Orville nods with a smile and scuttles up the stairs, only to stop and peer down the steps. He had agreed with his mom before that she was allowed to snoop in on the conversation, and snoop he would.
“Well, that was a little weird,” Sam comments. “Anyways, how are you my flaming rose?”
Dani’s smile grows crooked before it straightens out. “Aha… I-I…”
“Are you alright?” Sam asks, pouting. She sits down next to Dani and grabs her hands gently. “Did something happen?”
“Can we date?” Dani blurts out suddenly.
Orville blinks. Did she really…? After all that prep…?
Sam is quiet for a few seconds, and then she bursts into a laugh. She then engulfs Dani in a large hug.
“Ohh, Dani…” bubbles out of Sam’s mouth. “I’ve only been waiting for you to ask for… forever now!”
Orville gasps at the same time Dani does. He covers his mouth and backs away from the railing, barely able to contain his excitement for his mom.
Finally, finally she would have someone she loved by her side.
+++
The wedding was amazing.
+++
With everything in Orville’s life settled now, the boy is free to focus on other things.
Things like his friend group that he had managed to be a part of and cared for ever so much.
And his budding crush on one of the members of said group.
…And the cameras that would follow him everywhere.
Now, Orville wasn’t stupid. He knew there weren’t actual cameras following him. But… some sort of mental strain was placed upon him regardless. He felt he always had to perform. Always be on his best behavior. Never act out.
Which was… difficult sometimes, to say the least.
Maybe it had something to do with the newfound freedom, but Orville found he had meltdowns much more often than when he lived with his father. He would become an absolute mess sometimes, feeling like the whole world was watching. He was the number one station for everyone to watch, criticize, laugh at.
And his father would be in the front row.
It caused him to be more than just sick to his stomach sometimes.
The meltdowns were only one thing though. After the first time feeling he was being watched by everyone, scrutinized by everyone… It was just all downhill from there.
Orville watches the way he talks. He watches how he eats. He makes sure he’s always polite. He doesn’t say no.
He’s always a good kid.
…His sudden mood shifts notwithstanding.
He would get mad at his moms and blow up at them, only to sob and apologize after the fact. He’d beg them to forgive him, and they always did, but everytime it happened he felt like it was the last time he’d ever be forgiven again.
It extends to his friends as well.
Too afraid to snap around them, too scared to have them leave him… he draws into himself. It’s gradual, him slowly agreeing not to join more and more. It’s not until all four other members share a lunch period that he doesn’t is he satisfied.
There. They wouldn’t hate him if it wasn’t his fault they didn’t talk much anymore, right?
His heart suddenly aches, the full realization of no longer being able to be with them, not being able to be with Paige hitting him.
It hurts, but…
The camera’s invisible, non existent lens shines in the corner of Orville’s eye.
This would be for the best.
…Wouldn’t it?
+++
The day before the new school term, Orville clutches a pillow tightly as he watches a movie intently. In it, the main character received love letters from a secret admirer. The receiver was thrilled and spent the rest of the movie trying to figure out who the admirer was. Her best friend was always by her side throughout the entirety of it.
In the end, the best friend signs her name on the final love letter, delivered to the recipient directly. The main character was stunned, causing the best friend to think she was rejected, only for the other to pull her back and give her a big kiss.
It was such a romantic movie. It moved Orville to no end.
…A secret admirer, huh?
Orville thinks of who he’d like to receive something like a love letter from. It doesn’t take longer than a beat for him to think, Oh, Paige.
He quickly shakes his head, though. There was no way Paige would do something like that. He’d have to like Orville first to even think of it.
…But… If Paige wouldn’t be sending notes…
Orville’s mind lights up.
Cameras be damned. Orville had an idea.
He had a great idea.