“You SHUSH Crash, I’m having enough trouble breathing in this cramped space without you completely cutting off my respiratory system!”
“Your what? Anyway, you’re the one screaming and yammering on. So YOU shush.”
“Why don’t you BOTH shush alright? You’re giving me a blimmin’ headache.” Danni closed her eyes and leaned her head on Crash’s shoulder.
Bash had insisted on playing a game of ‘Sardines’ with all the members of the CC household. Joining in on the fun were Crash, Danni, Coco, Polar, Pura, Aku Aku and Papu Papu, who, lucky for them, just happened to be visiting that day. Currently, all except Bash were squeezed into the closet underneath the stairs.
“Oh my gawd, my legs are starting to cramp up.” Coco moaned and tried to stretch, digging Papu Papu in the belly. He was asleep and didn’t feel a thing. “How LONG have we been in here?”
“Too long.” Aku Aku muttered, trying to float out of Pura’s reach. The bored minx was trying to chew his feathers. Pura gave up and returned to grooming the whimpering Polar. “Shouldn’t your son have found us by now?”
“I thought he would have… I mean, we’re in a pretty obvious place…” Crash really felt like scratching his nose, but unfortunately he had no room in which to extend his arm. He tried rubbing his nose against Danni. She smiled, thinking he was trying to be romantic.
“I’m guessing Bash got YOUR mental abilities then.” Coco wrinkled her nose and swatted Crash’s foot again, making him prod Danni with his nose particularly hard.
“Oy! Stop that! That’s IT, I’m getting out!” Danni crawled over Papu Papu and pushed the door open. They all tumbled out onto the landing and just lay there for a few minutes, trying to get sued to the fresh air and bright light.
“What are you doing?”
They all looked up and around, finding themselves meeting Bash’s inquiring gaze. He giggled at them all splayed across the floor.
“Bash, how come you took so long to find us?” Aku Aku spoke, still a bit light-headed (well, as light-headed as a floating mask possessed with a spirit can be).
“Find? Oh, that game. I was so bored so I was just watching TV. I was wondering where everyone was! I’m so happy I found you cuz I’m all hungry now…” He looked at them and patted his round tummy, smiling away innocently.
It was a good thing that Bash was a cute and small 5 year old.
***************
Kiana knocked on Tawna’s door. After no reply, and finding the door slightly ajar she pushed it open and let herself in. Tawna was at home, but where?
“Kiana! What are you doing here?”
Tawna’s head emerged from behind the sofa, looking slightly dishevelled. She had a pink sock tangled in her golden hair.
“I came to apologise. Let’s not fight anymore.”
“Oh… Kiana! You are so right!” Tawna scrambled to her feet and threw her arms around her marsupial soul sister. “I am sorry for snapping at you. I had no right. It’s good we cleared things up before I left the country.” She hugged Kiana tight.
Kiana pulled away. “Did you just say LEAVE THE COUNTRY? When? Where? Why?” Her eyes fell upon the open suitcase next to the sofa, filled with colourful outfits and various knick-knacks.
“Adam is coming in 2 hours to take me to the airport. We’re flying to America - to Los Angeles… can you believe it? Adam’s lined up some auditions for me.”
“Oh HAS he- “ Kiana started then bit her tongue. Hold the cynicism, she told herself. “Tawna, isn’t this a bit… spur of the moment? What about Bash? He’s coming home soon… and for god’s sake you’ve only known Adam, what… THREE DAYS… and you’re going to go on a trip with him… out of the country, to a place you’ve never been?”
Tawna sighed. “There you go again, ruining my excitement. Stop with the Adam grudge already. I don’t want to fight, so let’s pretend we’re in agreement and leave it at that. I’ve thought this through, I’m only going for a bit, and I’ll be back in plenty of time for Bash’s return. Am I a bad mother just because I’m going to go and have some fun? Is that what you think?”
“Tawna, hun… Please listen to what I’m saying. I’m not trying to upset you, I didn’t imply anything like that.”
Her friend took no notice of her and continued stuffing clothes into the already over-flowing suitcase. Kiana felt sadness and defeat flowing through her body. She felt like something terrible was about to happen and she was helpless against countering it.
“At least give me your number so I can reach you. Bash may have an emergency… or something…”
“I don’t know where we’re going to stay or anything like that. Adam’s taking care of it. How about if I phone you at the airport and once I arrive in LA?”
This didn’t satisfy Kiana’s worry but she tried to look content. “Promise?”
“Of course, love.”
“I have to go now, my break’s almost over… have a good time in LA, Tawna. Don’t run off with any beach boys, y’hear? Well, not unless you bring one back for me, that is. To be my personal manservant.” Kiana gave Tawna a half-hearted wink and forced grin, inwardly wincing at her non-funny ‘joke’. She trudged towards the door.
“Bye Kiana!” Tawna smiled, truly happy. It was such a relief she and Kiana were okay again. She got to her feet quickly and tackled Kiana, with a big, joyful waist-hugger. “Didn’t think I’d let you leave without a hug, did ya?”
“Ha ha…” Kiana tried to laugh convincingly. She pulled the sock out of Tawna’s hair. “That has so been bugging me. Bye bye hun.”
She gave Tawna a final squeeze, then turned and hurried across the sands, running back to her job and also trying to escape the awful feeling threatening to consume her. Tawna’s gonna be ok, Tawna’s gonna be ok, she silently mouthed in sync to the beating of her heart, I’m wrong, I’m wrong…
I hope.
************************************
“What’s LA like, Adam?”
They were in the rented silver sports car, headed at full speed towards the airport. Tawna leaned out of the window and smiled at her surroundings. Goodbye Australia! I hope I won’t miss it too much, she thought to herself… even though it’s only gonna be a matter of days before I see home again.
“LA is LA… what else is there to say?”
Hmm. Adam seemed a little weird today. She had been trying to make conversation with him for the past 20 minutes and he appeared to be tired of her, or something. She often felt his eyes on her back yet when she turned he quickly averted them, as if he didn’t want her to see - very strange.
The airport was finally coming into view. All the beautiful planes, promising to take passengers thousands of miles away, promising excitement and adventure, fun and new experiences. She reached into her pocket and pulled out the little album she had of Bash. She felt a slight twinge of guilt. Was it right to do this? She felt guilty about being with Adam too… she had always meant for Bash to be the most important person in her life and wondered if falling in love was slightly selfish. Stop it! She gave herself a mental slap. Bash will always be the most important love of my life and no one will ever change that. Having feelings for another person doesn’t take away my devotion to my son. She kissed his picture, her favourite picture of him, the picture of him as a little baby. Her heart ached even harder for him. Only a few more days, she reminded herself. She looked out of the window again, trying to focus her thoughts on Los Angeles. To her shock, the airport seemed to have disappeared. Was her mind playing tricks on her? She twisted in her seat. The airport was now a small dot, speedily getting smaller and more indistinct. Oh my god, how FAST were they going? What was Adam doing?
“Adam?!” What was going on? She just couldn’t understand, but a horrible feeling in the pit of her stomach was rising and pressing against her chest heavily - like she knew what was going on, deep inside, something too nasty to imagine straightforwardly.
He ignored her. The look that she had once thought she had caught on his face the other day was now fixed upon him. Like before, his handsome face was twisted and sinister looking. To make things worse, he also had a threatening smirk transfixed on his face. He seemed like a different person.
“Adam, why are we going fast? Why did we go past the airport? Where are we going?” Her voice got more high-pitched, as hard as she tried to keep the hysteria out of her voice.
He continued to grip the wheel tightly. The thing that got to Tawna most is that he didn’t look crazed… just intensely calm, as if he knew exactly what he was doing.
“I’m just gonna be getting off now…” Stammering, Tawna unhooked her belt and grabbed the door handle, trying to open it. Quick as a flash a strong hand gripped her painfully and pulled her back roughly. Adam pinned her to his seat with one hand, the other remained glued to the wheel. He didn’t even look at her.
“Don’t even think about it. It’ll be so much less painful if you do as I say.”
“Adam, what are you doing? I thought we were going to the airport! Why are you hurting me, saying such horrible things?” He was pressing her so hard it hurt and she as having trouble breathing. Tears of panic, hurt and confusion trickled down her face. “I don’t understand.”
“They never do.” He chuckled to himself. “I bet you thought I loved you. Women like you are always so easy to fool. A sprinkle of pretty words here and there, a touch of ego-massaging… some flowers… a few empty promises… You can get a female to do anything, to get into a stranger’s car all alone and allow herself to be taken far away from the few that care for her. Such weak women need to be taught a lesson.” He shook his head, with an air of resigned sadness.
Tawna was silent, trying to absorb the horrifying meaning of his words. She felt so used… so stupid… the tears and moans took over her entire body. How had she been so fooled? How could she have been so trusting of his words? Only now could she see his falseness. It hurt so much, knowing she had been toyed with. He must be right - she was weak - weak, empty and shallow. So easily fooled.
“What are you going to do with me?” She whispered, completely overcome and defeated, as crumpled as a discarded paper bag.
“I am going to teach you a lesson. The lesson that women are infinitely inferior to men, and always will be. A pity you won’t be able to pass this knowledge onto your spoiled child.” Adam smiled, hoping to hurt Tawna even more, weaken her spirit further.
Bash! Her child… Adam was wrong. She wasn’t a weak woman. Could a weak woman bring up a child practically by herself? Bring a child into the world, period? Adam had inspired her. She had felt defeated, too weak to fight for herself. But she wasn’t too weak to fight for Bash. She’d always be strong for him, like she’d promised herself, years ago. Her crumpled form filled out with newfound strength. She clenched her fists and, with all her might, removed Adam’s hand from her chest with one angry motion. Startled he turned to look at her, and in doing so, met her eyes, glittering with rage. Tawna held his gaze for a split second before moving her foot quickly to jab him in the groin and then scrambled to open the door, while he was still stunned.
It was stuck! Her heart began to thump uncontrollably. She jiggled it violently, perspiring nervously.
“Auto-lock.” Adam grabbed Tawna roughly and shook her. His cold tone suddenly became shrill. “Do you have any idea how hard you’re making this for me? Why can’t you just do as I say!? We’ll be there soon!” He shook her harder and harder, allowing her head to bang against the wheel. He scarcely acknowledged the fact the car was travelling at 90mph, driver-less.
Tawna felt dizzy, and fast losing her hold on consciousness. Adam was saying something about his mother but the words could no longer made sense to her, they were all jumbled up and thick, garbled sounds unable to penetrate through her fogged mind. Her head throbbed and closing her eyes brought small relief. Suddenly…
Blackness.
***********************************
“Good, you’re coming around.”
Tawna opened her eyes. Harsh bright lights pained her vision. She shut them tightly and then forced them open again. She tried to twist her head, only to find it was stuck for some reason. All her limited vision allowed her was a view of the stark ceiling, white and shiny, sparsely decorated with glaring fluorescent lights. Her hands, her feet… her entire body was completely immobilized on a hard and cold metal surface. She wanted to scream but a mouldy sock silenced her. She closed her eyes again, screwed them tightly up. She didn’t even want to imagine what was going to happen.
“Open up those pretty eyes, my angel.”
He sounded sweet and caring but this time she knew it was all an act, just a cruel act. He loosened the straps around her neck and forehead. He held her face tenderly with one hand, and kissed her neck, kissed the red bruises the tight straps had made on them. “It hurts me so much to see you like this.” He undid the gag around her mouth and removed the sock. He moved as if to kiss her. Tawna gathered all the moisture in her dry mouth and spat at him. He reeled surprised, and then his mock kindness was replaced with a look of rage. He slapped her sharply. Tawna held back the tears that normally came so easily and continued to look at him defiantly.
“Why must you anger me like this? Why must you force me to hurt you?” He shrieked in her ear, “You have brought all this on yourself!”
Tawna swallowed. “Excuse me? What have I done? All I can tell is that some sadistic black wolf has gone psychotic on me.” She bravely tried to keep her voice steady. Don’t show him your fear you’re going to survive this.
“Psychotic? Bah, I’m not the crazy one. Women are crazy… useless, manipulative creatures. What have you done, you ask? You just want to do the thing to me that every woman has wanted to do to me. You want to use me. You want to steal my heart, make me a slave to your every desire. And then you’ll take all my love and LEAVE ME. Well, you’re never going to get the chance to do that, my lovely. I won’t let you hurt me. Now, just be a good girl and everything will be much better, less blood, less pain for you and I.” He spoke as if everything made complete sense and was fully understandable, as if he was the victim. “Stay still. Don’t bother screaming, we’re in the middle of nowhere and screaming just really gets on my nerves.”
“Adam… I won’t ever leave you. I love you.” Tawna whispered softly.
His ears pricked up. He turned and looked at Tawna. “You’re lying.” Yet she could sense the eagerness underlying his bitter tone.
“It’s the truth, Adam. All those other women, they were bad. But I’m different. I was practically in love with you from the moment I saw you. You swept me off my feet. Now, I see your vulnerability, I love you even more. I want to be the woman at your side, forever. I could never love another man as much as I love you and I know I’ll love you more and more, the more time I spend with you.” She kept a look of earnest sadness on her face, trying to appeal to him, to the weakness he had inadvertently revealed to her.
“What about your son?” He noticeably softened, all at once he seemed young and needy.
“Ha! What chance does my son have against my love for you? Let Kiana care for him. I need only one person in my life. Let it be you, I’m begging you. If you finish me, you’ll never know how great our love could be, how happy we’ll be together.” It hurt to dismiss Bash like that, but for the sake of living for him, she needed to say such things.
Adam dissolved. He sank to the floor and began to cry. His strong and imposing form shook with emotion. He looked even younger, just like a small boy crying for his mother.
“Darling, let me comfort you. Let me freely embrace you. I want you.”
He nodded and got to his feet. He smiled happily at Tawna and quickly undid the spiteful straps, so aggressively digging into her tender body. He helped her to her feet and then buried his head in her chest. She enveloped him, rest her chin on his shoulder, all the while moving her eyes frantically around the room, searching… The room was large and spacious, practically clinical. Aside from the white walls, that is. They were covered with photos of various females. A cold chill struck Tawna as she caught sight of a few photos of herself. She tried to ignore them and continued analysing the room. There was a wooden desk in the corner, covered with files and folders. That was about it… except… her eyes found what there were searching for. An earthenware bowl, sitting on top of a solitary chair, crusted with dried milk and cereal. She held Adam tighter and gently manoeuvred him closer towards the chair.
“It’s all gonna be good baby. Let it all out.”
“Oh, Tawna… I waited so long for a woman to say those words to me.” Adam wept, nuzzling her. “We can start a wonderful life together, just you and me and our love. What else could we need?”
“Of course, honey. Just remember one thing.” Her fingers encircled the rim of the bowl.
“What, angel?”
“This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.”
Before he had a chance to react she raised the bowl above is head and brought it crashing down. He fell to the floor, as if dead. Knocked out cold. Tawna knelt down and sweetly breathed into his ear.
“I’m not the only one that’s so easy to fool. And I certainly hope I’ve taught you a lesson too.”
“Tawna, my god! Hun!” The door flew open and a distressed Kiana burst into the room. She almost knocked Tawna off the chair with her hearty clinch. She started gabbling incomprehensibly and covered Tawna’s cheeks with wet kisses.
“Eek… you’re choking me Kiana!” Tawna chortled, over the moon at seeing her best bud. She had been just spent 4 hours talking to the police. She felt completely exhausted from all the paperwork and interrogation it was so wonderful to see a familiar face. “Gerroff!”
Kiana loosened her vicelike grip slightly and sniffed, still holding Tawna.
“I’m just so happy to see you alive, all in one piece… I would have never forgiven myself…”
“Well, at least Adam’s gotten exactly what he deserves. We can be grateful for that too,” Tawna breathed a sigh of relief, “At least no other woman will go through what I did, and all those other women less fortunate than I was can rest in peace. I hope their families will gain comfort from the knowledge Adam is locked away for good. You were so right, I should have listened to you.”
“It doesn’t matter Tawna, all that matters is that you survived and because of you a complete psycho was finally captured. You go girl! I’m so proud of you. And I know someone else who is.” Kiana reluctantly unravelled her arms and went outside.
“MOMMY!!!!” Bash’s jubilant voice was music, sweet music to Tawna’s ears. He ran towards Tawna, and flew into her awaiting and eager arms. “I missed you so much Mommy!” He knew nothing of what had happened to Tawna, and it would remain that way for some time.
Tawna sighed happily and kissed Bash - kissed his hair, his cheeks… just about any part of his body that she could get to. She let his excited chattering about his adventures with Crash and co wash over her and just enjoyed being with him once more. She thanked the gods for every blessing, for blessing her with survival, and most of all, for blessing her with this beautiful child. She looked up and almost cried with delight. All the gang… Crash, Coco, Aku Aku, Polar, Danni, Pura… all of Kiana’s brothers and their families… Kiana and Darwin… even Mr. Methane Brio were standing outside the door, peering in, bearing flowers and gifts, touched and silenced by the display of singular affection between mother and son. Thank you, she mentally added, for blessing me with friends.
She stood up, Bash glued to her still. Kieran held the door open for them. “Let’s go home.”
Tawna paused, wordlessly reflecting. Poor Adam, she couldn’t help but feel some sympathy for him. How sad that he had been so cruelly emotionally and physically tortured by his mother. If it had not been for her, perhaps he wouldn’t have become such a monster, desperate and fearful of love. He enjoyed inflicting pain of the same kind his mother gave to him on women he found attractive. The more he developed feelings for someone, the more he felt the need to destroy that person. All because of his mother’s perverted love.
“Tawna?” Kieran clicked his fingers in front of her face.
“Oh, sorry, zoned out there for a few. Let’s get a move on, I’d love nothing better to curl up in bed and have all of you wait on me.” Protectively, she embraced Bash tighter. My Bash will never become that. Not with all the love we have for him. She stepped outside the room and was immediately surrounded by her loved ones. Her family.
Kieran followed Tawna and placed his hand around her waist. “I hope you don’t think this is a bad time but I really need to ask you something.”
“What is it, sweetie?”
He leant closer and whispered earnestly. “Will you marry me?”
“What? Are you serious?” She stared at him, unable to believe her ears. She had never imagined Kieran had such depth of feeling for her. Bash looked at Kieran with interest. Everyone was listening now, everyone including the present police force, trying unsuccessfully to look as if they weren’t.
Kieran reddened and looked at his feet. “Sorry I just blurted it out like that. I’ve loved you for five years… I felt like if I didn’t say it now, I never would... be able to find the courage. I almost lost you forever. I’m completely serious. You don’t have to answer now, I understand completely.”
The tears could be held back no longer. Her swelling joy over spilled onto her cheeks. She realised she had loved him all along too. He was the one for her, she had felt this way always, but she had been too ignorant to listen to it, that small voice inside, too dismissive of her own feelings… Yes, Yes… YES! She suddenly remembered they were not alone. She looked at her friends and then at her son. “Well… it all depends… what do you think Bash? Do you think that Kieran would make a good step-daddy?”
All held their breath and Bash gleefully took his time. He scrunched u his little face, until eh could hold it in no longer.
“YES!”
Kieran was his favourite man in the world, next to Daddy of course. Oh, and Santa Claus.
“I agree with Bash. I’d love to be your wife Kieran. I don’t even need to think about it.” Kieran jabbed his fist into the air. “Woohoo!” He cleared his throat, “I mean, I’m… uh… I mean…um… uh…”
“I know what you mean.” Balancing Bash on her hip she used her free arm to pull Kieran close and she kissed him full on the mouth. “I love you.”
Everyone cheered. Old Methane broke down and bawled upon Papu Papu, who patted him empathetically, as he wiped a tear from his own piggish eye. Crash turned to Danni and they shared a kiss, in response to the moment. Coco hugged Polar and Pura. Kiana jumped around with excitement and shrieked before Darwin caught her and calmed her by occupying her mouth. Everyone else embraced a loved one or shook hands with an acquaintance, from the remainder of Kiana’s relatives to the hardened Chief Inspector. Aku Aku floated high and remained an affected spectator. He turns and his eyes meet your own, absorbing these very words at this present moment.
“I hope you all enjoyed that and didn’t find it too sentimental. At this point I’m supposed to give you an obligatory moral, my impressionable children, my adults of the future… but I think this tale speaks for itself. Just remember, love and friendship conquer all… darn, I just gave you a moral!” He composed himself and continued, “Anyway, remember that and also remember… the best stories are the ones with happy endings!”
THE END
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