The Price Legacy - Generation One - Chapter Five
Jun. 14th, 2020 04:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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ficwhatficUnfortunately, I'm still working on a cover image, as I am very bad with them.
When Joshua reveals why he kept his son a secret from Marci, it doesn't sit well with her.
It was supposed to be a typical evening. Joshua was going to swing by and pick her up for a date, and eventually they'd go back to his place.
Then he texted her and said they needed to talk. When he came over and told her what they needed to discuss, she worried he changed his mind about dating her.
Instead, he revealed a truth to her that she wasn't expecting.
Marci: “You…have a son?”
Joshua: “Yes. His name is Louis. He started elementary school not too long ago, and he’s brilliant—they actually let him skip a grade because he’s already ahead of his peers and got bored with his classwork. He's a redhead and looks nothing like me, but he draws sometimes, and he—”
Marci: “Josh, wait! This…this isn't true, is it? How many times did I come over and never had a clue he was living there, or see pictures of you guys together?”
Joshua: “To be fair, he picks up after himself and keeps his toys and schoolwork in the bedroom, and I haven’t finished unpacking all our boxes to put pictures out yet.”
Marci: “I’m so confused. Why didn’t you tell me when we started seeing each other?”
Joshua: “His grandparents and I were battling for primary custody for a while. I did not want to say anything because I had no idea if I’d still have a son at this point, not until this morning.”
Marci: “His grandparents? Where’s his mom?”
Joshua: “I wish I knew, but I really couldn’t tell you. One day Katherine left and just…never came back. Not even for Louis. The next week, I got divorce papers in the mail...and documents informing me that she wanted to sign over her parental rights. She told her parents that I was in therapy for anger management, and…well, needless to say, they ran with it.”
Marci: “Fuck, Josh…I’m so sorry. That shit is bananas.”
Joshua: “Now do you understand why I couldn’t tell you? What would you have said if I dropped all this information into your lap so early into our relationship? I had no idea how to explain myself, and to be honest I wasn’t sure how I felt about introducing Louis to you—”
Marci: “You had a problem introducing your son…to me?”
She inhaled deeply.
Marci: “I need a minute.”
She went to her sink and poured herself a cup of water.
She drank all the lukewarm tap water right on the spot.
Joshua: “Are you okay?”
Marci: “Peachy.”
Joshua: “No, you’re not. Just talk to me.”
Marci: “Honestly? I feel hurt. I get it’s awkward being a single dad and dealing with all of that, and I was willing to make peace with the fact that you waited nearly two months to say anything. But what you just said a minute ago, how you didn’t want to introduce your son to me? That fucking stings.”
Joshua: “I’m sorry if that hurts your feelings, Marci…but you’re not a parent. Try and see it from my perspective before you get angry with me.”
Marci: “And what perspective is that, Josh? That I’m good enough to keep around for a good fuck or when you get lonely, but I’m not safe for your kid?”
Joshua: “You’re twisting my words! That is not what I said – but you must admit, I had my reasons to take my time with this.”
Marci: “What are they, then? Is it my hair? My tattoos? The piercings? Is it my house? Why don’t you enlighten me and explain why you avoided placing your son in the same room as me, or why it’s perfectly okay for you to lie right to my face!”
Joshua: “I never lied to you, Marci.”
Marci: “Lying by omission is still lying.”
Joshua: “Point taken…but I always intended on telling you the truth. Not like you.”
Marci: “What are you talking about? When have I ever lied to you, Josh? I’m an open book!”
Joshua: “Except when I question you about your background. I don’t know anything about your life prior to Oasis Springs. You never told me about your parents, where you were born, or why you moved out here. I searched your name online, and there were no results – none, not even an old blog! What was I supposed to think at the time? I had no idea if you had a record, or if you were hiding out from someone—”
Marci: “Hold on! You googled me?”
Joshua: “I... yes, but it was when we started dating, and you weren't answering my—”
Marci: “Do you have any idea how messed up that sounds? You had a problem with me from the start, but instead of saying anything, you cyberstalk me?! I told you, I didn't want to talk about my background because there's nothing to tell! At least, none I feel comfortable disclosing with anyone! You should've respected that!”
Joshua pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath, as he always did when they got into their little squabbles. She came to know this as a mechanism to cope with his anger, to calm his anxiety. That only infuriated her more: what nerve did he have standing there and acting as though she was the one being irrational and unreasonable?
Joshua: “Marci, listen to yourself. You must've looked me up too, at least once.”
Marci: “No, Josh. Believe it or not, I trusted you. There's nothing online that I can't find out talking with you, on your terms.”
Joshua: “I waited for you to come and talk with me on your terms. What else was I supposed to do? I'm trying to be patient here, really, I am—”
Marci: “Well, let me spare you the frustration. If I'm such a bad influence, or so untrustworthy, then go find someone more suitable for you.”
Joshua: “You don't mean that.”
Marci: “Wow, you're right. You truly don't know me at all.”
Joshua: “Marci, I don't want to walk away from you! Why do you think I told you about Louis at all? Why I want to know you so badly? Don't you understand? I love you.”
Marci: “Love, huh? You have a really funny way of showing it. Just go.”
Joshua: “Marci, please, can't we just talk about this?”
Marci: “No, I'm done talking! I don't want to look at you! Get out of my house!”
She watched as Joshua reluctantly backed away, left and shut the door behind him. She reached a hand up and wiped at her eyes.
Marci: “God damn it, Josh...”
Marci: “Goddammit!”
***
Marci ran over to the Caliente estate and rang the bell. Her heart sank when the door opened and Dina Caliente stepped out to meet her on the front steps.
Dina: “Let me guess: you’re looking for Don.”
Marci: “Yeah. All my phone calls keep going straight to voicemail. Is he here?”
Dina: “No, sorry. You just missed him.”
Marci: “Oh. Okay. Tell that jerk I stopped by.”
Dina: “Wait, hold on! Why don’t you just come in for a few minutes? He should be back soon. I’m practicing mixing drinks, so he’s picking up some ingredients for me.”
Marci: “No, it’s fine. I don’t want to bug you—"
Dina: “Oh, please! You’d be a huge help. You work at a bar, right?”
Marci: “Sure, but I’m not a mixologist. I just pour beer and the occasional shots.”
Dina: “You work alongside mixologists though, right? I literally just need an opinion on this cocktail recipe. Don and Nina can’t agree if it’s actually any good, so I could really use an outsider’s perspective from someone who isn’t related to me or...well, Don.”
Marci: “Well, when you put it that way…”
Marci followed Dina into the kitchen. She took a seat while Dina went to work on her next drink.
It was awkward, sitting in this kitchen, especially with a Caliente offering her a beverage and conversation. She came over a few times to chat and hang out with Don, but they never went farther than the patio table and chairs. Truth be told, she barely had female friends; it wasn't that she didn't want them, but most of the time she didn't jive with most women in Oasis Springs. Some were a little too catty and fake for her liking.
Initially, Dina gave her that impression. She played the ditz a little too well; she played to people's expectations to get ahead, whether it was in her career or in her relationships. She never looked twice at a potential partner unless they were good looking or they had a buttload of cash. She treated life like it was a game and that she always had to come out on top. It reminded Marci far too much of the people she left behind, and for a while she avoided one-on-one conversations with her.
Even so, she hadn't expected Dina to bring her inside and ask for her opinion. Truth be told, she only ever got impressions of Dina whenever they were in groups. Perhaps she was different by herself, without an audience.
Marci: “I didn’t realize you were a mixologist, too.”
Dina: “You never asked. I just got my culinary degree.”
Marci: “So why do you need my help? You’re miles ahead of me.”
Dina: “I still have no idea what I’m doing behind the bar, and honestly, trying to create your own cocktails is way more difficult than you’d expect. You need to balance the sweet with the sour, and I haven’t quite nailed that part down yet.”
Dina: “So, what did you need to talk with Don about?”
Marci: “Oh, uh…nothing major. Just got bored.”
Dina: “Liar! It’s almost midnight, and you never drop by this late. Spill the deets! What’s eating you? Maybe I can help - and I need to practice my listening skills for the patrons.”
Marci: “I doubt you want to hear about this. I’m having trouble with my boyfriend.”
Dina: “Hah! And you’re asking Don Lothario for help with that? For a guy’s view, right? Trust me, his eyes will glaze over in seconds, and even if he bothered listening, his answer to every relationship problem is ‘dump him and move on, hurr’. He’s the absolute worse person to rely on for advice!”
Marci didn’t want to admit the truth to Dina: that Don was one of her only true friends in this town.
Marci: “Well, do you have any advice about a man who lied about some vital shit about himself and expected you to roll with it, no problem - or somehow reasoned it was your fault he lied, to begin with?”
Dina: “Uh, hello?! Have you met men? Girl, you know they’re lying when their lips are moving! I got so many horror stories to tell! Take my last date, for example. He tells me how he wants to wine and dine me and take me back to his place for a nightcap, and wouldn’t you guess, he neglects telling me he lives in a ratty old trailer and that he got disowned by the Landgraabs! Like, no thanks! I know a train wreck when I see one!”
Dina: “Seriously though, let me hear it – but first, give this a taste.”
Marci: “Thanks. What's this called?”
Dina: “I call it 'The Walking Dead'.”
Marci: “Oh, nice! For Hallow's Eve, right?”
Dina: “Yep! It contains three different types of rum with cinnamon grapefruit syrup, fresh lime and pineapple juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters.”
Marci: “Why was it on fire?”
Dina: “Because why not? Fire sells. You know that.”
Marci took a long sip, held it in her mouth for a moment as she became acquainted with all the flavors.
Dina: “Now, be honest with me. Is it any good?”
Marci: “Even if I wanted to claim otherwise, I couldn't. It's good! Very smooth. A little weak, though. It could use a few drops of something stronger, like absinthe.”
Dina: “See, Don said the same thing, but Nina kept insisting it was fine.”
Marci: “It might just boil down to personal taste, but the way I see it, every mixed drink can be improved with a little more booze. Cocktails are pure sugar until you give your customers a little kick!”
Dina: “I’ll keep that in mind. Now, the boyfriend dilemma. Let’s get into it.”
Marci: “You sure you’re up for this? It’s probably just me being stupid like usual.”
Dina: “Oh please. I told you about my disastrous evening. I can handle stupid.”
Marci told her everything, or as much as she was willing to reveal.
Marci: “...and here I am, trying to give him the benefit of the doubt because normally my boyfriend is thoughtful. Then he says he wasn't sure if introducing me to his son was a good idea like I'm the problem, and that just set me off.”
Dina: “Wow, I don't blame you! I can see, like...hiding a dog or a cat without anyone noticing because you can just hide them in the other room, but a whole child? How did he manage that?”
Marci: “Right?! I had no fucking clue! It never even slipped out in conversation on accident.”
Dina: “Are you sure he is who he claims to be? To hide your own family from a partner, that's downright diabolical! What if he's a serial killer?”
Marci: “Oh puh-leeze, I can't even get that guy to kill a spider! And I don't know, his reasons make sense. He was going through a rough custody battle, and I guess he's gained enough traction in his field where news like this could spread like wildfire and destroy his career. At least, that's what I was thinking...”
Dina: “That sounds serious. What is he, famous or something?”
Marci: “Maybe. It depends on who you ask. Do you keep up with the art world? His name is Joshua Hay. He's a—”
Dina: “What?! The Joshua Hay? Get out! How the heck did you land a guy like that?”
Marci: “Way to rub salt in the wound, Dina!”
Dina: “I'm sorry, that just surprises me! Everyone around here knows him. We went to the same school years apart, and he was one of their success stories. His paintings are featured in the art room, and the museum over here features some of his modern work. I heard he fell off the wagon a couple of years back, though.”
Marci: “Well, I wouldn’t say that. He’s still painting, but he only takes commission work nowadays. It’s how he pays the bills. Who cares who he is, though? It doesn't change that he lied to me!”
Dina: “You’re right, it doesn’t. So, what do you need to hear me say right now?”
Marci: “What do you mean?”
Dina: “Well, I could tell you to break up with him, and no one would blame you for making that decision…but I’m sensing there's more to the story. What else went wrong?”
Marci: “Brilliant deduction there, Caliente. Josh claimed he couldn’t introduce me to his son because he knew so little about me. He kept asking me questions about my history, but I refused to answer them. I see why he got worried, but I couldn’t just tell him. I wish I could, but…my reasons are extremely complicated, and I don’t want to get into it with anyone. No offense.”
Dina: “None taken.”
Marci: “I said I kicked him out because I was upset with him…but if I were being honest, I only saw one way that conversation was going to end. I know he’s going to break up with me over this.”
Dina: “Did he say he wanted to break up? If you don’t want that to happen, then why did you make him leave?”
Marci: “I…I don’t know. I don't want to get hurt, but it feels inevitable no matter what I say or do. I guess I wanted some control over what happened. He says he loves me now, but—”
Dina: “Do you love him?”
Marci: “I think I do? Fuck, it’s only been two months...but I’ve never felt this way about anyone in my whole life. And trust me, I get around. If he rejected me now when I was getting ready to tell him...I doubt I can handle it. I’d feel like such a fucking idiot.”
Dina: “If you really want to know what I think…you need to make up with him, fast.”
Marci: “Just like that, without hesitation?”
Dina: “Marci Price, I believe we only get one shot at true love, and life is too short to sit on your hands and wait for someone to come to you! You must act on it or you lose it for good! If you really think he's the perfect guy for you, then you gotta go for it! Who cares if you look like an idiot or make a fool out of yourself, as long as you get to be happy in the end?!”
Marci: “Gotta say, I never pegged you as a dreamer or a hopeless romantic.”
Dina: “You say hopeless romantic like it’s a bad thing! Seriously, do you know how many girls would kill to be in your position, to have a guy obsessing over you, wondering who you are and where you came from? Even the sweetest ones won’t waste their time if they’re not a hundred percent into you! Joshua could’ve broken up with you when you played hard to get, but he didn’t! Instead, he’s telling you about his son. He’s asking—no, begging you to be real with him! It sounds like he wants to take your relationship to the next level.”
Marci: “That…never occurred to me until you just said it.”
Dina: “I’ve been with enough idiots to speak their language. Guys have no idea how to communicate on our level. I’m willing to bet anything that Josh getting on your case is his boneheaded way of asking if you want to commit. I bet he’s scared too, same as you.”
Marci: “Oh, Dina, Dina, Dina...men fearing me isn’t out of the ordinary in my world.”
Dina: “You know what I mean!”
Marci: “I do, actually. You really helped me see things clearly. Thanks a lot!”
Dina: “You’re welcome. Now, call Josh as soon as you can, and you better text me with an update!”
Marci: “Hoo boy. You sure you want to sign up for that? I’m a whole lot of crazy packed in this shell.”
Dina: “Marci, have you spent more than five minutes in this house? Try coming over on Taco Tuesday when we get stupid drunk in the backyard.”
Marci: “Oh, I’m taking a hard pass on that one. I always hear Nina and Don yelling at each other from my bedroom – and it doesn’t have a window!”
Dina: “Try living with them! They’re a nightmare together.”
Marci: “I’ll bet. I should get going.”
Marci: “Oh, by the way, that bad date of yours...you were talking about Johnny Zest, right? If you ask me, from what I heard about those Landgraabs, he dodged a goddamn bullet. Give him another chance. He doesn't deserve half the shit people say about him, and he's a cool guy once you get to know him.”
Dina: “If he didn't upset me so much, I'd reconsider...but you're right, I shouldn't be so quick to write people off. Thanks for being my taste tester. Take care, Marce.”
Marci got to the front door just in time to run into one of the aforementioned loudmouths.
Marci: “Hey! Where the hell were you, assface?”
Don: “Out at the store. And what the hell are you doing here?”
Marci: “Nuh-uh! I ask the questions here! I called you twice - and texted! How come you sent me straight to voicemail?”
Don: “Uh, my phone died? What's with the third degree? You're riding me harder than Kat right now.”
Marci: “Actually, I needed to talk with you, but not anymore. Crisis averted! I was just on my way out. Catch you later, Donnie.”
Don: “So...why was Marci here? Did she give you a hard time?”
Dina: “No, actually, we had a very nice chat. Did you get everything on the list?”
Don: “Everything except the lime juice. The store clerk said they were restocking in the morning, though.”
Dina: “Oh, phooey. Okay, I'll plow through with what I've got. Thanks, Don.”
Don: “Are you going to tell me what you girls talked about? I guess I got all these missed calls and panicked texts from her, but she wouldn't tell me what happened.”
Dina: “Oh, don't even worry your pretty head over it! Your friend was having trouble with her man. He sprung a big secret on her, and it just freaked her out. It's a good thing she ran into me first, really. I gave her a much-needed pep talk and possibly saved their relationship from an early demise. You would've been unhooking her bra by now.”
Don: “Hah! Me and Marci? Are you drunk? Even if I tried, she'd cut my balls off. No, I would've just told her to break up with the guy. Too much drama, if you ask me.”
Dina: “That's your answer to every relationship problem, though! After a while, it just rings hollow.”
Don: “I don't think so. Why stay in a bad relationship when you can just pull the plug and move onto something else, or someone better? You get it, don't you? You're a smart, beautiful woman with tons of guys lining up for you. Doesn't mean you settled for the first dipshit. Anyone would be lucky to have you. Same goes for Marci.”
Don: “Anyway, I better get to bed. I have an early start. Night, Dina. Don't stay up too late.”
Dina: “Sure. Good night, Don.”
***
The next morning, Marci woke up with newfound determination to patch things up with Joshua. She was just about to call him when someone knocked on her door.
To her surprise, it was Joshua.
Joshua: “I thought about what you said all night...and I'm sorry. You were right. I wasn't being fair.”
Marci: “No, you weren't. I know your son will always be the top priority, but it hurts that you don't trust me.”
Joshua: “I do trust you, Marci.”
Marci: “Then why are you asking me questions now? You had all this time to say anything...and do you really think I wouldn't have understood what was going on with your son? This is me, Josh. I always give you the benefit of the doubt. I wish you would the same for me.”
Joshua: “I wanted to tell you about Louis, believe me...but I was worried the truth would scare you off. You saw me blow up with your ex, and I know that upset you. I didn't want you to think his grandparents were correct, that I wasn't a fit parent. I love my son. I want nothing more than to protect him. And yes, for a moment, I wondered about you. I need to, with everyone in his life. When Katherine disappeared and stopped calling...Louis hasn't been the same. It changed him. You can't blame me for being curious, for his sake...especially now that I can't picture my life without you.”
Marci: “Look, I get it, Josh...you want to know if I have a past. Well, I do. Doesn't everyone? All you need to know is that I got out of a bad situation, and since I left, I've tried to lead a fucking normal life, or as normal as I can get. If you want to be with me, I need you to accept that. It's not open for debate or compromise.”
Marci: “Nothing from my past has any bearing on who I am now. I'm still Marci Price. I came here to Oasis Springs to start over. I built this house with my own two hands, and I manage to pay my bills on time. I got a job at a bar, but I want to be a chef someday. I like karaoke and dancing in my spare time. My best friend is the neighborhood lady killer, but he's got nothing on me.”
Marci: “And I met this great guy. An artist, who comes over to my shitty cramped house and doesn't complain when my roof leaks on rainy days. Who beat up my ex because he was insulting my honor. Who doesn't always understand why I do the things I do, but tries his best and never puts me down. Who loves his child so much, he'd sacrifice his own happiness if it means protecting them. Even when he pisses me off, I still miss him when we're not together.”
Marci: “I love him...and I just hope he feels the same and accepts me for who I am.”
Joshua: “You...love me? Really?”
Marci: “No, I love the guy down the street who draws penis chickens on the sidewalk. Who else am I talking about, dummy? Question is, am I good enough, just the way I am right now?”
Joshua: “Of course you are. After last night, I…I thought I blew this. I never want you to shut me out like that again. I don’t need to know everything, but…is there anything that I need to know? For both our sake?”
Marci: “I promise, I would’ve told you from the start. I knew everything was going to be different with you. It scares me sometimes, how much I care about you, how much I mean to you. I worry I’m going to screw this up, and you only need one little push to escape while you can.”
Joshua: “Don’t be scared. I’m not going anywhere. I meant what I said last night. I love you, Marci.”
Marci: “I'm sorry I yelled at you. I need to chill.”
Joshua: “It's alright. I'm sorry, too.”
Joshua: “So...I hate to put you on the spot again, but I need to know - for future reference. How do you feel about kids?”
Marci: “Between you and me? They terrify me! I got absolutely no experience with them whatsoever. I don't hate them though if that's what you're worried about. I'm more worried about how your son's going to react to me. I'm not exactly kid-friendly.”
He reached out and grabbed her hands, giving them both a reassuring squeeze.
Joshua: “That’s not true. If I didn’t think you were, I wouldn’t have stuck around.”
Joshua: “I told you, I have no problems with your look or the tattoos. No offense, but your aesthetic's got nothing on me in my young adulthood.”
Marci: “You, with your ironed collared shirts and dorky sweaters? Pics or it never happened.”
Joshua: “Trust me, I got plenty, especially when my friends and I started a ska band in college. Those were the days I thought neon colored fishnet stockings with pleather shorts were the best items in my wardrobe.”
Marci: “Oh, you better have those stockings and booty shorts stuffed in your drawers somewhere, because meow.”
Joshua: “My point is, I don’t need you to be Louis’ new mother or change who you are to fulfill some obligation. You would fit in just fine with us.”
Marci: “You say that now, but try and picture the soccer games, the PTA meetings, volunteering at the soup kitchen... and what are you going to do when Louis is a teenager, goes behind your back and comes home with a septum piercing because he saw me do it?”
Joshua: “See, that's not going to happen - because you're going to make sure he knows all about the possible infections he can pick up from an improperly sterilized environment and used needles. No son of mine is getting a nasty infection on your watch.”
Marci: “Ah, I see what you're doing - taking the hands-off approach while I deal with the kid's rebellious phase! How do you know I won't give him the piercing myself, and throw in a tramp stamp while I'm at it?”
Joshua: “Oh, I wasn’t arguing against piercings or tattoos! They suit me fine. I trust that we can simply handle them together – and that you won’t let him put something embarrassing on his body.”
Marci: “I make no such promises. That one is on him.”
This time, when Joshua embraced her, he wasn’t desperately pleading with her to give him another chance. And this time, she wasn’t pushing him away or trying to break his heart before he broke hers. They melted into each other’s arms, with no more lingering questions looming over their heads. They were safe, secure, and most certainly loved.
Joshua: “I can’t wait for you to meet Louis.”
Marci: “Honestly? Neither can I.”
***
AUTHOR'S NOTES
1. Truth be told, I had NO idea the OG Joshua Hay had a son until I joined his household with Marci. I finally found a suitable husband for Marci, made her pop the question, and lo and behold, there was Louis. They weren't residents in any particular world/neighborhood, so it wasn't as though he asked her over to his place. I was at a loss! I was tempted to forget about Joshua and his son, and maybe just have her get knocked up by Don...but then I thought, "Well, the son looks kinda cute. Let's move them in."
I'm glad I did. Not only do I love Josh, but I also love Louis. They're good boys. And I always wanted to retcon how Marci found out about his son because she definitely wouldn't have liked being kept out of the loop!
2. Funny enough, Marci married Dina in another playthrough. They were cute, but I wasn't feeling the story, and I missed Joshua too much.
3. I so badly want to age Joshua down and put him in pleather shorts and fishnet stockings just to see what he would've looked like.
When Joshua reveals why he kept his son a secret from Marci, it doesn't sit well with her.
It was supposed to be a typical evening. Joshua was going to swing by and pick her up for a date, and eventually they'd go back to his place.
Then he texted her and said they needed to talk. When he came over and told her what they needed to discuss, she worried he changed his mind about dating her.
Instead, he revealed a truth to her that she wasn't expecting.
Marci: “You…have a son?”
Joshua: “Yes. His name is Louis. He started elementary school not too long ago, and he’s brilliant—they actually let him skip a grade because he’s already ahead of his peers and got bored with his classwork. He's a redhead and looks nothing like me, but he draws sometimes, and he—”
Marci: “Josh, wait! This…this isn't true, is it? How many times did I come over and never had a clue he was living there, or see pictures of you guys together?”
Joshua: “To be fair, he picks up after himself and keeps his toys and schoolwork in the bedroom, and I haven’t finished unpacking all our boxes to put pictures out yet.”
Marci: “I’m so confused. Why didn’t you tell me when we started seeing each other?”
Joshua: “His grandparents and I were battling for primary custody for a while. I did not want to say anything because I had no idea if I’d still have a son at this point, not until this morning.”
Marci: “His grandparents? Where’s his mom?”
Joshua: “I wish I knew, but I really couldn’t tell you. One day Katherine left and just…never came back. Not even for Louis. The next week, I got divorce papers in the mail...and documents informing me that she wanted to sign over her parental rights. She told her parents that I was in therapy for anger management, and…well, needless to say, they ran with it.”
Marci: “Fuck, Josh…I’m so sorry. That shit is bananas.”
Joshua: “Now do you understand why I couldn’t tell you? What would you have said if I dropped all this information into your lap so early into our relationship? I had no idea how to explain myself, and to be honest I wasn’t sure how I felt about introducing Louis to you—”
Marci: “You had a problem introducing your son…to me?”
She inhaled deeply.
Marci: “I need a minute.”
She went to her sink and poured herself a cup of water.
She drank all the lukewarm tap water right on the spot.
Joshua: “Are you okay?”
Marci: “Peachy.”
Joshua: “No, you’re not. Just talk to me.”
Marci: “Honestly? I feel hurt. I get it’s awkward being a single dad and dealing with all of that, and I was willing to make peace with the fact that you waited nearly two months to say anything. But what you just said a minute ago, how you didn’t want to introduce your son to me? That fucking stings.”
Joshua: “I’m sorry if that hurts your feelings, Marci…but you’re not a parent. Try and see it from my perspective before you get angry with me.”
Marci: “And what perspective is that, Josh? That I’m good enough to keep around for a good fuck or when you get lonely, but I’m not safe for your kid?”
Joshua: “You’re twisting my words! That is not what I said – but you must admit, I had my reasons to take my time with this.”
Marci: “What are they, then? Is it my hair? My tattoos? The piercings? Is it my house? Why don’t you enlighten me and explain why you avoided placing your son in the same room as me, or why it’s perfectly okay for you to lie right to my face!”
Joshua: “I never lied to you, Marci.”
Marci: “Lying by omission is still lying.”
Joshua: “Point taken…but I always intended on telling you the truth. Not like you.”
Marci: “What are you talking about? When have I ever lied to you, Josh? I’m an open book!”
Joshua: “Except when I question you about your background. I don’t know anything about your life prior to Oasis Springs. You never told me about your parents, where you were born, or why you moved out here. I searched your name online, and there were no results – none, not even an old blog! What was I supposed to think at the time? I had no idea if you had a record, or if you were hiding out from someone—”
Marci: “Hold on! You googled me?”
Joshua: “I... yes, but it was when we started dating, and you weren't answering my—”
Marci: “Do you have any idea how messed up that sounds? You had a problem with me from the start, but instead of saying anything, you cyberstalk me?! I told you, I didn't want to talk about my background because there's nothing to tell! At least, none I feel comfortable disclosing with anyone! You should've respected that!”
Joshua pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath, as he always did when they got into their little squabbles. She came to know this as a mechanism to cope with his anger, to calm his anxiety. That only infuriated her more: what nerve did he have standing there and acting as though she was the one being irrational and unreasonable?
Joshua: “Marci, listen to yourself. You must've looked me up too, at least once.”
Marci: “No, Josh. Believe it or not, I trusted you. There's nothing online that I can't find out talking with you, on your terms.”
Joshua: “I waited for you to come and talk with me on your terms. What else was I supposed to do? I'm trying to be patient here, really, I am—”
Marci: “Well, let me spare you the frustration. If I'm such a bad influence, or so untrustworthy, then go find someone more suitable for you.”
Joshua: “You don't mean that.”
Marci: “Wow, you're right. You truly don't know me at all.”
Joshua: “Marci, I don't want to walk away from you! Why do you think I told you about Louis at all? Why I want to know you so badly? Don't you understand? I love you.”
Marci: “Love, huh? You have a really funny way of showing it. Just go.”
Joshua: “Marci, please, can't we just talk about this?”
Marci: “No, I'm done talking! I don't want to look at you! Get out of my house!”
She watched as Joshua reluctantly backed away, left and shut the door behind him. She reached a hand up and wiped at her eyes.
Marci: “God damn it, Josh...”
Marci: “Goddammit!”
Marci ran over to the Caliente estate and rang the bell. Her heart sank when the door opened and Dina Caliente stepped out to meet her on the front steps.
Dina: “Let me guess: you’re looking for Don.”
Marci: “Yeah. All my phone calls keep going straight to voicemail. Is he here?”
Dina: “No, sorry. You just missed him.”
Marci: “Oh. Okay. Tell that jerk I stopped by.”
Dina: “Wait, hold on! Why don’t you just come in for a few minutes? He should be back soon. I’m practicing mixing drinks, so he’s picking up some ingredients for me.”
Marci: “No, it’s fine. I don’t want to bug you—"
Dina: “Oh, please! You’d be a huge help. You work at a bar, right?”
Marci: “Sure, but I’m not a mixologist. I just pour beer and the occasional shots.”
Dina: “You work alongside mixologists though, right? I literally just need an opinion on this cocktail recipe. Don and Nina can’t agree if it’s actually any good, so I could really use an outsider’s perspective from someone who isn’t related to me or...well, Don.”
Marci: “Well, when you put it that way…”
Marci followed Dina into the kitchen. She took a seat while Dina went to work on her next drink.
It was awkward, sitting in this kitchen, especially with a Caliente offering her a beverage and conversation. She came over a few times to chat and hang out with Don, but they never went farther than the patio table and chairs. Truth be told, she barely had female friends; it wasn't that she didn't want them, but most of the time she didn't jive with most women in Oasis Springs. Some were a little too catty and fake for her liking.
Initially, Dina gave her that impression. She played the ditz a little too well; she played to people's expectations to get ahead, whether it was in her career or in her relationships. She never looked twice at a potential partner unless they were good looking or they had a buttload of cash. She treated life like it was a game and that she always had to come out on top. It reminded Marci far too much of the people she left behind, and for a while she avoided one-on-one conversations with her.
Even so, she hadn't expected Dina to bring her inside and ask for her opinion. Truth be told, she only ever got impressions of Dina whenever they were in groups. Perhaps she was different by herself, without an audience.
Marci: “I didn’t realize you were a mixologist, too.”
Dina: “You never asked. I just got my culinary degree.”
Marci: “So why do you need my help? You’re miles ahead of me.”
Dina: “I still have no idea what I’m doing behind the bar, and honestly, trying to create your own cocktails is way more difficult than you’d expect. You need to balance the sweet with the sour, and I haven’t quite nailed that part down yet.”
Dina: “So, what did you need to talk with Don about?”
Marci: “Oh, uh…nothing major. Just got bored.”
Dina: “Liar! It’s almost midnight, and you never drop by this late. Spill the deets! What’s eating you? Maybe I can help - and I need to practice my listening skills for the patrons.”
Marci: “I doubt you want to hear about this. I’m having trouble with my boyfriend.”
Dina: “Hah! And you’re asking Don Lothario for help with that? For a guy’s view, right? Trust me, his eyes will glaze over in seconds, and even if he bothered listening, his answer to every relationship problem is ‘dump him and move on, hurr’. He’s the absolute worse person to rely on for advice!”
Marci didn’t want to admit the truth to Dina: that Don was one of her only true friends in this town.
Marci: “Well, do you have any advice about a man who lied about some vital shit about himself and expected you to roll with it, no problem - or somehow reasoned it was your fault he lied, to begin with?”
Dina: “Uh, hello?! Have you met men? Girl, you know they’re lying when their lips are moving! I got so many horror stories to tell! Take my last date, for example. He tells me how he wants to wine and dine me and take me back to his place for a nightcap, and wouldn’t you guess, he neglects telling me he lives in a ratty old trailer and that he got disowned by the Landgraabs! Like, no thanks! I know a train wreck when I see one!”
Dina: “Seriously though, let me hear it – but first, give this a taste.”
Marci: “Thanks. What's this called?”
Dina: “I call it 'The Walking Dead'.”
Marci: “Oh, nice! For Hallow's Eve, right?”
Dina: “Yep! It contains three different types of rum with cinnamon grapefruit syrup, fresh lime and pineapple juice, and a dash of Angostura bitters.”
Marci: “Why was it on fire?”
Dina: “Because why not? Fire sells. You know that.”
Marci took a long sip, held it in her mouth for a moment as she became acquainted with all the flavors.
Dina: “Now, be honest with me. Is it any good?”
Marci: “Even if I wanted to claim otherwise, I couldn't. It's good! Very smooth. A little weak, though. It could use a few drops of something stronger, like absinthe.”
Dina: “See, Don said the same thing, but Nina kept insisting it was fine.”
Marci: “It might just boil down to personal taste, but the way I see it, every mixed drink can be improved with a little more booze. Cocktails are pure sugar until you give your customers a little kick!”
Dina: “I’ll keep that in mind. Now, the boyfriend dilemma. Let’s get into it.”
Marci: “You sure you’re up for this? It’s probably just me being stupid like usual.”
Dina: “Oh please. I told you about my disastrous evening. I can handle stupid.”
Marci told her everything, or as much as she was willing to reveal.
Marci: “...and here I am, trying to give him the benefit of the doubt because normally my boyfriend is thoughtful. Then he says he wasn't sure if introducing me to his son was a good idea like I'm the problem, and that just set me off.”
Dina: “Wow, I don't blame you! I can see, like...hiding a dog or a cat without anyone noticing because you can just hide them in the other room, but a whole child? How did he manage that?”
Marci: “Right?! I had no fucking clue! It never even slipped out in conversation on accident.”
Dina: “Are you sure he is who he claims to be? To hide your own family from a partner, that's downright diabolical! What if he's a serial killer?”
Marci: “Oh puh-leeze, I can't even get that guy to kill a spider! And I don't know, his reasons make sense. He was going through a rough custody battle, and I guess he's gained enough traction in his field where news like this could spread like wildfire and destroy his career. At least, that's what I was thinking...”
Dina: “That sounds serious. What is he, famous or something?”
Marci: “Maybe. It depends on who you ask. Do you keep up with the art world? His name is Joshua Hay. He's a—”
Dina: “What?! The Joshua Hay? Get out! How the heck did you land a guy like that?”
Marci: “Way to rub salt in the wound, Dina!”
Dina: “I'm sorry, that just surprises me! Everyone around here knows him. We went to the same school years apart, and he was one of their success stories. His paintings are featured in the art room, and the museum over here features some of his modern work. I heard he fell off the wagon a couple of years back, though.”
Marci: “Well, I wouldn’t say that. He’s still painting, but he only takes commission work nowadays. It’s how he pays the bills. Who cares who he is, though? It doesn't change that he lied to me!”
Dina: “You’re right, it doesn’t. So, what do you need to hear me say right now?”
Marci: “What do you mean?”
Dina: “Well, I could tell you to break up with him, and no one would blame you for making that decision…but I’m sensing there's more to the story. What else went wrong?”
Marci: “Brilliant deduction there, Caliente. Josh claimed he couldn’t introduce me to his son because he knew so little about me. He kept asking me questions about my history, but I refused to answer them. I see why he got worried, but I couldn’t just tell him. I wish I could, but…my reasons are extremely complicated, and I don’t want to get into it with anyone. No offense.”
Dina: “None taken.”
Marci: “I said I kicked him out because I was upset with him…but if I were being honest, I only saw one way that conversation was going to end. I know he’s going to break up with me over this.”
Dina: “Did he say he wanted to break up? If you don’t want that to happen, then why did you make him leave?”
Marci: “I…I don’t know. I don't want to get hurt, but it feels inevitable no matter what I say or do. I guess I wanted some control over what happened. He says he loves me now, but—”
Dina: “Do you love him?”
Marci: “I think I do? Fuck, it’s only been two months...but I’ve never felt this way about anyone in my whole life. And trust me, I get around. If he rejected me now when I was getting ready to tell him...I doubt I can handle it. I’d feel like such a fucking idiot.”
Dina: “If you really want to know what I think…you need to make up with him, fast.”
Marci: “Just like that, without hesitation?”
Dina: “Marci Price, I believe we only get one shot at true love, and life is too short to sit on your hands and wait for someone to come to you! You must act on it or you lose it for good! If you really think he's the perfect guy for you, then you gotta go for it! Who cares if you look like an idiot or make a fool out of yourself, as long as you get to be happy in the end?!”
Marci: “Gotta say, I never pegged you as a dreamer or a hopeless romantic.”
Dina: “You say hopeless romantic like it’s a bad thing! Seriously, do you know how many girls would kill to be in your position, to have a guy obsessing over you, wondering who you are and where you came from? Even the sweetest ones won’t waste their time if they’re not a hundred percent into you! Joshua could’ve broken up with you when you played hard to get, but he didn’t! Instead, he’s telling you about his son. He’s asking—no, begging you to be real with him! It sounds like he wants to take your relationship to the next level.”
Marci: “That…never occurred to me until you just said it.”
Dina: “I’ve been with enough idiots to speak their language. Guys have no idea how to communicate on our level. I’m willing to bet anything that Josh getting on your case is his boneheaded way of asking if you want to commit. I bet he’s scared too, same as you.”
Marci: “Oh, Dina, Dina, Dina...men fearing me isn’t out of the ordinary in my world.”
Dina: “You know what I mean!”
Marci: “I do, actually. You really helped me see things clearly. Thanks a lot!”
Dina: “You’re welcome. Now, call Josh as soon as you can, and you better text me with an update!”
Marci: “Hoo boy. You sure you want to sign up for that? I’m a whole lot of crazy packed in this shell.”
Dina: “Marci, have you spent more than five minutes in this house? Try coming over on Taco Tuesday when we get stupid drunk in the backyard.”
Marci: “Oh, I’m taking a hard pass on that one. I always hear Nina and Don yelling at each other from my bedroom – and it doesn’t have a window!”
Dina: “Try living with them! They’re a nightmare together.”
Marci: “I’ll bet. I should get going.”
Marci: “Oh, by the way, that bad date of yours...you were talking about Johnny Zest, right? If you ask me, from what I heard about those Landgraabs, he dodged a goddamn bullet. Give him another chance. He doesn't deserve half the shit people say about him, and he's a cool guy once you get to know him.”
Dina: “If he didn't upset me so much, I'd reconsider...but you're right, I shouldn't be so quick to write people off. Thanks for being my taste tester. Take care, Marce.”
Marci got to the front door just in time to run into one of the aforementioned loudmouths.
Marci: “Hey! Where the hell were you, assface?”
Don: “Out at the store. And what the hell are you doing here?”
Marci: “Nuh-uh! I ask the questions here! I called you twice - and texted! How come you sent me straight to voicemail?”
Don: “Uh, my phone died? What's with the third degree? You're riding me harder than Kat right now.”
Marci: “Actually, I needed to talk with you, but not anymore. Crisis averted! I was just on my way out. Catch you later, Donnie.”
Don: “So...why was Marci here? Did she give you a hard time?”
Dina: “No, actually, we had a very nice chat. Did you get everything on the list?”
Don: “Everything except the lime juice. The store clerk said they were restocking in the morning, though.”
Dina: “Oh, phooey. Okay, I'll plow through with what I've got. Thanks, Don.”
Don: “Are you going to tell me what you girls talked about? I guess I got all these missed calls and panicked texts from her, but she wouldn't tell me what happened.”
Dina: “Oh, don't even worry your pretty head over it! Your friend was having trouble with her man. He sprung a big secret on her, and it just freaked her out. It's a good thing she ran into me first, really. I gave her a much-needed pep talk and possibly saved their relationship from an early demise. You would've been unhooking her bra by now.”
Don: “Hah! Me and Marci? Are you drunk? Even if I tried, she'd cut my balls off. No, I would've just told her to break up with the guy. Too much drama, if you ask me.”
Dina: “That's your answer to every relationship problem, though! After a while, it just rings hollow.”
Don: “I don't think so. Why stay in a bad relationship when you can just pull the plug and move onto something else, or someone better? You get it, don't you? You're a smart, beautiful woman with tons of guys lining up for you. Doesn't mean you settled for the first dipshit. Anyone would be lucky to have you. Same goes for Marci.”
Don: “Anyway, I better get to bed. I have an early start. Night, Dina. Don't stay up too late.”
Dina: “Sure. Good night, Don.”
The next morning, Marci woke up with newfound determination to patch things up with Joshua. She was just about to call him when someone knocked on her door.
To her surprise, it was Joshua.
Joshua: “I thought about what you said all night...and I'm sorry. You were right. I wasn't being fair.”
Marci: “No, you weren't. I know your son will always be the top priority, but it hurts that you don't trust me.”
Joshua: “I do trust you, Marci.”
Marci: “Then why are you asking me questions now? You had all this time to say anything...and do you really think I wouldn't have understood what was going on with your son? This is me, Josh. I always give you the benefit of the doubt. I wish you would the same for me.”
Joshua: “I wanted to tell you about Louis, believe me...but I was worried the truth would scare you off. You saw me blow up with your ex, and I know that upset you. I didn't want you to think his grandparents were correct, that I wasn't a fit parent. I love my son. I want nothing more than to protect him. And yes, for a moment, I wondered about you. I need to, with everyone in his life. When Katherine disappeared and stopped calling...Louis hasn't been the same. It changed him. You can't blame me for being curious, for his sake...especially now that I can't picture my life without you.”
Marci: “Look, I get it, Josh...you want to know if I have a past. Well, I do. Doesn't everyone? All you need to know is that I got out of a bad situation, and since I left, I've tried to lead a fucking normal life, or as normal as I can get. If you want to be with me, I need you to accept that. It's not open for debate or compromise.”
Marci: “Nothing from my past has any bearing on who I am now. I'm still Marci Price. I came here to Oasis Springs to start over. I built this house with my own two hands, and I manage to pay my bills on time. I got a job at a bar, but I want to be a chef someday. I like karaoke and dancing in my spare time. My best friend is the neighborhood lady killer, but he's got nothing on me.”
Marci: “And I met this great guy. An artist, who comes over to my shitty cramped house and doesn't complain when my roof leaks on rainy days. Who beat up my ex because he was insulting my honor. Who doesn't always understand why I do the things I do, but tries his best and never puts me down. Who loves his child so much, he'd sacrifice his own happiness if it means protecting them. Even when he pisses me off, I still miss him when we're not together.”
Marci: “I love him...and I just hope he feels the same and accepts me for who I am.”
Joshua: “You...love me? Really?”
Marci: “No, I love the guy down the street who draws penis chickens on the sidewalk. Who else am I talking about, dummy? Question is, am I good enough, just the way I am right now?”
Joshua: “Of course you are. After last night, I…I thought I blew this. I never want you to shut me out like that again. I don’t need to know everything, but…is there anything that I need to know? For both our sake?”
Marci: “I promise, I would’ve told you from the start. I knew everything was going to be different with you. It scares me sometimes, how much I care about you, how much I mean to you. I worry I’m going to screw this up, and you only need one little push to escape while you can.”
Joshua: “Don’t be scared. I’m not going anywhere. I meant what I said last night. I love you, Marci.”
Marci: “I'm sorry I yelled at you. I need to chill.”
Joshua: “It's alright. I'm sorry, too.”
Joshua: “So...I hate to put you on the spot again, but I need to know - for future reference. How do you feel about kids?”
Marci: “Between you and me? They terrify me! I got absolutely no experience with them whatsoever. I don't hate them though if that's what you're worried about. I'm more worried about how your son's going to react to me. I'm not exactly kid-friendly.”
He reached out and grabbed her hands, giving them both a reassuring squeeze.
Joshua: “That’s not true. If I didn’t think you were, I wouldn’t have stuck around.”
Joshua: “I told you, I have no problems with your look or the tattoos. No offense, but your aesthetic's got nothing on me in my young adulthood.”
Marci: “You, with your ironed collared shirts and dorky sweaters? Pics or it never happened.”
Joshua: “Trust me, I got plenty, especially when my friends and I started a ska band in college. Those were the days I thought neon colored fishnet stockings with pleather shorts were the best items in my wardrobe.”
Marci: “Oh, you better have those stockings and booty shorts stuffed in your drawers somewhere, because meow.”
Joshua: “My point is, I don’t need you to be Louis’ new mother or change who you are to fulfill some obligation. You would fit in just fine with us.”
Marci: “You say that now, but try and picture the soccer games, the PTA meetings, volunteering at the soup kitchen... and what are you going to do when Louis is a teenager, goes behind your back and comes home with a septum piercing because he saw me do it?”
Joshua: “See, that's not going to happen - because you're going to make sure he knows all about the possible infections he can pick up from an improperly sterilized environment and used needles. No son of mine is getting a nasty infection on your watch.”
Marci: “Ah, I see what you're doing - taking the hands-off approach while I deal with the kid's rebellious phase! How do you know I won't give him the piercing myself, and throw in a tramp stamp while I'm at it?”
Joshua: “Oh, I wasn’t arguing against piercings or tattoos! They suit me fine. I trust that we can simply handle them together – and that you won’t let him put something embarrassing on his body.”
Marci: “I make no such promises. That one is on him.”
This time, when Joshua embraced her, he wasn’t desperately pleading with her to give him another chance. And this time, she wasn’t pushing him away or trying to break his heart before he broke hers. They melted into each other’s arms, with no more lingering questions looming over their heads. They were safe, secure, and most certainly loved.
Joshua: “I can’t wait for you to meet Louis.”
Marci: “Honestly? Neither can I.”
AUTHOR'S NOTES
1. Truth be told, I had NO idea the OG Joshua Hay had a son until I joined his household with Marci. I finally found a suitable husband for Marci, made her pop the question, and lo and behold, there was Louis. They weren't residents in any particular world/neighborhood, so it wasn't as though he asked her over to his place. I was at a loss! I was tempted to forget about Joshua and his son, and maybe just have her get knocked up by Don...but then I thought, "Well, the son looks kinda cute. Let's move them in."
I'm glad I did. Not only do I love Josh, but I also love Louis. They're good boys. And I always wanted to retcon how Marci found out about his son because she definitely wouldn't have liked being kept out of the loop!
2. Funny enough, Marci married Dina in another playthrough. They were cute, but I wasn't feeling the story, and I missed Joshua too much.
3. I so badly want to age Joshua down and put him in pleather shorts and fishnet stockings just to see what he would've looked like.
