Dragon Ball/Z/GT Fan Fiction ❯ She's Who? (possible revision) ❯ Part Eight ( Chapter 8 )

Hi to Everyone! Well, it's that wonderful time of year here in the U.S. called "Tax Time." So, therefore my attention to this story has been minimal, to say the least. On top of that, we're moving. Ugh, what a pain. But, hopefully everything will be said and done in 2 weeks. Tax Time reminds me of when I went to college and I was studying for finals, my coffee maker and I have gotten reacquainted. Has anyone else had to read his or her own story again to remember where you left off?

She's Who?

By

Wawashkeshi

Part 8

Welcome Home

Later that evening, the small crowd had thinned to almost none. Trunks had bid everyone "Goodnight" and asked Goten if he wanted to stay the night. Goten declined stating something about wanting to get to know his new step-mom. That was her new title, to him anyway. He even felt strange calling her that, as she was only seven years older than him. He did feel she threatened his mom's happiness. He was also positive that if she was threatening to his mother she wasn't doing it on purpose. He wanted to stay close to his mom because he knew that his father could be fickle about things.

Goku was glad his son decided to come home with them. He was counting on Goten's presence to kind of keep the peace. He felt bad about counting on Goten being there to help keep ChiChi calm but Goku knew he was defenseless against ChiChi. He thought ChiChi would be more stable if Goten was there. ChiChi and Goten were closer and depended on one another more because of his seven year absence. He was glad for it but at the same time a little jealous. He was always close to Gohan but Goten always seemed like he was afraid to get attached to his father.

The ride home was uncomfortably silent. Goku and ChiChi were, of course, in the front seat with Miranda and Goten in the back. Everyone kept his or her thoughts to himself or herself. No one was willing to break the silence for fear of breaking the tenuous peace that seemed to be hanging in the air.

When they arrived home, Miranda asked where the bathroom was. ChiChi then snidely answered, "Why?" "Well, I didn't know where they were at Cap. Corp. and Vegeta is not the most social of people to ask a question of. So, I haven't gone since before the wedding." "So that's why you weren't drinking much punch. I thought it was because you didn't know what it was," interjects Goku. "It's the door straight at the end of the hall," answers Goten. "Thank you," say Miranda as she bolts.

"Are you both going to hang on her every word now?" says ChiChi jealously. "No, ChiChi. She lives her now too. And, you always tell us to mind our manners. Right, Goten?" "Right Dad. It would've been rude of us to not tell her." "Well, she can pee in the trees for all I care," replies ChiChi to their comments. "Why the change of attitude about this, ChiChi? You agreed to this. Man, you almost insisted. This wouldn't have happened without your approval and you know it," remarks Goku.

"Well, maybe I changed my mind."

"You could've said something earlier."

"Well, maybe she could've changed hers. Do you know how long I've lived without you for the safety (she does the quote thing with her hands) and happiness of others?"

"ChiChi, she couldn't have known. She was only 5 when all that happened."

"That's not the point! Just once! Just once! I'd like to see someone sacrifice their life and happiness for us! Just once! But nooo! No one knows what this family has gone through for the safety of this planet! Why? Because Mr. Satan took the credit for what Gohan did. That's why! People should know how my family has worked for this planet! They should be paying homage and cheering for you, Gohan and Goten! She should've said "NO, I can't do this to such a great man and his family." But she doesn't even know what you and our sons have done! Oh and one more thing Goku! I know it's her wedding night and all, but if you so much as kiss her again. I'll find a way to kill you. Understood! She sleeps on the couch!" And with all that said, ChiChi goes to her and Goku's room to get ready for bed, for some much needed rest.

All during this rant, Miranda was in the bathroom. Ear against the door, she thought this was going to be a change but it's turning out to be just another level of hell. Then she started to think. She doesn't have to worry about anyone getting beaten on her behalf. Her mother should be safe now. But she wasn't sure if they would look for her if she left. Would they fear for her safety? She wasn't familiar with the area at all, maybe they would be.

Then she came up with a plan. She would bide her time. She'd pretend to be happy or at least content here. Help out and learn about the local culture, money system, everything she could. She would act as if nothing was wrong. She'd do her duties as a wife, if need be. She would not get attached. She'd get to know the area. Find a way to survive with no help from anyone. There had to be a way and she would find it.

While she was in the bathroom eavesdropping, Goten had gone to his room. He sat on his bed thinking too. 'Why had his dad done this? Oh yeah, his mom insisted. Why had she changed her mind about this? Did she really think that Miranda threatened her place in his Dad's heart? Didn't she know that Dad would do anything she asked, even marry another girl? And said girl probably wants out of here as soon as possible considering his mother's change in attitude. Did she expect him to say "No ChiChi I couldn't do that? It's wrong! And I love only you!" when she was the one telling him to do it?' Goten then came to a decision to try and be Miranda's friend. Everyone needs at least one friend, and he'd be hers, if she let him. At the end of that thought, Goten thought he'd better get ready for bed and got up to use the bathroom to wash up.

When he got to the bathroom the door was closed. 'Miranda must still be in there' he thought. He knocked and heard a "Just a minute" in reply. She opened the door and made a quick apology for taking so long and headed downstairs.

When she got downstairs Goku was getting the extra blankets out from the cedar chest.

"I guess you can sleep here tonight," said Goku when he saw her. "Migetch," said Miranda. "Well, goodnight," said Goku. "I meant, thank you and Good night to you too," clarified Miranda. At that Goku went upstairs to bed. ChiChi was already in bed. Goten was in his bed. And Miranda was lying on the couch, her bed. She went to sleep with thought and prayers that tomorrow would be a good day.

Well, we'll see what tomorrow brings, won't we? After the next part I'll probably be skipping amounts of time. I mean, it's taken me 8 parts just to cover 2 days! Oh, well. I remember a 5 minute fight that lasted all week! Then there was a 10 day period that was covered in a commercial break. So I guess it goes with the series in that sense anyway. I really appreciate every review that I have received. Thank You for reading my break from reality.

BTW, "Migetch" really does mean "Thank You"