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It's half past midnight and I'm lying awake in bed, unable to sleep. Charlie should be here any minute. I'm feeling much better thanks to Phoebe's delicious remedy stew. I don't know what he puts in the stuff, but he knows it settles my stomach every time.

The door creeks open and Charlie pops her head in, undoubtedly checking if I'm still awake. "Come here, Princess...," I call to her and she immediately flings the door open the rest of the way.

She doesn't say anything as she kicks off her high heels and crawls in bed beside me. I lift the duvet for her to settle in.

"How're you feeling, Mummy?," She asks cautiously. "If you're too tired we can just talk some other time."

"Don't worry about me, I want to hear all about your night. What's the matter? Why'd you leave so early?"

I sit up in the bed trying my best to be present in this moment, and she follows my lead. Like old times, I remember her always coming to me when she was younger. We'd gab like a couple of girlfriends about any trouble she was having. In recent years, she's kept a lot to herself. It makes me so happy to be having this insight right now.

"How, Mum! How is it possible?!"

She starts her dramatic rant, hands flying all around us as she gets more and more flustered. "He just seems to make the pitter-patter of my heart hike up with the way his dazzling smile lights up his eyes!"

She says such an adoring description with a tone of disgust. I smirk to myself as I listen to her go on and on. I remember this all too well.

"He says my name and it's like I've never heard anything more beautiful in my entire life!," Yep. I remember that, too.

"And the way he just keeps his distance, but his eyes follow my every move! Ugh! It's annoying! Like, I mean, you know me. I don't let on much, but still!"

I grab her hands tightly in mine as we now sit cross-legged in front of each other. Her wild hand motions make it hard to concentrate on her words. "Sounds like you really like him. Maybe if you tell him, he'd feel the same....I mean, you still have to tell him about the baby..."

I try not to visibly cringe when the words come out of my mouth. It's like a step into the past, except this time it's me doing the convincing and not Rose. Jesus, how did time fly so quickly?

"Oh, he likes me alright. I felt it when we danced. On stage. In front of everyone. He was harder than a—," I throw a pillow at her before she can even finish that sentence! She bursts out laughing and I have to try even harder to stifle my giggle.

Swatting her arm, I let my laugh out, "!!," I cackle along with her as both of our stitches come undone in a fit of laughter.

"I'm still your mother!," I barely scold her. She's an adult. I really don't mind— ugh, my baby girl— okay, no, she's about to be a mother. We can talk like this.

"Sorry- Sorry. Okay, where was I?"

"You were admitting to actually having a heart—,"

"Mum!!"

"Okay. Alright. I'm kidding!," I pull her into a hug, squeezing her tightly in my arms.

"Charlie girl, you've got a lot of growing up to do in such a short amount of time, but I know you will. You're strong and smart and fierce. You're gonna be just fine. In love or not."

"Love?!," she pulls away, horrified expression spreading across her face. "Who said anything about love?! Ha ha ha! Love! No. Never."

———————————————————————-

🎶"I feel pretty! Oh, so pretty! And witty! And briiiiiiiight!" 🎶

"Okay, Pa....Get in the car," Richie impatiently pesters for me to sit down into my seat. "Oh, boo. You're no fun, darling"

🎶"I feeeeeeel charming! Oh so charming! It's alarming! How charming I feeeeeeel!," Roger slides into the limo next, screeching the lyrics at the top of his lungs.

"Shhhh! God, you guys are so embarrassing!," Rufus compliments our vocals with a groan. Hey, it's not our fault he let his own mouth ruin his chance at—

Michael rolls his eyes as he sits in next, immediately followed by...

🎶 "And I'm so pretty that I hardly believe I'm reeeeal!" Deacy's cheeks are flushed to a pink tint as his mousey voice deepens in tone. He's loosened up to that playful sonovabitch I love!

"Oh, be serious!" Richie groans, rubbing his hand down his face. "I need to go to bed. That's what I'll do. I'll go to bed and forget tonight even happ— Uncle Bri, calm these loons, please! You're my last hope..," He mumbles to himself, though his words are slightly slurred. I thought if we'd keep filling ourselves with liquor, he'd at least have some fun for once. He's always so serious.

Brian, stone solid expression, folds his arms to look between me and my tirelessly "much too grown up" son.

Grumpy child... Can't possibly be mine—

🎶"Such a pretty face!" Brian finally breaks, stroking Richie's chin, smiling widely as he keeps the song going.

🎶"Such a pretty dress!," I follow his lead, plucking the collar of Richie's shirt, teasingly.

The pointed tips of his high cheekbones poke out and the tip of his tongue wets his lips as he bats his lashes, rolling his eyes. He's trying hard to hide his smile and now I know we've got him. I pinch his cheek, tugging it upward, "Such a pretty smileee!"🎶

We all wait in anticipation. Staring at Richie's smile brighten as the limo takes off. He throws his hands up, rolls his eyes, belting out, "SUCH A PRETTY MEEEE!!" 🎶

.

One by one, we drop everyone off at their homes. I sit and try not to listen as Richie and his friend chat away about meeting up for their tux fitting in a couple of days. I already had my tailor sort mine out a few weeks ago! I don't know why they're waiting so long.

The alcohol starts to take a downer effect on me as we drive on. My eyelids droop and I feel myself falling asleep, but refuse to be the old drunken fool. I fight against the jumble in my belly, deciding to at least get some insight on this kid who is so close to my son. Funny how I've never met him til tonight....

I look up at the two of them now that they've stopped talking. I can tell by the glow of his cellphone that he's smiling like a smitten kitten at a teet.

"So, Ronny,"

"It's Ra—,"

"Shh!," Ronny shoves Richie with his shoulder, quieting him. "Yes, Mr. Mercury?" he asks while leaning forward in his seat.

"Oh, darling please call me Freddie, unless you plan on working for me"

"I'd love to!"

"That wasn't an offer," Richie scoffs, shaking his head.

"Oh, well then...uh, what's up Freddie?" he asks hesitantly. He says my name like it's a holy word. I think I like him.

"Who's the lucky shag? Seems you were the only one to get a number tonight," I wiggle my eyebrows jokingly, as he fidgets in his seat, clearly uncomfortable by my question.

"Really?!," Richie says exasperated, but his minds in the gutter.

"Not referring to us, Richard. Be serious," I respond, mocking his scolding words from earlier. "I just meant the others. That Rufus is just the exact same as Roger was at his age. And, actually, yes...Michael's just how Deacy was as well, now that I think about it...,"

In my mind I try to compare my own son to the way that I used to be. He's very cautious. Careful to be polite at all times. Never much of a risk-taker, even as a child. I don't really think we're much alike at all, though I wish we were.

The two of them grow silent waiting for me to pick up the conversation. I did ask a question, didn't I?

"So, girlfriend? Boyfriend? Or new adventure?," I start to laugh, but it seems I'm the only one enjoying this little banter. I mean, honestly these kids would probably be more content to just sit here with our noses in our phones.

"Why do you care?," Richie asks. Well there's one thing that's never changed. He's still a crabby bean when he's all worn out!

"I don't. Not really.... Just trying to get to know your friend. No harm done," I lift my hands in surrender. Directing my apology at the poor boy stuck in the middle of us.

"No, that's okay. I mean, I never thought I'd meet you. You can ask me anything...um, except that..."

"Oooh, sensitive topic? I won't pry, dear." I give up. I'll spare myself the exertion.

.

Finally arriving back to Garden Lodge, I wave goodbye as the limo drives off, leaving me on the front steps. My bones feel mighty stiff from the cool breeze that whirls around me. That's not the one bone I'd like to stiffen up, but there's still time.

I smirk to myself as I unlock the door, surprisingly not fumbling around too much as I make my way inside. Cherie hasn't texted me in a couple of hours. She must be asleep by now.

🎶"Secret love affair...waitin on a wih🎶...do do do do do..🎶.," I sing as I take my time to balance on each step, climbing toward my bedroom. I know everyone must be asleep, but it's my song and I'll sing it if I want to. "Oh love, do do do loooove"🎶

Shuffling toward the end of the bed as I enter the room, I don't know how she doesn't stir to my song. Either that, or she's just messing about.

🎶"I just love making love making love making love, with youuuu, girl-'

"Please wait! Please wait until I leave the room- the house-the bloody country! "

Charlie speedily marches out of the room, stomping her feet as she grumbles to be awakened by my serenade. Thank fucking God I was at least standing beside Cherie! However, she, at the moment, couldn't breathe from the laughter that gurgles in her throat.

"You shoulda...You should have seen your face!" Cherie bumps my nose with her finger before i growl at her. I make my way to the other side of the bed, roughly pulling the covers back and slapping the pillows into shape.

I should have at least turned on the lights. That would have helped, although, I did start singing my way up the stairs so I doubt it would have made much more of a difference.

"Awww, I'm sorry, Papi...," Cherie stops her laughing fit when she looks to see me scowling at her, she sweeps my stray hairs away from my forehead, trying to get disengage the anger lines that wrinkle it. "That would've been so sweet if it weren't for a house full of people we have here and our daughter in the bed!" She starts to laugh again, furthering my frustration. Not that I was able to excite myself at all, but Ithat was the whole point of waking up Cherie- I was getting there!

"We have no more little babies to swaddle! I mean, Really! A man should be able to come home..and cum home-"

"For fuck's sake..."

"Yes. Great idea!," I agree, a lightbulb flickering through my horny, tipsy thoughts. I feel the urgency swoop over me as Cherie scoots her ass closer to my nether regions. Okay. No time for games. My fingers start at the side of her hips, eagerly pushing her pajama bottoms down as I feel the surge of blood flow begin to blow my head to size. I throw my head back, hollering as loud as I can manage:

"For the sake of Fucking!!! Everyone out of this house now!"

"FREDDIE!"

———————————————————————————

Rami:

We drop off Freddie and—

Hold on. I can't believe I just said that! Freddie...Just Freddie. Like he's an old friend or something. The guy is a fricking riot! He's so funny— I knew he would be. And welcoming and kind.

I always heard that he was nice, but then again there are other stories that say he was a huge arrogant asshole. I never knew what to believe, but now I know.

He scared me half to death earlier when he asked who I was shagging. Or texting. Whatever it was that he asked. If he knew— if Richie knew, I would be dead!

The sound of Richie snapping his fingers bends my ear as he tries to get the attention of the barkeep. "Another one!"

🎶"And another gone," I sing while flipping his shot glass over.

🎶"And another one gone," I bob my head to the rhythm playing in my mind, flipping over my glass, too. "Another one bites the—,"🎶

"I will bite your fucking head off if you finish that sentence!"

"It's not a sentence. It's a lyric.."

"What was that?"

"I said I'm sorry, I can't help it," I play it off, no longer wanting to be on the receiving end of Richie's twisted glare.

"Mmmm," is all he says as he holds up his fresh shot towards me. I grab my glass and meet his toast.

I'm surprised I'm not insanely sick by now. I think all the excitement has kept me on my toes. When Richie said we were headed to another bar, I thought he was joking! He didn't seem in a good mood at all this entire night.

Now that he turns to me, I can tell there's something weighing heavily on his mind. He's basically gnawing on his lip enough to make it bleed!

"Would you stop that. Just tell me already," I sternly say as he looks at me like I've just offended him. "Stop what? I've nothing to say," he retorts, sticking his nose in the air.

Of course. What was I thinking? Never provoke the bear or however that saying goes. Everything with Rich has to be done on his own time.

"Okay, fine. Stop begging, I'll tell you!," he whines as if I had spoken another pleading word. I didn't even say anything; I was just about to change the subject.

"Not here. Ya ready?" he grabs his coat from the back of his chair as he stands to leave.

We're not far from my hotel now and Rich still hasn't brought up what he wanted to say at the bar. It was only minutes ago, but maybe he's more intoxicated than I thought. The guy can barely keep his eyes open and he's rubbing his stomach as if he'll hurl at any moment.

"What's it like....," he talks almost inaudibly into the window. He's not even facing me, I thought he's fallen asleep.

"What's what like?," I lean up in my seat, trying to hear him as he still doesn't turn to face me.

"You know...," he slowly slurs the words out. "What you and my dad were saying..."

"Uh, we said a lot, Rich. You're gonna have to be more specific than tha—,"

"Shagging!"

"Shagging?" I cock my head to the side, not understanding where he's going with this just yet.."What—,"

"Sex! You moron. Do I have to spell it for you?"

"No! Do I have to spell it for you?," I ask, laughing, still confused.

His entire face is flushed to the brightest hue of red I've ever seen as he crosses his arms, grumbling something unintelligible under his breath. "What.....?," I ask, trying to connect this, but I think we're lost in drunken translation. Or maybe....not....

"I said... i — ver—ad—ex," Between his mumbling low tone and the slushing slurs of his tongue, I can't understand what he's getting at.

"You said what? I can't hear you for crying out loud, would you just—,"

"I've never had sex before!" Well, now he's decided to talk quickly. " I just wanted to ask your advice but I can see now—,"

I can't help it! I can't! I'm sorry, I'm a horrible person. I think all of this and yet I am clutching on to my sides for dear life as I fall into a fit of hysterics.

"I CAN SEEE NOW this was a MISTAKE! Some best friend you are!,"

"Y-Yes," I try to stop my laughter, but it's no use. I'm literally crying. "Yes, I am a horrible best friend! I haven't even got you laid! And you're about to be married! Richie what the f—,"

"Yes. Ha ha he ha ha. Let's all point and laugh at the virgin. Excuse me for having morals," he's gone into his dramatic-spree. That's what I like to call it. It's when his sarcastic voice could physically hurt you and the tight fake smile on his face will haunt your dreams.

"Okay. Alright, I'm done-,"

"Feel better now? All out of laughs? Go on, let it out. I don't give a shit," He can't even look me in my face and that's how I know I've insensitively crossed the line. I'll try to be more considerate from this moment forward.

Clearing my throat, looking down at my hands I start to feel uncomfortable about this conversation myself now. "So..why? Why haven't you...,"

"Oh, I don't know," he puffs out air, rolling his wrist as if lost in thought as he plays with the longer pieces of hair on top of his head. He's trying to act as unbothered as possible, but this is obviously serious! "I was scared—,"

"Pffffffffffffft!," I can't stop my spit from splattering everywhere as I burst into laughter once again. "I'm sorry! I'm a dirty bastard!"

"Yes, you are. And you're fucking kicked out- Go. Get out of my car, you cunt bastard!"

"I said dirty bastard. Apparently, you wouldn't be able to find a cunt if it sat on your face—,"

"Oh, fuck off!!," he literally pushes me out of my seat and to the floor. I fall right on my ass with a hard thud. I deserved that.

"What are you scared of? It...it's not scary, you big fucking baby! You just think too much!"

"Well someone has to! And besides, I'm not scared anymore. I've got Laura now. I mean before. In college, when everyone else was off frolicking or whatever. You think I want to be a virgin?!"

Finally feeling the mood settle down a bit. The limo pulls to a stop just as I sit back up in the seat beside him. I don't want to leave him like this. I mean, if it were me I'd feel like... I don't even want to think about how I'd feel! I'd never admit it in the first place!

"Okay...well, you'll be fine. Like you said. You have Laura now," I cough to disguise the chuckle in my throat when the worrisome furrow of his brow lifts to reveal his dark eyes. "What were you so afraid of before anyw—,"

"Dying."

——————————————————————

I'm a drunk. I mean, not a drunk. But I am drunk right now. Oh, God. I should probably just go home.

The light throughout her windows brighten the sheer curtains, but not a shadow in sight. Well, I've made it this far. Might as well just stop by. Just for a second.

Quickly scaling the creaky iron gate, I prick my hand on the sharp points of the gate tips before letting my grip go and falling. With a painful thud, I fall to the garden ground on my side. I clutch my ribs, rolling to my back for a second as I gasp for breath.

Fuck! That hurt a lot more than I thought it would. How am I not numb to nothing by now?

The motion detector light floods the entire garden, reaching just to the tips of my shoes. I creep along the hedges, keeping away from the illuminated grass until the light clicks off.