Bittersweet Candy Bowl

38. Rising Temperature, original chapter posted 5/27/07

Page 1 of 14

Transcript

*Sue, Tess and Amaya giggle over a fashion magazine.*
Sue: Wow, it’s gorgeous!!
Tess: Hehehe! I can’t wait to wear it!

*Tess grins.*
Tess: The moment I saw it on the rack, I knew it’d be perfect! And whaddaya know, it fit me like a glove!
Sue: So lucky!

*Paulo appears behind Tess, who blushes.*
Paulo: Form-fitting, eh? Lemme see, I’ve been waiting! ♥
Tess: !

*Tess shoves Paulo away.*
Tess: Well, WAIT LONGER!!
Paulo: Aughh, why?!
Tess: YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO SEE IT YET!

*Paulo puts his hand on Tess’ shoulder.*
Paulo: Hey, it’s not like we’re getting married!
*Tess smiles and playfully pokes Paulo’s nose.*
Tess: It’ll be worth the wait~ ♥

*Tess leans down to whisper into Paulo’s ear.*
Tess: And if you’re a REALLY good boy, maybe you can help me slip out of it, too~ ♥

*Paulo quickly sits politely at the table next to Mike, who’s drinking a juice box.*
Paulo: How’m I doin’?
Tess: ♥ Very good. Keep it up!

*Paulo and Mike exchange a look.*
Paulo and Mike: …

*Paulo grins, blushing.*
Paulo: Eeeee~! ♥
Mike: You’re REALLY excited for tomorrow, aren’t you?
Paulo: Yes!!!

*Tess and Sue giggle and talk while Paulo and Mike watch them.*
Paulo: Seriously.. it’ll be my first date.. and with one of the hottest girls in school!
Mike: You aren’t nervous?

*Paulo smiles while Mike folds his hands thoughtfully.*
Paulo: Why would I be?
Mike: I know I’d be nervous if I was taking Sandy to the prom..

*Paulo glances at Mike and pouts his lips mockingly.*
Paulo: Yeah, nothin’ scarier than dancing with an imaginary girlfriend.
*Mike flinches, his face going red.*
Mike: !

*Abbey hides behind his hand to talk to Lucy while Mike yells at Paulo in the background.*
Mike: SHE’S NOT IMAGINARY!
Abbey: What’s wrong, Lucy?

*Lucy frowns while Mike strangles Paulo in the background.*
Abbey: Lucy?
Lucy: What? Oh, nothing. Just gotta finish an essay for tomorrow.

*Paulo freezes, eyes wide. Mike’s hands are still wrapped around his neck.*
Abbey: Oh, for English? Do you need any help?
Lucy: Nah, thanks. It’s mostly done. I just gotta add a few more sources.

*Paulo looms over Lucy, teeth bared. Lucy glances back at him.*
Paulo: WHAT DID YOU JUST FINISH SAYING?!?!
Lucy: I.. err.. .. need to finish the essay due tomorrow?
*Abbey frowns at Paulo in irritation.*
Abbey: …

*Paulo rages, scowling ferociously with tears welling in his eyes.*
Paulo: NO!!

*Mike droops and hangs off Paulo without letting go of his throat. Paulo doesn’t seem to notice, his face still frozen in dismay. Lucy and Abbey look at him curiously.*

Author commentary

Veronica: Things are looking up for Tess and Paulo!!! They seem to be in la-la land when it comes to the prom. I guess there’s not much time left before junior prom happens so they really gotta prepare!

Isn’t it terrible when you’re sometimes so distracted by something you like that you realize you have something really important due? I remember that happened to me once or twice in high school.. I assumed work wasn’t due because there was vacation or something special.. so yeah. Poor Paulo!

Reader comments

Comment ID #114093

Well it looks to me for the most part, Paulo is starting to REALLY learn to play his cards right!

And the essay, not a good sign if someone’s making a big deal out of it…

Sarge October 29, 2010, 6:26 PM EDT.

Comment ID #128553

Aw, kiddo. Oh well, that’s some great motive to finish that essay!

SushiJaguar November 17, 2010, 11:39 PM EST.

Comment ID #220785

Panel 8: peace, traquility, quietly sipping juice
…
5 seconds later…
…
Panel 14: VIOLENCE, STRANGLING, ACCUSING PEOPLE OF IMAGINARY GIRLFRIENDS

poor mike

Lol July 4, 2012, 12:09 AM EDT.