Bad news

It was the final day in paradise. The Farringtons' visit would be coming to an end after a couple of weeks with friends and family.

Roxxi and Maria were making the most of finally being able to be a couple, before the latter would have to go home and the relationship would go long distance again.

'Back to normality tomorrow. Shame. I've been enjoying a break from the clusterfuck we call our lives.'

'Indeed. Better make the most of it while before we have to leave.'

'At least Sunset Valley still has a beach. Sure, the weather's not as good, but it's fine for a swim.'

'We'll all have to go sometime.'

'Count me out, unless you're keeping your top on.'

'Aw, but topless sunbathing is fun.'

'I'm afraid I have to side with Ellis here.'

'Hey, you never said you were into that. Fancy going later?'

'I'm sure she'll enjoy the backdrop of Zeus' dongle swaying in the breeze.'

'Not that beach!'

'Sure. But yeah, Zeus' dick might ruin the romantic atmosphere somewhat.'

'I just find the whole topic hilarious. If I were a man I'd be worried about swimming naked in the sea, though. Seems like it'd be a really good target for a fish to bite, or something.'

'They're pretty much good targets for, like, anything. Fish, pets, babies, daughters who think you're burglars...'

'I feel like there's a story here.'

'Yes, I'm wondering about that as well. I thought you smacked Aizel around the shoulder head as a child.'

'Oh, I did. With a baseball bat. Kia threw a ball at Dad's dick when he startled her though.'

'Your poor father.'

'Yeah, I think brain damage is the reason why he, like, enjoys embarrassing me with mascot costumes.'

'It sounds like your poor dad has a lot to contend with.'

'It's not funny, Aria.'

'Sorry.'

'Fortunately he doesn't get his dick smashed in on a super regular basis. Though, like, the fact I'm one of four kids probably shows that. Ew.'

'...Well done.'

'Dad took that bear costume home with him, y'know.'

'......I don't want to know.'

'Oh my God Aunty Nal, no! I didn't mean for that reason!'

'Oh my God.'

'Guys... I've just had a phone call from work. They said there was a fire at ours last night...'

'What?'

'What the hell?'

'Holy shit.'

'Someone reported it right away as it happened. Apparently they saw someone start it. They're saying it's being investigated as arson...'

'Oh my God, no!'

'Are the police on it?'

'Yeah... My boss, he said he wanted me to find out from them as soon as possible. I know your department's probably gonna get in contact with you too...'

'Jesus fucking Christ...'

'Oh God, I'm really sorry.'

'That's horrific...'

'What's the damage like?'

'According to my boss, not that much, since it was reported right away and we live close to the station. Upstairs seems to be alright, but downstairs is gonna need some fixing.'

'Oh Jesus...'

'I'm gonna call home, see if I can get more info.'

'It's definitely arson?'

'I wish it wasn't, but there's no doubt.'

'Why the fuck would someone do that?!'

'Because some fucking manchild doesn't like anyone getting in the way of him abusing another woman.'

'Is it really him?'

'We don't have any other enemies! Nobody else would want to do that! Oh my God, it's my fault...'

'How is this your fault?!'

'I interfered, he came over and threatened us before, oh shit!'

'That does not make it your fault. Nobody else made him do this, it's a choice he took all by himself.'

'But what if we'd been there? We promised the Exners we were safe from fire! What if Mattie...'

'You only tried to do the right thing! We never anticipated this!'

'They could've been in danger... I've got more than just my own wellbeing to worry about now!'

'Raya, they're safe. You have nothing to be sorry for. All you did was try and talk some sense into that stupid bitch. You haven't risked your baby. You didn't know he would attack you like this!'

'I can't believe that Brianne. The stupid cow should've kept her mouth shut.'

'Well this fucking ends now. Somebody has to hammer some fucking sense into that ridiculous woman.'

'Literally, with a hammer.'

'She's the fucking worst. Good luck with it.'

'I'd rather save the hammer for Tate himself, but I'd be lying if I didn't internally express the same sentiment.'

'Oh God. Saraya, Logan, if you need anything when we get back, just ask us, okay? If you need somewhere to stay...'

'Thanks. I guess we might need to move out for a little while.'

'We'll look after you.'

'Are you really gonna go and confront that bitch?'

'Not specifically about this. No doubt the police will do an investigation of sorts purely to say we're doing something, and then magically drop it when it's unearthed Tate's involved and I won't be legally able to discuss it. But there's plenty else I could tell her.'

'How do you know you can trust her, though? What's stopping her from opening her great malicious maw again, and like, turning Tate's attention to you?'

'...I don't know. I'm not going to rush into this, though. I'm going to take some time to think things through first.'

'Okay, good. Best to avoid his attention as much as possible...'