036
hate crimes against puppies

Bianca had seen The Wreck over a hundred times, but never like this.

Gone were the wooden tables and chairs lining the front veranda, and replacing them were crowds of locals gathered to celebrate Mike and Anna's fifteenth anniversary. A large blue banner hung in front of the restaurant, blowing in the evening breeze to serve as a reminder of what they were here for.

Bianca stood beside her mother with her grandparents in front of them. From the moment they stepped foot into the party, they were waving and greeting friends of the family, almost as if they were the hosts. Even in the short period Bianca's grandparents lived in Kildare, they were already popular within their local church community and the Island Club alike.

A live band sang into their microphones and strummed guitars. Around them, the crowd clapped and danced along in front of their wooden stage, bathed in the evening's setting sun. Amber rays glinted off the window panes of the restaurant and occasionally, the sound of seabirds crying in the distance would surge over the drone of polite laughter and clinking champagne flutes.

"Now, I don't know what's going on between the two of you," Pilar whispered over her shoulder, still smiling for the crowd ahead. "But I'd love to have one night where we all enjoy ourselves and have a good time," When neither Bianca nor Lydia responded, her tone hardened. "Lo entiende todo el mundo?" [Does everyone understand?]

"Sí, mamá," Lydia gave a short sigh.

"Entiendo, Abuelita," Bianca mumbled quietly but her eyes stayed glued to the crowds of people.

"Sí, mi cielo," Teodoro mused, placing a chaste kiss on the back of his wife's hand.

Pilar clicked her tongue, "Not you, Teo," She huffed before something caught her gaze elsewhere. "Oh- look, there are the Darlings. Come, let's go say hello."

She began dragging Teodoro away but not before he glanced over his shoulder with a pleading expression, mouthing the words 'Help me.' When Bianca's lips curved into a small smile, he sent her a teasing wink, knowing his job was complete.

A tense silence encompassed both Bianca and her mother, neither knowing what to say. Bianca fidgeted with her dress while Lydia glanced anywhere but her daughter.

Finally, the older woman cleared her throat, "I didn't expect you to come today."

"I mean, I didn't want to but my friends are here," Her eyes searched for said girls who disappeared somewhere in the crowd. "And Abuelita told me to, so..."

"Right," Lydia nodded, sending a brief wave to one of the ladies from the Island Club. "Well, I just wanted to let you know, I'm selling the hotels."

"What?" Bianca whirled around to the woman who barely even glanced at her.

"Yes, and all the offices. You must've heard by now I spoke to..." Her voice dropped an octave. "Sarah's father. I'm going to sign the papers tomorrow," The way Lydia spoke made Bianca's chest tighten like she was more of a business partner than a daughter. "It's all taken care of. You don't need to worry about a thing. Just keep your head down till this whole thing blows over."

"What's going to blow over?" Bianca's gaze narrowed. "Mom? What did you do?"

"Don't ask questions you don't want to know the answer to," Lydia repeated sternly. "I told you, everything is handled. Why can't you just be satisfied with that?"

Bianca remained silent, staring at the floor. She wasn't sure how to feel, having everything her father ever worked for dissolved to nothing. But then again, she guessed it never really belonged to Michael anyway, considering he used her mother's money to build his empire while he got to sit on the throne and reap the benefits.

Suddenly, Bianca's eye caught the second golden band glinting off her mother's finger and her mouth went dry, "You're wearing it."

Lydia glanced down at her hands clasped together in front of her, as well as the two wedding bands on her ring finger. Immediately, she hid them behind her back, like caring was a crime.

Lydia turned back to stare at the crowd, "I am," She spoke curtly. No, emotionlessly.

"Mom..." Bianca forced the words through her tightening throat. "I-"

"If the next thing out of your mouth is an apology then save it. I don't want to hear it," Lydia cut her off, surprising her. "This isn't the time nor the place to be discussing details. I just wanted to keep you updated on what was happening. As for everything else, I'll deal with it when we get home. Until then, go grab yourself a drink- a non-alcoholic one," She narrowed her eyes. "Mingle. And don't forget to smile-" Her words became rushed as she noticed Anna and Mike near them. "It draws away suspicion."

"Yes, Mom," Bianca whispered before Kiara's parents welcomed Lydia obnoxiously.

"Lyds! It's so great to see you," Anna threw her arms around the woman. "Thank you so much for helping us organize everything-"

"I have to say, you were right," Mike nodded. "We didn't need to hire that other venue- who knew the Wreck could look so..."

"Elegant?" Lydia filled in, hugging him next. "I told you, it's a charming place. Just needed a little... redecorating."

Bianca rolled her eyes at her mother's underhanded comment. It seemed Anna didn't pick up on it because the woman laughed before turning to her, "Bianca, we're so glad you could make it. You look even more beautiful every time I see you."

Mike gave her a tight smile, "I know Kiara's going to be thrilled to see you," Bianca didn't miss his subtle, sarcastic dig considering their fight from a few days ago.

"Yeah," She followed his gaze to where Kiara and Sarah were chatting animately at one of the wooden barrels acting as table tops. The girl gave him a distracted smile, "Will you guys please excuse me?"

Bianca dismissed herself, heading straight towards the girls, and breathed a shaky exhale the moment she was within their vicinity, "Hi."

"Hey," Kiara scoffed. She too had been watching the interaction with a frown, "Since when were our moms friends?"

"Since we went missing apparently," The tightness in Bianca's shoulders unknotted, allowing herself to finally breathe. "You know, your mom gave mine a brochure for one of those wilderness therapy camps?"

"Oh my god- of course, she did," Kiara threw her head back in exasperation. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Bianca mused half-heartedly. "Maybe we can be bunk buddies?"

"Only if I get top bunk," Kiara elbowed her.

She laughed, "Sure, whatever."

The curly-haired girl pursed her lips to stifle her smile and turned back to their blonde friend, "Okay, now that we're all here- Sarah was just filling me in."

"Yeah," Sarah nodded at Bianca. "I was saying, we were right. It wasn't Wheezie- it was my dad."

Kiara's face fell, "What?" She should've been expecting it but hearing aloud was a different story entirely.

"Mhm," Sarah swallowed thickly. "He came back and kept saying how sorry he was and that it was all his fault- and then he gave me the keys to the condo and a credit card."

"Are you kidding me, Sarah?" Kiara's lips curled into a scowl. "That doesn't even make sense. Ward's on this island? Like, the same island we are on, Sarah?"

"Yes," She answered. "He's back. Mhm."

Kiara's chest rose and fell with heavy breaths. She glared at the tabletop, "The second I see him, I'm turning him in. I swear."

Sarah watched the girl through careful eyes before they flickered over to Bianca who was wearing the same reserved expression. They could've turned him in, all the blonde had to do was yell and the cops would come running with handcuffs. But Sarah couldn't. Not while he was pleading for her forgiveness.

"How 'bout your dad, B?" Kiara glanced up at her. "Is he back too?"

Bianca's breath hitched, not expecting the question, "Uh-" She shook her head. "If- um, if he is, I haven't seen him," She clasped her trembling fingers together. "I guess, he didn't want to make the trip down."

The lie felt bitter on her tongue. She didn't like doing it. But here, in front of half the island and Kiara's parents, didn't seem like the best place to be confessing that she murdered her father. There was no point lying about it now, considering basically everyone in her life knew about what happened.

"I don't know how you guys do it," Kiara blew out a breath, her eyebrows drawn together. "I mean, every time I wanna complain about my dad, I just think about your dads."

"Oh, glad to be of service," Sarah mused sarcastically.

"Works every time," Kiara scoffed.

"At least they're good for something," Bianca leaned her elbows on the table.

"I'm glad we could help," Sarah laughed, glancing off into the distance when she felt someone looking over at her. "It's great."

Bianca followed Sarah's gaze to where Topper was off conversing with a group of people, a drink in his hand. The moment he noticed her looking over at him, he gave a small wave, forcing the blonde to smile back.

"Why is he everywhere?" Bianca rolled her eyes.

"You didn't tell me Topper was gonna be here," Sarah whispered harshly, turning back to the girls.

"Sorry?" Kiara shrugged, although she didn't sound very apologetic. "My mom invited, like- the whole island."

"Shit," Sarah cursed. "Shit."

"It's not a big deal," Kiara hummed. "I'll keep him away."

"Don't think you can," Bianca pushed off the table. "He's coming over here."

"Oh, great," Kiara picked up her drink and brought the straw to her mouth. "Um, well, I'm gonna go over here," She began backing away.

"Yeah, me too," Bianca followed after her.

"Please don't," Sarah quipped, trying to look anywhere but Topper's approaching figure.

"We won't go far," Kiara reassured, turning her back to the table.

"Just say the word," Bianca linked arms with the girl who was playing with her straw.

"Okay," Sarah rushed out in a swift breath before the boy appeared over her shoulder.

"So much for keeping him away, huh?" Bianca pursed her lips to hide her smile.

"Yeah, I was just trying to make her feel better," Kiara snorted. "I can't stand him."

"Hi," Sarah began when Topper was close enough.

"Hey, how's it going?" He grinned.

"Good. How are you?"

"Good. Um, I, um- well, I don't wanna blow your cover or anything so I'll just keep it lowkey but... I know we're not public or anything, you know what I mean?" He sucked in a breath through his teeth. "Um... hey, B! How are you? What's up, Kie?"

Kiara whirled around, "Oh, hey. I didn't even see you, bro."

"Smooth," Bianca mused, ignoring Topper altogether.

"Uh," Topper fumbled for words, trying to ease the tension between them. "Did you do these decorations... here? It's beautiful."

"Yeah," Kiara nodded, cringing. "Party city."

"It's a great selection," Sarah drew his attention back, trying to get rid of him.

Eventually, he got the hint because he cleared his throat, "Cool," He huffed. "Well, um... cheers," He clinked his drink with hers.

"Cheers," Sarah forced a chuckle.

"I'll see you-" Topper began backing away. "I'll see you later."

"Yeah, see you around," She pursed her lips.

"Just take- take it easy on those," He tipped his head toward her glass. "Pace it."

"Oh, yeah," Sarah nodded despite it being non-alcoholic.

"Catch you later, B," Topper glanced over his shoulder one final time. "See you, Kie."

The moment he turned his back, Bianca's smile dropped and she flipped him off, not caring who could see. Sarah, however, quickly pulled her wrist to hide her hand as the girls rejoined the table.

"That was painful to listen to," Bianca hummed, watching Topper's fading figure. "It honestly, truly was."

"At least he kept it short," Kiara shrugged.

"Oh my god," Sarah dropped her head into her hands and groaned.

The girls watched the blonde wallow in her pity, neither of them making much of an effort to comfort her. These were the consequences of her actions, and sure they supported her but they weren't going to let her off that easily.

"Was that Topper?" A new, yet familiar voice appeared over Bianca's shoulder, causing her to whirl around.

Elena stood, adorning a green flowery dress lined with baby pink lace. Her box braids were tied back in a ponytail, gold hoops glinting in the sun.

The moment she saw Bianca, she practically raced over considering she didn't know anyone else besides her parents at the party. But then she stopped short when she noticed Topper.

"Oh my god- hi," Bianca chirped, pulling the girl into a hug immediately. "How are you? Sorry, I never texted you back, I-"

"Dude, it's so okay. I get it, you don't even have to explain," Elena sent her a pointed look. She understood things must've been hectic since arriving back home, "But you know what I don't get? How he's not embarrassed- like, at all."

Bianca laughed at the scowl on her face as she glared Topper down, "Right?"

"I can't believe him," Elena scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "I caught him cheating in front of literally the entire school and he's still running around like a love-sick puppy-"

"Ew," Bianca deadpanned. "That's like a hate crime against puppies- Topper's more like those tapeworms that make them scoot around on the carpet. Like an itch you can't scratch."

Elena snorted, "You always paint the prettiest of pictures."

"No, but seriously," Bianca hummed sarcastically. "I saw the other girl he was with..." Her voice dropped an octave. "Serious downgrade-"

"Ahem," Sarah cleared her throat, forcing the two to turn around and face her. She narrowed her eyes, "Are you kidding, B? I can hear you."

"Oh, I know," Bianca smirked, knowing it would piss her best friend off.

Elena chuckled, pushing past to make her presence known, "Trust me, there's no downgrade. Sarah, you look amazing- I mean, you always do anyway."

"Oh, um," Sarah tucked her hair behind her ear, not expecting the compliment from the girl whose boyfriend she stole. "Thank you, really," It was nice to hear after looking like a homeless hobo for the past couple of days. "But you- you're gorgeous. Topper messed up."

"Yeah, I can't believe you two were playing tug of war with a guy who looks like he'd be easy to draw," Bianca scoffed, causing Kiara to giggle.

"B," Sarah warned her to play nice. She turned back to the new girl and took a deep breath, "Elena, right? Listen, I... I honestly don't know what I was thinking. I should've known better and- and I'm sorry you got caught in the middle of it. I didn't mean to hurt you."

Elena watched the blonde through a narrowed gaze as if assessing her apology. After a brief pause, she gave a tight smile, "No, Topper hurt me. You didn't owe me anything," She crossed her arms over her chest. "But I mean, you knew he had a girlfriend..." The air became thicker. "Feels like that speaks more about you than it does me, right?"

Sarah shifted uncomfortably, her lips parted like a fish out of water. Bianca picked at her nails, unsure how to make this situation better. Elena was still angry, and understandably so.

Upon realizing no one else was going to break the tension, Kiara cleared her throat, "Um, I love your fit, by the way, it's so cute," She smiled. "Where'd you get it from?"

"Oh, thank you," Elena drew her lower lip between her teeth and Kiara's eyes followed. "It's thrifted, actually."

"No way-" Kiara's jaw dropped, staring at the piece. Not only was it to die for, as she would say but it was sustainable too, "You're lying. I literally don't even believe you."

Elena's cheeks tinged pink, "Yeah, I mean, it actually used to be an old nightgown," She laughed awkwardly. "Um, I kind of flipped it, cut it right down the middle, and stitched the leftover fabric to make the sleeves," She gestured to the hems.

"Wow," Kiara pursed her lips, nodding. "I love it."

"Thanks," Elena fiddled with the rings on her fingers. "Just trying to do my bit for the environment and stuff- but um, it's really not that hard. I could totally show you sometime if you want," She shrugged. "It just takes a bit of practice."

"Oh, thanks," Kiara pushed her hair behind both ears, shaking her head. "But it's fine- I don't have a fancy machine or anything."

"Dude," Elena deadpanned, her eyes widening. "Just take mine. I have a spare sowing machine lying in my garage- I haven't touched it since I got a new one."

Kiara laughed, shaking her head some more, "No- no, I couldn't-"

"Um, yes you totally could," Elena cut her off with a smile. "Please, I've been dying to get rid of it. It's just collecting dust on the shelf."

Kiara hesitated, "Elena... At least let me pay you for it."

"No way," She crossed her arms over her chest. "Just keep it, dude. Trust me, you'd be doing me a favor."

Kiara stifled a grin, ducking her head down, "Come on, you have to want something for it. Name your price."

Elena pretended to hum in thought, "You could... show me where the drinks are?" She smirked.

Kiara exhaled sharply in amusement, "That I can do."

Bianca and Sarah stared in silence as the two girls walked away without even saying goodbye. They strolled, shoulder-to-shoulder, chatting away animatedly before disappearing into the swaying crowd.

Bianca's lips parted, "Did Kie just..." Her eyebrows drew together. "Steal my friend?"

Sarah snorted, "I think so."

Bianca pursed her lips, "I don't believe it."

"I do," Sarah linked their arms together. "Besides, you're already booked and busy with this best friend and all her shit to have any more."

Bianca laughed lightly, sending the blonde girl a pointed look. She wanted to say more but before she could, the crowd began applauding. The band finished their final riff and Kiara's father stood up on the wooden platform.

"Hang on. Hang on, hang on. Please- excuse me!" Mike waved them down, a drink in his other hand. Slowly, everyone fell silent and turned to face him, "Thank you. Um... I just wanted to say a few words. And uh, I'm not much into giving speeches but I do want to say thank you for coming out... and thank you for your support after a rough few months."

Mike tipped his glass toward someone in the crowd and Bianca followed his gaze toward her mother who was surrounded by other members of the Island Club. Lydia gave a polite head nod, having been the one to organize search parties and raise awareness for their girls while they were missing.

"I want to say thank you to our daughter for being here," Mike turned to Kiara who stood beside Elena at the drinks table, mocktails in hand. "Hey, we love you."

A couple of claps resounded throughout the crowd and the curly-haired girl let out a quiet, "Love you too," In response.

"But most of all- come here," Mike whirled around to face his wife, Anna, at the bottom of the platform. He outstretched a hand and pulled her up on stage while the gathering began cheering and whistling, "Thank you, Anna... For fifteen years... For making this restaurant, a symbol of our life."

Bianca's eyes flickered over to her mother who was staring at the floor now, no longer able to watch the couple. She wondered if Lydia could feel it too. That deep, excruciating ache in her heart. Like a black hole had collapsed behind her ribs and left a vacuum for whatever happiness she could've had.

"I love you," Mike professed, staring at his wife, hand-in-hand.

"I love you," Anna giggled.

"Love you, Mike and Anna!" Someone from the crowd shouted, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Even Sarah was smiling.

Mike embraced Anna, "Figure Eight. The Cut. Everyone's together here!" He proclaimed proudly. "As one island!"

"Yeah!" Someone began clapping.

"That's right!" Another guest whooped.

Various "yeah's!" resounded over and over.

Bianca's eyes narrowed at the hypocrisy of it all. It was all sunshine and rainbows until someone from the Cut actually got close to his daughter, then no one was welcome at all. Still, it was a sweet moment, one the girl couldn't fault if it weren't for her sullen mood.

"So, thank you for putting up with us," Mike grinned as the crowd let out one final round of applause. "Cheers."

"Thank you all for coming!" Anna raised her glass, causing everyone else to do the same.

The band began playing again, and everyone resumed their partying. Mike and Anna stepped down from the platform, turning to their daughter. Bianca pursed her lips as she watched the scene.

"Come here," Anna gestured her over.

"Come here," Mike echoed.

"That was cute," Kiara scrunched her nose as she neared them.

"Was it cute?" Mike turned to his wife. "We did good."

Anna placed her hands on either side of Kiara's cheeks, pulling her down to her level, "You know we love you," She cooed.

Bianca swallowed past the lump in her throat, noticing that Sarah was also staring at the Carrera's small group hug. They laughed quietly between themselves, like a family. Something neither girl really had anymore.

"Hurts," Bianca hummed. "Doesn't it?"

Sarah blinked back to reality, finally tearing her eyes away. She watched Bianca sift through her shoulder bag, ignoring the cassette tape and reaching for some kind of silver metal beside it.

Bianca did a brief survey of her surroundings before deeming it safe enough to pull out a flask, one with JJ's initials inscribed. She twisted the cap before her best friend could protest and took a large swig. The alcohol burned her throat and she winced but tucked the flask beneath the table, out of sight.

"B!" Sarah's jaw dropped. "What the hell?!"

"What?" Bianca shrugged. "Do you want some?"

"No, I don't want some," Sarah whispered harshly, glancing around in case anyone noticed. "Where did you even get that?"

"I mean, it's JJ's but my mom always has some kind of alcohol lying around-"

"No- I just-" Sarah stammered before sighing in resignation. "What if someone sees you?"

"So?" Bianca scoffed, taking another hefty sip before tucking the metal back into her bag. She refrained from admitting she already downed some earlier too, "Besides, if I have to pretend like my dad isn't dead then I might as well get drunk while doing it, right?"

Sarah chewed her lower lip. She could tell the tape had been playing on her best friend's mind since Ward gave it to her, "B..."

"I'm fine, Sarah," Bianca rolled her eyes at the know-it-all look on her face. "I am."

Sarah's eyes softened, "You know I'll go anywhere with you, right?" She grabbed Bianca's wrist. "Vegas. Barbados. Even, like- space. So, if you wanna get out of here, just say the word, okay? We don't have to be here if you don't want to."

It was such a stark difference to Bianca's own family who expected her to be present, even if she didn't want to be, "I know," Her throat tightened as she nodded. "I will."

Sarah stared at her for a moment longer, "You promise?"

Bianca rolled her eyes again but this time, she was having a hard time stifling her smile. She raised her hand and Sarah grinned at her best friend's outstretched pinkie finger, taking it with her own. They brought their entwined hands up and kissed their thumbs to seal the deal, something they used to always do when they were younger.

"Pinkie."

author's note. hi girlfriends, can't wait for shit to hit the fan (again) next chapter. what did you guys think of this one? love u <3333