𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝟬𝟬𝟱: BABY BLUE LOVE

[ Late December of 2020 ]

It was like the universe had turned blue and grey, and the only thing Bobby wanted was orange juice. It ached his heart to even talk about orange juice—it was all too bittersweet—but it was all he could think about.

He missed everything about it, especially its taste. Bobby has spent nights silently crying over orange juice and using every strength within him to chant orange juice, orange juice, till no one could take it any longer.

A couple of weeks has passed since he last drank orange juice, and Bobby felt sad and incomplete. Everyone noticed his behavior change and was concerned; however, Helen still refused to buy him orange juice.

Annabeth's best friend, Thalia Grace, had arrived from California to spend the holidays with them, and though mommy didn't say it out loud, she disapproved of Thalia. Bobby didn't get mommy's reasoning on how Thalia was a bad example as he thought Thalia was cool with all her piercings, and not to mention, she even supported his love for orange juice.

It was currently Christmas Eve, and everyone was getting ready to leave for church. Bobby quickly changed into his itchy sweater and would've complained about it like Matthew was, but he was too busy thinking about something else.

That something was juice. For Christmas, instead of wishing for a PlayStation, Bobby wished for orange juice. Because Santa was real, when Bobby opens his gifts tomorrow morning, he was going to see orange juice—He couldn't wait!

Happy by that thought, Bobby walked downstairs and entered the kitchen, where he saw a bottle of orange juice sitting on the counter. His eyes lit up, and he gasped, dumbfounded.

Mix feelings consumed Bobby, and he couldn't think; all he could do was stare at the bottle in front of him. The Tropicana bottle has never looked so beautiful in his kitchen, unopened and waiting for him to drink.

To drink. The sudden hunger consumed Bobby whole, and he walked over to the bottle when Helen walked into the kitchen. Her eyes widened, and she grabbed the orange juice, causing Bobby to whine.

"Bobby," Sighed Helen, putting away the orange juice in the fridge. "Please don't tell me that you were considering to drink that."

"I—"

"Remember, we already talked about this before," Said Helen. "No orange juice."

Bobby whined, "Mommy, please! I haven't drank orange juice in two weeks."

"And that's good," Nodded Helen; Bobby opened his mouth to speak, and Helen quickly said, "I don't want to hear your whining, Bobby, because I don't have time for that—We're going to be late to church."

Helen called for the others and told him to get his coat and shoes on; Bobby followed Helen into the mudroom. Bobby asked, "Mommy, what's the point of buying orange juice if I can't have it?"

"I bought it because your dad wanted to drink it, so it isn't for you," Answered Helen, then said, "Now, get your shoes and coat on."

Bobby only pouted but nevertheless obliged and put on his snow boots. He couldn't help but wonder if there was a way he could convince daddy or even mommy to let him drink some juice. There must be a way...!

He found a way shortly after everyone got into the car and started talking about orange juice. Bobby could see how sick everyone (besides Thalia) was at him for mentioning orange juice, once again. Thalia looked amused, and he even spotted Thalia's half-smile.

After a while, Bobby stopped talking, and the car fell silent; he looked out of the window and watched as his surroundings flew by. Matthew nudged him, and Bobby glanced at Matthew and raised an eyebrow.

Matthew whispered to Bobby about a plan, and Bobby nodded, getting what Matthew was trying to convey. The two of them nodded with mischievous grins on their faces before complaining about various things.

"Bobby! Matthew!" Said Helen, looking at them. "God, what is it?"

"We want to open presents!" Demanded Matthew then begged. "Please!"

"And orange juice!!" Added Bobby. "Please, mommy!"

Helen shook her head and answered, "No. No orange juice or presents till tomorrow!"

Bobby groaned, not wanting to wait till tomorrow to open presents and drink orange juice—Wait, did that mean he could drink orange juice again? This thought made him sat upright in his seat. 

"But—!"

"But—!"

"No buts," Scolded Helen. "Tomorrow."

He could hear Thalia snort behind her, and Annabeth giggled. Though Helen said that they had to wait till tomorrow, Bobby and Matthew both couldn't wait. After all, they were kids.

Soon, the car was full of begging for orange juice and presents, and though his voice was strained, he wasn't going to stop till he was allowed gifts and juice.

"Orange Juice!"

"Present!"

"Orange Juice!"

"Present!"

"Orange—"

"Fine," Snapped Helen, glaring at Matthew and Bobby. "You're only allowed to open one present and drink one glass of orange juice."

Bobby grinned and high-fived Matthew. He cheered and looked out of his window, excited and nervous about when the time came where he'll meet orange juice again.

When they came home from church, Matthew ran to the Christmas tree while Thalia and Annabeth changed. However, Bobby had more important priorities like orange juice.

Bobby walked into the kitchen and opened the fridge; his breath was ragged, and he reached for the bottle. The coldness sent shivers down his spine—this was the first time in weeks that he has touched an orange juice bottle—the feeling felt like love.

Bobby didn't stop pouring orange juice into his glass till it filled the entire cup, and he carefully walked into the dining room and sat down. Everyone else was in the living room, allowing him and orange juice to have some alone time.

He gazed down at the cup and whispered, "I miss you so much. I wanted to drink you so bad, but mommy refused to buy orange juice, which is stupid, but...it's all in the past now. You're in my hands again, and that's all that really matters. You."

Bobby watched as the orange juice shimmered underneath the dining room light before taking a deep breath and sipping the juice.

The sweetness hit his taste buds, and Bobby instantly smiled. He forgot how good orange juice really was after weeks of not drinking it. It was delicious, and Bobby could feel his heart flutter.

Bobby's breath hitched as he looked at the cup, trying to gather the courage to—He planted a kiss on the cup and quickly wiped it away.

The time without orange juice made him realize that he had always wanted to do that, and he didn't want to lose the opportunity again. Oh, he was in love with orange juice.

[9/10/21] 𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗥'𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘: The ending was probably the weirdest thing I have written but it's Jobby, so I'll let it slide (😌). Also, the car scene where the twins were annoying Helen was included in Chapter 60 of False God (Tis' the Damn Seasons)!!! Thank you for reading for reading and have a good day/night! Much Love, Lucinda! 💙