Outer Masks: Chapter 13: Begging

Four Days Later  

Michael Lawrence, the most basic of white boy names, aged twenty-seven, has lived in New York City all of his life, dropped out of Kingsborough Community College after six months, is a health and wellness influencer with a combined total of two hundred thousand followers, and has a Tinder profile that is filled with nothing but pictures of his abs and a bio that says, ‘not looking to settle down, only to love you in for as long as the present will have us for’. Seriously Beck? Is this the kind of guy that you would cheat on me with? Joe thought as he scrolled through Michael’s Instagram profile. 

It had taken him four days, but he had finally found the man that fit Rory’s description of who Beck had been kissing at Max’s disaster of a party. Now, he was wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses as he followed said man at a distance, watching Michael Lawrence as he went about his day, oblivious to Joe’s presence. 

Thinking back to the night of the house explosion, Joe realized why Beck came to him, apologizing for making things awkward between them, for fighting for most of the weekend, and why she had been so loving and amicable ever since. 

Because you feel guilty, Beck. That’s why you’ve been acting so differently lately. You feel guilty for cheating on me with gym bro Ken doll over here. It was a lapse in judgement, wasn’t it? But you don’t have to run yourself rugged with guilt, it won’t happen again, I promise it won’t.  

Once I do, you won’t have to keep worrying about this. It will just be you and I again, Beck.  

Joe was soon pulled from his inner monologue when he felt his phone vibrating in his pocket, when pulled out his phone, he quickly answered the call, seeing that it was his sister calling him. “Hey, kid.” 

“Hey Joe. Where are you? I came to your apartment, but you weren’t there, I thought we were going to get the order you made for that super pretentious book for Mooney’s today?” Rory said. 

Joe rolled his eyes, “Okay first off, In Search of Lost Time is not pretentious.” 

“Its four thousand pages that describes nothing but Hawthorne tree.” Rory added, allowing Joe to hear the smile in her voice. 

“Secondly,” Joe said, deciding to ignore his sister’s terrible opinions about literature, “I’m sorry, something came up with Beck, and I forgot to tell you I wasn’t going to be available.” 

“Oh.” Rory said after a few seconds, her voice becoming softer and losing its teasing hilt. 

Joe frowned, “Oh?” 

Rory sighed, “I just... You still haven’t confronted Beck about everything?”  

“Rory, can we not do this?” Joe pleaded. 

Rory ignored this, “So you’re just going to pretend that you don’t know Beck cheated on you? What, are you waiting for her to bring it up first? Because it's been four days since, and I don’t think she’s going to.”  

“Rory,” Joe stressed, “Let me handle my relationship, okay?” 

Rory sighed, and Joe knew she was rolling her eyes on the other end. “Okay.”  

“And I don’t want you treating Beck any differently either.” 

Rory did not respond to this, remaining silent on the line, and causing Joe to frown. 

“Rory.” Joe said strongly, “Promise me that you won’t be an ass to my girlfriend.” 

“Fine.” Rory groaned, “I won’t be an ass to your girlfriend.”  

“Thank you.” 

“Yeah, yeah. Anyway, since you’re busy, I just find someone else to spend my now free day with.”  

Joe huffed as he followed Michael into a juice bar, sitting at an empty table as he watched Michael walk up to the cashier. “So, I suppose you’re to call Max after this?” 

Rory made a raspberry sound, “Nah, I haven’t seen or heard from Max since the party. I’m still pretty pissed at him for the whole thing. And even if I wasn’t, I know is definitely laying low and is avoiding as much attention as possible.”  

“I would imagine.” Joe scoffed, “It’s all people have been talking about on the news and online.” 

Rory chuckled, “I’m surprised you keep up with that stuff, especially with Max at the center of it all.”  

“Only because I want to see that idiot get what’s coming to him. People could have died, Rory, and plenty were injured.” 

“I know that Joe, you don’t have to remind me. Although, I think you’re going to be waiting a while longer for that comeuppance.”  

Joe raised an eyebrow, both at what Rory said and because Michael was now flirting with the barista. “What are you talking about?” 

“In order to get entrance to the party, Max had everyone sign NDAs, promising not to sue in the event of injury or death.” Rory explained. 

Of course he did. Why am I surprised that Max is using his privilege to once again not have to talk responsibilities for his actions? “Wait, I don’t remember signing an NDA.” 

“Because you didn’t.” Rory said, “Max wanted Annika to stay for the party so he could showoff and have her see that he was doing fine without her, so he didn’t make her, or the girls sign it. And we both know you wouldn’t have signed one anyway, so I told him not to bother giving you one.”

“So, what you’re saying is that I could sue him for reckless endangerment?” 

Rory laughed, “You could but the Rockefeller team of lawyers would bury you so badly that you’d probably be left paying them instead.”  

Joe pursed his lips, “Still, a man can dream.” 

And it’s not as if Max will get away with everything scott-free, I doubt daddy dearest is all too happy with his son's actions. And this won't be forgotten by the public for a long while.  

“I’m sure you can, anyway, I'll leave you to your Beck time, Joey.”  

Joe rolled his eyes at the nickname, saying goodbye to Rory as he turned his attention back to Michael. 

The blond man was still flirting with the very receptive barista, not caring that he was holding up the line with his actions. 

Oh, I’m definitely going to enjoy this.

~X~

Peach Salinger loved her mother, she truly did, but she certainly wished that the woman who gave birth to her would stop talking. 

When Peach woke up that morning, she did not expect to see her mother waiting for her outside of her townhouse. 

Ansley Villarosa was a small beautiful, middle-aged woman with long wavy black hair, brown eyes, and tanned skin. She was wearing a white shirtdress that had a letter blet wrapped around the middle, six-inch black heels, a pair of large sunglasses on her forehead, and had been carrying a Loro Piana Alba Cabas tote. 

“Can you believe you father, Peach?” Ansley exclaimed, “Where does that man get off on telling me where I can and can’t go? Just because he’s visiting LA does not mean he can keep from going there. Honestly, he’s acting as if I want to his ugly, squirrel face!” 

Kill me now. Peach thought as she sat next to her mother in her living room, resting her head on the back of her couch as Ansley continued her rant on Barry. 

Her parents’ relationship had remained full of anger, spite, and pettiness even after being divorced for well over a decade. If one person went anywhere, then they would through a fit if the other tried to go within a couple miles of it. 

And Peach was sure that she would have to endure another hour of this from Ansley until she heard her doorbell ring, cutting her mother off and causing Peach to immediately get up and answer it. 

I don’t care who is behind this door, whoever it is, they’re my fucking hero.  

When Peach opened the door, she was met with Rory Hayden standing before her, awkwardly smiling at her as she held a small cardboard box and bouquet of blue hydrangeas. 

“Hey.” Rory said after a few moments of silence. 

Peach glared at Rory before trying to close the door, but she did not move fast enough, and Rory blocked the door with her leg, using it to keep the door open. 

“C’mon Peach, I’m trying to apologize!” Rory said 

“And I don’t want to hear it.” Peach spat, trying to push the door harder, but the door refused to budge, “What the fuck? Why are you so strong, you’re basically a human toothpick?!” 

Rory rolled her eyes, “Peach, can you just- Ow!” 

When the taller woman looked down, she saw Peach had begun stepping on her foot, digging her heel into said foot and causing Rory a great deal of pain. 

“Peach? What’s going on?” Ansley asked, she had followed her daughter when she realized how long Peach was taking at the door and when she heard shouting. 

Using Peach’s few seconds of distraction, Rory pushed the door just far enough to slip inside. 

Peach turned back around and glared at Rory, “You little-” 

“And who is this?” Ansley asked, looking Rory over curiously. 

Rory smiled courteously, “I’m Rory, Rory Hayden. And you must be Peach’s exceptionally beautiful older sister.” 

Ansley laughed, making her flattery obvious as she smiled playfully at Rory. “Aren’t you quite the charmer.” 

Peach rolled her eyes at the scene, “Why are you here, Rory? Other than to lie to my mom’s face.” 

“Peach, don’t be rude.” Ansley admonished before her eyes widened, “Wait, you said your name is Rory Hayden? So, you’re Amber and Walter’s daughter?” 

Rory took Ansley’s hand and kissed the back of it, “I am, Miss Villarosa, and I must say, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” 

Are you fucking kidding me? Peach thought as she watched Rory bewitch Ansley, easily making the older woman like her. Didn’t she do the same thing when she met daddy?  

“Now, are these for my little Anaïs?” Ansley asked, gesturing to the items in Rory’s hands. 

“They are.” Rory answered, “And Anaïs?” 

“Oh, it’s Peach’s middle name, but she almost never uses it. She even gets annoyed when I call her Anaïs, which is quite hurtful, I gave her that name and she acts like I made a mistake in doing so.” 

Rory grinned, “That’s surprising to hear, Anaïs is a very beautiful name.” 

“Thank you!” Ansley exclaimed, “Now if only Peach would think so.” 

This only served to anger Peach further because of how casually Rory was acting, as if everything she told her at Max’s party never happened. 

“Mom, could you give Rory, and I minute?” Peach asked, looking directly at Rory. 

“Oh.” Ansley looked between the two women, becoming aware of the tension she had been ignorant of that currently existed between the two. “Of course, baby. But don’t take too long, I want to show Rory the pictures I took of my trip to Venice.” 

Peach waited for her mother to return to the living room before speaking, “Why are you here?” 

Rory pursed her lips, “Like I said before, I want to apologize for what I said to you at the beach house.” 

Peach scoffed, “Why would I want your apology? You, you said I was... You said I was in love with Beck, and you called me pathetic.” 

“I didn’t mean to say that-” 

“But you’ve thought it. You think that I’m gay, you think that I’m in love with Beck, and you think that I’m obsessed with her.” Peach hissed, “Because you don’t want to accept your own shit.” 

Rory bit her tongue, tasting blood as she kept herself from saying that fighting back against the blame Peach was throwing solely on her shoulders. Rory did not feel that she was wrong about Peach trying to protect Beck and wanting Beck and Joe to break up. 

But Rory knew that she should not have brought up Peach’s sexuality nor her feelings for Beck, as she knew what it was like to have someone speak about something you were not ready to talk about or acknowledge. 

“You’re right.” Rory admitted. 

Peach raised an eyebrow, her arms crossed and her glare lessening into a frown as she waited for Rory to continue. 

Rory sighed, “I did think those things, and it wasn’t right for me to, I shouldn’t have presumed to know what you are thinking or how you feel. I was just so angry about what Beck did that when you told me to leave it alone, I took my anger out on you. And I... I was jealous.” 

Peach’s breath caught in her throat, not expecting Rory to admit to her jealousy, and was now staring at Rory wide eyed. 

“I was, I am jealous of how close you and Beck are because I... I have feelings for you.” Rory finished, her fingers twitching before tightening around the flowers and box in her hands, nervously looking at Peach and waiting for her to respond. 

Peach felt her heart race, mouth opening and closing as she tried to find something, anything to say to Rory. Her emotions were all over the place; joy, surprise, fear, anxiety swirled within her due to Rory’s confession. 

After a few moments, Peach began to stammer, “I-I... Rory, I don’t know-I don’t know what to say. You-I didn’t-” 

“Peach, just stop, please. I get it; I know you don’t feel the same way, so you don’t have to let me down easy.” Rory said, smiling in a deprecating way, “I don’t want anything to change or be weird between us, so can we just move past this?” 

Move past this? You want me to move past you telling me that you have feelings for me? Peach thought, “Rory-” 

“Peach, please.” Rory pleaded, her face falling for just a moment before smiling again. “You know, this was not how I was expecting this to go.” 

“And yet you came over here with flowers and a box of...” 

“Macaroons.” Rory said as she handed the food and the flowers to Peach, “I remember you saying that you had been craving them for a while, so I made sure to find a place that makes them and adheres to all your crazy health nonsense.” 

Peach took the items from Rory, “Thank you, and it's not nonsense.” Peach added, trying to move past the other woman’s confession. 

Rory shrugged, her smile becoming more genuine and playful, “Anything labeled organic, is a scam. You’re basically just paying extra to tell the world that you’re rich enough to afford that crap. Like, there’s no difference between an organic avocado and a regular one.” 

“Quiet yourself.” Peach teased, inwardly relieved. 

“So, I’m forgiven for being an ass?” 

Peach pretended to look thoughtful, “I suppose I can forgive after receiving your bribe. Not to mention that you’re already going to suffer through a day with my mom, and that’s far worse than anything I could come up with on my own.” 

Rory chuckled, “Are you sure? She doesn’t seem that bad, if anything, she reminds me a bit of you.” 

Rory chuckled again as Peach began to glare at her for making a comparison between Peach and Ansley, “It’s only been ten seconds, and I already regret forgiving you.” 

Rory grinned, “Hey, no take backs.” 

“How unfortunate.” Peach mumbled as she led Rory to the living room. 

Ansley had been on her phone, quickly putting her device down when Peach and Rory entered. “Finally, you two were taking your sweet time.” 

“Sorry, mom. Rory and I just need to talk about something.” Peach said as she put the macaroon box on the coffee table before walking to the kitchen to put the blue hydrangea in water. 

“Mm, did you now?” Ansley asked, looking at Rory questioningly as she sat down, not trying to hide her curiosity. 

“So, Miss Villarosa, you were going to show me the pictures you have of Venice?” Rory asked. 

Rory’s distraction worked when just as quickly as she blinked, Ansley moved from her seat and pushed herself against Rory, and putting in phone in Rory’s face. 

“Okay, so this is me and my girls at The Doge’s Palace. It was such a cute little place, and it had the best amount of light coming in for me, I looked phenomenal.” Ansley said as she swiped through her pictures. 

“You do look very good.” Rory said as she looked at a selfie of Ansley standing in front of an ornate window. 

Rory’s eyes widened when she felt Ansley grab her face with her hands, squeezing her cheeks and turning Rory’s head to face her. 

“You are the sweetest little thing, Rory Hayden.” Ansley said seriously. 

“You’re welcome, Miss Villarosa.” Rory said, her voice muffled due to the older woman still squeezing her face. 

“Call me Ansley. ‘Miss Villarosa,’ makes me feel so old.” 

Peach could only stare at the two when she returned to the living room, not at all surprised by her mother's actions, already used to Ansley doing so around her other friends. 

And while she was exasperated, Peach could not deny that she enjoyed seeing Rory and Ansley getting along, and how clearly Ansley liked Rory. 

It’s almost like mom is meeting my girl- No, it’s not like that! God, what the fuck is wrong with me?  

Peach stole a few glances at Rory, but if Rory noticed she did not make it known as she listened to Ansley go on about her vacation.

~X~

A Few Hours Later  

“You and Rory seem close.” Ansley said as she watched Peach return to the living room after seeing Rory out. 

Peach stared at her mother blankly, “We are. Is something wrong with that?” 

Ansley shook her head, “I’m just surprised, baby. You don’t make friends very easily, especially not with people like Rory.” 

Peach’s expression became softer, “Rory’s different.” 

“Oh, I can see that, she’s certainly not the kind of person that usually exists in our world.” Ansley smiled, “Far too nice and honest. I wonder if that’s because of Amber and Walter's parenting or if Rory has just always been like this?” 

Peach had never thought about it, but she realized that her mother was not wrong in saying that Rory was like most people in their circle. 

She’s always been nice to me even when I was a bitch to her. You would think that the daughter of such a powerful and prestigious family wouldn’t be so open and trusting, but then again, she wouldn’t be Rory if that was the case.  

Is that why I like Rory? Because she’s so different from anyone I have ever known?  

Unbeknownst to Peach, Ansley had been quietly watching her, studying her reaction to their conversation. 

It was unusual to see her daughter be so happy just by the thought of someone. Ansley had only ever seen such from Peach when she would see or hear Peach talk about Beck. 

And it made Ansley realize that Peach had similar feelings for Rory. 

Does Peach still like Beck? I doubt it, I haven’t heard Peach speak about her for a while now. It’s like any mention of Beck has been replaced with Rory in our calls and texts. I did not think I would ever see the day that someone else would rank higher in Peach's heart. Ansley thought. 

Despite her efforts, Peach could not hide the truth from her mother and this facet of her life had been known by Ansley since Peach was a teenager. 

Ansley had seen the way Peach would look a beautiful woman; she had heard the way Peach would talk about Beck and how it would go beyond how most women would see their best friend. 

But Ansley never gave her daughter any inclination that she knew about Peach’s sexuality. Ansley knew her daughter more than most people, and she knew that trying to speak about things before Peach was ready to, would only make Peach defensive and reactionary. 

So, if Peach wanted to hide, then Ansley would let her hide, even though she would rather her daughter live her life as truthfully as possible. 

At least this time, her feelings are being reciprocated.  

Ansley had known from past interactions she had witnessed between Peach and Beck, that any romantic feelings were entirely one sided on her daughter's end. 

But Ansley had seen today how Rory would look at her daughter when Peach was not looking back, how softly and gently Rory would speak to Peach, the playfulness of their banter, it was all just too much for Ansley to not believe that there was something more going on. 

“It’s probably the latter.” Peach said, a small smile gracing her lips. 

Ansley laughed, “Don’t let her parents hear you say that.” 

Are female relationships supposed to be so complicated? Oh well, I will be supportive in secret.  

She knew what her ex-husband thought about gay people, and she knew this was the main reason that their daughter was not comfortable coming out. 

Barry would ruin this if he knew that piece of shit. He would think it’s a phase, that Peach only needs to find the right man to set her straight.  

And while Ansley hated Barry, she could not deny that he loved and was a good father to Peach, inwardly hoping that her thoughts would be proven wrong.

~X~

Rory threw herself face first onto her bed when she got home, groaning into her pillow as she thought about her confession. 

Why did I say that? I should’ve kept my fucking mouth shut? What is wrong with me? Rory thought, wanting nothing more than for her mattress to swallow her whole. 

But Rory could not help but also think that this was for the best. She now had undeniable proof that Peach did not return her feelings, that she would only see her as a friend, so she could now move on. 

This is a good thing, right? I told Peach that I didn’t want to hear her rejection and Peach seemed more than fine with pretending I hadn’t said anything at all. So now I can put my feelings aside and just try to be friends with her. Oh, who am I kidding? I’m not moving on anytime soon.  

Rory could only hope that things would not be awkward between them after this, and they seemed not to be. But Rory was not sure if it was because everything had not hit Peach yet or because of Ansley’s presence. 

Peach was the first woman that Rory had ever had such strong feelings for other than physical attraction, and who made Rory feel normal in her own skin. 

But it’s not as if I had the courage to tell Peach that I’m intersex. So, are my feelings even that genuine? Even if she did feel the same, telling her that would have sent her running for the hills.  

Rory rolled into her back, staring at her ceiling saddened by everything. 

I really hate this. I hate how much I want her, and I hate how fucking different I am. 

Rory was soon pulled from her thoughts when she heard her phone beginning to ring. When she took her phone out of her pocket, she rolled her eyes and scoffed. 

The call was coming from Max, and she quickly silenced her phone before tossing it to the other end of her bed. 

She had enough problems to worry about without having to deal with Max's too. But knowing her best friend, he would not actually be upset and is choosing to ignore everything as his father’s money had solved all his legal issues. 

Rory angled her head so she could glance at her phone, seeing the screen light up as Max called her again. 

He’s not going to give up. Rory thought but made no effort to reach for her phone. 

She knew it would only be a matter of time before Max would resort to showing up in person once he realized that Rory would not pick up. 

I really don’t want to tell Max what happened. He’s just going to make things even worse, I know he will.  

Rory let out another groan, only imagining the possible chaos.

My life is nothing, but a fucking joke made to torment me.

~X~

Joe felt content as he stared into the now lifeless eyes of Michael Lawrence. 

Joe had waited, following Michael all day and into the night, watching the man as he decided to go to a nightclub with his friends. 

He blended into the shadows in his all-black clothes, even in the club. Most people were too drunk or high to pay him much attention. 

Joe continued to watch him as he danced and drank, waiting until Michael slipped out of the back exit, and began to vomit into a nearby trashcan. 

And while he was distracted, Joe crept up behind Michael, slipping on a pair of black gloves and bashed his head in with a rock, killing Michael instantly. 

I’ve learned from my mistakes, Beck. I know what to do now in this situation. Joe thought, remembering his attack on Peach. 

Joe made sure to check Michael’s pulse as he stood over his body, along with placing his hand on Michael’s chest to see if it moved. 

This was necessary, now he can never tempt you or lead you astray ever again, Beck. You’re safe from him and his disgusting touch.  

Joe forcefully shoved the now bloodied rock into his jacket pocket before bending down and dragging Michael’s body behind a dumpster along the wall of the nightclub. 

Joe then reached into Michael’s pockets and pulled out his phone and wallet, wanting to make it a bit harder for Michael to be identified when his body was inevitably found. 

Now everything can go back to normal between us, Beck. And we can finally be happy again. 

Joe whistled to himself as he left the alleyway, not giving Michael another glance. 

After walking for about a block, he found a storm drain and dropped Michael’s phone into it, knowing that the phone would be traced when Michael was discovered and identified. 

He had decided that he would burn the contents of Michael’s wallet along with the clothes he was wearing when he got home. 

And while he felt satisfied with his actions, there was a small part of Joe that was still questioning why Beck would cheat on him and then keep it secret. 

I would even know if Rory didn’t tell me. Even now, you're still hiding this from me, Beck. Do you not trust that I would understand that you made a mistake? Or is it because you enjoyed it and don’t truly feel remorseful?  

These thoughts continued to nag at Joe as he walked, sullying his once good mood.