Dreamland part three

Popee stood up, and looked at the woman in an accusatory manner. He felt threatened just by her direct manner toward him, and the way Kedamono already seemed to know her.

“Keda, what’s going on?” Popee asked, feeling like there was something he was missing from this whole situation. “What the heck is going on? Who is that?”

Kedamono blushed out of embarrassment. “Oh, Popee, this is Shawna. The lady I met about a year and half ago…” his eyes met Popee’s and they both realized how significant this person actually was.

“Shawna?” Popee said more to himself than anyone else, feeling twisted inside his stomach, he was completely overwhelmed. Something about her didn’t sit right and it was also in her venomous stare—it made him feel like she was looking straight through him. “Who is that, though?”

Kedamono motioned for her to walk in, and she did. Popee saw a 5’4, hourglass figured woman with long, wispy brown hair and golden eyes.

“I’m Shawna. Who are you?”

“I’m Popee.” His dark blue eyes narrowed. “What’s going on? Why are you here? Why’d you tell him that was his baby?”

Shawna looked at Popee incredulously. “What?! Who're you to question me?”

“Come on, everyone, settle down. Please. Everything is okay. Popee, baby, sit down,” Kedamono said gently, still holding the small baby tucked in a blanket. “Shawna, please, relax. Sit down.”

Popee listened and sat down, his face red.

Shawna sat down near the kitchenette, on a stool.

“Do you want something to drink?” Kedamono offered her. She shook her head no.

No one said anything else as Kedamono sat next to Popee, and there was an extended awkward moment of silence.

Popee looked down at the baby and it really looked like Kedamono. The dark, purplish, wild hair—-those gray eyes.

Then, Popee and Kedamono locked eyes. There was an unspoken feeling of a connection between them and that baby, and it felt so deep and real. Popee took Kedamono’s hand.

“So, Shawna, how’d you find out where I was?” Kedamono asked. Popee’s brow raised, impressed by the question.

“I had traveled near to where y’all’s circus was at, and then—-I found a little girl who said she was that one clown’s little sister.”

Popee perked up. “Clown?”

“Yea,” she smirked. “A clown that wore bunny ears and a long tail, and pink suit. He wasn’t very good. If I remember correctly.”

Popee started to grind his teeth. “And what’s your special talent? Huh? Being a bitc-”

Kedamono gave him a look to stop before he said something he’ll regret. Popee closed his mouth, his heart pounding in a angry drum-like fashion.

“Was her name Marifa?” Kedamono asked carefully.

Shawna nodded. “She told me where y’all might be heading. So, I came here. I asked around. I found you. Obviously.”

Popee frowned, wondering why Marifa had told a complete stranger where he and Kedamono would be heading, but he was silent. It all made him feel uneasy, and a bit upset to think family would betray him in this manner—-but, he pushed the thought out of his mind, realizing Marifa wouldn’t have actually done this on purpose.

Kedamono squeezed Popee’s hand, and it made him feel better.

“Better question is, why are you here? Other than to ruin my six month anniversary!” Popee said loudly.

“Hah. Six month anniversary for what? Except for being the worst clown I have ever seen in my life… I can’t imagine what you’d have to celebrate.”

Kedamono frowned, and gave the baby to Popee.

Popee felt a bit awkward at first but snuggled the child against his chest and felt instantly in love. This child was Kedamono’s.

Kedamono stood up and looked completely different. He looked furious.

“Listen, Shawna, I can take whatever you wanna throw at me. But, don’t you ever say anything bad about Popee, ever! Especially in front of me!” Kedamono said in a very upset tone, his eyes tearing up. “He was a great clown.”

Shawna rolled her eyes. “Whatever.”

“Look, I’m sorry we all seemed to get off on the wrong foot,” Kedamono said with a shaky sigh. “Can we start over?”

“Yes,” Shawna said, crossing her legs as she stared at Popee.

Popee said nothing, but looked at Kedamono in a flustered and confused manner, making Kedamono look at him sympathetically. He sat down next to Popee again, and they held hands.

“Look, I’ll cut to the chase. Your son was born in January of this year. I’m done with him. I don’t have the time or resources to take care of him anymore. I know he’s yours, Kedamono. I haven’t been with any other. He’s about six or seven months old.”

Kedamono’s nerves were completely numb and he felt shocked, bit he still asked, “What's his name?”

“I named him after you. Kedamono, junior.”

“You are just… abandoning your only son?” Popee said, his eyes stinging painfully.

Shawna yawned. “Y’all can take care of him.”

“Why?” Popee said sadly.

“What does he eat?” Kedamono asked,

“What kinda stupid question is that?” She laughed in a high pitched trill. “Seriously? Are you dumb?”

Popee stood up, and gave Shawna a death glare. “Get out. Get out of our home. You seriously have the audacity to insult him after you are abandoning your infant son on our doorstep?”

“Gladly,” she said, standing up.“Goodbye.” She turned to go to the front door.

“Good riddance!” Popee yelled.

“What are you, anyway? Huh?” She yelled back. “You look like a girl!”

“I’m a scientist, thank you very much, ya horrible, pestiferous wall of slime!” Popee said pompously. “Don’t assume my gender, you loser!”

She flipped him off, and walked out.

The door slammed shut.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” Kedamono said, tears running down his face.

Popee immediately went over and hugged Kedamono and his son.

“That wasn’t your fault. We’ll work through this together. I promise,” Popee said, a strength coming through to his words he didnt think that he had.

“What a terrible end to our anniversary,” Kedamono said sadly.

“No, it’s not the end. Don’t worry, sweetheart. We will make this right,” Popee said softly.

He leaned down and kissed the sleeping baby, Kedamono junior’s cheek, and then leaned up, and kissed his boyfriend on the mouth, sweetly.

No more words needed to be said.

Kedamono felt safe with Popee’s warm embrace around him and his son, yet, he still couldn’t help but be worried about their future.