Lee, That's Me! - Chapters 7 to 12

Chapter 7: Shenanigans

I decided to inform Mum and Dad about Bethany. I had to make sure they were alright. God knows what she'll do if she gets her hands on them! Maybe even more worse with what she did with me!

I had to get my hands on that bat. Maybe it was her secret weapon; I know this kind of stuff. Usually, the bad guys all lose, right? That's because they all have a weak point!

Bethany's evil robot probably relies on her bat with her life! So if I take it away from her, then I can easily destroy her!

"Mum! Dad!" I called desperately, running into the living room seeking high and low. It didn't take me that long to find them.
"I have something important to tell you!" I yelled, waving my hands about frantically, trying to grab their attention.

"Lee! Where did you go?" Barked Mum, chopping onions violently. I imagined her thinking my head was there, ready for her to chop.
"Mum! Listen to me! Bethany is an evil robot, OK? She's here to defeat humans and take over the world and th-"

"Ridiculous! Stop talking shenanigans!" Interrupted Mum rudely.
Shenanigans? That's something new.
"I"m speaking English," I said slowly for Mum to understand, "Where's Dad? He'll understand what I'm saying!"
"No, don"t you dare interrupt your father. He's very busy right now and doesn't need to be irritated!"

"But Mum!" I whined.
"No buts!" Snapped Mum.
I was really annoyed with Mum. She's always telling me to do something good for once, and here I am granting her wish, and this is how she's treating me!
How absurd. (Quoting Plump)

Just then Dad comes rushing in and gave Mum a panicky look. Mum's eyes widen a little, but she quickly shot me a glance and kept her face firm as she stared back at Dad.
"Shannon, we have a problem." Dad said his voice all wobbly and shaky.
"Oh...? Lee, if you don't mind. Could you please leave?" Said Mum, wiping her hands down the front of her. "Let's get Cooking." Apron.

"No! I need - I have to tell you something!"
"Can it wait?" Asked Dad in his warning tone.
"No! It's important you hear!" I insisted, giving him a desperate pleading look. I saw Dad giving Mum a hesitant look and then turned his attention back to me and sighed.
"OK, make it quick though."
Victory!

"You see, there are two versions of Bethany!"
"What?" Said Dad looking confused as ever. Mum nudged him in the ribs and told me to carry on.
I smiled because finally Mum was paying attention. At last.
"One is a robot and the other is the real Bethany!" I said looking behind me, worried that Bethany might be eavesdropping.

She always eavesdrops. I can't blame her; it's really hard not to overhear other people conversations especially if it involves you.
One time I heard two girls talking about me. They only whispered my name but I still heard, because it's natural, right?

"... OK. Gotcha, we'll do something about it... err, later?" Said Dad looking at his watch, "Now if you mind, I'd like to talk to your mother. Alone."
"Sure, but-" Mum and Dad both let out an irritable groan. I pretended not to hear that. "Be careful."

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Chapter 8: You're not Bethany!

Lee's getting more and more curious...

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So I left them to it, to whatever they were discussing. Mum and Dad aren't big helps. Not really. I bet you if the whole world was about to explode, they'd carry on normally! This only proves things.
Now, what would the good guy do next?

... Of course! They'd collect evidence, right? Obviously for proof and other stuff!
I need to sneak into Bethany's room without her noticing. But how? I need a diversion.
Before I do anything I just need to make a few arrangements!

- 10 mins later -
Right! Everything's ready. Phew! It's pretty hot in here.
Taking a deep breath, I bravely knocked on Bethany's door. I fiercely stood my ground, not wanting to be yanked in again, obviously.

The door creaked opened slowly, but then I think Bethany must have seen me because she shut the door. Instantly I trapped my foot in there so she couldn't fully shut it. Bethany tried pulling harder but my foot refused to budge.

Eventually, Bethany sighed. "What do you want?"
I was a little taken back. That's not like her! She'd normally fly into rages. Hmm... This must be the robotic Bethany. I got ready to protect myself from any danger.
"What are you wearing?" Asked Bethany, chuckling. She came out of her room and looked me up and down. I'm used to it.

"Protection." I answered but then my eyes scanned her dark makeup and weird Gothic dress. "What are you wearing?"
This is so not like her! She says she's too good for makeup and how she doesn't even need it. Plus, she hates the dark Gothic look.

"How could anyone want wear that much? I'd feel like a bloody clown!"
I remember her exact word. But here she is, a total Goth chick.
"Why are you wearing a helmet?" She asked, ignoring my question.
"Protection," I said slightly annoyed with her constant tapping on my protection hat, "I told you before."

"What for, weirdo?" Bethany asked, raising her shapely eyebrows. "Oh... lemme." Guess, it makes sense now! You're always getting your head hit, innit? No wonder! I always thought."
"Only once, had I got hit on the head," I could see a little smirk appearing on her powered face, "And that was by a bat."

Bethany sniggered, "Oh? By a bat, you say?"
I examined her suspiciously, looking for signs of her bat weapon.
"Yes." I answered, and then I said, "I want revenge. Do you have one with you?"
Bethany shook her head, still smirking. "No, why would I?"
I raised my eyebrows (I've been practicing doing that for months! Not fair that Bethany could do it and not me.)

"Alright..." I said, still examining her. I decided to get back on track with the plan. "By the way, there's this guy waiting for you outside."

Bethany is a boy-crazy type of girl. She always has a new boyfriend every single week!
"Who is he?" She asks, a little bit on the fed-up side.
"Err, I dunno his name. He's got black hair and..." I paused, struggling for details.
I didn't have much to say as she took over.

"Does he have gray eyes and a dark jacket on? Oh, and cute freckles? Did you see his tattoo? Y'know, the Bethany tattoo on his arm? Did he show you? Is it cool? Do you like it?"
... I honestly did not expect this. Sure she's boy-crazy but not this crazy!

"Yeah! Sure, why not?" I answered biting on my bottom lip, so I don't tell her the truth. I don't like to lie and I hardly do it. But you know what they say; Desperate times equal desperate measures! Or something on those lines.

I watched Bethany rush down the stairs and out in super mode. Wow, she was almost blurry! I can't help but wonder who this guy is that's making her crazy?

Can robots love humans? Maybe he's a robot too! Omigod, then how many robots are out there? Maybe, the robots are planning on taking over the humans! I'll have to be careful that I don't turn into one. Without me, there's no hope for anyone else. Unless, there's someone out there protecting the world from robots too! I should get together with them so we can work together. Two heads are better than one! Or... maybe there's more than two! The more the merrier, I say!

I'll have to think about it later. Right now, investigation time! I wore my see-through gloves and mask, just in case, and with a deep breath, I went in.

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Chapter 9: Desperate Times Equal Desperate Measures!

Lee discovers something!

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I entered the dark room. It didn't surprise me that it was dark. Not after Bethany's shocking new image.
Stupid robot!
I scanned the room, noting everything down in my little scrappy notebook. Nothing pretty interesting except, all black. Hmm... I'm going to have to move this up a notch. Maybe if I check under the bed?

An image suddenly flashed in my head like an alarm system. I can see it! Bethany, the real Bethany, tied up and gagged!

I imagined her struggling, trying to desperately grab my attention. This sent my hair upright!
"Don't worry! I'll help you!" I assured Bethany. I imagined her calming down now.
I bent down and - OW! I hit my arm against the plain black wall. Grr - it bloody hurts!

I rubbed my elbow. OK, so there isn't any sign of blood dribbling down, but still, it hurts like Hell!
BUT, how can we be so sure what Hell feels like? MAYBE, it's even worse than this! WOAH... If this isn't Hell, then I don't even want to find out what it is!

I glared at the wall and slapped it, my hands spread wide out. It was only a gentle tap but the whole room started to shake. Have I really hurt the wall that hard?
I started to feel guilty because I could hear the wall groaning. I apologized sincerely, hoping for forgiveness but then something amazed me...

A door was rising out of the ground, pushing itself out. It's like a plant being born! Well most plants being born. Don't ask me why they never grow for me. Apparently something to do with me over-watering it, or whatever. Anyway, there, right there is the answer to my problem!
The big metal door!

Just at that precise moment, the bedroom door sprang open. It obviously got kicked. Poor door.
Bethany stomped in angrily and stood there quivering with rage.
"YOU." She shouted, pointing her sharp fingers directly at me, "- LIED!"
I noticed that this probably wasn't the best time to ask her if she's a robot. I wouldn't want her to have too much to deal with! It's really stressed, when you have to handle many things in your hand all at once! Trust me, I should know.

"Maybe he left." I suggested but, of course, it wasn't the truth as he was never there in the first place, so I didn't expect her to believe me.

I didn't think she'd kick me out of her room!

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Chapter 10: Late at Night

Lee just won't stop until she gets her answers.

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I lay in bed and kept my eyes firmly open. I know I was being unfair to my body that really needs rest, but like I said, desperate times equal desperate measures.
That's when I heard the bed creak and the sound of the window opening.
It was either Bethany sneaking out or Bethany sneaking someone in.

The way I see it, both were truly awful. If Bethany was gone she could do anything without me noticing! But then again, if Bethany stayed with all her robotic friends... well isn't it obvious? They'd get ideas if they see Mum or Dad walking about in the late night.
I had to get to her somehow without her realizing! Maybe I should disguise myself as a robotic Goth too!

Brilliant idea, Lee!
But... there's just one teeny problem.
Where do I get the dark makeup and the Gothic outfit?!?
Think, Lee, think!
Of course! Bethany's bound to have tons of outfits and makeup kits. There's just that risk of her in her room.
So, what can I do?

I know! I'll listen v-e-r-y carefully and try to make out any sounds. If I can't hear anything, then I'll know for sure she's not there. But, if I do hear her then... I'll think of something.
I pulled on both my earlobes, exercising them before they get to work. Then, I rest them gently against Bethany's door and listened carefully.

"Be there. Tomorrow night. Same place. Same time."
... That voice. Sounds familiar!
"OK, are you sure they won't mind?"
Dang! That's Bethany. Ugh! What am I going to do?
I decided to pull away and think of something else, when all of a sudden...
"Let's go, love."
"OK, Stephen."

I hate the way she said that name. Must be his name, whoever she's talking to. Then it hit me, it must be the same guy I heard her talk to earlier on!
Is Stephen the guy she's coo-coo for? Omigod, I hope not! He sounds like a proper... OK, look his voice is way more dangerous than...

A DRAGON!
Dragon's have a dangerous loud roar. His voice is wa-ay dangerous. Mind you, dragons are way louder. Not as loud as Plump though!

Plump... I wonder how she's getting on. I hope she's still not upset about what happened. What did happen? People think it's my fault she got angry but personally I think it's their fault! They were the ones that burst out laughing, they were the ones that wouldn't listen to her, and they were the ones that didn't praise her incredible voice! Maybe, I should go and see her sometimes and try to f-
What's that sound?

... It sounds like the wall. Y'know, when I hit it, gently, then it groaned? And then a weird door appeared?
Oh yeah! That door! I still haven't found out what it contains. I strongly believe that the door will provide answers!
Maybe, just maybe, that's where Bethany hid her weapon?
It's making sense now! I HAVE to get to that door, like right now! Good thing I can't hear any more odd sounds. I think they've gone!
Ace!

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Chapter 11: Jackpot!

WOW!
Is this for real?
Allow me to scoop you up with what happened so far:

- Went in Bethany's room.
- Door was right there!
- Tried to get inside door but had security
- What was the password?
- Several attempts.
- 2 hours later - (Nearly midnight)
- Finally got in!

In case you're wondering what the password was, it was Bethany. I knew I would eventually get it in the end!
Try, try, and try again. Thank you wise words and sheer determination!
And now, I made it.
I wouldn't have ever thought that the door could possibly contain loads of goods, gold and riches! But, how is this supposed to help me?
Think, Lee, think!

... OF COURSE! Bad guys are always after something, right? Otherwise what's the point in being bad?
So Bethany must obviously be after gold! Rich, expensive gold!
It makes sense! No wonder she keeps dating boys. For their money!
Did I mention? Bethany always dates a new guy every single week. (I'm sure I've mentioned that) It never lasts! She's always getting stuff off them and never returns them back.
This guy... Stephen... must be loaded. Ahh, that's why Bethany likes him better than the rest, cuz' he's spoiling her!

WOW. I am so proud of myself right now! I don't know why Mum thinks I'm an idiot.
I scanned everything carefully; jewels, bracelets, rings, gems, necklaces, motorbike, ear r-
Wait. WHAT? What's a motorbike doing there? I wiped the dust away with my sleeve and jumped on the hard seat. Hmm... comfy.

I stroked the hard metal that was surprisingly very cold. I wonder why? I mean, the whole room temperature is VERY warm. Shouldn't the bike be too? Considering everything else is boiling hot to touch.

I stopped stroking the bike when I came across bumps. They made my fingers dig deep inside the material and then out onto the next carved shape.
122 RED DOOR.
Oh! So that's why the bike surface was like that. It had a scratched message all along!
What's 122 Red Door?
I was lost in thought when...
"BETHANY?!" Cried Mum.

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Chapter 12: Gothic Lee

Seriously what is going on?! Can Lee figure it out?

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I hesitantly added one more layer of dark eye shadow.
This... feels... awkward.
I've never worn makeup in my life. Never! But today, I'm covered in dark makeup and dark clothes. I managed to sneak Bethany's makeup out of her room. Luckily for me, Mum kept her behind so I had plenty of time to also take a note of that 122 RED DOOR.
It could be good use for later.

I couldn't find any dark clothes though. Her wardrobe was empty. So I'm wearing my darkest clothes I have. Dark purple top, with a black frilly skirt and Mum's leather jacket on top. I think I did a pretty good job of the overall result. (Including makeup and hair.)

"LET ME GO!"
"No! Not until you tell me what's going on!"
"LET. ME. GO!"
Sounds like Mum and Bethany are at it. They're hardly ever at it; usually it's me the one that presses Mum's button.
Whatever that is supposed to mean.

I rush downstairs to see that Mum is pulling fiercely on Bethany's purple hair.
Purple hair? Last I looked she had red-ish orangey hair. Right?
Bethany's face was bloody red with anger. Trust, it really was bloody red. She kept on groaning in pain and Mum constantly kept raising her voice. I started to panic because Mum was raising her voice too much. I don't want anyone topping Plump!

Just as I thought that the situation couldn't get anymore complicated, I noticed Mum holding onto a piece of scrunched paper waving it about dangerously like it was a deadly weapon.
I dared moved closer to her to take a peep at the letter she was holding. I managed to see a part of it. Pregn. What does Pregn mean?

…I seem to remember a word like that. But where from? Oh! If only I knew!
"I told you, it's none of your business!" Shrieked Bethany, trying to tug herself away from Mum's fierce grip.

I snapped out of my thoughts immediately. Oh dear, Bethany's getting louder too.
"You stupid, silly, careless girl! Aren't you afraid of the danger you're putting yourself in?!"
Mum burst into tears then. Big fat tears that rolled down both sides of her cheeks in frantic speed.
I ran into the kitchen and grabbed a handful of tissue for Mum. I raced back and handed them over to her.

"Here you go, Mum. Don't cry. It smudges your makeup and makes you look revolting." I said, dabbing at her face gently.
"Ow! Lee, would you please just STOP-" Mum's eyes shot up wide as they moved in rapid speed, scanning me everywhere. "What on earth are you wearing?!"
"I'm a Goth, just like robotic Bethany!" I said giving Bethany a quick look.
"WHAT? Bethany! It's bad enough you're making ridiculous decisions but look at what you're getting your little sister into!"
"That's not my problem!"
Thwack!
I- I… Huh?? Mum's so pale…