Chapter 24: Barb On A Wire

Barb was a total mess. She had no idea that lust and desire existed within her. She had never felt such feelings until her little excursion with Boomer. She didn't know whether to be excited for the fact that she was more than a mere instructor's tool, or afraid for her handsome student. She knows he's not into her; he's after Bubbles.

She paced back and forth around the living space. She almost didn't even notice Butch walk in.

"Hey Barb. You look kind of wound up. Everything alright?" He politely asked.

"Oh yeah, Butch. Everything's dandy." She smiled a neurotic smile and started nibbling on her fingernails.

"Well, I'm headed to my room to practice guitar. I got around to meeting with Buttercup, and I promised that I'd play her some cool stuff."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Turns out she's part of a rock band in her free time. She does backup vocals and bass."

"What do they call themselves?"

"Vibrating Vines,' you know, to go along with her colors." He strolled over to the bedroom door.

"Hey, Butch? You don't mind if I join you, right?" She asked quizzically. He was puzzled at first. "I mean you know, just to watch?"

"Aw, Barb. You can play it if you want."

"I don't know anything."

"W-what? You have magic powers! You were playing Hendrix riffs in the shop!"

"Ah, right. Sorry Butch, I've had a lot on my mind."

"Why don't you just whisk up your own guitar?"

"Ah, hudooy! Wow."

"You should probably relax, Barb. You're definitely overworked. It's okay to ease up." He gave her a relaxed smile, one of which she returned.

"Well, if you insist." She followed him into the bedroom.