Disclaimer: I don't own these characters. They belong to One Tree Hill/The CW. All song lyrics and titles belong to their respective owners, and the band name mentioned in this chapter belongs to Emma of Twitter.
A/N: Thank you for the reviews, everyone! I'm happy to see you are enjoying things so far. I hope that continues!
Chapter Two: The Story's Old, The Black & White Have Gone to Gray
It was easy for Rachel to con some guy into picking her up and taking her to school the next day, and she hadn't even had to promise him anything in return. He was just happy to be in her presence. Naturally her parents had simply told her where to find all of the important papers instead of actually helping, but after a little trial and error she would be able to pick up her rental car tomorrow if she wished while hers was in the shop. She was going to see what they had for her and if it wasn't posh enough, she'd find a ride elsewhere.
Strolling to her locker, she twirled in her combination and pulled open the metal door, glancing into the square mirror she'd taped up inside. As usual she looked perfect and she smiled; her new concealer was doing a wonderful job of hiding the dark circles under her eyes from not sleeping as much as she needed. It really was a miracle that she didn't wake up screaming from her nightmares but she supposed she'd trained herself to be a more cold sweat kind of person. Being a fat chick that got picked on trained her for later in life apparently.
Running a hand through her vibrant red hair, she traded out her books and slowly cut her eyes to the left where Ripley stood with two of her friends. She'd never noticed her before and yet there she'd been for half of the school year, going about her life just like everyone else. Yet now Rachel noticed her and it was a bit disconcerting really. She hoped the blonde didn't start waving to her or wanting to hang out just because they'd spent one night together because of a storm. After all it's not like she was Mouth—a cool nerd. She was just some random girl.
Some random girl in a pink t-shirt with a rocker's face on it laughing at whatever one of her friend's said.
Sighing, she closed her locker and jerked at the sight of Brittany Garner standing in front of her. Brittany was a petite brunette—more petite than Brooke—who was also on their cheerleading squad. "Hey Rachel!"
"Hey Brittany." Rachel didn't really like her but she put up with her like she did many other people. "What's up?"
"I heard that your truck broke down yesterday. That sucks." She replied. "How did you get here today?"
"Some guy picked me up. Roger or Bobby, something like that." Rachel shrugged. "But it's fine I get my rental car tomorrow."
Brittany grinned. "Great. So um…" She lowered her voice. "I heard you got a ride home from that Ripley girl. Are you okay?"
"Should I not be?"
"Well no but I—I mean you know, right?"
"Know what?"
"Ripley's…she's gay."
"What?"
"Yeah. She like came out—I think that's the term—when she was fourteen. Everyone knows it."
Rachel had not known it. "I—huh. That's interesting."
Brittany arched a brow. "I guess. I just wanted to tell you in case you didn't know since you're new or whatever in a way. In case you wanted to steer clear of her."
"Why would I do that? I mean we're not friends so I doubt I'll be talking to her anyway but…" She trailed off, waiting for the other girl to explain herself.
"Cause she—she's that way.What if she tried to put the moves on you or something?" Brittany looked completely scandalized. "My preacher says gay people are sexual deviants who will jump someone at the drop of a hat."
Rachel laughed. "That's the stupidest thing I have ever heard. Lighten up, Brit. She's a lesbian, not a horny little terrier."
Like she figured she would, Brittany giggled enthusiastically at her joke and the subject was closed. They walked off together towards their first class but Rachel couldn't help sneaking another look at Ripley. She didn't look gay, of course there was no poster girl for how someone gay was supposed to look. But perhaps more importantly was the fact that she hadn't came on to her. Everyone came on to Rachel…it was just a fact of life. It was one of the things she worked so hard for. However she was finding people at Tree Hill High were sometimes damn near impossible to get close to. Such as Lucas and Nathan Scott for instant.
She'd even told Lucas he could use her to make Brooke jealous and he'd still ended up rejecting her. Who rejects a hot naked girl in the backseat of their car? Better yet what heterosexual man rejects a hot naked girl in the backseat of their car? Well Lucas Scott for one. It had bothered her at first that he didn't want her but now she didn't care. After Cooper it was hard to care about some high school boy or any high school boy.
If she had any kind of sense in her head she would just date Mouth and call it a night. He was sweet and smart and obviously into her, and all of the people she liked to impress liked him. She could—she could get past his looks eventually. So what he wasn't the most gorgeous guy in the world? He'd treat her like a Queen and that's what she needed. Though Mouth probably wouldn't want her now either—at least he shouldn't. She was tainted all over and no matter how hard she scrubbed it wouldn't come off.
Stop. Thinking. About. That.
Exhaling deeply, she settled into her desk in English and smiled at Brooke. They had another substitute and had no idea when they would be getting a new teacher. No one cared though because subs were much easier to handle.
As the class filled up with faceless people she never gave a second glance, she was quite surprised to see Ripley walk through the door with a slightly chubby Goth girl and take a seat a row behind her. She took out an ink pen and nibbled on her bottom lip, trying to remember if she had anymore classes with the blonde. It was totally possible that she did; hell she could have every class with her. As she tried to feel bad for being self absorbed she just couldn't muster it. She was who she was, no need to change now.
Ripley slouched in her desk and squinted at the chalk board as their teacher started to write on it. Rachel frowned to herself and wondered why the blonde hadn't hit on her. She was gorgeous—she knew she was—a team of doctors had worked hard to make her that way. So why wasn't the lesbian throwing herself at her? Maybe she wasn't her type; no I'm everyone's type. That's the whole point.
The sub started on the notes they were supposed to be taking and Rachel vaguely paid attention. She jotted a few things down and then discreetly looked to Ripley again, lifting a brow at the sight of both her hands writing at once. From what she could tell, the right hand was taking notes and the left hand was drawing odd little doodles.
Smirking, she tore a sheet of paper out of her notebook and wrote: What are you doing?
Flashing the random guy in the middle aisle an award winning smile, she folded it up and then handed it to him, pointing to Ripley.
The blonde looked up when she was tapped on the wrist and took the paper, her bright blue eyes meeting Rachel's when random guy motioned it was from her. She opened it, replied and then slowly passed it back. And so started their forty five minutes of note passing.
What do you mean what am I doing? Just taking notes.
I mean with your left hand.
Oh just doodling. I'm, ambidextrous.
Ooh sounds sexy. So can I ask you something totally personal?
…Okay.
Are you really a lesbian?
Yes.
Hey it's okay. I don't have any problems with it I was just curious. Brittany told me that you were. She also said I should watch myself around you.
Haha well no worries. Your innocence is safe with me. But yeah I'm gay.
I haven't been innocent since I was twelve. ;)
Well either way I won't be launching myself at you. Nice to know the Tree Hill rumor mill still remembers me though.
Was it bad? I mean when you first came out?
Kinda. Some people got it but others just wanted to cause trouble. Like some of the girls refused to use the shower if I was in it…stuff like that.
What? Those stupid bitches! As if you'd want to watch any of those uggos in the buff.
Hahaha. I was fourteen at the time; I wasn't really scoping any chick like that.
What about now? You told me you didn't have a boyfriend but you didn't say anything about girlfriend.
No girlfriend either.
Cool. Thanks by the way…for the drawing you left. I liked it.
You're welcome.
Do you have any more I could look at?
Most of the stuff I do is at home unless I'm just messing around.
Well I'd love to—
Rachel stopped writing mid sentence and looked up as the teacher spoke. "Miss Sinclair? Can you tell me who said Done to death by slanderous tongue?"
"William Shakespeare." She said as she yawned.
The teacher's expression was miffed that she hadn't managed to stump the blonde, so she nodded and continued on with their lesson. Rachel chuckled to herself and finished her note before passing it.
Well I'd love to see your stuff sometime.
Sure, if you want.
The bell rung shrilly and everyone started to filter out of the room. Rachel shoved her books into her stylish bag as quickly as she could and ducked out of the doorway to catch up to Ripley at her locker. "Hey!"
"Um, I'll see you later Believe it or not." The Goth girl murmured before walking away.
"Okay Glenda." Ripley remarked. "And hello."
Rachel leaned against the row of lockers, her hands in her back pockets and her chest stuck out. "What did she call you?"
Ripley snickered lightly. "Oh it's just some stupid nickname I've had for a while. Ya know the whole Ripley's Believe It or Not show with like people doing weird things? It's from that."
The redhead snorted humorously. "Okay." Pause. "So, are you like the only lesbian here?"
"Heh um, I don't know. I don't really go around polling people on their sexual identity." Ripley tucked strands of hair behind her ears.
Rachel grinned. "Why didn't you tell me that you were gay yesterday?"
Ripley blinked at her blankly. "It didn't come up."
There was a dirty joke there but she wasn't going to touch it this time. "I'm perfectly fine with it you know."
The blonde chuckled and closed her locker. "Cool." She headed off down the hall and Rachel joined her. "How's your truck?"
"Oh it's in the shop. I'm getting a—" Rachel trailed off as she detected how people were whispering and pointing at the pair of them; the guys smiling and nodding at some unspoken thing. She didn't know what they were thinking but she could guess and she loved being the center of their attention. "I'm getting an estimate on how much it'll cost to fix it but I don't know how I'm gonna get to school."
Ripley frowned. "They won't give you a rental?"
She shook her head with a pout. "No. You have to be eighteen or something and I miss the mark. Hey, I know it's a lot to ask but do you think maybe you could pick me up? I'd be willing to pay for gas or whatever…"
Ripley scratched at her cheek, and then shrugged. "Okay I guess I could do that."
"Thanks!" She exclaimed, grabbing the other girl's hand. "You're a lifesaver."
"Hey did you guys hear? Haley James Scott is pregnant!" Someone yelled out loudly.
"Huh." Rachel huffed and shook her head. "That's new. I thought it was Brooke. I'd told everyone it was Brooke—the Clean Teens are going to be so disappointed they can't save her from a life of sin."
Ripley tilted her head to the side. "Okay I only understood the first part of that sentence. But good for Haley."
The redhead nodded. "Yeah," she said softly. "She's going to make a great mom."
"I think most women are capable of being good moms but some just refuse to step up."
"You think I'd be a good mom?"
"Why not? You're capable of love and compassion just like anyone else."
Lowering her big brown eyes, Rachel hunched her shoulders minutely and wet her lips. She could remember having a real mother up until the teenage years when she turned out husky instead of the pretty princess her mom wanted her to be. Her mother was beautiful—tall and skinny with natural D cup breasts and ripples of natural auburn hair. She was so let down when her only daughter started packing on the pounds. When she couldn't fit into a size four or wear any of the pretty clothes that were in style.
Swallowing hard, she slipped her mask back into place. "What's it like to kiss a girl?"
Ripley laughed flippantly. "Like kissing a boy."
"You've kissed boys?" Rachel inquired with honest interest.
"Yeah. Before I came out I kissed a guy to see if maybe I was just confused." The other girl related. "I wasn't."
Rachel eyed her. "It has to be different though. I mean guys are all strong with muscles and girls are soft and aren't afraid of showers."
The blonde snickered. "It was softer I guess."
"You don't mind me asking you about this, do you?"
"Not really. Everyone else already has so you're kinda behind really."
At the end of the hallway Brooke was waiting for her, so Rachel motioned that she was on her way. "Do you have an ex running around here somewhere?"
Ripley pulled at the strap of her shoulder bag. "I do."
Interesting! "You should eat lunch with me and my friends."
"Thanks but my friends are waiting for me." Ripley informed her. "Later."
She strolled away but Rachel could still hear people chattering lowly and all they had done was walk down the hall together! Imagine how people would react and talk if they hung out more, went to clubs together or something. She'd become a Tree Hill legend; they would never forget her. And that is something she seriously wanted, to never be forgotten.
Besides if she could get any guy to want her, how hard could it be getting a girl to do the same?
Usually Ripley spent her study hall in the art room or bugging the band teacher to play with the instruments, but per Glenda's request she was sitting under a tree in the quad waiting for her friend. It was quiet mostly; a few voices could be heard every now and then. People were still talking about Haley being pregnant and how cute she was going to look when she started to show.
Nathan and Haley were like a tv couple or something. Married high school students expecting a baby and living on their own—it was something Ripley couldn't even imagine happening to her and not just because she was gay. Like many other gay women she wanted a family someday. Kids and all of that but the thought of having it before she graduated just seemed weird. But in their defense Nathan and Haley weren't perfect by any means. They fought to stay together and that is half the reason people liked them so much and rooted for them.
It was one of her reasons anyway.
Glenda exited the building through a side door and made a beeline for her friend. "You gonna tell me why you're hanging out with Rachel now?"
Ripley slipped over so that she could sit down. "We're not hanging out. Apparently someone warned her that I'm a raging homo."
Glenda rolled her eyes. "Assholes. What did she want earlier?"
"She asked me a bunch of questions about my homo-ness but not in a mean way." She crossed her legs Indian style. "And she asked if I could pick her up in the mornings while her truck is in the shop."
Her best friend stared at her quietly for a moment. "Dude, be real with me. I might hate her but yes she's beautiful. It's okay if you think she's hot."
Ripley shrugged. "I never said she wasn't hot. She's also straight so I don't know what you're getting at."
Glenda waved a hand. "You've been single for a while now since breaking up with Ella and—and it's okay if you're ready to move on. The guys and I want you to move on and be happy with someone who's not a total head case. Rachel is a total head case."
The blonde sighed and rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache coming on. "She's talked to me twice since transferring here and if her Denali hadn't broken down we'd still be strangers. Like I said she's straight and she has the exploits to prove it. Besides Rachel isn't my type anyway, you know that."
"Yeah. You like them studious and sweet. Like Brooke." Her friend teased. "Well she doesn't have the studious part down but she has nice boobs. Those clips of her from the time capsule are still floating around online."
"Surprised Eric hasn't gone blind since they were released."
"Haha! Okay so you're not into Rachel, good. Just be careful around her then. She did bad shit at her other schools and she can't be trusted."
Ripley hummed in agreement. She wasn't sure why Rachel was okay with being buddy buddy with her but she supposed there was an angle there somewhere. People like Rachel didn't just wanna be around people like her for no reason. She was certain they'd never speak again after she'd left her house and honestly she was okay with that. She was okay with going back to her slice of normal life. From what she'd seen of the so-called popular kids, it was way more trouble than it was worth trying to hold onto. Yet she felt a little guilty thinking bad things about Rachel because of hearsay or whatever. Still she did know from experience the redhead could be mean from their encounter in the bathroom. Staying with her through a thunderstorm wasn't exactly a life changing moment, but then again perhaps she just wanted to be nice.
It was a rare animal among people their age but it did exist.
"A lot can happen in seventy-two hours. You know this."
Brooke exploded out of a bathroom stall and pointed a finger at her friend where she stood admiring her reflection. "This is all your fault!" When Rachel didn't reply, she growled. "Well? You skanked me into this. How about you help me out?"
The redhead turned and faced her. "Hey, I am not the one that ditched my boyfriend to have my horns trimmed by our new high school English teacher. Although, I am kinda jealous."
Brooke shook her head violently from side to side. "Thank you. That is very constructive. What am I supposed to do about it now, genius? I have to see him every day until I graduate. This is so embarrassing."
Rachel sighed and tried to calm her down. It was her fault for lying online and telling Mr. Nick Chavez that eighteen year old Brooke was actually a twenty-three year old fashion designer named Peyton. However in her defense she'd had no idea he'd turn out to be their new teacher. Seriously what were the odds? "Look, he's probably just as embarrassed about the situation as you are." Brooke's face was blank. "Okay maybe not that embarrassed. But the bottom line, Brooke you have to deal with him."
"Deal with him? Deal with him how? Car crash, drowning? What do you suggest?"
"Brooke, why don't you just wait till school is over, and that way you can talk to him alone? I mean, you can't skip school forever."
"Oh, really? Says who? What do I need stupid English for any…how?"
Rachel fought hard to hold in her sniggers and just nodded in solidarity. "Right…"
The brunette huffed. "Okay. Would you do me a favor and check the hallway to make sure the coast is clear?"
Humoring her friend, she tip toed over to the door and peeped out, spotting Peyton and Lucas passing by. "Actually uh, you might wanna wait a second."
A lot can happen in seventy-two hours.
Like Peyton's newfound 'brother' really being some psycho who just wanted to get into her pants. He'd attacked her a few days ago but thankfully Lucas had been there to help her.
Like Lucas rejoining the Ravens even though he had some kinda heart condition.
Like Brooke hooking up with the guy Rachel pushed on her from some online website only to find out that said guy was now their new English teacher.
Like Rachel getting a ride to school from Ripley and basking in what the people were saying and the looks she was getting from the guys.
"Hey look on the bright side. At least Shelly has left you alone." She hopped onto the sink counters.
Brooke groaned. "Please. Things were much easier when everyone thought I was pregnant." Yanking on her tiny shawl, she mirrored her friend's pose. "Anyway are you okay?"
"I'm perfect. Why?" She inquired.
"Nothing I just—I noticed you haven't been sleeping that well. You kinda…talk in your sleep a little." Brooke grabbed up a paper towel and started playing with it.
For one brief second Rachel stopped as her heart thudded loudly against her rib cage. But when her friend didn't elaborate on what she had been saying in her sleep, she relaxed. "I'm fine. Sometimes I dream about the accident or whatever but I'm okay. Really." A beat. "So yeah, you'll lay low today and then talk to Mr. Chavez when everyone is gone. Sounds like a plan."
Brooke snorted loudly. "We'll see. Anyway, was that Ripley Sinclair picking you up this morning? You could have just ridden with me you know…"
Rachel smirked. "I know, and yes it was her. She's giving me rides all week."
The brunette gazed at her with a why expression. "Since when are you two friends?"
The other girl scoffed. "We're not but guys love bisexual girls. They see us hanging out together and they'll assume things."
Brooke flicked a piece of paper at her. "You're a real piece of work. No wonder you're in your tightest jeans and half naked top. Though you know Ripley is a nice person. You shouldn't…do whatever it is you do to people."
"I'm not doing anything to her." Rachel snapped. "I know I'm poison to those around me but I can talk to someone without making their entire life implode."
"Sweetie you know that's not what I meant." Her friend said softly. "I just—she had it hard when she first came out. Like really hard; Jimmy Edwards hard. People would spray paint horrible things on her locker and others didn't want anything to do with her anymore. Eventually they moved on but some neverreally move on."
"She didn't tell me that." Rachel licked her lips, tasting watermelon lip gloss. "Why come out at all? Not like this is New York or LA."
"I guess she just wanted to be true to herself." She smiled. "She didn't back down and I respect that."
"Yeah she is kinda oddly heroic in a way I guess." I guess…" And just odd."
Brooke giggled. "Mhm but geeze her mom makes the bestmuffins and cupcakes I've ever had. She owns that little shop across from Karen's café. You should check it out if you're not scared of getting a fat ass again."
Rachel flipped her off. "Ha ha. Maybe I will…"
There wasn't anything wrong with being seen with Ripley so that people would talk as far as she was concerned. Compared to some of the other stuff she'd done, this was tame. It wasn't driving a car into the swim team's swimming pool or having sex in the boy's locker room with a member of the football team. And it definitely wasn't sleeping with a married member of the faculty. All of which she'd done without a second thought.
What's more by them associating, Ripley might have some popularity rub off on her and who didn't want that?
Meadow Sinclair wiggled her fingers impatiently as she waited for her sister to give her some money. Unlike Ripley she was a willowy brunette but had the same soft almost ethereal features. "C'mon! I'm starving and the vending machines are calling my name."
Ripley rolled her eyes but gave her sister five one dollar bills. "Here. Do you have a ride home or do I have to come back and pick you up?"
"Patrick's mother offered to take me home." She said shoving the money into her pocket. "After his Clean Teen meeting."
"Heh." Ripley was always amused that her little sister was dating a freaken Clean Teen. It was exactly like it sounded like, a bunch of virgins and born again virgins vowing not to have sex until they were married. They even had t-shirts with virgins for life on the back. "I'll let mom know then."
Meadow rocked back on her tennis shoes. "Cool. I should be home in time for dinner though."
Her sister nodded. "Good it's your turn to do the dishes."
The brunette made a face. "Yeah well just don't make anything too sticky. I am not in the mood to be scrubbing all night."
Suddenly a new voice joined them. "Sorry I'm late! I had to talk Brooke down off a cliff."
Ripley didn't mind. "No worries. Um, this is my sister, Meadow. Meadow this is—"
"Rachel Gattina!" Meadow exclaimed before she could stop herself. "Sorry. I—I've just heard of you is all. I didn't know you two knew each other."
Rachel flashed a big grin. "We're new friends actually. Your sister is being awesome and giving me rides home while my Denali is in the shop."
Meadow smiled; her cheeks pink. "That's awesome. Well I—I have to get to my meeting but I'll see ya later."
Ripley gave her a brief yet playful shove as she was walking away. "Later."
"Do all of you look like that?" Rachel twirled pieces of her hair.
"Like what?" Asked the other girl.
"I don't know. Fairies or something. You've all got a fae thing going on." She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth. "I mean that in a good way though."
Ripley was tickled at the compliment. "Thanks I suppose. Guess we take that after our mom. Our dad is more on the rough and tumble side." She climbed onto her bike and handed Rachel a cherry red helmet, the one she'd been using for three days. "Ready?"
Rachel slipped on the helmet and crawled on behind her, sliding and pressing close, holding on tightly. "Always."
Ripley had a feeling she wasn't telling the entire truth.
